simple steps
reading
THE BIBLE IS THE WHOLLY INSPIRED WORD OF GOD
SIMPLE INSIGHT: The Bible is the wholly inspired word of God. As you enter into a relationship with God, it is important to know who He is. That is where the Bible comes in. John’s Gospel (the 4thbook in the New Testament) tells us about who Jesus was. John is a great place to begin reading. You can also read a Proverb a day (there are 31 Proverbs, one for each day of the month).
SIMPLE PRACTICE: Try taking 5 minutes each day this week to read from God’s word. It is a marathon not a sprint. Take your time to reflect on what it is saying.
Memory Verse:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”[John 3:16]
READ IT IN CONTEXT
SIMPLE INSIGHT: An important part of reading the Word of God is to understand the context of the scripture you are reading. Who wrote it? When was it written? What was happening at the time? Who were they writing to? What was the purpose in their writing? This is why it is often best to read through a book instead of skipping around.
SIMPLE PRACTICE: Pick a verse to read and then look at a couple of verses before and after to see how that verse is framed.
Memory Verse:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” [2 Timothy 3:16]
THE WORD OF GOD IS A LAMP TO GUIDE US
SIMPLE INSIGHT: The Word of God is a lamp to guide us down the path that God wants to take us down. He continually speaks to us through His Word to show us the way to go. An illustration of this is the Roman road that tells us about His plan for our salvation. Romans 3:23, then 6:23, then 5:8, then 10:9, then 10:13, then 5:1, then 8:1.
SIMPLE PRACTICE: Read the scriptures listed above in order. Now ask yourself how these scriptures fit together.
Memory Verse:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Christ Jesus” [Romans 5:1]
GET CLARITY TO QUESTIONS YOU HAVE AS YOU READ
SIMPLE INSIGHT: As important as it is to read God’s Word. It is also important get clarification about the meaning of the Word. As you read it is a good idea to have a notebook nearby to write down any questions that you have or to journal your thoughts about what you have read. Then take those questions to a mature believer to help you better understand.
SIMPLE PRACTICE: Write down questions about a certain scripture that you have read, and go to a mature Christian that you know and discuss that scripture with them.
Memory Verse:
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” [Proverbs 19:20]