Learning To Read The Bible Can Be Fun
Tips That Will Not Only Get You On Your Way To Learning How To Read The Bible But Will Also Make It Enjoyable
With an ever-changing world that seems to be turning uglier by the day, it’s not surprising that so many people are doing an “about-face” and turning toward God. And turning away from the constant negativity that it seems we’re witnessing in our culture.
I don’t know if it’s just my imagination but I see a tide-turning. Several Hollywood elitists, rappers, and sports figures, are turning to Christ and professing their newfound faiths.
It makes my heart happy to see Kanye West.
Not only is he giving his life to Christ but also rolling up his sleeves and getting out there to bring others to God. Through his new music and testimony, Kanye is changing others’ lives with his life.
He is leading by example. And in doing so he is showing others the Truth of the Gospel and is bringing people to follow Jesus.
How awesome is that? And in doing so, don’t you know that all those new believers are heading to Lifeway and Mardel, purchasing new Bibles and trying to get it all figured out.
It wasn’t that long ago that I was one of those people. I was a foreigner to understanding the Bible, and didn’t know which one to purchase or where exactly to get started.
Although I had amazing support surrounding me, I still had to actually do the work of understanding it. I had to wrap my head around just exactly what it was that God was trying to say.
Everyone has their own way of learning and understanding, I would like to share with you what works for me.
Learning to read and understand the Bible is not hard at all. I’ve had so many people over the years say to me “it’s too hard to read” or “I just can’t understand it.”
However, my favorite is “the Bible is boring and it doesn’t pertain today.”
If there has ever been a time that the Bible truly pertains to…it’s NOW! And boring? The Bible is a far cry from boring. It’s full of as much drama and dysfunction than any mini-series.
If you think the Bible is old, frumpy, outdated, and boring then it’s high time you open it up. I’ll show you just how to get started.
Let’s Get Started: Picking Out a Bible
If you’ve ever been to a Christian book store or looked online at Mardel or Lifeway then you know that there are a plethora of Bibles and different translations to choose from. My personal preference, however, is the NIV, the New International Version.
I’m not knocking any other version or translation, I just prefer the NIV because it’s easier for me to understand. I own what is known as a “parallel Bible” which has two versions that are columned side-by-side for easy comparison.
I continue to purchase new Bibles “in the midst of a moment” but always return to this one. I’ve even bought the EXACT same Bible in a different color, thinking I would use it more. I always return to the one I originally bought.
Next Up: Cute Little Supplies
I am all about being set up with supplies before I begin anything. It helps even more if they’re cute. Highlighters are a must when it comes to learning and studying. If you haven’t been to the store lately, there are some super cool ones out there.
My favorites are the Bible Gel Highlighters. These highlighters are acid-free and do not bleed on your pages. There are 10 different colors so you can highlight different themes.
Do NOT be afraid to write or highlight in your Bible. It’s yours. I used to think it was going against God if I wrote in my Bible. Not at all. In fact, I think God jumps for joy when he sees us so involved in learning the Bible that we’re marking in it in order to remember His Word.
Another item I have a lot of are magnetic bookmarks. Amazon has a bunch to choose from. personally, I like the ones that have scriptures on them. It makes it easier to try and memorize my favorites.
Christian Art Gifts has a pack of 12 that are really cute and at an affordable price. The great thing about the magnetic bookmarks is that they never fall OUT or fall DOWN.
You can’t really lose them. They’re easily moved from one page to another without the fear of ripping or tearing. An absolute must!!!
Bible Study Guides Make It Fun and Easy
Studying the Bible with someone is an excellent way to spend time. And also to learn something you didn’t know before.
When you’re sharing the learning process with another person it just seems a little bit more fun. You remember not only the content but the silly memories made along with it.
My daughter, Kirsten, and my daughter-in-law, Ali, and I have completed several Bible studies. We meet up weekly at coffee shops and talk about that week’s lesson.
It’s a great way to make time to be together plus fellowshipping in the presence of God.
I’ve got certain authors that are my favorites. Kelly Minter, Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, Lysa TerKeurst, and Lisa Harper are a few of the women that I love to study from.
“The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer is the first study guide I ever did. It was based on Ephesians 6:10 and putting on the armor of God to ward off the enemy’s fiery darts. It’s one of my very favorites that I highly recommend.
Kelly Minter’s “No Other Gods” is another good one.
My all-time favorite will probably always be “David – Seeking A Heart Like His.” This study was on King David from his beginning to his death.
I actually cried when we finished this one. It’s funny how you can spend 11 weeks on something and miss it terribly when it’s over. David felt like he was part of my family when we got to that last page.
Media and Apps Are Also An Option For Really Digging In And Learning to Understand the Bible
Although I don’t really use any Bible apps, I know that there are a few out there that are popular. I, personally, like having my big, old bulky cumbersome Bible with me. If you want to keep in simple use a smart device to do your learning. You’ve got some great options.
Tecarta and Daily Bible Verse are two that I’ve used. If you click here you can see a complete list of the most popular out there today.
Online is where I go to watch sermons and Youtube has it all. Elevation Church is a church out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and it’s Pastor is Steven Furtick.
I LOVE this pastor and the sermons that he preaches. I’ve never heard a pastor who brings the Bible to life as he does.
I’ve probably learned more about the Bible from him than anyplace else. I actually put visiting Elevation Church on my bucket list. Last summer, while in North Carolina, I was able to attend a service there. I was on cloud nine and the sermon was just what I needed to hear that day.
Elevation Church has an online store where you can purchase DVDs with sermons on them for ANY amount. If you don’t have access to the internet these are perfect to put in your DVD player to watch. That makes it easy and gives you no excuses.
If I had to do without any of my references, DVDS would NOT be on the list. If I can’t get to my YouTube or my DVD’s, I’m lost.
Last But Not Least And My Favorite: Prayer Journals
Prayer journals are important. Having a journal to write my prayers and sermon notes has had an impact on how I retain scriptures.
I have already completed several prayer journals, which is a feat in itself. I’m bad about starting a journal and then never finishing it. I’m proud to say that I’m on “Number Four.”
I like Tuscany leather journals. I love the smell and the feel. After watching “War Room” I decided that I wanted to start writing my prayers down. Prayers led to sermon notes which then led to writing down and highlighting my favorite scriptures.
It’s interesting to go back to your first journal. You’ll see just how much you’ve evolved in your walk with Christ. It’s also fun to see how God answered some of my prayers.
Whatever avenue you choose to go down, I can guarantee that it won’t be boring. You might just have some fun.
Surround yourself with like-minded people. Make sure that you have a strong support system helping you find your way on your path.
Reading the Bible and actually understanding it takes patience with yourself. Set aside quiet time to be able to hear what it is God’s trying to impress upon your spirit.
Most of all enjoy the journey. It’s not meant to be rushed. Take bite-sized pieces and chew slowly. Savor the flavor of God’s Word and let each scripture resonate in a place in your heart.
You’ll find favorite scriptures and you’ll share and pass them on to people who need them. And best of all, before too long you’ll be like me, sharing what you’ve learned, with folks just like you…Baby Christians.
Inspire others and use your life to lift up another person. Light the way for someone living in a dark place 🙂
We are God’s handiwork and we were created for His glory!
Remember that!
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