Northgate Open Bible Church
The Bible has a wealth of knowledge and insight which is waiting for us to discover it. Here are a few enjoyable and simple strategies for making the most out of the time you spend in Bible study.
Start your journey with an affirmation.
Take a moment to pray to God prior to reading. This is a wonderful chance to communicate to God how eager you are to discover more about His word. While reading, make a prayer for insight and knowledge as and guidance in how you can apply the lessons to your own life. Inquiring for specific guidance on what to concentrate on while reading is also an excellent idea. In the name Jesus Christ, amen. Jesus Christ, amen, finish the sentence. This sets the stage for a humble and flexible mindset while you study. It is also a helpful to remind yourself of the fact that God is with you on this trip and is ready to help you with any doubts or questions.
Decide on a point that is of interest to you.
Don’t think that you have to start at the beginning! Jumping immediately into a subject or person who captivates you is among the best methods to create Bible study more interesting. If, for instance, you’re looking to know more about Jesus, start reading Jesus’s gospel through the New Testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Pick a specific area, such as forgiveness or trials to focus on instead; this will help you connect to the content more in depth and make your studies more relatable.
Be sure to make it relevant
Pick a subject that resonates with you. This is a fantastic approach to increase the relevance and sensitivity in the Bible. Look up verses on that topic and then carefully read them. In order to assist you, ChurchofJesusChrist.org also provides resources and suggested passages for typical topics. When you can understand the importance of the lessons and can apply them to your personal circumstances, it will become easier for you to remember the scriptures you’re studying.
Discover a Character
Read whatever you can find concerning the person you’ve picked in the Bible. You will gain a greater understanding of the passages contextually as well as of the Bible’s overall context when you do this. Consider how they are related to one another, how they came to know Jesus as well as the things you share with them and what you can be able to learn from them. You’ll be able to relate to the characters and get to know them better as a result of doing this.
Keep it in mind.
Keep a journal to note your observations while reading. This will aid in your memory, provide you with an actual note of your travels and enable you to look back and gauge your progress. If you take the time to record your experience you’re doing your part to show God the respect he deserves for the knowledge you are receiving.
Blend it up
Instead than reading the Bible, try listening to the Bible. It’s a great way to distract yourself and give your mind a break from the visual aspect of reading. On the Gospel Library mobile app and at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, you can discover recorded versions. Additionally, you can listen while working out or driving. This can assist you in your studies.
Take a friend along
You can study with your loved ones, your friends, and even with missionaries. You’ll gain fresh insights and your learning will be more enjoyable. In addition, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and clear any doubts. Sharing scriptures with specific meaning can spark fascinating conversations and reveal fresh perspectives.
Eliminate Confusion
Find any terms or phrases that you’re unable to understand when you happen to stumble upon them. There are a tonne of Bible students online that can assist you. Your understanding of the book is more precise if you comprehend every word and phrase. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or search for resources to study; doing so will enable you to be able to fully grasp the meaning and context of the verses.
Take a Moment to Think
After studying for a while, take a moment to relax and pay attention. It will give you more time to think about and analyse what you’ve learnt in the process. It’s also an opportunity to contemplate how you may use the lessons you’ve learned in your own life. When you reflect on the lessons you’ve learned God may disclose fresh information to you by the Holy Spirit. This can be an effective tool for understanding.
Highlight or underline verses that stand out to you.
One of the most efficient ways to remember the things you’ve learned can be to underline or highlight verses that stick out to you. You can use different colors or symbols to mark different themes or perspectives. This will make it easier to locate significant verses to read in the near future, and also assist you in making connections between verses related to the same topic. You can also write notes on the sides of the page, or in an additional notebook in order to think about your thoughts and draw connections to your own life.
Explore multiple translations of the Bible.
The ability to read different translations will aid in understanding the different nuances of the text. For example, some translations are more formal and precise in comparison to others that are more idiomatic and dynamic. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the text and the message the Bible attempts to communicate. In addition, reading various versions can help to discern different interpretations and gain greater understanding from each verse.
Utilize Bible study tools and sources.
There are numerous study tools such as study bibles, commentaries, and devotions that can help you to gain more understanding of the text. These resources can provide the historical context, the cultural background and alternative interpretations that can enrich your understanding. Furthermore, these tools can offer answers to complex questions, and provide clarifications on certain passages. Use these tools when you learn and you’ll be able to find your sessions more enlightening.
Take time for personal reflection.
Make time at the end of each study session to consider how the passages you’ve read apply to your life. Think about any ideas or lessons you’ve gained, and think about how you could use them in your daily life. Retrospectively reviewing the material you’ve read will help you to recall it better, and it also gives you time to reflect on the information you’ve read and think about ways you could apply it in your life.
Incorporate different learning styles.
Each of us learns in a different way, some of us are visual learners, a few have auditory learning, and some of us are kinesthetic learners. Incorporating different methods such as drawing, writing, or acting through the scriptures you’re learning can assist you to better understand and remember the passages. For example, if you are a visual student, you can draw out the scenes in the Bible story. If you’re an auditory learner, you can recite the verses, if you’re a kinesthetic student then you can perform the story.
Use Bible apps and online sources.
There are a variety of apps and resources online that will help you learn about the Bible. They can be found in devotionals, reading plans, and audio versions of the Bible. This is particularly helpful if you are always in a hurry, and aren’t able to physically read the Bible. Furthermore the majority of these sources can be adapted to your individual needs, meaning you can have the most personalized experience when studying.
Make sure you are consistent.
Set a schedule for Your Bible study. The more regular you are in your studies and the more you’ll gain and the more relevant your studies will be. Even taking a few minutes every morning to go through a chapter or two can be a significant improvement over time. Choose a time and a place where you’ll be able to be consistent in your study, and adhere to it. By having a schedule, it will keep you focused, and makes it easier for you to incorporate Bible study into your routine. Remember, consistency is key!
Never give up
The process of studying the Bible can take a lifetime. No matter how much you comprehend, God values your efforts to understand his word. If you’re feeling like you’re not understanding something or you’re not getting it all right immediately do not get discouraged. Be aware that God is there for you all the time and wants you to understand His word. The more you learn, the more you will understand and the more meaningful the learning process will become. Keep going, be patient and have fun on the way!