Monday 12 December 2011

PRACTICAL TIPS ON BIBLE READING / BIBLE STUDY

Over 2000 times in the Old Testament the phrase "Thus saith the lord" is used and in 2 Timothy 3:16,17 we read,"   All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works". 
In Scripture, the person of God and the Word of God are everywhere interrelated. God is true,impeccable, and reliable; therefore,so is His Word.
 Therefore the Scripture says;
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.Deuteronomy 8:3  

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary foodJob 23:12 


There is a difference between studying and reading Bible
Paul encouraged young Timothy with these words:
2 Timothy 2:15"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth"
Study demands that smaller segments of the words be considered. In study the Bible is analysed , categorized, outlined,dissected and carefully examined.
It is advisable to study the Bible in the morning during your devotional time and read larger portions of the Bible just before you go to bed.
During the study of the Bible it is good to take notes( on the Bible Study Work Sheets)- as it helps the mind to be focused and not wander.
A good Bible Handbook would be helpful in your reading. Choose a Bible Handbook which is brief but which gives the purpose, theme,author,historical background and few interpretive remarks. Such information provides the foundation for understanding.

How long would it take to read your Bible through?


It takes just 70 hours and 40 minutes  or maximum 77 hours and 22 minutes to read the Bible being read out loud 

We can read the Old Testament in only52 hours and 20 minutes , and the New Testament in just 18 hours and 20 minutes .
OTHER INTERESTING FACTS!
1) The Total number of words in the Bible is about 807, 361.Old Testament-622,771, and New Testament-184,590, 
1) The Holy Bible CAN BE READ through in a year by reading less than 12 minutes a day!
2) The gospel of Luke can be read in merely 2 hours and 43 minutes .
3) The Book of Psalms can be read completely in just 4 hours and 30 minutes
4) One can read the Bible comfortably four times a year, by just 48 minutes a day!

God has entrusted 24 hours in a day to each person,which makes 168 hours a week or 10080 minutes in each week.
How effectively you use this time is what determines your ability to complete the task ahead.Know the spare time at your discretion and utilize this time for Bible reading/study.
If you devote 48 minutes a day to Bible reading you will spend 48X7=336 minutes out of 10,080 minutes and 5 hours out of 168 hours
If you can only spare only 25 minutes a day you will spend 25X7=175 minutes out of 10,080 minutes and 3 hours out of 168 hours
and if devote only 12 minutes a day you will spend 12X7=84 minutes out of 10,080 minutes and 1.5 hour out of 168 hours .NOT MUCH TIME IS IT ?
Think about your daily schedule. Set a time on the clock which would be the most meaningful time for you to spend alone with the Word of God. make a vow that you will keep that time for His Word everyday.
Turn your Bible and read Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, If you still can make your vow, you will be on your way.

SUGGESTED BIBLE STUDY NOTES - WORKSHEETS

1) DAILY BIBLE STUDY

DATE:

THEME OF THE PASSAGE:

KEY VERSE OF THE PASSAGE:

WHAT  I FEEL GOD IS SAYING TO ME:




HOW WILL I APPLY HIS WORD TODAY?






2)WORD STUDY


DATE:

WORD TO BE FOCUSED AND STUDIED:


NUMBER OF TIMES THE WORD IS USED AND PLACES THEY ARE USED:


THE DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH THE WORD IS USED:




WHAT DID I LEARN FROM THE WORD?




3)HISTORICAL SETTING OF THE PASSAGE


DATE:

HISTORICAL SETTING:


CITY OR AREA:


DATE OF THE SETTING:


KINGS OR RULERS DURING THE SETTING:


FACTS DISCOVERED WHICH HELPED ME  TO UNDERSTAND THE PASSAGE :




4)PERSONALITY STUDY SHEET

DATE:


KEY PEOPLE IN THE BOOK TO BE STUDIED:


BIRTH PLACE:                                                PARENTS:

GOD'S CALL:


SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PERSON:



INSIGHTS GLEANED FROM THE STUDY :







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