In a world filled with distractions and constant demands on our time, dedicating ourselves to Bible study can be challenging. Immersing ourselves in God’s Word is one of the most transformative and enriching practices in which to engage. The Bible is more than just an ancient text; it’s an active, living guide that provides wisdom, encouragement, and direction for our lives. No doubt, it can be a little daunting, with hard-to-pronounce names and English and difficult to understand. Just start with the first three words — In the beginning….
The Bible comes in many versions so choose a version that fits you. The King James Version (KJV) sounds a lot like Shakespeare. The language alone may be a huge challenge. The New International Version (NIV) is translated into today’s language. This version doesn’t stress my brain as much.
Although I have several Bibles, my favorite one is the Life Application Study Bible, New International Version. The Red Letter edition highlights all Jesus’ spoken words. Chapter tabs are helpful when finding chapters during Bible study.
The chapters of the Old and New Testaments are grouped in sections. The Old Testament includes Law (Genesis – Deuteronomy), History (Joshua – Esther), Poetry (Job – Song of Solomon), and Prophecy (Isaiah – Malachi). The New Testament includes Gospels (Matthew – John), History (Acts), Letters (Romans – Jude), and Prophecy( Revelations).
If you are an auditory learner, BibleGateway is a wonderful website offering the entire Bible in several versions and in spoken word. There is a dramatic version and even one read by an English man named Max. I enjoy listening while reading along. This also helps with all those difficult names of people and places.
It’s perfectly acceptable to highlight your Bible. Be sure to get a highlighter safe for the thin pages. Sold on Amazon, they are more of a colored wax that won’t bleed through the next three pages.
After finding a time of day that works for you, begin your journey. There are plenty of plans for completing the Bible in one year. I didn’t believe it would take me one year to finish the entire book until I started reading. Don’t give up. When the material gets too dense or confusing, take time to research and absorb the information as you can. It’s not a gym membership. If you take some breaks along the way, it’s not eternal failure.
Bible study is a journey, not a sprint. Starting with the Gospels is a great idea. These are four books that present the life and words of Jesus Christ. Written by four different men at different times, the four accounts tell the story of Jesus. Matthew and John walked with Jesus as apostles. Mark and Luke walked with Paul. As you read, think of the men that recorded theses ancient stories for us.
Bible study has become a source of strength and comfort in my life. I find daily guidance for everyday life. Through biblical knowledge, I find the strength to defend and share my faith. While studying, my heart and mind have changed as well as my thoughts, attitudes, and actions. The Bible is a beautiful way to start the day.
