God’s Word Comes to Life Through Prayer
There is no better way to read the Bible than through prayer. Spiritual growth and a deeper connection to God come through relationship with Him through prayer. Christians are encouraged to spend consistent time in prayer, closing the physical distance that exists between God and his people. Prayer can include any number of things, including asking questions, hommaging God’s glory, meditating on Scripture and seeking guidance. Such prayer allows one to approach the Bible with an open heart, activate the power of the Holy Spirit and gain greater understanding.
Breaking it Down by Book or Chapter
Many start by reading the Bible straight through from beginning to end. As daunting as this may seem, anyone who has tried it can attest that this strategy is reasonably simple and surprisingly rewarding. If a person isn’t feeling up to the challenge of tackling the entirety of the Bible in one go, they can split it up by book and chapter. This makes it easier to digest and comprehend, and allows for more in-depth study of each individual book.
Starting with the “Easy Stuff”
Another approach is to work through the Bible by starting with stories and books with which you are already familiar. This includes the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as they tell the story of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection and provide an invaluable introduction to the main points of Christianity. Following this, books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes may be explored, as they tend to be relatively easy to understand and contain timeless insights on the human condition.
Technical Analysis
Some people may find the best place to start reading the Bible is to dive headfirst into a technical analysis of the books and dissect them from a biblical perspective. This involves more time and effort, and extends beyond basic reading of the Bible to involve studying and memorizing Scripture. The Bible is often compared to a living organism, as it contains truths and insights that speak to different people in different ways.
Working with Bible Study Groups
Working with a reputable Christian Bible Study Group can also be very helpful when starting to read the Bible. A Bible study group can provide an atmosphere full of support and discussion, enabling a greater understanding of God’s word. These groups often have leaders who provide guidance, helping members to understand difficult passages and explore new spiritual insights.
Circular Reading
Circular reading is a method of Bible study many utilize in their quest for spiritual enlightenment. This approach involves starting at one book and working around it, touching on various Bible books but always returning to the same passage and gaining additional knowledge with each read-through. This method is also a great strategy for familiarizing oneself with the Bible from beginning to end, grasping the larger structure and recognizing particular information within it.
Seeking Clarity Through Spiritual Authority
Seeking clarity through spiritual authority is key when reading the Bible. Many may find it difficult to understand the Bible without firstly seeking advice and guidance from those who are more versed and experienced in it. This can come in the form of clergy, family and friends, or even online resources. Such figures or resources can provide objectivity while discussing Bible passages and may be able to detect nuances unknown to the reader.
Developing a Personal Reading Plan
It is important for readers to develop a personal reading plan for daily deliberation. This can include exploring new parts of the Bible, studying key passages in more detail, or even memorizing certain verses. Such a plan should be thoroughly detailed and formed according to individual needs and ability. Such tactics enhance learning by engaging individuals in actual study, as opposed to merely summarizing or skimming the text. It also helps readers to recognize major themes and topics of the Bible, and allows for greater discovery of its truths and hidden messages.
Knowing the Conditions
It is advantageous to be aware of the conditions of the Bible’s original authors when reading it. This includes researching their backgrounds, the language they wrote it in, the truths they spoke of, and the issues they were trying to address. This helps to bring the text to life, allowing readers to better comprehend how it was written and its context at the time. It also provides a more direct understanding of cultural influences used in the formation of certain passages, stories and characters.
Studying Associative Passages
Studying associative passages is another great way to increase understanding the Bible. Associative passages follow the same theme and offer insight on a single subject. This helps the reader to recognize the overall meaning and spiritual importance of a particular passage. They can also bring different interpretations to light, based on the context of different books, areas and languages.
Summary of the Bible
One of the best ways to find the best places to start reading the Bible is to read a summary of its contents. Summaries provide an overarching view of the Bible’s drive, structure and content, and give readers a birds-eye view of its major stories, passages and themes. Many books on the Bible provide such summaries, such as The Story of the Bible by Karna Mason and John Walton. This is a great starting point for those hoping to begin reading the Bible, as it gives an overview of the main points and chapters.
Full Understanding Takes Time
No matter where or how one begins reading the Bible, it is important to remember that true understanding comes with time. The Bible is full of intricate passages and metaphysical ideas, and one should be patient when exploring them. Also, the beauty of the Bible lies in its complexity and the need for further investigation. Patience and dedication are key ingredients, as expecting a full understanding too soon will only result in disappointment.
Do Not Rush Holiness
Finally, it is dangerous to leap into holiness and righteousness. The dangers of legalism should not be forgotten and should not be taken lightly. Even though holiness and righteousness may be something to strive for, it should not be rushed as it takes an individual on a long and often exhaustive journey. One should be patient and allow God to work through them and keep their focus on Him. This will help them to find the best place to start reading the Bible.
