A Modern Guide to Reading the Bible: 2 Practical Methods to Deepen Your Faith Part 2

Feb 21

Discover two practical and modern methods to read the Bible with ease. Strengthen your faith and gain deeper spiritual insights with this essential guide. This is Part 2!

As the year started, we were all energized with resolutions—promises to hit the gym, eat healthier, or learn something new. But what about those of us who resolved to spend more time with God, to listen for His voice, or simply to know Him more deeply? Now that we’re in February, how are you doing with that resolution? Is it still burning strong, or has the spark started to fade?

It’s easy for even the most thoughtful resolutions to slip away. But what if this year, you could keep that promise and see it transform your spiritual life? Spending time with God doesn’t have to feel like a chore, it can be a life-changing journey that shapes you from the inside out. Spiritual resolutions aren’t just about attending church more or checking off Bible reading plans. They’re about reshaping our entire approach to life, guiding us to make decisions rooted in faith, and allowing God’s Word to influence every aspect of who we are. When we commit to growing spiritually, it affects our relationships, our work, our mindset, and our whole lives. We don’t just want to know about God; we want to know Him—to live with His wisdom, His peace, and His strength in every situation.

Psalm 119:9 asks, "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word." This isn't just about purity; it’s about living fully, walking in truth, and becoming who we’re meant to be. To do that, we need to understand God’s Word. And to understand it, we need the right approach.

Reading the Bible doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key to spiritual growth is finding the method that works best for you. Some people thrive on structure, while others prefer the freedom of traditional approaches. Regardless of which route you take, the goal is to engage with God’s Word in a way that fosters growth and transformation.

4 Traditional Approaches

While structured methods like SOAP and ACT offer a clear path, traditional approaches to Bible reading allow for a more flexible, organic interaction with Scripture. These methods can feel more personal and adaptive, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a deeper, more reflective connection with the Bible. Each of these methods provides a different lens through which you can explore God’s Word, and they can be customised to fit your spiritual needs and goals.

1. Topical Reading:

Topical reading is an approach that focuses on specific themes or issues, making it ideal for those who are dealing with particular life circumstances or questions. For instance, if you're struggling with anxiety, you can search for verses or passages that speak about peace or trust in God. This method allows you to see a topic from multiple angles, pulling from different parts of the Bible to get a fuller picture. Whether it’s hope, forgiveness, gratitude, or God’s love, topical reading helps you understand how these themes thread through Scripture. It’s an excellent way to find comfort, strength, and practical wisdom for your daily life. A great tool for topical study is a good concordance or Bible app that allows you to search for themes and words across the Bible.

2. Character Study:

Focusing on the lives of biblical figures helps us understand the human experience through God’s perspective. Characters like David, Esther, Moses, Ruth, or Paul provide rich examples of faith, perseverance, and the complexities of following God’s call. When you dive into a character study, you can explore their strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures, and how God’s grace was evident in their lives. This method allows you to see that God doesn’t use perfect people—He uses ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. By studying these figures, you can find relatable examples for your own journey and be inspired by their stories of faith. Some character studies focus on key moments in their lives, while others dive deeper into their entire life arc to see how they grew in their relationship with God.

3. Devotional Reading:

If you’re looking for something that’s both short and impactful, devotional reading is a fantastic option. This method typically involves reading a passage or short Scripture verse followed by a brief reflection or meditation. Devotionals are often centered around specific themes or life stages and are designed to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection. Many devotional books or online resources also include prayers or questions to help you apply the message to your life. This method works well for people who may not have a lot of time but still want to connect with God daily. A consistent devotional practice helps you center your thoughts on spiritual matters, provides inspiration for your day, and nurtures a habit of regular reflection on God’s Word.

4. Chronological Reading:

For those who prefer to see the bigger picture of God’s story, chronological reading offers a timeline of events from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible isn’t always arranged in chronological order, so reading it in this way allows you to understand the sequence of historical events, God’s unfolding plan for salvation, and the way His promises and prophecies come to life over time. This method is particularly beneficial for people who enjoy history or want to understand the context behind certain passages. As you read through the Bible in this order, you’ll notice how the different parts of the Bible build upon one another. It’s like piecing together a puzzle—each book and passage contributes to the greater story of God’s work in the world.

Traditional methods are particularly effective because they encourage you to spend time reflecting, meditating, and understanding God’s Word at a deeper level. Rather than just reading through the Bible for information, you’re invited to engage with it thoughtfully, allowing it to shape your heart, mind, and actions. The beauty of these methods is that they provide flexibility while still offering structure to guide your exploration of Scripture.

The key to spiritual growth is all about consistency. Whether you choose a structured acronym or a traditional approach, the goal is to engage with God’s Word in a way that challenges you, shapes you, and empowers you. Don’t just read the Bible—let it wreck you in the best way possible. Let it stir your soul and set your life on fire.

Think of it like a relationship. You wouldn’t expect to truly know someone or build trust with them if you only communicated once in a while. You wouldn’t just scroll through their profile and assume you understand them. No, real connection takes time, attention, and conversation. The Bible is like God’s love letter to you; it’s the place where you get to know Him better, understand His heart, and grow closer. The more you engage with it, the deeper your relationship with Him grows. After all, God promises in Jeremiah 29:13, ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Don’t just casually “read” God’s Word and claim you know him, date him. Get to know Him, talk to Him, let Him challenge you and draw you in closer. Because when you engage with His Word, you’re not just gathering knowledge but you’re building a deep, life-changing relationship.