Here are some useful ways to
read the Bible more and better. They are not geared towards the regular study of
Scripture as such, but are out of the ordinary ways to help get more out of the
Bible. They are all simple and practical ways of storing up God's Word in our
minds and hearts for our lives as Christians.
1.
Memorize Parts of the Bible.
Have you ever known someone
who really can quote Scripture from memory? The ancient rabbis were required to
memorize huge sections of the Old Testament. The writers of the New Testament
give every indication of knowing much Scripture from memory. And doubtlessly the
Lord Jesus knew a lot of the Bible by heart.
Jack Van Impe, a Baptist
evangelist, has memorized about half of the Bible by topics. Ask for a topic and
he can recite hundreds of verses. They call him the "Walking Bible" (maybe
"Walking Concordance" would be better!). Then there is Jerry Lucas, former
basketball great, who had a photographic memory. He once memorized the first 200
pages of the New York City telephone directory. He applied his principles to
Bible memory, wrote a couple of books on the subject, and is well into
memorizing the Bible. Perhaps the day will come one day when someone will
actually memorize the entire Bible word for word. One report says Hyman Appelman
did just that.
A few years ago, an English
actor memorized the Gospel of Mark and recited it verbatim for about 2 hours to
soldout theater crowds for over a year. He used no props other than a table, no
costumes or other actors, and he wasn't even a Christian. The Guiness book of
Records says that a Moslem memorized 6,666 verses of the Koran.
Why is it that we have so much
trouble remembering Scripture? Too often we can remember worldly songs, dirty
jokes or useless trivia better than God's Word. One reason is that it is a
matter of priorities. We need to give our minds to God and pray that He help us
know more Scripture.
How much Scripture do you
know by heart? Have you ever tested yourself? If you learned a verse a day,
you would know 365 verses at the end of a year, and over 1,000 in 3 years. Now,
this is not to measure one's spirituality by how many verses he knows. One may
know much and grow little. Even non-Christians may know much of the Bible. On
the other hand, you will not find a truly mature Christian who does not know
much Scripture. It can be one of the most beneficial of all enterprises.
Memorizing Scripture has many
uses. For example, it is useful to be able to quote the right verse when
speaking with an unbeliever about Christ. It is very useful when defending the
faith against cults and critics. Knowing Scripture is important to prayer as you
remember God's promises. Scripture memory is also useful in solving problems or
giving advice, especially in emergencies. And it is especially beneficial in
resisting temptation. Jesus quoted Scripture to the Devil when He was tempted
(Matt. 4). He had no bag of scrolls with Him, so He must have quoted from
memory. "Thy Word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against Thee"
(Psa. 119:11).
If you were imprisoned for
your faith and had no Bible, how much of it could you remember? That happens in
the world today. Persecution increases both the love and the memorization of
Scripture. A visiting American preacher asked some believers in Czechoslovakia
to recite their favourite verses, to which they replied, "Do you mean our
favourite verses or chapters?" Do you know bits and pieces or whole chunks? In
the book Farenheit 451, all books were being destroyed, so a group of
people decided to memorize the great books ("Hi, I'm Great
Expectations."). Would you be prepared to memorize the Bible? ("Hi, I'm
The Bible.")
Groups such as the Navigators give special emphasis to
Scripture memory, and have produced some excellent materials that help learn
God's Word. Here are a few brief principles and tips that will help.
First, it is best to stick
with one translation, preferably the one you use the most in personal Bible
study. It is also most useful to use the more well-known and dependable ones.
Since hearing Scripture will help, it is best to use ones in the King James
Version tradition since the wording is so familiar. This includes the New King James Version, the American Standard
Version, the Revised Standard Version, and the New American Standard Bible.
Their wording and cadences are very similar, unlike the NIV, etc.
