Journey Day 376

I've been trying to figure out a way to get more in depth in my bible reading and I found this website that has 5 steps to start a solid study of the bible and they seem like awesome practical steps so I thought I would share them with you! : )

Step 1- Reading:
- develop a plan
- read through the Old Testament once a year, note in the margins any truths to remember and write            down separately anything you odn't immediately understand. Use these questions for more in-depth study.
- for the new testament, read one book at a time on repeat. Start with a shorter book, like 1 John, and read it in it's entirety every day for 30 days. For the longer books, divide them up into sections. For example, John has 21 chapters so you can divide it up into 3 sections, 7 chapters in length. You read each section every day for 30 days. Using this plan you can finish the new testament in less than three years. (Reading through the bible isn't a race or a competition! You want to read it for comprehension) While reading, write down on notecards the major themes of each chapter of the book you are reading. For variety alternate short and long books.

Step 2- Interpreting:
-As you read scripture always keep on question in mind... "What does this mean?"
-Let the Holy Spirit be your teacher, using cross references, comparitive passages, concordances, indexes and other helps.

Step 3- Evaluating:
-Consult others to be sure you have been interpreting correctly, even if it causes you to change what you have always believed.

Step 4- Applying:
-The ultimate goal of a bible study is to let it speak to you and enable you to grow spiritually.
-If there is a command to be obeyed, obey it. If there is a promise to embrace, claim it. If there is a warning to be followed, heed it. Submit to scripture and let it transform your life.

Step 5- Correlating:
- By correlating and cross referencing you begin to build a sound doctrinal foundation on which to live.