Christ is referred to as the ‘Living Word’. In John 1, we learn that in the beginning was the Word. 

As Christians, we know the Word to be living, active, and sharper than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). We live by the Word, and we are guided by the Word. 

The phrase ‘Living Word’ reflects my belief that the Scripture is true, infallible, and God-breathed. From it, we can learn to live, find prayers, encouragement, prophecy, and new life. Though the Bible was written across continents, generations, and centuries, its truth points to one person: Jesus Christ.

The Bible Still Matters Today

In a world filled with opinions and shifting trends, the Bible offers a solid truth. It’s something we can depend on. Even today, the Word of God can still guide us. 

From the Scripture, we can see:

• Guidance for our decisions
• Wisdom and truths
• Revelation about Jesus
• Perspective and encouragement during tribulation
• Hope for the glory that is to come

The Bible reveals to us who God is, His character and His nature revealed in the persons of the Father, Son, and Spirit. 

Studying the Scripture

Part of my journey as a believer is to share with you how you can study, understand, and apply the Scripture and its principles to your life. 

To understand God’s Word, it requires careful examination of the passages, not a glance-through. I always read with a concordance and a lexicon.

Concordances are used to index where certain words are used in the Bible. For instance, if you come across one word in a verse, a concordance can show you all the instances where this word appears in other areas of the Bible.

I also use a lexicon. The most common resources for the Bible are the Greek and Hebrew lexicons. The Hebrew lexicon is used primarily with the Old Testament, while the Greek lexicon is used for the New Testament. 

Any English word that you see was translated from the Hebrew language. The lexicon can give you that Hebrew word and its definition. This is the same thing with the Greek lexicon.

If you struggle to read and understand the Bible, here are some tips to help. 

Read the Bible in Context

Don’t just read a single verse, but read the passage around it. Verses and chapters were invented to help us find specific areas in the text. However, the authors of the books wrote fluidly. In order to understand what they are writing, it is important that you read all passages fully to capture the idea. 

Start with Prayer

Before reading, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through whatever you’re about to read. The Holy Spirit is our first instructor in understanding Scripture. 

Understand the Where, When, and Why

Each passage has a historical context. Research when this was written, where it was written, and the culture and history surrounding why it was written. This is especially useful for understanding the prophetic books. 

Ask Questions

Ask meaningful questions when reading. Ask yourself, what is God trying to communicate to me? How does this passage apply today? What does this reveal about God?

Also, join a local Bible Study group so that you can ask your pastor or other senior Christians questions about passages you don’t understand. 

Take the Time to Reflect

Slow down and let the text settle in. Don’t try to rush through the chapters, but digest each word carefully. Dissect the Scripture and allow it to soak into your spirit. 

When the Bible Feels Difficult

Often in our reading, we encounter challenging passages of Scripture that feel confusing, distant, or even discouraging. 

Sometimes this may mean:

• You don’t understand certain passages
• You don’t understand why God will say or do a certain thing (especially if you perceive it to be morally incorrect)
• You feel convicted about something
• You’re angered by something that takes place
• There is a lapse in consistency

There are two things to remember when you read the Bible:

• The Bible reveals the sin nature of humans
• The Bible reveals the atonement of Christ for this sin nature

Areas of the Bible may not always feel easy to digest, but parts of the Bible record the history of man, and mankind, when in sin, isn’t the prettiest sight. This also includes God’s righteous judgment dealing with the sin nature of man. 

Another challenge is understanding Biblical truth. Most of the time, people try to read the Bible as if it were a science book. The Bible reveals spiritual things. It reveals the why behind the how and the what. 

The Bible is not there to prove or disprove scientific matters. It is there to guide, convict, and offer hope to the spirit man. It is there to reveal Christ’s mission and His relationship with humans. 

What the Bible Should Do for Us

Ultimately, the purpose of God’s Word is to transform us. 

Over time, our thoughts, attitudes, decisions, and characters should change to reflect those of Christ. 

Transformation may be instant, but in many cases, it is gradual. It can take months to years of small steps to see evidence of shifts in the way we operate. 

The aim is not to try to finish the Bible in one go. The aim is to allow the Bible to shape us. It’s a lifelong journey.