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Our Bibles can be really confusing and intimidating. Many of us know we should be reading our Bibles, but sometimes it's hard to find the desire to. We want to help! We believe that a regular practice of reading and engaging with Scripture is vital for the follower of Jesus. The Bible is God's Word to us and through it we learn more about who God is and who we are. Filling our hearts and minds with the stories, poems, parables, and teachings of the Bible is one of the most important ways we are formed into the image of Jesus. Reading our Bibles isn't about information; it's about transformation. Below are some basic videos and suggestions on ways you can begin diving into the story of the Bible.
Where do I begin?
What is the Bible?
What is the Bible?
Maybe you've never really thought about it. In this helpful video from the Bible Project, we learn more about what the Bible is and how it has come to us. As you're watching, think about these questions:
What surprised you while watching this? Why did that surprise you?
Is there anything that confuses you about the Bible? (Consider bringing this to God and then talking with your parents or a friend about it).
The Story of the Bible
The Story of the Bible
In this video, the Bible Project gives a 30,000 foot view of the story of the Bible. God created the universe, set humans in the garden to co-rule with him, humans sinned, and then God set in motion a rescue plan. There's a lot packed into our Bibles! After you watch, consider these questions:
What does it say about God's character that he continued to fight to rescue humanity even though we continued to mess up?
How can this overview understanding of the Bible help us as we read the Bible?
Now, let's practice!
An easy to implement Bible reading time
An easy to implement Bible reading time
Open with prayer (5 minutes)
If you don't know where to start you could simply pray:
Father, thank you for your Word. Help me to be aware of what you are wanting to tell me through it in this time. Reveal ways I can grow in my love and delight in you. I set this time in front of you like an offering and desire that you would you be glorified by it. Amen.
Select a short passage and read (10 minutes)
We encourage you to start off small. You don't have to read the whole Bible in one sitting! Choose one chapter or a couple of verses that you'll camp out in during your time. If you don't know where to start, consider checking out John 15:1-17.
As you read, it can be helpful to consider the following things (you may want to write them down in a journal):
Observe
What's going on in this passage? Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? Are there metaphors being used?
Interpret
What does this mean? What questions do I have? Where do I see God at work in this passage? Where do I see myself in this passage>
Apply
Why does this matter to me? Are there commands I need to obey? Are there truths I need to receive? How should my life look different after reading this passage?
This method is called the "Inductive Bible Study Method." If you search online, you will finds tons of resources that will share more about it.
Close with prayer (5 minutes)
If you don't know where to start you could simply pray:
Father, thank you for your Word. I may not understand everything, but I trust that your Spirit is at work through what I read. Help me to go through the rest of my day aware of your presence with me. Amen.
Another idea...
Grab a group of friends and select a passage of Scripture. Follow the above format and share your insights with one another.
Lectio Divina--Prayer Course.pdfLectio Divina
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is an ancient Christian practice that means "divine reading." It is a way of reading Scripture in a meditative way that allows us to slow down and hear God through it. Check out this resource from The Prayer Course on how to the Lectio Divina. You can find other Prayer Course resources HERE.
Wanna go deeper? Check out these resources:
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