How to Read the Bible & Understand Prophecy
Lesson #3: Bible Reading Strategies
When setting out to read the bible to gain a deeper understanding of the messages that it holds for the world today, it's a good idea to implement some helpful study skills. These skills will help you stay on track and keep you motivated.
What does it say in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As you read the bible, it's important to decipher what is meant to be symbolic, what should be taken literally, and also to determine the proper context of the messages. This is where the root of all the confusion among different denominations sets in. Each one has their own set of rules and an already determined way of dividing the word of God. The main message that you will find throughout this bible study is that you must let the bible interpret itself. For every text that gives you pause, there is another text somewhere that will bring deeper understanding. The following strategies will help you keep things organized when connecting the dots within the scriptures.
1) Get a reputable bible, download a bible app, and/or utilize an online bible website for reading and studying. The advantage of having a printed copy of the Bible is that it's easier to highlight texts of interest. Some people find that print is easier on the eyes (depending on font size). The benefit of having an app, or utilizing a bible website, is that it is portable and convenient. You can have access to the bible wherever you go and finding specific texts is a breeze. Most digital bibles also provide you with multiple versions for reference purposes. The option to listen to chapters or whole books of the bible is also available online. Two sites that we recommend are: BibleGateWay.com & BibleStudyTools.com
2) Choose an accurate translation of the Bible as your base resource. We recommend the King James Version (KJV). This version is known to be the closest to the original texts when it comes to English translations. The KJV keeps the underlining messages intact and does not omit certain texts in order to favor any one system of belief. For example:
Look up Acts 8:37 in the KJV.
Look up Acts 8:37 in the NIV.
Look up Philippians 3:20 in the KJV.
Look up Philippians 3:20 in any other version of your choice.
3) Color coding groups of texts can be helpful for quick referencing purposes. Assign different highlighter colors to group texts by topic, such as: yellow for prophetic passages, green for inspirational texts, and so forth. Choose the topics and colors according to your own preferences.
4) Take notes in a notebook. Jot down texts that jump out at you, or ones that need further investigation. Leave enough space around the texts in order to add corresponding and supporting verses.
5) Before reading or listening to the bible, set a goal or choose a topic that you would like to investigate. As you go through the bible, highlight or take note of all the texts that you come across relating to your study. For instance, if you are interested in learning more about what the bible says concerning the end of time, as you read through the bible you would highlight all relevant texts with the same color highlighter or list them in a notebook.
Example: Look up these texts concerning the end of time:
Daniel 2:44-45 KJV
Psalm 37:11 (KJV)
Matthew 5:5 (KJV)
6) Set aside a specific day each week or a set time each day, depending on your schedule, to study the bible. When you have a schedule, you will be more likely not to let it fall by the wayside. If you are a morning person, you may find that reading the bible first thing in the morning gives you a jolt of inspiration before starting the day. If you spend a lot of time commuting, listening to the bible on your way to work or as you drive home, may work for you. You may have to skim over the texts later, to highlight or make notes as needed.
7) Join a bible-based study group and share what you've learned in your study time. It's good to share and also hear different point of views concerning the scriptures. A good group respects everybody's point of view and turns to the bible to answer questions that arise, concerning the messages and teachings in the bible. It was common practice for the followers of Christ, in bible days, to come together to support one another in their faith.
What were the believers doing in Acts 12:12 as a group? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What does Hebrews 10:24-25 say is good for people who believe? ______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are many different ideas in the world concerning how to read the bible and how to interpret the word of God; not all of them are accurate. When you develop a bible study routine that is right for you, you will be more likely to succeed in your quest to find the full truth. The goal is to be able to defend what you believe, using the bible as your source of proof.
Remember what 1 John 5:9 (KJV) says? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What does it say in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As you read the bible, it's important to decipher what is meant to be symbolic, what should be taken literally, and also to determine the proper context of the messages. This is where the root of all the confusion among different denominations sets in. Each one has their own set of rules and an already determined way of dividing the word of God. The main message that you will find throughout this bible study is that you must let the bible interpret itself. For every text that gives you pause, there is another text somewhere that will bring deeper understanding. The following strategies will help you keep things organized when connecting the dots within the scriptures.
1) Get a reputable bible, download a bible app, and/or utilize an online bible website for reading and studying. The advantage of having a printed copy of the Bible is that it's easier to highlight texts of interest. Some people find that print is easier on the eyes (depending on font size). The benefit of having an app, or utilizing a bible website, is that it is portable and convenient. You can have access to the bible wherever you go and finding specific texts is a breeze. Most digital bibles also provide you with multiple versions for reference purposes. The option to listen to chapters or whole books of the bible is also available online. Two sites that we recommend are: BibleGateWay.com & BibleStudyTools.com
2) Choose an accurate translation of the Bible as your base resource. We recommend the King James Version (KJV). This version is known to be the closest to the original texts when it comes to English translations. The KJV keeps the underlining messages intact and does not omit certain texts in order to favor any one system of belief. For example:
Look up Acts 8:37 in the KJV.
Look up Acts 8:37 in the NIV.
Look up Philippians 3:20 in the KJV.
Look up Philippians 3:20 in any other version of your choice.
3) Color coding groups of texts can be helpful for quick referencing purposes. Assign different highlighter colors to group texts by topic, such as: yellow for prophetic passages, green for inspirational texts, and so forth. Choose the topics and colors according to your own preferences.
4) Take notes in a notebook. Jot down texts that jump out at you, or ones that need further investigation. Leave enough space around the texts in order to add corresponding and supporting verses.
5) Before reading or listening to the bible, set a goal or choose a topic that you would like to investigate. As you go through the bible, highlight or take note of all the texts that you come across relating to your study. For instance, if you are interested in learning more about what the bible says concerning the end of time, as you read through the bible you would highlight all relevant texts with the same color highlighter or list them in a notebook.
Example: Look up these texts concerning the end of time:
Daniel 2:44-45 KJV
Psalm 37:11 (KJV)
Matthew 5:5 (KJV)
6) Set aside a specific day each week or a set time each day, depending on your schedule, to study the bible. When you have a schedule, you will be more likely not to let it fall by the wayside. If you are a morning person, you may find that reading the bible first thing in the morning gives you a jolt of inspiration before starting the day. If you spend a lot of time commuting, listening to the bible on your way to work or as you drive home, may work for you. You may have to skim over the texts later, to highlight or make notes as needed.
7) Join a bible-based study group and share what you've learned in your study time. It's good to share and also hear different point of views concerning the scriptures. A good group respects everybody's point of view and turns to the bible to answer questions that arise, concerning the messages and teachings in the bible. It was common practice for the followers of Christ, in bible days, to come together to support one another in their faith.
What were the believers doing in Acts 12:12 as a group? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What does Hebrews 10:24-25 say is good for people who believe? ______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are many different ideas in the world concerning how to read the bible and how to interpret the word of God; not all of them are accurate. When you develop a bible study routine that is right for you, you will be more likely to succeed in your quest to find the full truth. The goal is to be able to defend what you believe, using the bible as your source of proof.
Remember what 1 John 5:9 (KJV) says? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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