**This is a good example of a response that is thorough, easy to understand, practical, and encouraging.

Question: “I’m a young Christian and I really want to grow closer to god but I don’t know the word, how do I study the word, is there a special method?”

Profile: Female, 31–45

Answered by: Danielle Swiontek, who has been a volunteer with us since June, 2005.

Answer: Hi there, thank you for your question! I am so glad you have come to know Jesus as your Savior and want to grow closer to the Lord! God wants us to not just read the Bible, but to study it and handle it correctly (2 Timothy 2:15).

Before you begin your Bible study, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. The Holy Spirit guides us in the understanding of Scripture because He lives within each Christian and He wants us to understand what His words – the Bible He inspired men to write – mean. John 16:13 says, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

As you begin to read, be sure to consider the verses and chapters that surround each passage, in order to understand them correctly. If you simply read one verse in isolation, you may misunderstand its meaning. Knowing the author of the book as well as the author’s audience and purpose in writing are all helpful background. Then, as you read, let the Spirit show you the plain meaning of the text instead of assuming the text means what you want it to. But don’t forget God has given us Bible teachers to assist in our understanding and applying of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit can use these spiritually gifted teachers – whether currently living or a teacher who lived long ago – to help you grow (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:28).

When it comes to choosing what to read, there are several approaches you can take: simply read your Bible from cover to cover (Genesis to Revelation); read it chronologically with a special Bible or reading plan; read the New Testament first; read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John); read a specific book at a time along with a study guide or Bible study (with a group or alone); read a specific book or passage while also studying a commentary (such as Matthew Henry’s); or do a topical study by conducting a “word search” or by using a concordance. As you can see, there are many ways (and more!) to study the Bible. Simply choose the one you feel will work best for you right now and dive in!

While it is great to do in-depth studies of specific books of the Bible or topics, make time to regularly read through the entire Bible as well, perhaps at least every 3 years. This gives you a “big picture” view of the entire message of God’s Word and how God has worked through all time to redeem His people.

Here are a few helpful Bible apps for your phone/tablet: YouVersion, Bible Gateway, Scripture Typer Bible Memory, and The Bible Study App by Olive Tree. You may find videos such as those by “The Bible Project” helpful to watch before you read each book of the Bible. The following websites (they are two among many others) can be helpful when you want to do in-depth Bible studies or conduct quick searches: Bible Gateway and Blue Letter Bible.

Please let me know if you have more questions! I hope this has been helpful. I will pray for you as you try to discern how the Lord is leading you to study your Bible, and that His Spirit reveals truth to your heart!