Have you ever picked up a bible and wondered where to begin, or have you ever read a passage and thought “I have no idea what I just read”? Sadly most Bible readers find themselves in this situation. I recently had the pleasure of hearing a sermon, delivered by Bishop Jerry Hutchens, the pastor of Timothy Baptist Church in Athens, Ga, on reading the Bible. I know, I know, it sounds a bit simple for a Sunday morning sermon, but it was a well delivered and much needed sermon for the era of Christianity we are in now. According to a recent study only 16% of Americans read there bible daily. That must be the reason most Christians don’t know the importance of reading and studying the Word of God. 1 Timothy 4:8 and many other scriptures in the Bible clearly tell us that we should give special attention to reading. More specifically reading God’s word. In Psalm 119:9 the author tells us that we must be cleaned through the word. How will we know the Word if we don’t read it? Hopefully this blog will not only enhance your bible reading, but encourage you to read it more.
Tip #1: NEVER READ YOUR BIBLE ALONE
Most of the things in the bible are spiritual instructions that we apply to our natural lives. The only way to truly understand the deeper meanings of the book is to read it under the influence and instruction of the Holy Spirit. Most people develop a very basic understanding of the Bible and are satisfied with that, but to unlock the true secrets and the revelations of God you must be spiritually enhanced, meaning you need the Holy Ghost.
Tip #2: READ IT MEDITATIVELY
It is impossible to get full understanding of a passage with one reading. You must read that passage over and over again. This goes hand and hand with the first tip. The Holy Ghost doesn’t answer instantly all the time, so until he does keep reading. I have been reading the same story for about four days now, and I get something new out of it every time I read it. The Bible is not like a mashed potatoes, you can just swallow them with out even chewing. The Bible is like a well cooked 22 oz. sirloin steak. You have to cut it up, eat it slowly to really enjoy the flavors, and finally when it is chewed well enough you can swallow it. Take your time, read it carefully, and let your soul enjoy the meal.
Tip #3: READ IT AND APPLY IT
I remember back in high school I could never see where geometry or trigonometry would fit into a real life situation. With the Bible it’s not like that. As stated earlier, the Bible is full of spiritual instructions that we can apply to our natural lives. God’s word is applicable to every scenario and situation we face in our life. After all He already knew what you would go through, it’s right that He gave you the tools to go through it. A lot of people don’t understand that the Bible is more than words on a page. It is Life! It gives you the power and authority to change your situation. Put it to work and let it change your life around.
More important than any of the tips is actually reading your bible. To the Christian it’s not just a book of instructions or commandments. It’s Life, and with out it we perish. So start today, pick it up, dust it off and read it. I promise it will help you. Remember to tune in to the King’s Den every Sunday at 5:30pm EST. at www.blogtalkradio.com/thekingsden.
