How to Read a Bible?

[gladstone]

Hello

I hope this is the right place to post this.

I was wondering whether anyone had any advice on how to read a Bible. I realise this may sound a bit of a silly question, and have browsed through some other threads but haven't found an answer yet.

I really find that whenever I have a quiet moment I start thinking to myself I want to read some more, but I want to understand it too.

I have read through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and Acts and then Romans, and am looking through Genesis now, a chapter an evening, but I have to say I'm finding it a bit difficult. I try to understand the words and phrases, but how to measure it against my own life and apply it is confusing me somewhat.

I would be very grateful for any suggestions and advice.

Thanks in advance,

Kate

 

[Faithful Son]

Hi gladstone, have a look at this thread mounty started recently.

http://www.talkjesus.com/lounge/9697-bible-confuses-me.html

God bless you
teraside

 

[kenwyn]

Hi Kate,

It is not a daft question at all. Try getting hold of some Bible study notes that will give you a bit of guidance. The best I have come across is Search the Scriptures by Alan Stibbs. If you follow it every day for three years, you get to study the whole Bible.

Each day it sets a Bible passage to read and gives you three or four questions to think through. The best thing about it is that it doesn't give any answers or tell you what to think. Instead it sets you up to discover the Bible for yourself.

If you want to be really keen, buy two copies, give one to a friend and talk about what you discover together.

Happy reading

 

[mounty]

i had the same problum i asked chad and he gave me a great link with has been wonderful
If you ask chad im sure he will give it to you
Also i got a bible dictionary they are very cheap like 2 dollars and so helpful
Hope this helps
God Bless

 

[gladstone]

Many Thanks

Hi All

Thanks for your responses.

I think I'm struggling as when I'm at Church or a Bible course, everything seems so clear, but when I'm at home on my own, it's not the same! I do have a small book called 'How to Study the Bible', which I'm following, which has a lot of the points from Mounty's thread, and Coconut's How to Read the Bible.

I'm keeping notes, and questions in a notepad, but sometimes it really feels as though my brain has turned to mud and it's a struggle.

Does it get easier? I read that it takes time to learn to hear God's voice, and maybe I'm expecting too much too soon, but I want Him to be in my home with me, not just at Church!

Thanks for reading,

Kate

 

[mounty]

A little at a time , everyday ,if it is only a few lines it is better that you understand that little bit than reading a whole lot and understanding none of it.
Reading the bible is something your going to be doing for the rest of your life
God will guide you
Take it easy and enjoy Gods word

 

[Faithful Son]

Great advice mounty Also, prayer helps alot, pray whilst reading and before you read, ask God to show you what's applicable to your life.

There is only one author of the Bible, that is God, He should be the one to know how it should be read.

God bless you

 

[TheAJKMan]

mounty and company have given good advice. I think you just need to relax some and try and enjoy yourself whilst you are reading/studying. I'm planning on reading the bible through by year end for an overall view, and also to help me get a better grip on the bible as a whole. If something piques my interest on the way, I'll take a detour and study it up a little, make some notes and then move on. THat works for me. You just have to find a method that works for you. HAve fun on this journey of yours.


theajkman