Next, decide whether you want
to memorize whole books or sections of the Bible at a time, or whether you
prefer selected verses or topics. For example, you may want to memorize
Ephesians. If choosing a book, start small, like one of the epistles. Learning a
whole book can help because you catch the flow and context.
Or, you can memorize selected
verses. This is especially useful for evangelism. You might prepare by first
reading the whole Bible, marking those verses which you plan to commit to
memory. Then go back and write them out on cards. The Navigators emphasize the
use of cards. Carry some with you and use them when you get spare moments. Also,
write these verses over and over again. Repetition is a key to memorization
(remember when you had to write something 100 times on a school blackboard?).
Further, it helps to have that
book on a cassette tape to listen to over and over. You may even want to record
your own, especially if you choose selections. By the way, it is usually a good
idea to also memorize the book, chapter and verse reference. Test yourself to
see how much you have learned. You can do this aloud, in writing, with a friend,
or whatever. Reading Scripture aloud is one of the best ways to memorize it.
Lastly, pray for God to burn
Scripture into your heart and memory. In the end, whether you use a certain
system or not, the best way to learn Scripture is to love it and spend time in
it. We always remember that which is most important to us.
2. Read
The Bible Aloud.
Most of us read the Bible silently, but reading it
aloud can be of immense help in Bible study and memorization. Try it sometime.
Actually, did you know that in the early Church most Christians could not read
the Bible? They had to listen to it in the Church meeting or in private.
Moreover, they did not have their own copies.
Some Christians can really
read Scripture aloud in an excellent way. We all have heard preachers who could
open up a passage to us simply by the way he read it before the sermon (in some
cases, the reading is better than the sermon!). In fact, some Christians have a
ministry of vocal Scripture reading. They are invited to churches to do nothing
else than read Scripture interpretatively. Some are superb.
Other Christians read the
Bible aloud as another form of ministry, this one a private one. They read the
Bible to the blind, the elderly, the illiterate, the bedridden, even to
children. They really appreciate it. Have you ever read a Psalm to a friend in a
hospital bed? Have you ever had someone read you a passage when you were too
filled with grief to read it yourself?
To get started, use a Bible
with large print, if possible. Some have giant print. It is usually best to
stand while reading aloud in order for your lungs to be better positioned. Also,
try not to read aloud on a full stomach. Don't worry if anyone hears you; start
by reading it aloud all by yourself. Or husbands and wives may read together.
What really helps is reading
Scripture "interpretatively", or according to the mood and meaning of the
passage. This is like acting it out, but better to be dramatic than
melodramatic. Don't overdo it, but neither should you read in a monotone. Vary
your speed and volume. Change voices in dialogues. Imagine how the writer or
original speaker would have spoken it. Pause and emphasis are especially useful.
Check out Luke 4:16-22.
3. Read
the Whole Bible Every Year.
Have you ever read through the
entire Bible? You may be a new Christian or an older one, but it is good for all
of us to read all of the Bible. Martin Luther read the whole Bible twice a year,
and Arthur W. Pink did it three times a year. At the end of his life, George
Mueller acknowledged that he had read the Bible 100 times. It is one of the few
books that gets better and better each time we read it.
Some new converts immerse
themselves into the Bible immediately. It is not at all unusual for a new
Christian to read the entire Bible once or twice even in the first 6 months of
his Christian life. Unfortunately, later on we slack off. Instead of that
insatiable hunger, we settle for a few tiny snacks from time to time, usually
from our favourite portions.
But reading the whole Bible once is not enough. We need
to live off of it. Nor should we settle for snippets, such as the "Verse of the
Day" daily devotionals. At that rate we wouldn't finish the Bible in an entire
lifetime! Moreover, if we ate as little physical food as we do spiritual food,
we'd die of malnutrition. So, we need to read it all, and do it daily. That
means that just a little over 3 chapters a day would complete the entire Bible
in a year. It is best to read a certain amount every day rather than read an
accumulated portion once a week.
