Want To Remember The Books Of The Bible
Even if youve been reading the Bible for years, its easy to forget some of its books. To help you remember them all, we created a books of the Bible poster. It lists every book in order with a neat graph comparing their lengths. It also highlights the five authors who wrote most of the Bible, how long it takes to read the whole thing, and other fun comparisons.
This helpful visual aid makes an excellent addition to classrooms, church offices, or anywhere else youd like to reflect on this important collection of books.
Basic Tools To Use When You Start Studying
Youll want to keep these basic Bible study tools and resources on hand:
- Bible
- Pens
- Highlighters
- Post-it notes
- Journal or notebook
If youre a creative person or love to make things beautiful, you might also want to use:
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You might also want to keep a simple beginner Bible study plan with your supplies. For example, will you begin with the gospel of John, as we discussed earlier? Or maybe our Gods Love scripture writing plan? Keeping a printed reading plan or devising a set schedule will help you stay motivated and on track.
What’s The Best Way To Study The Bible
Read a transcript of this video below:
Well, lots of people say, if you’re a new believer and you’re asking, where do I start reading my Bible? Most people will say the gospel of John. And I understand why that’s true. The gospel of John represents a historical account of the life of Jesus. Jesus is the most important person in the Bible. Jesus is the most important person in life. But it’s not necessary that you start at the gospel of John. For example, if you went down to a bookstore in the mall and bought a book, and you said to the owner, “Where should I start reading this book?” He wouldn’t say chapter 28, he’d say chapter one. I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t start right in Genesis, chapter one, and read right through the Bible. Now, admittedly, there are some portions of the Bible, more difficult to read, more difficult to understand than others.
But the great thing is the spirit of God helps us understand even those difficult passages. I’ve been studying God’s word, speaking from God’s word, teaching God’s word for a lot of years. And there are things I still don’t understand, things I probably never will understand, but I think the best way for a new person to God’s word, to really understand and read God’s word is three things. And they’re a little bit corny. So forgive me.
Content provided by OnePlace.com. Used by permission.
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Bible Study By Topics
Closely related to the method of study by words is the study according to great topics or subjects: Bible prayers, Bible promises, Bible sermons, Bible songs, Bible poems, and so on.
Or one might study Bible geography by reading rapidly through and looking for rivers, seas, and mountains highlighted in Scripture. For example, the mountaintop experiences in the life of Abraham are a thrilling study.Another challenging study is to read rapidly through the Gospels and Epistles looking for the Lords commands to us.
The list of Bible topics is unlimited.
First, for a topical study on prayer, look up the word prayer or pray in your concordance. Look up every form of these words and such related words as ask and intercession. After you have looked up these verses, study them and bring together all the teaching on prayer that you find. You will find conditions of prayer, words to be used in prayer, results to expect from prayer, when to pray, and where to pray.
The Bible Is One Complete True Story
When we think of reading a book, we often think about taking it to our favorite chair, leisurely taking in the words, reading a chapter or two, and sticking a bookmark in it to resume when we have another free moment.
The Bible, however, is different from your typical novel, biography, memoir, etc. The Holy Scriptures read more like an anthology. But even beyond that, each book of the Bible works together to tell one powerful, complete story.
It may not seem like a chronological work of literature if you read it straight through. One book doesnt necessarily start where the previous one left off. In a big picture view, however, it is chronological in that it begins with the creation of humankind and the world, and ends with Earths re-creation into a perfect New Earth.
To tell this story in the most complete, relatable way, the Bible includes poems, songs, letters, memoirs, eyewitness accounts, prophecies, parables, allegories, historical records and more. All these types of literature work together in harmony to reveal a bigger picture of who God is, how much He loves us, and His plan to ultimately conquer evil for good.
