I'm trying to get back into the swing of reading my bible but I want to do more that just read it I actually want to study His word. Problem is I have no idea where to start. Any advice or suggestions on what to do?

I'm trying to get back into the swing of reading my bible but I want to do more that just read it I actually want to study His word. Problem is I have no idea where to start. Any advice or suggestions on what to do?

There are a few suggestions that I could offer. The biggest one would be to make a commitment to read and pray about a chapter each day (could be as little as ten minutes) but don't make it a "only a chapter" deal. Devote time to reading His Word each day.

Beyond that...

You could try reading the Proverb that corresponds to the day of the month (Proverbs 1-31)

You could try reading 2 Psalms per day (150 Psalms)

You could try reading one of the Gospels

You could begin reading in the Old Testament to discover more about our history.

Where do you want to read?

Something else you could try is a bible study podcast. Generally most class leaders will explain the the symbolism used, touch on supporting versus in other books and talk about the the events that lead up to what is being studied

I use study bibles with commentaries. There are many good ones by Zondervan, Nelson, Moody, and so on that will give in-dept analysis on meaning from the original languages, culture, archeology, and Hebrew customs.

I've also been listening to the old "Thru the Bible" broadcasts. They are about 30 years old but still very relevant to today's world. You can download every book on the bible and read along with Dr. McGee while he pulls out comments on specific verses. I've learned a lot of new things on books like Leviticus and Numbers which can be somewhat dry unless you have a good commentary.

Grab a study bible, and just sit down and do it. If you're like me, it's easy to get sidetracked by 100 other things... ultimately I have to determine to put aside all else and spend time with the Lord. It takes a little discipline to do it regularly but discipline can be developed the same as anything else. :cool:

Here are some books that may arise interest:

Revolution in world missions

Pagan Christianity

Velvet Elvis

What is important is where you want to head.

It's not a competition and noone's way is better than another.

Some read a plain english bible all their life, with few footnotes and no cross references.

Others have study bibles. With extensive footnotes and a large amount of cross references.

And i'm only begining to learn what is even possible - in the original languages and with amazing study tools! But time is a serious limitation and helping others, mission etc need as much focus, if not more.

Learning God's Will through the bible is useless, if we feel smug sitting at home alone. I began realising this about a year ago myself.

Perhaps you could tell us you present aim and people could throw back ideas. SofTy.

Subscribe to Our Daily Bread's free quarterly devotional. It contains a daily Scripture reading track that takes you through the Bible in a year. They usually change it up in some way each year. This year, there's a daily reading from Proverbs Monday through Saturday, from the OT Monday through Friday, a larger reading from the NT on Saturdays, and a reading through Psalms on Sundays.

URL:http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

Personally, I think Ecclesiastes may as well be required reading a few times a year.

If you're hardcore and got staying power, go cover to cover :P but don't be a wimp and bail out at the end of Exodus cos it's too hard. :lol:


:hug:

For me, Numbers was the do or die book. I barely made it through that. A few great spots here and there kept me going.

But my cover to cover journey was not anything to brag about - I didn't read nearly as often as I should have and it took me a good few years.

Yeah, i am currently wading through Deuteronomy.

If you're hardcore and got staying power, go cover to cover :P but don't be a wimp and bail out at the end of Exodus cos it's too hard. :lol:


:hug:

There is serious wisdom in this post. I would recommend starting at Matthew and reading the New Testament and then starting at Genesis and reading all the Old Testament. Do this 3 or 4 times - then do other ideas.

Because the Christians i speak to who say i pick a book that i feel like reading, spend little time in the Old Testament. That's 260 chapters in the New, and 929 in the OLD !!! That's almost 3/4 of God's inspired Word, almost untouched.

If we use 1 bible most of the time, look at it closed. Which bits look read and which not. Then focus on the unread! Now adays many of us use 3 or 4 bibles so it's harder to tell. I had an elderly Christian take my bible and say my bible is well worn and falling apart - the one she'd taken off me was almost brand new, a different translation for a different group.

But today there is a topic in Maturing in Christ, of a lady who perhaps like many of us, finds the Old Testament slowing and differcult. So be kind to yourself, when the going gets tough, throw in a gospel or 2 in as plain english as possible.

Discipline is certainly neccessary in bible reading, daily if possible. However Jesus Christ experienced all human emotions. There is actually humour throughout the bible - oh yes there is! I was saying this morning on that topic, i'm reading 2 Samuel and with my 3 eldest sons Jeremiah and in the past few days there has been funny bits in both.

When the going gets tough allow a grin, a chuckle and a full belly laugh :rofl:. Satan will not have the victory in anything we do. It's just paper and ink but it has a purpose - LOVE. Show someone love today, because the bible teaches you to/ our Lord God does through it. SofTy.

What is important is where you want to head.

It's not a competition and noone's way is better than another.

Some read a plain english bible all their life, with few footnotes and no cross references.

Others have study bibles. With extensive footnotes and a large amount of cross references.

And i'm only begining to learn what is even possible - in the original languages and with amazing study tools! But time is a serious limitation and helping others, mission etc need as much focus, if not more.

Learning God's Will through the bible is useless, if we feel smug sitting at home alone. I began realising this about a year ago myself.

Perhaps you could tell us you present aim and people could throw back ideas. SofTy.

I guess what I'm trying to get out of it is to validate my salvation. I know that sounds stupid but I feel that if I study then maybe I'll discover what my problem is instead of just sitting around dwelling on whether or not I really am saved.

We all have doubts. Gotta learn to doubt your doubts.

Just realise that it is no accident that you are reading your Bible, just as it is no accident that you are sitting at your computer right now reading this message. Realise that God is sovereign and in control, that doesnt mean we are robots, but that He is in command of everything like a great general. It is no accident that you know Him and He holds you tight in His might grip, who can possibly move the fingers of God when He has set them on something?

Realise you are chosen, then live like you are chosen!

I guess what I'm trying to get out of it is to validate my salvation.

If your standing at the gates of Heaven and Peter ask, "Why should I let you in?" What are your going to say? Being baptized does earn you a golden ticket to heaven. Neither does reading your bible, or listing off all the great things you did with your life.

The ONLY way you can get past Peter is if you look him square in the eye and tell him, "Because Jesus died on the cross for my sins." If you believe this with your HEAD, you are growing in Christ, but there is more of you in you than there is Jesus in you. If you believe that with your HEART, then you are living (if not close to) a Christ centered life.

As for your study, read whatever. God will guide your thumb. I personally just finished Proverbs and am now in Job... and with these rough economic times we are going through... Job is probably a BEST place to find hope

I'm trying to get back into the swing of reading my bible but I want to do more that just read it I actually want to study His word. Problem is I have no idea where to start. Any advice or suggestions on what to do?


I really like my study bible it has a breakdown by verse plus alot of maps and guides and what not I can send you a link to it on amazon if you want?