How To Read the Bible

         If you want to know how to grow in your relationship with Jesus, the not-so-secret-secret is spending time reading God's word to us, the Bible. The Bible is literally the word of God and has the power to transform you from the inside out. ‘Quiet Time’ is the expression often used by Christians when describing their daily time spent with Jesus. Spending time in God's word is important because it allows God to speak His truth into our hearts so we can discern truth from the lies of the world. The Bible is also how God reveals His character to us. A relationship with God is just like any other relationship, the more You get to know a person the more you come to love and trust them. If you want to love and trust God more, start reading your Bible to find out what God says about Himself. You'll be amazed. 

        Now don't freak out, I know the Bible can be intimidating if you've never opened it before, so here are some helpful tips on how to get started. There are many ways to have ‘Quiet Time’ with the Lord.  All you need is your Bible, a journal, a quiet place where you can concentrate, and a heart willing to hear God’s truth. 

 A very helpful and popular method used to study the Bible is called the R.E.A.P.  method (Read. Examine. Apply. Pray.) This method is best used with a Bible reading plan like the one found at http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/. 

Read

• At the top of a sheet of paper (or in a journal or Word doc.), write the date and leave a space to write the title of your entry later.
• Pick scripture to study either by using a Bible reading plan or by coming up with one on your own.
• Prayerfully read the text. Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
• Next, spend some time reflecting and writing about what you’ve read in your journal pages.
• You can also keep a prayer journal on your computer if you prefer typing instead of writing with pen and paper. 

Examine

• Write down the key Scripture (or two) that stuck out to you.
• Write down what this scripture says and why it matters.
• Write down thoughts on what you’ve read from the entire section.
• Ask the Important Examination Questions as You Read the Text:

• Who? (Audience, Speaker, Subject)
• What? (Context, Purpose, Problem)
• When? (Time, Duration, Season)
• Where? (Setting, Situation, Location)
• Why? (Motivation, Purpose, Intent, Lesson, Truth)
• How? (Call to Action, Example to Follow)

Apply

• How does this text apply to your life, circumstances, and relationship with God?
• Write out how you will be different today because of what you have just read.
• Respond in your journal to the following questions and anything else that comes to mind.

• What do I learn about God (the Father, the Son, the Spirit) from this scripture?
• What do I learn about myself from this scripture?
• What commands/instructions should I obey?
• What truth can I apply to my life?
• What sin do I need to confess?
• What error can I avoid?
• What promises can I claim?

Prayer

• Write out a personal prayer based on your time in God’s Word.

 *The R.E.A.P. method is from a sermon by Pastor Matt Carter from the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas.

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