15 methods of studying the bible

 
You can read the bible cover to cover or you can start with the New Testament. I do recommend starting with the NT the first time you read it.   
 
Here are a few more ways to study the bible that you can try out.  
 

1. Follow a schedule that you like. It doesn’t have to be the same schedule as your church or anyone you know uses. Find one that fits your style and your preferred method of organization. Following a schedule is entirely optional. Some people may find they stick with it best when scheduled. Others prefer the freedom of reading and studying as they feel led.
2. Read different translations and types of bibles.
3. Using a study bible, read the referenced verses in the margins.
4. Do a topical bible study.
5. Choose topics from a concordance.
6. Reflection study – after reading, write down your reflections. How does this apply to your life? What speaks to you? What confuses you? Is there anything from today’s message that you want to share with somebody?
7. Journal your questions from what you read. Critical thinking can be very eye-opening.
8. Have a prayer journal. Write prayers on the topics you’ve been studying.
9. Make lessons out of what you read today. If you had to give a lesson on that day's reading, what would you teach someone?
   
10.  Join a group bible study. This can be in person or on the internet.
11.  Study people from the bible. What role did people play in the bible? What significance did they have? How do you relate to them? What can you learn from them?
12.  Study one book of the bible at a time, particularly in the New Testament.
13.  Try summarizing the paragraph or chapter. What’s your overall take-away message from this section?
14.  Write out passages on index cards. You can practice memorizing your favorite bible verses this way. Or put these index cards somewhere you can meditate on them at some point in the day.
15. Read books that take you deeper into understanding a section of the bible, a topic in the bible, or a biblical principle.

Click here to learn more about Who Jesus is, the subject of salvation, and how we live as Christians.