Consecutive annual Bible reading is helpful and
important. It keeps us balanced, else we stay in our favourite passages (which
are usually the "nice" portions which comfort but do not challenge or convict
us). Reading the whole Bible keeps us balanced. Also, remember that "All
Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16) . Have you ever been
reading a relatively obscure part of the Bible, and had a verse jump out and
grab you? It arrests your attention, tells you something you never knew but now
are glad that you read it. It may strike conviction, reveal something unknown
about God, or bring a new promise.
There are charts available.
Some have 2 from the Old and 1 from the New for every day. Others divide
Scripture up chronologically. Probably the simplest way is simply to go straight
through from Genesis to Revelation.
4. Use Different Translations.
While it can be confusing to
some systems of Scripture memory, it can be a great help to Bible study to read
the Bible from different translations. Some Christians read a different
translation through each year. Or, compare them on the passage you're studying.
Sometimes we get too
comfortable with a certain translation, especially the King James. Thus, we fail
to get the meaning because we only know the words. Another reputable translation
can say the same thing in slightly different language, and so open it up to you
in a brand new way.
There have been over 100 translations of the Bible into
English. Over 25 are still in print. Some are even printed side-by-side in
"Parallel Bibles". It is best to use the more dependable ones, such as the King
James Version, the New King James Version,
the American Standard Version, the New American Standard Bible, the New
International Version, the Revised Standard Version, and so on. Paraphrases such
as the Living Bible or the Good News Bible can be useful as commentaries but
frequently do more harm than good. The J.B. Phillips version is a better
paraphrase. Then there is the Amplified Bible and Wuest's Expanded Version of
the New Testament, which is especially useful with the tenses of the verbs.
A good translation can be like
a dictionary. Compare several translations and observe how they render a certain
word differently. They are also like compact commentaries.
Incidentally, you may also want to read the Bible in a second
language you know, like Spanish or German. This helps you with that language and
can help you learn the Bible. Some publishers publish Bibles with English and
another language in parallel columns.
5. Listen
to the Bible on Tape.
The Bible has been recorded on
tape several times so that we can listen to it as well as read it. For example,
we can listen to it in the car, while doing light work around the house, etc.
You'd be surprized how much you can listen to at a time. In fact, some can
listen to more than they can read. But of course, listening is no substitute for
actual reading it yourself. Or maybe you can listen with the ear while reading
with the eye.
Think of those who cannot read
but can listen. Perhaps you can share the Bible on tape with the elderly, the
blind, those who do not know how to read, or even children. We should do all we
can to distribute God's Word and encourage people to read it.
The Bible has been recorded several times in different
translations, such as the King James Version, the New International Version, the
Revised Standard Version and the New American Standard. Sometimes only the New
Testament is available. Some readers are better than others. Alexander Scourby's
reading is the oldest and most well known. Some are better, some are worse. Bill
Pierce, of "Night Sounds" Christian radio, is one of the best. Gregory Peck
recorded a reading but is somewhat flat and dry. There have been partial
readings by Sir Lawrence Olivier and Charlton Heston which are better and quite
eloquent, but nothing could compete with a reader who truly believes that which
he is reading. Ephrem Zimbalist Jr has also made a recording. Then there are
"dramatized" versions with many readers and actors, sound effects and musical
background. Most of these tend to be melodramatic and sensationalist. Also, you
may want to record your own reading of the Bible. Lastly, the Bible is available
in Spanish, French, German and other languages on tape. These can be used to
study another language or to give to a person who speaks another language.
6. Listen
to Bible Expositions on Tape.
Most sermons are not expository - they do not expound the
passage but get off onto topics or tangents. But some preachers stick closely to
the text, and tapes of their messages are very useful when studying through the
Bible. This is especially useful with individual passages or books which you are
trying to memorize. Understanding helps memory.
Again, these can be listened
to in the car or at home. Or you can give them to friends or family. Some
churches have a ministry where they regularly supply preaching tapes to shut-ins
and the elderly.
