Study the Bible: A Guide for Beginners
It can be said that the Bible is the most important book there is and that we should all study the Bible. Why? The Bible contains God's words of wisdom for man, and in essence provides instructions for life. It teaches us about good and evil, and how to manage the ups and downs of life. It teaches us to be better people and how to develop a relationship with God. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, it can be daunting to study the Bible, and many people don't know where to begin. Luckily, there are many resources to guide you on your journey as you begin a Bible study.
Choosing a Bible to Study
To study the Bible, the first thing you'll need to do is to select a Bible, if you don't already have one. There are many different versions available, so it can be difficult to choose a Bible. In fact, some people own many different versions and translations. As you begin to study the Bible, you may want to start with the version your church teaches from. If that version is too difficult for you to study (which is the case for many people), look for a translation that is easier for you to study, and keep the 'church' version for use when you are at church so you can follow along with the sermon or lesson. You can check out these sites for more help with choosing the Bible translation or version that's right for you:
http://christianity.about.com (Choosing the Best Bible)
http://christianity.about.com (Bible Translations)
Methods to Study the Bible
Once you've chosen the Bible that's right for you, there are numerous ways you can begin to study the Bible. Of course you can speak with a leader at your church for ideas, but there are also many resources available online. And remember, if you try one method and it's not working for you, you can always move on to another method. The following sites have some ideas to get you started:
http://christianity.about.com (Bible Study)
http://christianity.about.com (Before Bible Study)