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What If I Have No Knowledge Of The Bible
Thats absolutely fine! God is absolutely thrilled that you want to spend time studying His Word. You can get Bible tabs to help you find your way in Gods Word. Dont forget that there is a table of contents with page numbers. Although I have been to seminary, I was not at all familiar with the story of Hezekiahs victory over the Assyrians in 2 Kings. So, what you dont know you can find with your cross references and with commentaries.
Study The Background Of The Book
- Who wrote the book? Who is the book written to? Who are the main characters in the book?
- What is the historical background of the book?
- When was the book written?
- Where is the setting of the book?
- Why was the book written?
There are many Bible study resources and tools that can help answer some of those questions. I recommend staying within the Bible itself at first. After youve had a chance to read or listen to it several times, check out other resources to see what other people have learned.
There are many resources out there, but here are a few to get you started:
Remember, its more important to learn how to study the Bible than to learn how to use resources. Do your own study of the Bible first. I put this step last because there are many good resources out there, but you can still understand and apply the Bible for yourself without these extra tools.
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no liejust as it has taught you, abide in him.
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Word Study By Bible Books
Certain words have special significance in certain Bible books. For example, after studying the Gospel of John as a book and by chapters, youll find it instructive and inspiring to trace the words believe and belief. They occur almost 100 times. By reading the book hurriedly and underlining each passage where the words believe and belief occur, youll understand why Bible scholars contend that the purpose of the Gospel of John is expressed by the author in John 20:31.
Inductive Bible Study Example Interpretation Of Psalm 46
Check cross references to see what other passages tell you about this passage: I questioned who the river symbolized. When I looked at the cross reference for verse 5, it told me to look at Isaiah 12:6 which refers to God working among the people of Jerusalem. Therefore, I can conclude that the river is God and she is Jerusalem.
Check a commentary for more information on the passage: In checking Dr. Constables commentary, I learned some really interesting background information. It mentioned that Warren Weisbe thought that the author of this Psalm was King Hezekiah and he was referencing Gods deliverance from Sennacherib:
In 2 Kings 18-19, you can see a progression on both sides: Sennacheribs demands become increasingly less direct, moving from military threats to just correspondence. You can also see how Hezekiahs responses become increasingly based upon trust as he moves from acquiescing to the threats and paying the tribute, to refusal and seeking the counsel of Isaiah, and ultimately to a complete trust in Gods saving ability as expressed in his magnificent prayer. The reference to this battle gives greater illustrate Hezekiahs gradual growth of trust in God and to justify its earlier evaluation, He trusted in the LORD the God of Israel so that there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah after him, or among those who were before him .
I also found in the commentary that a better translation for be still is actually cease striving
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Books Of The Bible You Should Read Again And Again
- Betsy de CruzCrosswalk.com Contributing Writer
- 201927 Jul
Growing up, I thought the Bible was a real snoozer. I had no idea it contained the living, breathing Word of God. The only Good Book I had ever seen was my great-grandmothers original King James Bible, the 1611 version, and it put me to sleep. I didnt know why Jesus was so important, but I had an inward longing to know God, so Id pick up that cracked blue leather Bible with crinkled pages and read page one of Genesis…
…until drowsiness overtook me. Then Id put that antique Bible back on the shelf until next time. I read the first chapter of Genesis about fifteen times as a teen, but that was as far as I got.
When I came to faith as a college student, I discovered the power of Gods Word. Reading a modern translation, I began to understand Gods love for me. As a desperate young mom years later, I discovered that Gods Word gave me peace and encouragement. When I began to parent teens, I learned Gods Word imparted wisdom and strength. In todays world, against the backdrop of grim headlines in the news, I find hope on its pages. I find joy that sustains me in my weak moments.
The Bible is a living book with a timeless message. The more we read it, the more Gods words get into us. We get to know God better. We find wisdom and guidance for how to deal with our crazy lives. We find peace for our troubled times and hope for our hard moments.
You Will Read Biblical Text That Seems Confusing And Thats Ok
What happens when you come across a Bible verse you dont know what to do with?
