How to Read the Bible

Learn how to read the Bible.

For this module, we recommend using a great resource called "The Bible Project." They are an animation studio dedicated helping people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.

You can find the videos on how to read the bible on their website. Come back to The Tool Kit for some discussion questions for your group or coach.

Videos

Watch all the videos at The Bible Project

What is the Bible? Information about how the Bible came into existence and the differences in content for various Christian Traditions.

What question did this video answer for you?
What question went unanswered?
What would you like to know more about? Is there one idea that you want to explore further?
Describe your contact with the Bible: never cracked the cover, novice, browser, student, veteran.
As a result of this video, what one change would you want to make in your approach to God’s Word?

The Story of the Bible A summary of the overall story of the Bible through a sequence of crossroad decisions contrasted by Jesus’ new path leading to a new creation.

What question did the video answer for you?
What question went unanswered?
Was there a segment of the story that you have never heard before?
What would you like to know more about?
Describe your own determination to have power to define good and evil on your own.
Describe your own choice between the old way of being human – insisting on your definition of good and evil – and following Jesus way of love.

Literary Styles in the Bible Reading the Bible wisely requires that we learn about the ancient literary styles used by the biblical authors. These writers expressed their ideas and claims through a variety of different types of literature. This video will explore why it's important to tell them apart so we can hear their message on their terms.

What question did the video answer for you?
What question went unanswered?
What would you like to know more about?
Which literary style of the Bible have you had the most exposure to; narrative, poetry, prose/discourse?
Which story from the Bible has started to “mess with you”?
Tell how the metaphor, “The Lord is my shepherd” speaks to your heart understanding of God.
Trace the logic or thought thread of Ephesians 2:1-10 with someone.
As a result of this video, what one change would you want to make in your approach to God’s Word?

The Bible as Jewish Meditation Literature How the Bible, a multi-layered work with many levels of meaning draws the reader into a lifelong journey of reading and meditation.

What question did the video answer for you?
What question went unanswered?
What would you like to know more about?
In what way have you seen the Bible’s story become your story, being read into your life?
What hurdles do you face when taking daily time with God’s Word?
When you have a question or insight from your Bible reading, who do you discuss that question with?
As a result of this video, what one change would you want to make in your approach to God’s Word?

For more tools for meditation, reflection, prayer check out the Biblical Equipping module.

The Public Reading of Scriptures How engagement with scriptures has always had a community participation aspect , the foundation for why you need to read God’s Word with a group and worship with a community.

What question did the video answer for you?
What question went unanswered?
What would you like to know more about?
Describe your own engagement with God’s Word:
- on your own in private?
- reading with and discussing with others?
As a result of this video, what one change would you want to make in your approach to God’s Word?