Why & How to read the Bible

Your top tips for reading the Bible ... 

Here's what members of our congregation have said so far in response to the survey above. 

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• Read it, read all of it, read it often.  Don't use Bible Study notes. Remember Jesus thought it was all about Him!

• Understanding the Bible chronologically

• Find something that works for you / be accountable to others

• Get a version that is clear and easy to read.  Find a good commentary or help so you know what things are saying.  Start at the New Testament!  Find a good study group to help you understand.  Pray!!!!

• Try to devote time to reading the individual books from start to finish with a good commentary. Also daily devotional reading of the scriptures is useful.

• Try a new testment in a year

• I'm in my fourth year listening to Nicky Gumbel's bible in one year. Admittedly I multi-task and get ready for the day while I listen as soon as I wake up. Therefore not much meditation. Not a tip! More an admission. But is does expose me to all of the Bible over the year. A tip would more be to write notes, which I used to do. Great to look back how God spoke into my life. He always turns up! Sadly, I'm not taking the time to write down my own reflections at present. 

• I use a book by Nick Page called The Bible Book a user's guide

• Understand the authors context and intention

• In small group with others

• Ask God to lead you to a thought that you need to hear from whatever passage you read. Ask someone else if there's something difficult to understand

• Take it a small bit at a time and re-read the section a few times asking God to speak to you.  If you don't understand, ask God, if you don't hear directly from him, ask a trusted Christian friend.

• get an easier version like ERV Easy to  Read

• Read it regularly and let it speak for itself 

• Using a bible through the year App

• Perseverence