How to Study the Bible

 Always remember to pray before you read the Bible.  Ask God to show you what He wants you to know.

Anyone who has ever gone to church knows it is important to read and study the Bible. If so, then why do so few Christians actually take the time to understand the Bible and apply it to their lives?

A young man was helping out to restore an old building. He was putting up drywall and had to screw it to the beams to form a ceiling. He was given drywall, a ladder, screws, and a powerful battery operated screwdriver, the best money could buy. After an hours worth of work he didn't have one single screw put in the wall. Was he lazy? Did he not have the right tools? No! No one taught him how to use the screwdriver.

The Bible is a tool for us to experience God. It is the best book mankind has ever had. But just like the powerful screwdriver, if no one ever shows you how to use it, you will not grow much in your life as a Christian. Not understanding the Bible doesn't mean you are lazy, stupid, or that it is not God’s Word. It just means that you need to take the time to learn what the Bible is and what studying the Bible is all about.
WHAT IS THE BIBLE?
Definition: The Bible is the collection of sixty-six books God has provided for you to hear him speaking to you day by day. The Bible came out of the experiences God’s people had with God as he started his mission of saving the world.
The Bible records:
~ God’s history of creation.
~ God’s making of the covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David.
~ God’s promise of a new covenant.
~ The fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ.
~ God’s work with his church to establish His mission work throughout the world.
~ God’s promises of a final victory for His people and judgment for the world.