How to Understand the Bible

Remember that the Bible is not some historical document which only scholars can understand. Some of the most exciting biblical insights have come from ordinary people with ordinary educations who simply responded to the Bible as a personal letter from Jesus. As you explore God’s Word, here are seven important principles to keep in mind:

1. Study the Bible with a prayerful heart. If you approach Scripture with a heart and mind opened through prayer, the Word truly becomes a personal contact with Jesus. Remember to invite the Spirit in as your teacher when you open the Bible.

“When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. . . . he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you”
—John 16:13-14. 2.

2. Read the Bible daily. Paul commended the Berean Christians because “they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scripture every day to see” what was true (Acts 17:11). Daily Bible study is a key to power in our lives (Romans 1:16)