How to Study Your Bible

Christians are people of the Book. We do not gather around a personality, a political program, or a private experience — we gather around the Word of God. And that Word was given not only to be preached over us, but to be read, studied, and meditated upon by us. Every Christian, no matter how new in the faith, can learn to handle the Bible well.

This series of lessons walks through the basic discipline of studying Scripture — the simple, time-tested tools that have served the church for centuries. Observe the text (what does it actually say?). Interpret it (what does it mean in its own context?). Apply it (how do we now obey what it teaches?). The skills are basic; the fruit is lifelong.

What You’ll Learn

• How to read a passage in its immediate context (paragraph, chapter, book)
• How to identify the literary genre of a text (narrative, poetry, prophecy, epistle) and read it appropriately
• How to use cross-references, study Bibles, and concordances responsibly
• How to handle difficult or apparently contradictory passages
• How to move from interpretation to faithful application, without forcing the text

The lessons are designed for any member of the congregation — new believers and seasoned readers alike.