As we begin the 28 Day Bible Challenge together, it might be helpful to have a plan on how to read/study the Bible. Many of us may have asked, “How do I study the Bible?
Getting Started
- I recommend getting a Bible version to read. Without getting into a very long debate over this, my favorite recommendation for people starting to study the Scriptures is the New Living Translation. As you study the Bible, you will probably want to compare translations. You can do this online in many places such as My Bible (which we use for our sermon outlines, etc.) or Bible Gateway.
- Find a place to start studying the Bible. While I started in Genesis, this may not be the best place for most people. I recommend beginning in a Gospel or an epistle (letter) like Galatians or Philippians. Together, we’re doing Matthew right now for this challenge.
- Try using a method:
One method I learned from others is SOAP: an acronym for Scripture, Observation, Application & Pray. So, when reading the Bible, follow these steps…
Scripture
Start with the Bible and simply read.Observation
Make some observations about what is happening in the passage. What do you see in th text? What is God saying?Application
Reading and studying Scripture is of no use unless you actually apply it to your life. (Matthew 7:24) How can I apply this today??Pray
Spend time talking to God like you would your friend. Ask for the wisdom and strength to apply what you just learned.
This should help you get started.