The Bible has helped millions of people discover the secrets of living a victorious life despite the circumstances that surround them. And yet many don’t read the Bible. Why is that? Is it because there just isn’t time? Or because we fear its truths might require us to change? Or perhaps because it seems so intimidating? Could I really understand it?

In a word, yes. It makes sense to take a look at the book that has literally transformed the lives of millions of people over two millennium. You might ask, “But HOW do I get started?”

Let me suggest a simple and solid approach called the Inductive Study Method. In this approach you ask three questions when reading:
1. What does the passage say?
Observe what the Bible says. Pay attention to the words and read with a receptive mind. Who is talking? Who is involved? What has just happened? What do the words actually say? Being a skilled observer of the word does take practice, but it is a skill you already have applied to other areas of learning. Why not apply it to reading God’s Word today?

2. What does it mean?
Carefully observing what the passage says allows you to better interpret what it means. Sometimes our biases and past experiences lead us to think we know what something means without actually paying attention to the facts. As you take time to observe what the passage says, look up words and names you don’t understand. Check out other passages that discuss the same topic. The more you observe and interpret, the more wisdom and skill you gain.

3. How do I apply it to my life today? Application is where you take action on what you have read and interpreted. But action is always based on belief. As you read the passage, what truths are revealed? Ask yourself to what extent you believe them or what stands in the way of believing. Lives aren’t transformed by reading or knowing what a passage says. Ultimately our lives are forever transformed through God’s power in us, and this begins with the simple actions we take, like confession, submission, trust, and obedience.

You CAN read and understand the Bible. Why not start with the book of John in the new testament? Maybe you’d like to ask a trusted friend to study with you. You can read it free online at www.biblegateway.com.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17