Understanding and Teaching the Bible.

We know that the Bible is the final authority forare passionate for the Lord and for His Word. In
us Christians, and it is always a blessing for us.fact, we need to be passionate for the Lord and
But, how many times we lack the desire or thefor His Word ourselves!
time to study it?There are some practical steps we can take in
When I was a new Christian, it was amazing fororder to help us to accomplish that:
me to have had an encounter with Jesus Christ. I1. Take an hour or whatever time is suitable for
just tried to find out the "truth" for so manyyou apart, and use it for praying, reading and
years... and now I had discovered it! It was notmeditate in the Bible.
easy, I still had many questions, but the way God2. It would be better, if possible, to do that early
take me to Christ was awesome.in the morning (When I do that, it is always a
From the beginning on I understood that I had togreat blessing for me! I usually have a better day,
read the Bible, and try to understand it, in ordertoo).
to get rid of all the lies I have learned elsewhere.3. While reading the Bible, take into account the
Of course, I wanted the truth, and only the truth,context of any passage, specially for that verses
so, I began to pray and read the Bible.which are difficult to understand. (There are
I was looking for the best way to read the Bible.books on this subject, too).
A friend had told me that she used to read seven4. Use the help of books, biblical dictionaries, etc.
chapters from different books a day (besidesDo always remember that the Bible is the
that, I was aware of a program for reading theultimate authority, though.
Bible in one year, reading four chapters a day). I5. Pray to God, that you can understand His
wanted to ponder different opinions, in order toWord. Ask Him to help you to live according to
choose the best program for me. So, I askedHis Will daily.
another friend from the church his opinion. I wasRemember that you will reap what you saw.
surprised, because he never told me how manyStart to invest into your spiritual life (if you have
chapters he read a day, or which program henot do that so far)! Spend time, and invest in
adhered to. He just talked about the Bible andvaluable resources, if you feel they can be helpful.
other related issues. I think that he wasn't readingOn the other hand, if what you want is to teach
his Bible regularly, like many other Christians, as Ithe Bible and be effective, I have found this book
have found out. Don't get me wrong. I know him,about Bible teaching, "Teach the Bible to Change
he is a good Christian.Lives". The author has been teaching the Bible for
However, even good Christians have problems.more than 20 years. I think it is worth to give it a
And that is probably one of the reasons wetry, if you are in the ministry.
struggle with so many issues during our ChristianI hope this article helps you to have a better
life. We need to have Bible teachers who love andrelationship with God.