Youre not the only one. And it only makes things muddier when people quote single Bible verses as commands or stand-alone thoughtsor when they print a single verse onto signs or bumper stickers. Sometimes the underlying meanings can get twisted around or even misused when words from Scripture are removed from their context.
This is why we study the Bible as a whole book. It was not written to be chopped into chunks and used to suit peoples own agendas.
But even as you read, youll probably encounter a verse or ten that sounds bizarre or radical. Thats why its crucial to consider:
- ContextWhat is happening at the time of the writing, who is writing it, what is the purpose of it, what was the culture like at that time, what style of writing it is, etc.
- TranslationDifferent versions of the Bible may use different words or descriptions, or varying sentence structures.
- Underlying principlesMany passages of Scripture contain metaphors, stories, symbolism, or heavy reference to the culture of the timethough the overall principle can be made clear through study.
During your study it can also be helpful to consult biblical commentaries, history books, or other materials to help describe what the setting was like when that part of the Bible was written.
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Inductive Bible Study Observation Questions
Recommended Beginner Bible Study Books
Two books Ive read and recommend for learning more about studying the Bible are:
Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Mindsby Jen Wilkin
We all know its important to study Gods Word. But sometimes its hard to know where to start. Whats more, a lack of time, emotionally driven approaches, and past frustrations can erode our resolve to keep growing in our knowledge of Scripture. How can we keep our focus and sustain our passion when reading the Bible? This book will equip you to engage Gods Word in a way that trains your mind and transforms your heart.
In a simple, step-by-step fashion, this book explains how to glean truth from Scripture. It is practical, readable, and applicable. By following its easy-to-apply principles, youll soon find yourself drawing great nourishment from the Wordand enjoying the process!
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Study One Chapter At A Time
Going slowly helps you really take in and absorb the meaning and application of what youre studying. One chapter a day is manageable and helps you dig deep without getting overwhelmed. What are the main points of the chapter? What passage of scripture seems to be pivotal here? Read the chapter in different translations.
Read Through One Book At A Time
With this method, you simply work through one book at a time, instead of skipping around through the entire Bible. This helps you fully grasp the meaning of the book overall and how each chapter relates its message. This should be one of your go-to methods of Bible study. If all of your studies bounce from passage to passage, you only gain fragments of Bible knowledge and never a sense of the whole. When you do a whole book from beginning to end, you learn about Bible topics as they arise in your reading, gain a better understanding of cultural context, and ultimately build a better foundation.
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Study The Bible With Reverence
I admit that too often I treat Gods word flippantly. I dont give it the attention it deserves, the passion it is worthy of, or the devotion it commands.
Its the Word of God! God himself has breathed out these words, inerrant and inspired, to teach me, reveal himself to me, and guide into joyful, eternal living.
Dear God! Forgive me! I cant believe how much of a sinful moron I am at times.
Gods word deserves your deepest reverence.
Learning Each Book Of The Bible
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How To Learn The Books Of The Bible
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The Bible consists of 66 books, spread across both the Old and New Testament. Use memorization tools like songs, games, and apps to help you learn each book’s name. If you want to memorize each book entirely, and aim to read at least 1 passage a day, and try reading the passage out loud. With some practice and dedication, you can easily learn the books of the Bible!
How To Study The Bible: The Ultimate Guide
If you want to know how to study the Bible and how to understand the Bible, youll find this post helpful.
When it comes to getting more out of the Bible, how to understand the Bible for all its worth, how to read the Bible and gain a fuller and holistic understanding of Scripture, I think these suggestions can be very helpful. Theyve certainly helped me understand the Bible more effectively.
Here are 21 powerful strategies to help you learn how to study the Bible and understand the Bible more fully.
Remember, these are methods. They dont replace the Holy Spirit or diligent devotion.
With that said, lets dive in.
Here are 21 tips for how to read the Bible more effectively.
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