Who Should Read the Bible?
Every Christian should read the Bible. We all need God's wisdom no matter what season of life we are in. This little poem written by a Baptist church in Indiana sums it up well:
The young--to learn how to live; the old--to know how to die. The ignorant--for wisdom; the learned--for humility. The rich--for compassion; the poor--for comfort. The dreamer--for enchantment; the practical--for counsel. The weak--for strength; the strong--for direction. The haughty--for warning; the humble--for exaltation. The troubled--for peace; the sinner--for salvation. The doubting--for assurance; all Christians--for guidance.
The point of this poem is obvious - everyone should be reading the Bible. And for those of us who do read the Bible...We would benefit from reading it more often. This Bibe is the most amazing book of all time - God's love letter to us. Let's pause right now and spend some time reading the Bible.
Bible Study Answers Life's Biggest Questions
In addition to getting to know the God who created us, studying the Bible also helps us learn about ourselves, and the world in which we live. Answers to all of life's biggest questions are found in God's Word. Such as: Who am I? Where am I going? Why am I here? What should I do with my life? Where did I come from? What is my relationship to God?
If you search the Scriptures diligently then you will find that the Bible answers all of life's greatest questions...and even it's small questions. God wants to be a part of our entire life. So read the Bible to seek His advise and counsel in all of your life situations.
A good Bible study method will help you find God's truth quicker. To learn a new Bible study method right now you just need to click here. It's always worth it to explore new ways to study the Bible.
Bible Study Method Tips
Here are some great tips for reading the Bible. Reading the Bible though fast - is not the best way to really learn and understand what it is saying. I understand it is good to read your Bible though at least once a year but why read somethingt so fast that you don't grasp a true understanding of what certain parts are saying? It is not a race! Take your time when reading the Word. There is so much meat and life changing material between the two covers that even the fastest and greatest reader couldn't completely understand it all in a few settings. We must read' our Bible but we must also 'study' what were reading. Time & time again I hear "Bro. David, how do I study the Bible?" - So, although there are tons more, I have complied some bible reading tips that have been greatly helpful during my Bible reading. Keep in mind that some of the bible tips are not easy to always do but try practicing them each time and you will find it easier each time.
1. Select a passage
Some people find it helpful to follow a specific Bible reading plan to guide their reading. Many Bibles have reading plans included at the back. The American Bible Society provides a Daily Bible Reading plan that you might want to consider.
Other people want to read through the Bible on their own. Still others move from one passage to another based on preference, lectionary readings, or Church School lessons.
Any of the above ways to select a passage is fine. The important thing is not to spend too much-if any-of your reading time in selecting the passage!
2. Read the passage the first time
Read the passage the first time without stopping in order to gain an overall sense of the passage. Listen to your initial reactions to the text...both positive and negative.
3. Read the passage a second time
As you read, pause from time-to-time and answer questions about the background (or context) of the passage. You might choose to pause between verses or small groups of verses, between significant events or announcements in the passage, or between any natural break you see as you read. Below are some types of questions about the context of a passage that you might find helpful as you read.
In what book of the Bible is this passage found? Is this book a prophetic book? A historical book? A book of poetry? A Gospel? A letter?
What happens immediately before and after the passage? In other words, what is the specific literary context of this passage?
Who are the main characters in this passage? Do they speak or do others speak for them? What are the relationships between these characters? What is the relationship between God and the characters in this biblical text?
Where did these things take place? What are the key places mentioned or assumed in the passage? What has happened before this passage? What is happening during this passage? In other words, what is the specific historical context of the passage?
What are key words or phrases that are repeated in the passage? What is the significance of these words?
Are there are cause and effect relationships established in this passage? Are any comparisons made or similarities pointed out? Are there any contrasts made between people, things, or ideas?
What is the intent or purpose of the passage?
As you ask yourself these questions, answer them in your words. Be careful to listen to the text. Try to avoid listening to what you want the text to say to you. If you are using a notebook, take a few minutes to write down your answers to these questions. Be prepared to be comforted by the text, but also be aware that you may also be confronted, even challenged.
4. Read the passage a third time.
Then reflect on your answers to these questions.
What did I learn about God from this passage?
What did I learn about human nature?
What did I learn about my own relationship to God? In other words, how does this passage apply to me?
Is there anything I need to change in my life based on my reading of this passage? How can I be stronger in my faith? What can I do to show God's love to people in my life?
If there is one verse or part of a verse you would like to remember, you might want to write it on an index card and carry it with you throughout the day.
5. Finally, thank God for the time you had to read from Scripture.
Ask God to help you make the changes you identified.
(These tips are from the American Bible Society)
Using a Bible Study Method is NOT
Sometimes it is easier to define what something is by what it is not. Using a Bible study method is awesome, but it is not any of the following:
Bible study is not the same as meditation on the Bible. The art of meditation is fixing the mind on one verse or phrase of Scripture and thinking about it seriously: chewing it over in your mind; and considering its possible implications and ramifications; seeing how it applies to your life; allowing it to make an impression on your heart and to produce a response towards God. All this is vital to healthy Christian living, but it is not Bible study.
Bible study is not the same as reading the Bible. Obviously you can't study the Bible without reading it; but you can read the Bible without studying the Bible. Bible reading is an essential part of the Christian’s life-style but it is not Bible study.
Bible study is not the same as reading books that are about the Bible. Bible study may including looking to other books, but they should be regarded as Helps to Bible study. Reading books about the Bible―whether commentaries, introductions, expositions, or daily explanatory notes (e.g. those produced by Scripture Union)―can contribute greatly to an understanding of the Bible, but it is not Bible study per se and such writings should never be allowed to become a substitute for personal Bible study.
Bible study is not the same as listening to Bible sermons. Jim Packer claims that the NT pattern is that public preaching of the Word of God provides the main meals of the Christian―the chief means of grace―whereas personal Bible reading and study are like supplementary snacks―not intended to be the complete diet. We may agree that it is essential that Christians should hear the Bible expounded by those whom God has gifted to minister it to the church: personal Bible study is no substitute for such ministry. But the converse is also true: listening to Bible teaching is no substitute for personal Bible study.
What then is Bible study? Simply, it is the personal investigation of the meaning of the Bible (most of the time using a Bible study method). It is an individual working with the biblical passage in order to understand it better.
Do you know someone who wants to know how to read the Bible better? 
