Often I hear people say that they do not understand the Bible. Normally they say, “I have read they Bible and it just doesn’t make sense.” Well, if you started in the book of Leviticus, you are in trouble! However, there are some simple tools to help you understand the Bible better. But let me say one thing: The greatest tools to understanding the Bible better are the Holy Spirit and TIME. Most people do not spend time in the Bible, and without time, your understanding will lag significantly.
So, what are some tools that I use?
- A version of the Bible that has a “study” component. Most days I read from the MacArthur Study Bible, the New King James Version. There are tons of other study Bibles such as the Life Application Study Bible. Find one that fits you best. Then, as you read your Bible, take time to read the study notes and the information about the book of the Bible such as date written, author and theological themes.
- Use a Bible reading plan and a daily devotional. Currently I use the Bible reading plan provided by youversion. If that does not work for you, I can recommend others. As for devotionals, there are tons. Some standards are: My Utmost for His Highest, Streams in the Desert, and Today for Eternity (This is out of print, but if you can get your hands on it you will love it!).
- Read a book about how to understand the Bible. I would recommend the book How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee and Stuart. It will help you understand how the Bible fits together and how to make application of Scripture.
- Use a Bible Concordance. Strong’s is the most used one. It gives a list of key words and verses that correspond with them. As you read Scripture, you can see where words are used throughout the Bible.
- Get a Theological Dictionary. I use the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology and it is good to get you thinking about theological questions you may have.
Reading and understanding the Bible is a life-long endeavor. Each year I read the Bible through again and every time I learn new things about God and His plans for my life. Let me leave you with a couple of verses:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12, NIV
Good stuff Josh! Interesting people continue to cry out they want to know Jesus more, but the average Christian spends less then 10 minutes a day in the word and in prayer. To truly know HIm you have tp spend time with him, to truly know Him you have to love him, to truly know Him you must learn to die to Him.
Family Book Warehouse in Pigeon Forge has a ton of stuff http://familybookoutlet.com/contactus.html
Three months ago, I bought a really nice colored leather Macarthur Study Bible NASB version for 35.99 – 10 percent discount cause I did their first web site years ago.
I also got a NASB for Boys for my son that was like 16.99
Pastor’s get 10 percent off too.
I found a One year bible at McKay used book store too, I think some people may like that. It is kind of hard to read the bible from Genesis to Revelations page by page.
P.S. you can get a hard cover one on Amazon.com from a reseller starting at 20 bucks, not bad price at all.
@Rob – Great point. I think learning to love Him/His ways over loving myself/my ways is huge!
@Mike – Good resource insight! I appreciate that you always know where to get the best deals
With competition today, resources can be reasonably affordable. Also, if you find the Today for Eternity devotional somewhere, let me know!
If McKays does not have it, buy it from Amazon from one of the new/used sellers. I have tried that before works out well. Sometimes there are issues with the condition of the book, but if you are just wanting to read it, it should not matter. Also, I try to use sellers with a large amount of ratings. Even if the rating is 94+ percent, a lot of the complaints are because they sent the books via media mail and it takes forever to arrive and people get impatient.