Best Way to Study Bible

Updated on July 02, 2010
S.S. asks from Los Angeles, CA
12 answers

I've been a Christian all my life but I've never really read or studied the Bible. I recently read The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers, however, (which is a GREAT book btw) and am inspired to change that but I'm a little overwhelmed as to how to start. Should I get one of those "study bibles" -- are they a big help in guiding you through? Or should I just stick with my normal Bible and get study guides? Any order in which I should go (start with Old Testament or New? Any books in particular?) Thanks!

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V.S.

answers from Flagstaff on

Try Discover Bible study guides. I've gone through them and they really helped in my understanding of the Bible. You can do them online. www.bibleschools.com

Or www.amazingfacts.org They also have several options under the heading Free stuff.

God Bless!

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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

I started on page one and just read. It was rather, um, enlightening to say the least once I really read it for myself rather than relying on others to interpret for me what it said.

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G.B.

answers from Tulsa on

I want you to Google learning styles and find some websites that give short question style tests that will help you figure out your learning style. I am a combination of Visual and Audio learning styles. I do best in a classroom situation. Reading just doesn't really do it for me. I need discussion and visual aides for the information to really get in my brain and stay there.

So, if I am going to spend time studying the scriptures and want to retain what I am learning then I am going to have to find a study group that I fit into and enjoy. It is torture for me to sit and read passage after passage, I can't even begin to tell you what I just read after 5 minutes had passed.
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Learning styles web sites.....

http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm

Learning styles inventory is the questionnaire.
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/

http://people.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Why not find a study group at your church (or start one)? Or another local church in your denomination?

Our church has a regular weekly meeting when versus are read, discussed and applied to today. Because I find that group discussion helps me understand what I'm reading, rather than just leaving it up to my own translations.

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

I'm with Jen C. About 35 years ago I just read the Bible through, from beginning to end. I was amazed at the astounding range of this document of a particular segment of the human experience. There were parts I didn't understand, and other parts I understood in a new way. I wrote down my questions and observations as I read. It was so fascinating, I would sometimes just keep reading well into the night.

It was an astonishing experience, mostly because there are so many parts that are never studied, and so many parts that seem to contradict other parts, and I discovered that so much religious opinion is based on cherry-picking some passages and completely ignoring others.

I've come to the peaceful conclusion that if the Bible is God's inerrant word, then He would want us to hear it all, ask questions, and deal with the not always black-and-white complexities of our wonderful, puzzling existence. I've been so much happier, and I think saner, since having my thought processes broadened in this way.

My mother thinks this is alarming, and that I've turned my back on my faith. Not at all, I think my faith is deeper now, and I find myself capable of more patience and understanding toward my fellow human beings. My mom, on the other hand, often comes across as narrow and judging, and is terribly fearful of the evil, evil world. She claims to love others and live fearlessly in Christ, but really, this doesn't show, no matter how loudly she insists otherwise.

Whatever you do, I hope you find it enriching.

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J.L.

answers from San Diego on

Hi S S i have been a Christian for 18 years, and i learned how to study the Bible by other christian studying with me. A lot of people read their bibles everyday but reading gives you head knowledge, but studying gives you heart knowledge, and you learn how to apply what you are reading in your life. We all have things we need to work on, so those are the things I search, I started with the Wife Of Noble Character, I have studdied 100's of topics, I just finished the other day "God's Love VS Wordly Love" it was great and impacting, I have several friends and family members that i e-mail what i study, if you would like I can send you some topics that i really enjpyed and impacted my life as a wife, friend, mother and more. J.

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M.W.

answers from St. Cloud on

Go to a Christian bookstore. Look a the different versions of the bible and see which one you like the best. (We first used the NIV version but then switched to a different one that is an easier read. Can't remember the version off the top of my head but I can get it to you if you want. Just message me and I'll go look it up. The words are easier to understand. It's not as formal as some -like King James version.) And then just start at the BEGINNING! I started a few months ago. I'm in Psalms now. It may take awhile but I try to read in it a little each night. (Did good till I was sick with morning sickness for a couple months........ Now I'm starting to get back to it again.)

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T.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Just start reading. Pick a book and read at least a chapter a day. Once you finish that book, pick another. We often rotate OT and NT. Even reading one chapter a day will help tremendously in gaining knowledge of Scripture and the attributes of God. You might try some of Kay Arthur's smaller study books to go through along with the reading. I would not use most of the study Bibles available today because I think much of their doctrine is off. You have to be very careful which one you choose. The Reformation Study Bible is a really good one if you are wanting to go in that direction. But, mostly, I would steer clear of study Bibles. You will be surprised at how quickly you go through the Bible doing this method. And, then just keep going. The Word of God is alive. It will teach you new things each time you read it. Even reading the same thing again will show you new things you didn't see before. I'm always shocked by that! Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal the Word to you and give you understanding. I'm excited for you!

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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

Perhaps you can ask your Church this question. About 2 weeks ago my Church had an all day Bible Study about your exact question. I really wanted to attend but my husband had to work & I have 3 young children so I am really bummed that I missed it.

Great question!

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D.S.

answers from Tulsa on

just do bible studies. from there it will jump around and peak your interest in other areas. all bible studies jump around.l

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T.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had a class in religon in college and we had to read the Bible - cover to cover - in one semester. It is something that I enjoyed, and learned a lot. It was much easier doing this in a group/class setting because if something didn't make sense or you had questions the professor or one of my classmates could help. I would recommend reading the Bible beginning to end, but do it with some others at the same time. Check with your church or talk with your pastor about starting a group. There should be Bible study groups through your church or depending on your religion in the nearby area. We have quite a few here in south Orange County.

T.N.

answers from Albany on

My very favorite is William Barclay.....I've read many of his books....his approach to understanding each book of the Bible is very beautiful, sensible, and often humourous....sometimes a little dry and wordy, but I truly enjoy his point of view....

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