- The Bible is two testaments of 66 books, written over 1,500 years, by more than 40 different authors.
Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
How to Get the Most out of Bible Reading
- Grasp the Big Picture.
Luke 24:27, And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
- The Bible tells one overarching story – creation, fall, redemption, and restoration – which all points to Jesus.
Examples in Scripture:
- In Genesis, Jesus is the promised seed of the woman who will crush the serpent’s head. (Genesis 3:15)
- In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb whose blood saves us.
- In Leviticus, He is our High Priest who makes atonement for our sins.
- In the Psalms, He is the Good Shepherd who leads and restores us.
2. Learn to Read Contextually.
2 Timothy 2:15, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
- Understand the Historical Context: Ask questions like: Who wrote this? When? To whom? Why? For example, Paul’s letters address real churches facing specific challenges. Knowing this helps us understand his words.
- Look at the Literary Context: Is the passage poetry, prophecy, history, or a letter? Each genre requires a different approach.
- Read the Surrounding Verses: What comes before and after the passage? This often clarifies its meaning.
Resources to help read contextually:
- The Bible App
- Biblehub.com
- Biblegateway.com
- Blueletterbible.com
- The Filament Bible or another Study Bible
- Bible study group
3. Depend on the Holy Spirit.
John 14:26, But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Why We Need the Holy Spirit?
- He Illuminates Scripture: The Bible is spiritually discerned. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to its meaning.
1 Corinthians 2:14, The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
- He Convicts and Encourages: As you read, the Spirit convicts you of sin, encourages you with promises, and strengthens you for obedience. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- He Makes It Personal: The Holy Spirit applies God’s Word to your unique circumstances, bringing transformation. (Psalm 119:105)