How to Read the Bible
“No one ever told me it was important to read the Bible outside of church.” It was an honest confession from a long-time, faithful Christian. We had been talking about personal Bible reading when someone finally gave voice to what others in the group had been hinting at. “It just wasn’t emphasized that we should read the Bible at home. We were expected to worship, attend Sunday school, receive communion, and volunteer. But I was never taught how to read Scripture on my own.”
As Lutherans, we talk often about the power and primacy of God’s Word. But we haven’t done a particularly good job in recent decades of encouraging and equipping people to be “in the Word” in their daily lives. As a teenager, I tried to start reading the Bible several times only to run out of steam. I got through a Gospel. I once made it through Acts. But then I tried to read my Bible from cover to cover, which I rarely recommend. It’s an easy ride through Genesis and Exodus, with all the great stories and characters. Then you hit Leviticus and most people’s commitment disappears like a gym membership in February. Every part of scripture is valuable and worthy of study. But finding the gold in some sections is hard, especially when you’re starting out.
Many folks these days are hungry to hear God’s voice in their lives. Mark Allen Powell says, “the Bible tells us what God has to say to us” and that we should focus on understanding it more than defending it. Scripture reveals Jesus Christ, the Word of God (John 1), and says that the Word meets us when we speak it to one another. But Scripture is also God’s Word itself. So it’s important to let the Word speak to us if we want to hear God’s voice. Reading the Bible daily can have a huge impact on our faith.
How do I get started?
1) Find a good and updated translation. We use the NRSVUE in worship at Trinity – I highly recommend the Lutheran Study Bible from Augsburg Fortress (available on Amazon or through the church office). If you prefer easy-to-read translations, check out the Common English Bible or Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase, “The Message.” A good study Bible will have notes and articles that help you understand what you are reading.
2) Start with a Gospel or Acts. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell about Jesus’ life. Acts tells about the early church. Both are mostly narratives that are easier to follow. Read a chapter a day – or read for set amount of time. Add a chapter of the Psalms as a closing prayer. If you prefer a daily reading plan, there are dozens of examples, including these tried-and-true plans: https://deeperchristian.com/biblereading/
3) Use technology. Our staff recommends:
- YouVersion Bible app – a completely free digital Bible platform designed to help users build daily spiritual habits through scripture reading, audio listening, personalized devotions, and prayer.
- Read Scripture app and www.bibleproject.com – a daily reading app or website that guides you through the Bible. Includes excellent videos that explain what you are reading and where it fits in the bigger picture.
- d365 app – a daily devotional app that encourages you to pause, listen and pray through a particular scripture. Written for youth and adults, it gives you everything you need for a meaningful, yet simple, devotional time.
4) Find a group! Some of us do better when we can study Scripture with others. Trinity offers numerous ways to study and experience scripture throughout the year: Psalms and Smoothies, WELCA Women’s Study, the Wednesday morning Bible studies…and many more. These groups love to welcome new people – no prior experience/knowledge is needed!
Your TLC staff loves it when people ask for guidance on devotional and Bible resources – so ask us! And let the Word speak in your daily life. You will be surprised at the difference it makes.
Peace,
Pastor Dan Gerrietts
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