You Can Understand the Bible!

When I was young, I wanted to learn to play the piano. In fact, being a musician was the only thing I wanted to do in life. It was, and still is today, my passion. I have always felt that God created me to be a musician. So as soon as my parents were able to afford a piano, they arranged for me to take lessons to learn to play. But you know what? In learning to play the piano, I had to learn the language of music, reading notes and rhythms, musical markings and symbols. It was a whole new language. In addition, I had to train myself in how to interpret the music in a way the composer intended. Finally, I had to train my hands and feet to play the music I had learned to read and interpret! I have discovered in the years since, that a pianist uses sixty-six different brain functions when she is playing the piano. Wow! Who would’ve guessed it would take such effort?

Learning to adequately read and apply the Bible can be much the same way. Often, different words are used than we use in our language today. And for most of us, the cultures in which the Bible was written were quite different than ours today, so we don’t always know how to interpret what is being said. It is sometimes like learning a new language! But, I can tell you right now that you can learn to understand the Bible!

Biblical Truth.
At this point, you may be asking yourself if reading the Bible is like learning a new language, then why put all the effort into doing it? Well, here’s the truth. The Bible is God’s inspired Word to you. Another way of putting it is the Bible is a letter from God to you, so that you can get to know Him better and have a relationship with Him. God, the King of all the universe, wants to tell you about Himself! And He wants to tell you why you matter to Him!

Here are a few facts about the Bible:
It has sections that contain history, poetry, prophecy and instruction. It even has romance!
The Bible is personal. It is written directly to you.
It is 100% accurate in its entirety. Every word of every prophecy has been fulfilled up to this present time in history. And there is nowhere in the Bible that God did not do what He said He would do. There are even ancient manuscripts and artifacts that verify the stories of the Bible.
The Bible, though written over hundreds of years by numerous men, is the inspired word of God. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, helping, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Purposed for You.
I will say it again because it is worth repeating. The Bible is a letter from God to you! It’s purpose is to help you become all God intended you to be, and to know Him, and to have a life of blessing. Here are just a few of the benefits for you when you begin to learn and meditate on God’s Word:
The Bible is a roadmap for life. Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
The Bible will never change. You can always depend on it. Psalm 119:89, “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” And in Matthew 24:35, this disciple of Jesus quoted Jesus saying about Himself, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
And finally, you can gain great wisdom and insight by meditating on the Word. Psalm 119:97-104 is a beautiful passage that extols the wisdom, insight and understanding that meditating on and obeying the Word of God accomplishes.

Practical Application.
So let’s get down to reading the Bible. Here are some simple steps that will go a long way in helping you to understand God’s Word more completely:
Pray before you begin reading and ask the Lord to quiet your heart to hear His voice, your mind to understand His words, and to give you a willing spirit to act upon what you learn from Him.
Have on hand the following–
A Bible or Bible App, whichever you are comfortable reading
A journal for notes and insights, pens, pencils
A concordance for cross referencing if your Bible does not have one
A Vine’s Expository Dictionary (word definitions according to the original languages)–it also is available through Apple and Google Apps
Commentaries from great theologians (indepth explanations of Bible passages)–these are also available online through a number of free Bible Apps, including www.biblestudytools.com, www.biblehub.com and biblegateway.com
Read slowly, focusing on one verse at a time
Research cultural insights into your study
Insert your name in verses where applicable for a more complete understanding of the verse’s meaning for you (ex.: John 3:16 “For God so loved Marilyn that He gave His one and only Son. That Marilyn may believe on Him and have everlasting life.”)

These Bible reading habits will begin to develop in you a greater understanding of what you are reading. You may also want to use a devotional book to guide your reading. But if you’d like to just jump in and start reading, I’d suggest you jump in on the Book of John.

And don’t forget, the Bible is God’s letter to you. As with any letter from a dear friend, you will want to read it slowly to get all the meaning. Trust that God will help you know and understand His Word.