Bible Study Methods

Hi,
I'm not really sure what topic this question should fit in, but this one seems closest.

I was just wondering what you do for bible study? What methods do you use?

I think for me my biggest issue is I don't have a structured system as of yet. I am still in school, and I only really have time in the morning. But I don't have heaps of time (20-30mins) so I was wondering if anyone was in a similar situation and what you do? I think I need to find ways to keep motivated too - I get really tired so its so easy to sleep in that extra half hour….

Also, what passages would you recommend starting with? Any particular book or plan? I think sticking to one book will test my patience - I've only read shorter ones like James and Ecclesiastes in full as of yet. But even then all I did was read, not really go too much deeper. I know I need to change this, but I was just wondering what other people find helpful?

Thanks :)

Thank you for your advice, I appreciate it!

I personally think that ten chapters a day might be a little much for me, but it's great to hear how it has helped you! I have had a tendency in the past to sort of read too quickly and not take in the meaning enough, so I think going slow might be good. Then again having an idea of what each book or section of the bible is about would definitely help with a broader understanding. So I guess I'll think on it - and thankyou, I really value your input :)

One way that I study a book of the Bible is to read through that book three times a day so I can get a clearer picture of it by reading it so much. And then I study the people (What their names mean, their background, passages about their life, etc…) and the places (where they are on a map, their history, important dates/events about them and where else they are mentioned in the Bible). Then I study cross references, key words and key verses, etc..

Alright, thanks! :)

I think all those suggestions will really help. By the sounds of it I just need to establish a plan and stick to it and find resources etc.

Where do you suggest I start? Any particular book? I have a fairly good knowledge of the bible. I've been to church all my life, but not until recently have I really started reading the bible for myself. I have found it to be very rewarding when I do, provided I have the patience to stick at it, that is :)

I would say to start with an epistle.

Alright, thanks I'll try that :)

I'm trying to establish a more structured reading plan to eventually read the whole bible by the end of the year. I'm initially reading the New Testament and I found reading in several places too disjointed but I like some variety. So, I'm reading in a two places at once - I started with Luke and Galatians and read two or three chapters of each every day - each time I finish a book I start on one of similar length - so for the longer books I have so far read Luke then Acts then Revelation then Matthew and am now reading John. On the shorter books I have read over half the epistles. It is working really well for me - completing the shorter books helps me feel I am making progress and generally getting to know my way around the New testament a bit better. It isn't in-depth study though.

Have you tried the Professor Grant Horner Bible reading method?

Thank you everyone for you advice, and I think I will try some of your suggestions. I think that it would be good to get a good picture or overview of the bible and for that I might start with Elanee's suggestion. Once I've done that for a while, I might move on to more in-depth study. Once again, thank you and I look forward to seeing how this works out!

If you're somewhere between the ages of 7-18, I'd recommend doing the Bible Bee :) that has helped me so much!

Although I am much older than you are, I am also reading the Bible for the first time. I was led to start by reading through the NT first (except Revelation) and then I went to the OT and that's where I am now.

I would suggest praying for guidance on where to start and how much to do. One thing I found that if I try to be too perfect or do too much, it might be hard to stick with.

I started by reading 1-3 chapters per day and if I missed a day I didn't beat myself up over it and didn't force myself to make up what I missed.

I am now reading about 6 chapters most days but if I have too much going on and can't do it all, again I don't beat myself up. I think it should be a joy to read the Bible and not a chore. I find the more I read it, the more I am interested in it and the more I want to read it.

Once I'm done with the OT, I think I may read through the NT again because I will have the OT background. Then I hope to get into more in depth study based on where God guides me.

I am (I'm 15) but I live in Australia so I don't know if I could…

I find my personal Bible study goes much better when I don't try to read too much at a time. If I know I can't be done until I read 10 chapters, I rush through it to get done and miss a lot. I started reading only one chapter at a time and it helped a lot. I read each chapter at least twice and then focus on any one part that really got my attention or a part I didn't quite understand. I read in the NKJV and then re-read in the ESV when the grammar gets too confusing. A good commentary helps especially with passages that need the context of a historical background. Colossians and Ephesians really spoke to me; the Gospels are also a great place to start.

Tayla - if you're a USA citizen and there is a local bee near you, you can, if I remember right!