How Do I Keep Reading the Bible?
Once we have established how we start to read the bible we need to develop a plan to continue in our reading and learning.
You might wonder how you can find bible echoes and connections in the bible. One method is to use the cross reference guide in your bible – your bible may have small indicators in the text and the indicator will be located in a margin or footnote section with a corresponding bible passage. It is useful to read the words surrounding each cross ref to get some context and background. Never expect quick answers to your questions – bible reading may take time and effort; it is also unadvisable to look at isolated passages and draw conclusions – always read verses around the verses for a true picture.
There are various study tools which are available to help us read and understand the bible ranging from bible dictionaries to concordances and computer software.When a bible passage is unclear look at the cross reference first. If it does not help you could look at a bible commentary to read how other people have understood the bible. It is important to put the portion of scripture you are considering in context for clarity too. Remember to ask yourself questions as you read and to also look for those bible echoes. Reading on after your questions may provide your explanation too.
By using a number of tools and techniques to examine scripture the Bible interprets itself as it was written so that those who God created could learn of Him and God has given us the opportunity to learn lessons from it. As with most things in life the more you put into practice the easier activities become. Reading the bible using a planned approach, asking God for His help and thanking Him whilst applying these techniques will assist you in your understanding. Ask us questions too – the blogs are interactive and we would love to chat with you.
If we want to build a foundation to walk with Christ for a lifetime, we must develop the spiritual habit of reading Scripture motivated by our relationship with Christ. The Bible is an inspired means to reach the inspired end—worshiping and glorifying God forever. If we spend our lifetime studying Scripture without getting to know Christ better, we are missing the whole point.
If you would like to study online, register at This is Your Bible and you will be allocated an online tutor who will guide you through your study and be on hand to answer your questions.
We pray that God will richly bless your reading of His word.
How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path
Psalm 119:103-105