Certain well-known preachers
are known as expository preachers, and their messages are most helpful in Bible
study as opposed to general listening. John MacArthur Jr, James Montgomery Boice, and Al Martin are among the best. Tapes of the late D.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the prince of modern preachers, are also available. There
are dozens of major tape ministries and hundreds of smaller ones. Some only
lend, others only sell, others both lend and sell. Only a few are totally free.
Some handle only a single speaker, others carry many speakers. Some tape
ministries carry taped sermons on virtually every book of the Bible, thus
covering almost every verse of Scripture.
Sometimes it is very useful to have a taped message on
a specific topic for yourself or a friend. It is not always easy to obtain
messages on the more unusual but still important topics. On the other hand, it
is a good idea to have access to a good tape of a basic Gospel message to give
to a non-Christian friend. He may listen to a tape when he would never read a
book. These can be given as gifts at Christmas or as the need arises. Tapes on
specific problems or cults can also be very useful to give away.
Still, the main idea here is
the value of tapes of expository, consecutive messages directly on the Bible.
These can be listened to in tandem with personal Bible study on the passage to
great profit.
7. Take
Notes While Reading the Bible.
We retain more if we
read something than if we merely hear it, but we retain most if we write it
down. Hence, taking notes on the Bible is one of the most profitable ways of
studying it. This can be done in personal study, hearing a sermon, attending a
Bible study, in Sunday School, listening to a tape or the radio, and so on.
Though a few preachers do not like their listeners taking notes, most encourage
the practice.
What does one write down? You
can write down an exact quote, a new idea, a story, the meaning of a word in the
original language, or any other useful piece of information. It can be
especially good to write down your very own thoughts.
Some Christians write their
notes in a notebook and save them for future reference. In effect this becomes
their own Bible commentary. Others keep a spiritual journal in their private
devotions. These can be very rewarding to read later on. Wouldn't it be
interesting to read what you were thinking shortly after you became a Christian
when the Bible was so brand new to you?
Or, you can take notes
directly in your Bible itself. Some Christians say we should not write in our
Bible because it shows disrespect. That is half true. We should not doodle or
write jokes in our Bibles. But there is
nothing wrong with recording your reverent and personal thoughts on a passage
while you read it. Some Bibles are printed with extra wide margins for this
purpose. Underlining a key verse can be useful, especially if you think you'll
want to refer to it later on (such as in memorizing key verses). Some Christians
underline with different colors. A well-marked Bible usually indicates hours of
study. One Christian not only filled all margins and blank pages with notes, but
went back and wrote additional notes across them at a different angle in a
different color ink. Ever read someone else's Bible notes?
8. Read a
Bible Commentary.
This suggestion is more than
recommending having some good Bible commentaries in your personal library for
reference when you get to difficult passages. Rather, it can be a very useful
project to read a commentary all the way through as you study a certain book of
the Bible. For instance, when you choose a book you want to memorize, it helps a
lot to read a commentary on the book at the same time.
Naturally, some commentaries are better than others.
Some are more scholarly than others. Some have almost nothing to do with the
passage upon which they are allegedly expounding. Some concentrate on the
original languages; others are more practical; still others dwell on typology,
prophecy, illustrations, history, etc. Further, some are not commentaries but
expositions - sermons which expound all the way from basic explanation to
general application.
Obviously, the Christian will
benefit more from those which respect Biblical inspiration and inerrancy.
Commentaries by liberals, cults or Catholics should be avoided. Also, ask for
recommendations from reliable teachers and preachers. Know the level you are
looking for. There are excellent ones on every level.
Commentaries which cover the
entire Bible in a single volume are useful for the new Christian. The older
believer may want something more. He can then chose individual volumes or a set
which covers the whole Bible (some cover just the New Testament). Some
Christians try to read all the way through the Bible in several years while
reading book-length commentaries on every book of the Bible. That is an
ambitious undertaking. Still, medium-length commentaries can be read all the way
through with much benefit.
