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Are you looking for a beginner's guide to reading the Bible? This post is all about how to read the Bible effectively as a beginner.
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A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible: Invest in a Bible with Wide Margins or have a journal to take notes
When reading the bible you’ll want to soak in everything you possibly can. In a normal bible, the margins are small with no room to write verses, notes, or definitions. Investing in a high-quality bible will make it easier for you in the long run. Not only will this keep you organized, but engaged. This is the bible I’ve bought and I am in love with it. It has large text, is of higher quality, is easier to read, and gives me so much room to write all my notes. Remember simple is optimal in a beginner's guide to reading the Bible.
If you can’t afford this no worries! Use a simple journey, notebook, or composition book. Also, I have been to plenty of Latina bazaars and small bookstores where they offer free Bibles! All accessible and affordable options. Use this to write down any notes you have while reading. I recommend writing down the page or chapter you’re reading on the top of your notebook page and your notes for that section on the page below.
A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible: Use Bible Study Videos or Commentaries
Reviewing a Bible study after you read a book or section of the Bible is perfect to further learn about the material you just read. This option is great if you are a more auditory learner or visual learner. Having someone to talk over the points of a section you might have not even noticed provides so much more insight. I would recommend attending a Bible study in person and watching some online from people you trust to be doctrinally sound. I added a couple of examples to help you!
A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible: Use Tabs for sections of the Bible
This is a simple method to use when organizing the sections of the bible. Marking each section with a tab makes it easier to navigate to a specific verse or section in the bible. You can find these anywhere from Etsy, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, and more! Beware though sometimes (depending on the brand) they tend to fall out so it may cause some damage to your pages if you are not careful.
A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible: An Illustrating Bible
If you are a visual learner or artistic this is a beautiful bible to incorporate into your daily study. This is a bible that is perfect not only for note-taking but for drawings and illustrations. This is a pricey item so if you’re on a budget you can simply use a sketchbook in addition to your bible.
@EstéeJanssens
A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible: Use Simple Translations
As a beginner, it is crucial to choose a simple, easy-to-read translation of the bible. This is a key component of continuing to stay inspired and organized. If you read a translation that is more advanced in terms of vocabulary it can be harder to continue reading when you have to research practically every other sentence. I recommend the ESV, however, it is up to you what to choose! Just make sure you can understand and it is biblically sound. Avoid translations that completely change the meaning and context of the Bible, such as the Message, The Passion, etc. Please research before buying a translation.
A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible: Create a Color Code System
Using a color code system is great for separating the different topics discussed in the bible. You can use markers or colored pencils (I recommend colored pencils as they don’t bleed). This is an example color-coding system:
Sin - Brown
Angels - Purple
Verses that speak to you - Green
God’s Promises - Yellow
A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible: Commentaries
If you want more context or background of a specific word or verse, look it up! Specifically, you can use online dictionaries or bible dictionaries to purchase. The Wilmington's Guide to the Bible is a huge Bible commentary that provides extensive information, maps, historical information, and general commentary to guide you.
A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible: Use Sermons or Devotionals to Help Guide You
If you want to learn more about a specific topic or maybe you are struggling with a certain sin and want to read more about it, try utilizing sermons or devotionals! Personally, I love using Charles Spurgeon's sermons as they come in PDF and video versions. In addition, utilizing devotionals from the Bible app or online. Here are examples of these that can help you out on a specific topic you may need more guidance or encouragement.
And before you go...
@NoPlaceLeftTraining
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