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 KEY 2 // HOW TO READ THE BIBLE 

The Bible is a collection of 66 separate books, 39 in the Old Testament, and 27 in the New Testament. What separates these is that the Old Testament was written in the lead up to Jesus coming, and the New Testament once Jesus had been born. In the Bible, we find a collection of stories, letters, songs, and historical accounts, all with the intention of pointing us towards God.

The Bible is God’s Word to all people, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. In other words, these people were inspired and used by God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that God uses the Bible to guide us in life. Hebrews 4:12 also describes the Bible as “alive and powerful”, meaning that because it was inspired by the Holy Spirit, we don’t have to just read the Bible as a historical book, but it can have a huge impact in our day to day lives right now.

TAKEAWAY TIPS

1. FIND A BIBLE TRANSLATION YOU CAN UNDERSTAND 

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, but there are many English translations today that we can read. The New Living Translation (NLT), English Standard Version (ESV), and New International Version (NIV) are all great places to start.

2. START WITH THE GOSPELS 

The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) These 4 authors tell us 4 different accounts of Jesus' life. Looking at the way Jesus lived helps gives us a picture of who God is.

3. TRY AND MAKE IT A ROUTINE

As we come close to God, He will come close to us (James 4:8). Like any good relationship, the more time we spend time with someone, the more we get to know them. The more time we spend getting to know God through the Word the more we can allow it to change our everyday lives.

BONUS TIP

USE THE S.O.A.P METHOD 

SCRIPTURE: Before we start reading, it’s good to determine what books, chapters, and verses we will read.

OBSERVATION:  Have a look at some things like who wrote the book, the context it is written in, who it was written to, what words or phrases stand out. It will help us understand the Scripture better when these types of questions are taken into account.

APPLICATION:  Some things we read will challenge us, encourage us, and make us think some more. Why not write down what stands out and let it change us in our day to day lives?

PRAYER:  Because the Bible is God’s Word to us, He will use it to speak to us. Just ask Him to, in prayer.