Lastly, some commentaries are
classics and should be consulted by all. Top of the list is the one by Matthew
Henry. It is available in the unabridged 6 volumes or the 1-volume abridgement.
Spurgeon and Whitefield both read the entire unabridged set several times. The Expositors Bible Commentary is anohter
fine 12-volume commentary.
9. Carry
A Pocket Bible.
The Bible has been printed in
sizes from suitcases to matchboxes. Most are about the same size as a hymnbook.
Many Christians want to carry a Bible with them but find the average Bible too
large. So, publishers have given us pocket-sized editions. Some are only New
Testaments, others cover the entire Bible. Some have very small print.
Pocket Bibles can be helpful in a number of ways. You can
refer to them while waiting in a line or waiting room. Also, many Christians
find them invaluable when witnessing - a larger one might scare someone off, but
a pocket copy can be referred to on an important point. Haven't you wanted a
Bible handy when confronted by a cultist or atheist, or even someone who asks
what the Bible says about a certain topic? Pocket Bibles are especially handy in
emergencies. Then there are those informal conversations with other Christians
where a copy of the Scriptures would come in useful.
Most are small enough to carry
in a ladies purse or a man's suit pocket. Occasionally they may bulge a little,
and it may look like you're packing a gun. You have something more powerful than
that. Even if it isn't a pocket Bible, it is a great idea to have a Bible at
home, at work, and in your car. You never know when you may need it.
A whole Bible is better than
just a New Testament. For example, when you witness to a Jewish friend you would
want to refer to Isaiah (and he may be offended if you have only a New
Testament, as if you rejected the Old Testament). Also, the Old Testament is
most useful for answering questions on Creation and Evolution (Gen. 1), the
occult (Deut. 18) and other key subjects. A two-edged sword is better than a
single-edged one.
10. Pray
the Bible.
What does it mean to "pray the Bible"? This is more than
simply praying before and after reading it. It is even more than praying as you
read and study. Praying the Bible simply means using the words and thoughts of a
passage in your prayers. This is generally done most in private devotions.
This is most easily done with
the Psalms and prayers in the Bible, of which there are hundreds. For example,
first know what the writer is saying.
Then use his words as your own as you speak to God. Try to identify with the
writer and his circumstances. When you wish to confess sin, you may want to pray
Psalm 51. You may find it useful to pray certain psalms which call upon God for
help in time of persecution, affliction or doubt. Even the imprecatory psalms
can be prayed with the right attitude (such as Psalm 59). When thankful, you can
pray most of the psalms, for most are psalms of praise. And of course, there's
the Lord's Prayer. In all this, however, one must not simply use mindless
repetition without faith or understanding. But with faith and understanding, one
can pray the Bible regularly as he reads through it.
It can be done with all parts of Scripture. This will
usually mean a certain amount of paraphrase. Listen as God speaks to you in the
verses you read, and meditate on them and reply back to God according to the
meaning and message of that very passage. Some devotional books are just that.
Take Gen. 1:1. A prayer on this passage might be something like this: "Lord, in
the beginning of time, You created all things. You designed and formed all that
is or was or ever will be. You created the Heavens and the Earth, that which is
up there and that which is down here, that which is seen and that which is
invisible. Lord, You say here that You Yourself created the universe. I thank
you that it was you, the loving and personal God who did that, and not a
mindless, impersonal Evolution. Savior, create in me a new heart. As Your
creation reflects your glory around us, may Your spiritual new creation reflect
the beauty of Jesus Christ in me." Praying the Bible thus becomes a personal
conversation with God. Be careful to use your mind in this, else it can easily
become emotional mysticism which misuses Scripture. Pray without ceasing (I
Thess. 5:17), especially when reading God's Word. May the Word of God speak to
our hearts and produce an echo of faith and love.
