Learn how to read the Bible without confusion or intimidation. This practical, Spirit-led guide will help you understand Scripture, use simple study tools, and read the Bible with confidence — even if you’ve struggled before.
Really appreciated this. I can struggle with Bible reading after many years and figured that other readers must have the same issues. I am working on a podcast so that listeners can read through the Bible story together with a few bits of context and then discuss multiple perspectives after reading. Hoping it helps some; the working title is Rooted Scripture Reading. Planning to launch in January.
Such good insight here. I’ve been leading a Bible study for a number of years, choosing videos with discussion questions. Last year I felt God telling me to just read the Bible with the ladies. Took me a year but this season we are doing just that! The lack of literacy in general breaks my heart but I know each of them is spending time in God’s word at least once a week. With others and with discussion to hopefully sharpen one another.
Thanks! Where a verse is written to 'you' and technique is to put your name there. It's helpful to pray using a Psalm as the base, like Psalm 40, thinking about the descriptions as you read/pray.
Hey, I struggled a lot for a while. I randomly chose scriptures to work on, opening the Bible to see where I’d land. Sad thing , I probably found 70% of the death and dying people in that effort. Eventually I dropped back snf asked God to lead me with ma devotional. Best choice firvthe moment. Today, I read my Bible in church snf usd the undrrstanding the Bible book d when able. God leads me. That’s the best news. I walk with God!
This is so beautifully written! I do Bible studies on my Substack, the point being to simply get men to open their bibles. “Who is God?” is one thing we always look for. I have several groups I will be sharing this with.
And the best piece of advice I’ve personally ever gotten was to slow down when reading and really take in every word. There are things the Bible reveals in the details that get overlooked when we read too fast, skim, or are simply trying to read a certain amount.
I know a lot of people that get especially confused by the Old Testament. They don't understand it and don't how it is applicable today. My husband found a book "The Emmaus Code" by David Limbaugh at a library book sale and bought it for me. (New copies go by the subtitle "Finding Jesus in the Old Testament ") It summarizes the whole history of the Old Testament, breaks down the various covenants, then goes through every book in the OT explaining how it points to Jesus I haven't quite finished it, but think it would be very helpful for most people, but especially for new Bible readers.
Sadly, a lot of people try to understand the Bible without The Author. The Word makes it clear, that if you are not Born Again, you cannot properly understand The Word of God.
I Corinthians 2:6-16...neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned.
False doctrine arises from people reading the Bible without the Spirit to guide. The only doctrine a lost man needs to glean from the Word is, "Ye must be born again"
Oh this is really great! Love how you reminded us that the Bible isn't always about us or a puzzle we need to solve. It's God's words, meant to teach us about Himself. Great article!
This is a good message. One does not need a degree to understand theology or the Bible at a usable level. But they do require discernment, good resources, and perhaps someone to help them. We are called to be a community that grows disciples, that means helping others grow in their understanding of the Bible.
Really appreciated this. I can struggle with Bible reading after many years and figured that other readers must have the same issues. I am working on a podcast so that listeners can read through the Bible story together with a few bits of context and then discuss multiple perspectives after reading. Hoping it helps some; the working title is Rooted Scripture Reading. Planning to launch in January.
Such good insight here. I’ve been leading a Bible study for a number of years, choosing videos with discussion questions. Last year I felt God telling me to just read the Bible with the ladies. Took me a year but this season we are doing just that! The lack of literacy in general breaks my heart but I know each of them is spending time in God’s word at least once a week. With others and with discussion to hopefully sharpen one another.
Thanks! Where a verse is written to 'you' and technique is to put your name there. It's helpful to pray using a Psalm as the base, like Psalm 40, thinking about the descriptions as you read/pray.
Hey, I struggled a lot for a while. I randomly chose scriptures to work on, opening the Bible to see where I’d land. Sad thing , I probably found 70% of the death and dying people in that effort. Eventually I dropped back snf asked God to lead me with ma devotional. Best choice firvthe moment. Today, I read my Bible in church snf usd the undrrstanding the Bible book d when able. God leads me. That’s the best news. I walk with God!
Thank you, Chris.
This is so beautifully written! I do Bible studies on my Substack, the point being to simply get men to open their bibles. “Who is God?” is one thing we always look for. I have several groups I will be sharing this with.
And the best piece of advice I’ve personally ever gotten was to slow down when reading and really take in every word. There are things the Bible reveals in the details that get overlooked when we read too fast, skim, or are simply trying to read a certain amount.
Thanks for this encouraging post.
I know a lot of people that get especially confused by the Old Testament. They don't understand it and don't how it is applicable today. My husband found a book "The Emmaus Code" by David Limbaugh at a library book sale and bought it for me. (New copies go by the subtitle "Finding Jesus in the Old Testament ") It summarizes the whole history of the Old Testament, breaks down the various covenants, then goes through every book in the OT explaining how it points to Jesus I haven't quite finished it, but think it would be very helpful for most people, but especially for new Bible readers.
Sadly, a lot of people try to understand the Bible without The Author. The Word makes it clear, that if you are not Born Again, you cannot properly understand The Word of God.
I Corinthians 2:6-16...neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned.
False doctrine arises from people reading the Bible without the Spirit to guide. The only doctrine a lost man needs to glean from the Word is, "Ye must be born again"
Oh this is really great! Love how you reminded us that the Bible isn't always about us or a puzzle we need to solve. It's God's words, meant to teach us about Himself. Great article!
This is a good message. One does not need a degree to understand theology or the Bible at a usable level. But they do require discernment, good resources, and perhaps someone to help them. We are called to be a community that grows disciples, that means helping others grow in their understanding of the Bible.