Learning to Read the Bible

Make room to listen

Reading the Bible is part of learning to know God and follow Jesus. We are not simply collecting facts or completing a daily task. We are listening to God’s Word, allowing it to teach us, correct us and shape our lives.

Start with a manageable rhythm. Ten attentive minutes can be more helpful than an ambitious plan you cannot sustain. Choose a time and place, keep your Bible accessible and ask God to help you understand and respond.

If you are new to the Bible, begin with the Gospel of Mark or John. Reading a complete book helps you follow its message instead of moving between isolated verses.

Understand the passage in context

The Bible contains different kinds of writing: history, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, letters and more. A poem should not be read in exactly the same way as a historical account. Ask who is speaking, who is being addressed and what is happening around the passage.

Read the sentences before and after the verse that catches your attention. Notice repeated words and connections. Avoid assuming that every promise to a particular person or nation is a promise of the same circumstances for you.

Above all, look for how the passage helps you understand God, humanity and His saving purposes in Jesus. Questions are welcome. Write down what you do not understand and ask a mature Christian to read with you.

Try four simple questions

1. What does the passage say?

Read it twice. Describe the events, instructions or ideas in your own words. Stay close to the text before jumping to what it might mean for you.

2. What does it mean?

Consider the writer’s message to the original readers. What does this reveal about God? Is there a warning, command, promise or example? How does it fit with the rest of Scripture?

3. How should I respond?

Choose a response that follows from the passage. You might need to confess a sin, trust God in a particular situation, change a habit, encourage someone or ask for help.

4. What can I pray?

Turn what you have learned into conversation with God. Thank Him for what the passage shows, admit where you struggle and ask for the grace to obey.

A first week of reading

Read one passage each day, using the four questions above:

1. Mark 1:14–20 — responding to Jesus’ call.
2. Mark 2:1–12 — forgiveness and Jesus’ authority.
3. Mark 4:1–20 — receiving God’s Word.
4. Mark 4:35–41 — trusting Jesus in fear.
5. Mark 8:27–38 — understanding and following Christ.
6. Mark 10:35–45 — learning to serve.
7. Mark 16:1–8 — the news of the resurrection.

Keep going with others

You will not understand every passage immediately. Do not let that stop you. Return regularly, use a clear Bible translation and learn alongside the church. Sunday teaching and conversations with other believers can help you check your understanding and apply what you read.

• What time and place will help me read consistently this week?
• What is one thing I have understood that I can put into practice today?

Ask God to make you both a listener and a doer of His Word. Explore more Bible teaching or join us on Sunday to keep learning with others.