Bible Study

A Study Bible - If you want to learn how to study the Bible, a good study Bible is the perfect tool to help you begin. Study Bibles have notes written by Bible scholars included usually at the bottom of each page detailing the historical context, word usage, or other additional helpful information. Some of my favorite study Bible translations are the CSB Study Bible, the NIV Study Bible, and the ESV Study Bible.

A Prayer Journal or Notebook - You’ll likely come across Scripture passages you want to remember or the Holy Spirit may give insight into a verse you’ll want to record. Maybe you’ll be prompted to pray specifically for someone during your time studying the Word. This is where a notebook or journal comes in handy. Additionally, some people find highlighters and colored pens to be helpful in creating a personal system of applying colors to biblical themes or keywords found as they study or to jot down notes directly into their Bible.

A Trusted Commentary - Commentaries break down books of the Bible passage-by-passage, which is helpful when you are looking for more context and scholarly insights. There are online versions (try the Blue Letter App) and hard copies available. Check with your pastor to see if commentaries are available for lending through your church.

Begin Your Bible Study with Prayer - By beginning your Bible study time with prayer, you can ask God to help you focus. Bring possible distractions before God and seek His help in keeping you on the task at hand.

Read the Text Slowly and Look for Key Words - Bible study is not a race. Take your time! As you read, use your highlighter or pen to identify words or phrases that may have been repeated or accentuated. These are key words that will help you have a better understanding of the text. Your study Bible will give you additional notes and commentary about key words and phrases in the margins or underneath the Scripture.

Also, look for contrasting pairs of words, such as light and darkness or righteousness and sin. Keep an eye out for commands and promises from God or verses that give insight into who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are. These will help you identify some of the underlying themes of the passage.

Look for Cross References - A cross reference is a verse or verses that are similar or related to what you are reading. The reference will be indicated as a small letter within the Scripture that corresponds to a verse or list of verses in the margins or at the bottom of the page. For a deeper understanding of the concept or theme, read those cross references. When studying the Bible, this is one of the best ways to uncover biblical truths. Does the cross reference quote another passage in the Bible? Does it contain a word, idea, or similar story from a different point of view? Cross references will help you see how topics are addressed throughout the Bible for better clarity and understanding. You may find that a cross reference will take you to another passage that directly quotes the Scripture you are studying. It also may contain the same key word, main idea, or similar story from a different point of view. All these different scenarios will lead to a greater understanding by using the Bible as your guide.

Consider the Context of Scripture - Ask these questions as you study and write down the answers in your journal or notebook:

• Who wrote this book of the Bible?
• When was it written?
• Who was the audience?
• Where does the story take place?
• What was the purpose of this book?

Reflect on What You Read in Your Bible Study - Scripture is a gift! Part of that gift is getting to know the beautiful character of God through the words He has given us. As you read Scripture, ask questions like:

• What does this passage tell me about God?
• What does this passage tell me about myself?
• What does He want me to do or change?

These questions will help you learn more about God and His heart.

Apply What You Learn - God consistently shows me something when I approach my Bible study with a heart of seeking application. Scripture is meant to have a transformative power in our lives. This not only applies to knowledge but action as well. We are to be “doers of the word” (James 1:22–25). I want you to keep in mind that the Bible is a story that is God-focused, not human-focused. When you are looking for application, reflect on God’s character first. Keep Him at the forefront. I have made the mistake of looking for myself in Scripture before seeking Him. Application is one part of the process, not the entire purpose.

Amanda May How to Study the Bible for Beginners - Esther Press

Explore the Psalms for Inspiration - To connect with the Bible on an emotional level, turn to the Book of Psalms. It's like a treasure trove of heartfelt prayers, songs, and poetry that reflect the full range of human experiences. Whether you're feeling joy, sadness, gratitude, or even frustration, the Psalms have got you covered!

Start at the Beginning: Genesis - Genesis is (as the title says) the beginning of the Bible. It tells of the beginning of time, starting with creation, the fall, the flood, and then goes on to tell the stories of the fathers of the faith. Accounts of Abram/Abraham to Joseph can be found here. Even if you grew up going to Sunday school every week, I can guarantee there are details you don’t know!

Start with the Basics: Romans - The book of Romans is by no means an easy read, but it is a good place to start, since in it, Paul covers the gospel in detailed steps. First, he addresses sin in man and what the consequence of sin is. This is followed by what salvation is and how we attain it – by grace, through faith.

Follow a Bible Reading Plan - To make your Bible reading more structured, consider following a reading plan. These plans break down the Bible into manageable daily readings, allowing you to cover the entire Bible over time. You can find various plans online or use a Bible app that offers built-in reading plans. (More on this as you scroll down)

1. The definition

What is the Gospel? In 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas,and then to the Twelve [disciples].” Christ also appeared to others, but the main point is that He died for our sins and rose again so we could have eternal life.

2. It’s simple

You will be quick to notice that the Gospel is composed of two parts: First, Christ died for our sins; second, Christ rose from the dead.

3. It’s not a religion

Religion is mankind’s quest for God. The Gospel is the God seeking lost men and women through the Savior Jesus Christ. Religion can only produce an outward reformation; the Gospel creates an inward transformation.

4. It’s free

No one can buy salvation. It comes as a free gift—by God’s grace through our faith in Christ.

5. It’s for anyone and everyone

It is called the “Gospel of our salvation” because it is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

6. It will free you

It is called the “Gospel of peace” because, through Christ, it makes peace between the sinner and God. Christ is the bridge to bring us to God.

7. It happened once for all time

Christ died once for our sins. It was a one-time event and provides a way to everlasting life today and forever.

8. It’s unique

The key difference between our supernatural faith and other religions of the world is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

9. Its work has been done

A young pastor asked an aged and dying woman if she had made her peace with God. “No, I have not made peace with God, and I am not afraid to die,” she said. “You see, I do not need to make peace with God. Jesus Christ made peace with God 2,000 years ago, through the blood of His cross, and I am simply resting in the peace that He made.”

10. You can receive it

If you will receive Christ, He will receive you, and you will find that this Gospel, which tells of His death, burial, and resurrection, is the power of God for eternal salvation. “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Source:

Alex Thomas What Is the Gospel?