Reading Your Bible Effectively

As a Christian, it is important to read the Bible regularly. Consistency, discipline and willingness nurtures the habit of reading the Bible regularly. The Bible nourishes us spiritually as God uses it to teach us.  “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3

For someone who seeks to start reading their Bible regularly, how to begin challenges them. Furthermore, how to do so effectively in order to understand is a bigger challenge.

Reading your Bible Effectively

Choose a Bible version that is easy to read and understand

There are many Bible versions as a result of the translation of the Bible from Hebrew and Greek languages .Hence, go for a version that is easy to ready. A tip for this is a Bible version that provides you with footnotes that explain difficult to understand passages in the Bible. Research by the Seventh-day Adventists’ Biblical Research Institute recommends these 4 versions for accuracy and readability for the English language:

• New King James Version
• English Standard Version
• Christian Standard Bible
• New American Standard Bible

Start with a Prayer

Prayer is how we communicate with God. It allows you to seek deeper understanding of the scriptures. and invites the Holy Spirit to guide you. Pray for wisdom to understand the word as you read your Bible. “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him” James 1:5  (James 1:5, CSB).

Schedule a specific Time

It is challenging to set aside time from our daily routines of work and school, but is not impossible. We create time for important events in our lives. Create a schedule for your Bible study. Determine time of the day preferred and clear all distractions before your chosen time. Select the length of your study. Stick to your schedule and strive to be consistent.

Find a Study Partner

Get someone who is passionate as you are to study with. That way, you can help each other understand the scriptures. As it is written in Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” (NIV) Being part of a study group aids to connect with people on the same journey as you.