Many people never study the Bible because they wrongly believe they cannot understand it. A person learns the teaching of the Bible the same way he learns any other subject by patient, continued study. It takes much continued study to learn to read, to learn arithmetic, to learn French, or to learn any other subject. It takes the same serious study to learn the Bible.
There are many ways to learn the teachings of the Bible. One of the best ways is by regular personal reading of the Bible. A person who will spend only 20 minutes every day reading his Bible will be amazed at how much he learns in only one month. For proper study, personal reading should be systematic. Study one book at a time. Begin reading at chapter one and read the book chapter by chapter. Young Christians would do well to first start in the New Testament. Begin with one of the gospels. After reading a gospel, then read Acts. Then begin reading the shorter epistles like I and II Thessalonians, Timothy and Titus. This will give you understanding to read the other New Testament books. After much reading in the New Testament, begin reading the Old Testament. Start with Genesis, and first read the first 5 books in order.
A second way to learn the scriptures is by attending Bible classes of the church. These classes will help you better understand your personal readings. Attend the classes faithfully. Encourage your congregation to have classes. Listen carefully. Ask questions. Take notes.
A third way to learn the scriptures is to invite Christians to your home for regular scripture reading and discussion. As you read together and discuss your understanding together, your knowledge will grow.
A fourth way to learn the scripture is to begin "subject studies." A "subject study" is the study of all the Bible says about one subject such as baptism, repentance, forgiveness, or grace. It is better to do this type of study after having done much personal reading of the scripture.
Someone might ask, "Since I can not read, how can I learn the scriptures?" Most families have a school child or someone else who can read. Ask them to read to you each day. Invite some Christian friends who can read to come to your home regularly and read to you and discuss the scriptures with you. Ask the preacher to come and study with you. Attend all Bible classes of the church. Listen carefully to every lesson and every sermon. Always ask questions when you hear something you do not understand. Any person who is hungry to learn can learn.
There are many ways to learn and understand the scriptures. All these ways depend on one common thing. No one can learn unless he is hungry to know. A Christian who really hungers to know God's word will find ways to learn it. However, there is no method of study that can teach a person who has no desire to learn. How hungry are you to know God's word?
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