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Bible Reading Tips and Resources
Reading the Bible has probably never been easier for the Western world!
Purchasing a Bible in a variety of readable translations and attractive designs, with or without commentary notes or illustrations, access to Bible Reading Apps and Bible resources as well as YouTube videos for inspiration and ideas are readily available in shops and online.
Yet so many people still struggle with understanding the Bible and engaging with it on a regular basis.
Here are some of our top tips to get you started, keep you going and deepen your devotional roots:
1. Find a Bible translation you like
Don't struggle in silence whilst reading a version of the Bible that isn't working for you and is hard to engage with. One possible Bible version that some people might find harder to read is the King James Version, due to the old style of writing.
There are so many easy to read Bible versions online, such as the New International Version, the Living Translation, The Message and The Passion. If you don't have the funds to purchase a new Bible, then you can read the Bible online for free in any translation using one of the following resources : Bible.com or BibleGateway
Bible
2. Engaging with the Text
Once you've found your preferred Bible Version, you need to start reading.
There are several ways you can do this:​
Read the Bible in a Year
The simplest way to do this, is to count how many pages there are in your bible and divide them by 365. The answer is how many pages you need to read per day to finish the Bible in a year.
You can also read the Bible in a year by reading sections of each part of the Bible each day. There are many great online resources to help you to do this like: BibleinOneYear free App.
REAP Study method
The REAP bible study is where you read a section of scripture (A book, a whole chapter or a few verses) then you take a journal and write down the following:
R = Read: which part of the Bible did I read today?
E = Explain: explain what was happening in the text that you read
A= Application: How did the text apply to the people in the text, the people the text was written for, to Christians in general or to you personally?
P=Prayer: write a prayer in response to what you have read
Audible Bible
If you find reading hard, you can listen to the Bible using an app like: BibleGateway or YouVersion
Bible Studies and Resources
Check to see if your local church holds regular Bible Studies, so you can learn from someone else and gain understanding for how to study yourself.
There are a wealth of books and information online to help you unpack the Bible. It's worth checking out with a Pastor or Spiritual leader at your church, which authors you should look for.
There are also some great online resources which you have to pay a small fee for; like the online BibleSociety
Ways to Read
You can simply pick up your Bible and read from Genesis to Revelation, or you can read the Bible Chronologically, thematically,
a character study a topical study or more!
Whatever you choose to do;
Read your Bible slowly (take your time to consider what is being said)
Read your Bible repeatedly (once you've finished, start again - you'll notice something different every time!)
Read your Bible prayerfully (ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and connect with the Word of God)
Read your Bible inquisitively (having the desire to read the Word and learn from it is going to get you started and keep you going)
Read your Bible by yourself (so you will grow in relationship with God and an understanding of the Gospel message)
Read your Bible with others (learn from others, share with others, support each other)
3. Keep Going
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