How to read Bible?

For a new born again Christian, who is thrilled to know more about his new born faith, it can really be a daunting task. There are 66 separate books in all combined into one to be read and studied. The Bible has far-reaching classical stories covering centuries of larger-than-life characters, absorbing love stories, songs of magnificent poetry, unbelievable miracles and of course the story of a Man who said and proved that He was the saviour of the world. It suggests practical tips on leading one’s life according to God’s Will; it depicts in vivid detail what it meant to be a slave and how God delivers those oppressed to their promised land.

It is again a fantastic and yet true story of how God shows who He was and still is, starting with the alpha to the omega. In short it is the history of the world written from beginning to the end. It is a book of instruction for everyone: for scholars, students and even the layman. For a true believer it clearly shows the path to Heaven and to Hell. So it is vital that we know how to get the most out of our Bibles. Here are some pointers to go about…

1. Lay down the rule firmly for yourself for a particular time to read and meditate everyday a little from the Bible and be determined with yourself to stick to the schedule. Make sure the place where you sit to read is totally free of any distractions from other members of the family. The ideal time would be soon after wake up and finishing the daily ablutions. This can be followed by praying in tongues after you are in it for some time.

2. Remember to read from the latest King James Version of the Bible. These days most Bibles have the amplified version running side-by-side to explain each verse in more detail and plain words.

3. Deal with what you read with keenness and expectation. Since you know that God speaks through His Word, expect Him to do so as you progress through a few months. Know always that what you are reading is the truth and nothing but the truth.

4. Is there a friend or relative who is also going through the same exercise as you? Then exchange your ideas with what you read daily with him. Most Bible study classes have students discussing in private about their everyday reading.

5. Use crayons to highlight passages you think important so that you can come to them again at a glance. Maintain a separate notebook or journal to take notes or jot down questions and doubts as they come up day by day.

6. Do like what my pastor says all the time. Start reading the gospels first beginning with Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. These are from the New Testament. They tell vividly the story of Jesus in a way that can be understood by even beginners. You can proceed to the Acts and the Epistles of Paul. Finally, you can then come to the Old Testament starting with Genesis. It will be so easy to relate the New with the Old Testament then.

7. Always ask questions, not out of doubt but to understand more clearly. It would be better if you joined a Bible Study group after sometime. Such groups always have prayers towards the end that releases an anointing of greater understanding.

8. Subscribe to online bible commentaries and newsletters to get still greater understanding of the Word and also to know all about what is going on in the Christian Church.

9. Attend Bible conferences addressed by some of the greatest followers of the Holy Spirit. Always carry your Bible and a notebook to jot down those little nuggets of wisdom from these fine men and women. If you cannot go in person, you can watch them on television. Daystar, Miracle Net, God TV and TBN host the best of the speakers.

10. Take part in the yearly telethons where you are asked to give your love gifts of money. Most telethons will send you a copy of the latest Bible in demand. I received the TBN Parallel Edition personally signed by Paul and Jan Crouch, founders of Trinity Broadcasting Network, the world’s largest Christian television station, and broadcasting to every country in the world… It has a text running in parallel in each chapter.

11. Sign up for Bible verse delivered daily to your email box with explanation and notes. There are many websites offering this. These can be very handy at times to clear a doubt concerning a particular passage.

12. Remember “In all your getting, get understanding” from the Bible. Your salvation then is assured for sure.

Bible commentator: Sunder Venkataram