You’re probably wondering how to study the Bible for beginners. The truth is, there are several methods. One way to study the Bible is to make an appointment with God every day. Whether it’s by reading a little bit each day or dedicating an entire hour to it, God will honor your efforts to learn more about Him. Whether you are a busy professional or a stay-at-home mom, there’s a way to find time for God in your busy schedule.
Examine a passage in light of its surrounding context
The first step in studying the Bible for beginners is to familiarize yourself with the book in question. This way, you can identify what a passage means in context. While reading the Bible, you can also examine the book itself to determine what major themes it reveals. Then, you can begin to analyze a passage based on that information. In addition to identifying key themes, you should examine the surrounding context.
You can start by making notes on the Bible’s passages and compare them with other parts of the Bible. If you notice that a passage seems odd, rephrase it by referring to other portions of the Bible. For example, if the passage is about the death of a woman, you might find her crying in a park. This way, you can make your notes more helpful and meaningful.
Look for study notes in the margins
There are many advantages to marking and writing down important words and points when studying the Bible. These notes also provide the historical and cultural context for what you’re reading. Bible study notes help you understand key terms and concepts, so they’re invaluable when starting your study. Beginners can take advantage of study notes in their Bibles by looking for them in the margins. To get started, you should purchase a Bible that has plenty of margin space.
To find study notes in the margins of a Bible for beginners, look for the general editor’s notes. If the Bible is written by a theologian, the notes are likely to be Christocentric. Conversely, if you’re reading a Bible for beginners written by a historian or theologian, look for notes that support your viewpoint. Look for “s” in the verse, which indicates that it is an important part of the passage.
Make a daily appointment with God
Set aside some time each day to study the Bible. You may have to set aside an hour, or even an entire day, for this. Ideally, you should block this time off your calendar and tell friends and family about it. If you want to increase the odds of completing the time, consider setting an alarm on your phone or digital calendar so that you are reminded to read the Bible for beginners.
Another way to approach Bible study is as an extended road trip. Just like traveling by car, you must practice certain driving habits and skills. Some of these skills come naturally, while others take some thought and planning. It takes thought and effort to maintain a car, watch the rearview mirror, and follow the road signs. Similarly, making a daily appointment with God can help you stay on track.
Read a little bit every day
When starting your study of the Bible, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into. The Bible contains 66 books, but they’re not all the same. The storyline and the overall message of the Bible are not the same. Instead, there’s a common thread running through each of them. You’ll soon realize that each chapter has a main point and a central character.
To start out, read a few chapters or verses a day. Even if you’re too busy to dedicate an hour every day to the Bible, a few verses a day will help you get a grasp of its main ideas. A daily reading schedule will allow you to get through the whole Bible in a year. The Bible is also helpful if you pray before, after, or during your Bible reading time. You’ll get more out of it if you pray after you read, and the words of the Bible will speak to your heart.