How to Read the Bible Effectively ? - Three-Step Guide to Read and Understand His Word

Category: Spiritual/AgapeCitizen

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"Hey Dear. Would you like to be a part of Bible Reading in 132 days community"?, the WhatsApp message popped right-in from my beloved sister, in Christ. "Sure Akka" (Akka meaning sister in Tamil) I responded, though I was uncertain if it was the best way to read the bible.

I was instantly added to the WhatsApp group, a community of over 100 members, set-up to notify all aspirants with portions of the bible they had to complete for the day. 4 Chapters of the old testament - 2 psalms - 2-3 Chapters New Testament, that was the daily schedule. Though it sounded like a more workable plan, it sure is not the right way to read the bible, I thought. Yes, one can successfully complete reading the bible by the time. But the question is:

Will they be able to read the essence that comes along every word they read?

As I always say: The Bible can be a boring jaded book of empty words or a life-changing elixir of living waters that transforms your mind, soul, and body. 

It truly depends on how YOU read it.

So, What is the best way to read the bible?

Rule 1: Do not rush to complete the chapters

In my perspective, many Christians who are in a spree to complete the bible in 6 months or 1 year do read in vain. There is no point is racing to complete the 1,189 chapters of the Bible.

One could have read the entire Bible 100 times and yet not know what it means!

King James Version has 783,137 words and if you read it right, 'every word' will have the power to change your life.

“For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and their marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”—Hebrews 4:12,

Remember, the Word of God is a double-edged sword that has the potential to pierce through your soul. It has the power to refine your spirit.  It is God speaking to you through those words. So, take it slow. Don't be in a rush to complete the chapters without making sense of the words you read.

Rule 2: Follow the Three-Step Bible Journaling Guide

The best way to read the bible is to follow the three-step bible journaling guide that I've recommended here.

Pre-Step: Say a short Prayer. A quick prayer asking God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to reveal what His words hold for you.

Step 1: Select a Chapter of your Choice, Just One, and give it a quick read. 

If the Chapter is long, break the reading portions into smaller digestible chunks. 

Giving a first quick read will familiarize you with the textual contents of the chapter. 

Step 2: Give a Second Slow Read to understand the Biblical Context and Relevance.

Now, slowly read the chapter again. Understand the background on which the chapter has been emulated and the context with which the words have been documented. 

Note:

1. Who is talking to whom? 
2. Why was it spoken?
3. How else could they have handled the situation? (especially in case of disobedience and flouting)
4. What was the blessing or curse the biblical characters received through the context of the chapter's content?
5. What was God trying to do or tell PEOPLE through the chapter?

But, why so many questions for the same chapter?

That's because each question can bring a uniquely different dimension of what the Word of God holds for you. You get to read from multiple angles and the chapters become a real-life incident that you can visualize.

To answer this many multi-variate questions it is important that you slowly read the chapter. If not one slow read, then two. If not two then three. 

Read as many times until the above basic questions are answered. 

Step 3: Relate the Bible Words to YOUR LIFE

The thrid-step is when you take the Word of God that you just read and probe them further to see how it makes sense to your life. 

Note:

1. Which Bible Verse of the Chapter hit you hard or made you pause and think?
2.  How does it relate to your life situation, right now? 
3. What is God trying to TELL YOU?
4. How are you going to change your life's way to reflect the essence of the words that you just read?

Step 2 and Step 3 takes you in-depth into the essence of the chapter you read. So, journal them. Take a notepad or a bible journal and WRITE down the answers to each of these questions. A mental note can easily be forgotten. So always WRITE and document the words that made sense to you. 

This three-step guide is a sure way to read the Bible effectively. 

I remember my mom being stuck in just a single verse for over one-hour. 

Not an Exaggeration!

Especially when she read Songs of Solomon, tears would flow through her eyes.

As to how much God loves her and how much unworthy she was of that love!

There is no point is jumping verses or chapters and proudly proclaiming to have accomplished reading them all! Try to slow down and understand the power of the WORD OF GOD.

Most of all, try to make Bible reading a part of your daily schedule. Do not read it casually or once in a week or month. Today, there are many Christians who read the Bible Once in a Year. Few others happily stay away from it and blame God for all the problems the creeps into their life.

How can God rescue you if you don't listen to Him,
How can you listen to Him, if you don't read the Bible?

So set a few minutes in a day to READ GOD'S WORD. I would recommend 30 minutes. But, if you have very little time try to do the bible reading in the little free times you get over the entire day. But, do not rush verses or chapters until the Step-2 and Step-3 questions have been answered.

This is the best way to read the Bible. Try it and you will thank me :-)