How to Read the Bible: Week Four

Putting It All Together

  • Intro

  • Step 1: Take stock of what you already know

    • Goal: Set yourself up for success as much as you can
    • Do a bias check (Preferably on pen and paper, but in your head is fine)
      • Have you done any study and/or received any teaching on this book before? What sources did you use? (Itā€™s okay if you havenā€™t done any study as of yet)
      • What do you know about this book already? (Itā€™s okay if ā€œnothingā€ is your answer)
      • Can you think of any biases that might affect your reasoning? (Itā€™s okay if you donā€™t, you can answer this question as the study goes on)

  • Step 2: Read and reread the book over and over

    • Goal: Understand the major themes, logical flow, and general purpose of the book
    • Methods
      • Audio Bible (time efficient)
      • Group reading of scripture (most fun Iā€™ve had with the Bible)
      • Coloring Bible (most potent that Iā€™ve tried)
      • Handwritten Bible (maybe even more potent, but I havenā€™t tried it)
      • *AI ideas (wacky ideas, see below)

  • Step 3: Read/listen to some quality sources on the matter

    • Goal: Understand the original context of the communicator
    • You need to understand the GEnES of your book!
      • Genre
      • Etymology (repeated themes)
      • Effectual statements (sentences that reveal the purpose this book was written; John 20:31 and 1 John 2:1)
      • Surrounding Context (historical context, cultural context, literary context, etc.)
    • Good sources
      • BibleProject
      • Naked Bible Podcast and Divine Council Podcast (Dr. Michael Heiser)
      • Cultural Backgrounds Commentary
      • Word Biblical Commentary
      • Expositorā€™s Bible Commentary
    • Where to find good sources
      • Ask nerds like me or Art
      • Blue Letter Bible
      • Libraries
      • If you find a good source, chances are they have a bibliography that you can use to find more great sources

  • Step 4: Use and apply the contents of the book

    • Goal: Interpret Spirit-highlighted passages of the Bible carefully in order to obey the Holy Spirit
    • Reading the book again a few times may help (devotional readings, bible-led prayer, etc.)
    • Practical tool:
      • Step 1: Share an insight in House Church
      • Step 2: Discuss a step of obedience relevant to this passage with your house church
    • Discovery Bible Study:
      • Step 1: Read the passage selected twice
      • Step 2: Retell the passage in your own words (apply the original context to the passage)
      • Step 3: What did I discover about God in this passage?
      • Step 4: What did I discover about people in this passage?
      • Step 5: How will I commit to obeying this passage this week?
      • Step 6: With whom will I share what Iā€™ve learned from this passage?

  • Step 5: Find a new book of the Bible to read that you can connect some dots to

    • Goal: Keep up your Bible curiosity
    • Picking a new book of the Bible to study promotes curiosity and enhances a broad view of scripture

  • Q+A and Conclusion

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AI-Generated Bible Reading Ideas:

1. **Scripture Sprints**: Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can read. Repeat throughout the day.
2. **Dramatic Recitation**: Act out the verses as if you're performing a monologue on stage.
3. **Musical Verses**: Create a melody for each chapter and sing it.
4. **Calligraphy Challenge**: Write out the book using different artistic styles.
5. **Scripture Scavenger Hunt**: Make a list of key themes and find them as quickly as possible.
6. **Verse Puzzle**: Print the verses, cut them into pieces, and then reassemble them.
7. **Echo Reading**: Read a verse out loud, then whisper it, and finally think it silently.
8. **Reverse Reading**: Start from the last verse and work your way to the first.
9. **Scripture Sleepover**: Listen to an audio version as you fall asleep.
10. **Verse Sketching**: Draw a scene or symbol for each verse.
11. **Scripture Snack Time**: Associate different snacks with different themes or chapters.
12. **Fashion Scripture**: Create outfits inspired by themes or verses.
13. **Scripture Workout**: Assign different exercises to different verses and do a workout while memorizing.
14. **Tech Timeout**: Use an app blocker to read without distractions.
15. **Scripture Social**: Start a social media account dedicated to sharing insights from Colossians.
16. **Verse Voiceover**: Record yourself reading and play it back during commutes.
17. **Scripture Secret Agent**: Use a cipher to encode and decode verses.
18. **Verse Origami**: Write verses on paper and fold them into origami shapes.
19. **Scripture Picnic**: Read outdoors in a peaceful setting.
20. **Verse Volley**: Bounce a ball for each word you recite from memory.