Read through the Bible // May

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

At the beginning of the year, we challenged you to join us on a yearlong journey through the Scripture. Are you ready to start this month’s adventure?

The Map

May 1: 2 Samuel 5–6; Luke 12:1-12
May 2: 2 Samuel 7–8; Luke 12:13-34
May 3: 2 Samuel 9–10; Luke 12:35-59
May 4: 2 Samuel 11–12; Luke 13:1-17
May 5: 2 Samuel 13–14; Luke 13:18-35
May 6: 2 Samuel 15–16; Luke 14:1-24
May 7: 2 Samuel 17–18; Luke 14:25-35
May 8: 2 Samuel 19–20; Luke 15
May 9: 2 Samuel 21–22; Luke 16:1-18
May 10: 2 Samuel 23–24; Luke 16:19-31
May 11: 1 Kings 1–2; Luke 17:1-19
May 12: 1 Kings 3–4; Luke 17:20-37
May 13: 1 Kings 5–6; Luke 18:1-17
May 14: 1 Kings 7–8; Luke 18:18-43
May 15: 1 Kings 9–11; Luke 19:1-27
May 16: 1 Kings 12–13; Luke 19:28-48
May 17: 1 Kings 12–13; Luke 19:28-48
May 18: 1 Kings 16–17; Luke 20:27-47
May 19: 1 Kings 18–19; Luke 21:1-28
May 20: 1 Kings 20–21; Luke 21:29-38
May 21: 1 Kings 22; Luke 22:1-23
May 22: 2 Kings 1–3; Luke 22:24-53
May 23: 2 Kings 4–5; Luke 22:54-71
May 24: 2 Kings 6–7; Luke 23:1-12
May 25: 2 Kings 8–9; Luke 23:13-32
May 26: 2 Kings 10–11; Luke 23:33-56
May 27: 2 Kings 12–13; Luke 24:1-12
May 28: 2 Kings 14–15; Luke 24:13-54
May 29: 2 Kings 16–17; John 1:1-18
May 30: 2 Kings 18–20; John 1:19-51
May 31: 2 Kings 21–23; John 2

Points of Interest: Background info you need to know

Here’s the behind-the-scenes info that will help you understand the books of the Bible that you’re reading this month.

1 and 2 SAMUEL were named for the judge who anointed Saul and David, the first two kings of Israel. In your reading, you will learn about David’s reign over Israel, God’s promise of an everlasting dynasty, and David’s faults—like his adultery with Bathsheba and his relationship with his son Absalom. There are also important overarching themes, like David’s reign as king which illustrates Christ’s kingship in many ways.

1 and 2 KINGS was originally a single work, 1 and 2 Kings was divided into two books by the Greek translators in the second century B.C. In 1 Kings, you’ll learn about Solomon and his dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, and you’ll also read about the prophets—particularly Elijah—who confronted idolatry. In 2 Kings, you’ll find that the Israelites continued in their idolatry and even though God disciplined them, He preserved Israel’s monarch because of His promises to David (2 Kings 8:19).

LUKE is the longest and most inclusive of the Gospels, as well as being one of the most literary of the four. In the first chapter, Luke states that his purpose for writing was to provide an orderly account of the beginnings of Christianity so that readers would have reliable information about Jesus. This month, you’ll be reading through the second half of Luke and will learn that Jesus not only lived and ministered as the perfect human, but He also died and rose to life as the Savior for all sinners.

JOHN describes Jesus as the Word of God who was with God and was God. John also wrote about many incidents that are missing from other Gospels, like miracles (water to wine), teachings (the “I am” sayings), and other incidents (meeting the Samaritan woman). Overall, John tells an important story: God purchased redemption and began His kingdom through Jesus Christ.

Need a printout of the reading plan so you can check off each day’s Scripture verses as you read? Click here!

 

Filed Under: Cover story, devotion, In this issue, Love God Tagged With: , ,

Spiritual Discipline: How to study a book of the Bible

May 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Each month, we highlight a spiritual discipline you can begin developing in your life. This month, we’ve focused on how to study a book of the Bible. AMY KEYS gives us some tips on deepening this discipline in our lives.

istock/03-07-11 © Aldo Murillo

Step 1 > Pick a book.

Do you enjoy reading poetry, learning about history, studying the life of Christ, or learning about New Testament theology? Perhaps there’s a particular book of the Bible that has always fascinated or bothered you. Discover what interests you, then choose which book you want to study

Step 2 > Discover the background.

Look in a study Bible or commentary to discover introductory information about the book of the Bible you’re going to study. Look for information like who wrote it, when was it written, and who the original audience was. Find out as much as you can about the culture, author, and historical significance before reading the book.

STEP 3 > Read the entire book.

This may seem like a lot, especially if you chose a Book like Genesis or Job, but it really does help you understand the overall meaning of the book if you read the whole thing through. When you finish, make some notes about the overall theme, what stood out to you, and what questions you want answered as you study.

STEP 4 > Dig in.

Read through the book again and take time to study it. Meditate on it. Look up words you don’t know. Research concepts that seem unfamiliar. It doesn’t matter whether it takes you a week or a year to get through it. Enjoy the process, prayerfully allow God to speak to you and reveal His living truth to you. Wondering how to dig in? Check out “Fast Facts” below!

STEP 5 > Write a summary.

This may sound like a book report, but in this case, you don’t have to worry about grammar and topic sentences. This is just for you, and it’s a valuable process. Write out what you learned, how it affected you, and any questions you still have after studying a particular book of Scripture.

FAST FACTS:

Tips for practicing the discipline of studying an entire book of the Bible

READ ONE SECTION.
Choose a verse, paragraph, or chapter, and read it through several times slowly. What stands out to you? If you come across words you don’t understand, look them up. Make sure you get a good grasp of this section before moving on.

USE CROSS REFERENCES.
Follow the cross references your Bible offers for additional insights into the passage you’re studying. In addition, take time to read any notes your Bible offers or get a commentary to read along with each section.

CONSULT DIFFERENT TRANSLATIONS.
Reread your section in as many translations as possible. Compare them and note how different words and phrases are used to communicate the same idea. Sometimes, phrases will come across  differently in another translation.

DON’T GET OVERWHELMED.
Don’t feel bad if you can’t read every commentary or if you aren’t moving very quickly. Allow God to teach you as you study, and move along to the next chapter when you’re ready.

PRAY!
Scripture isn’t something you should just passively read; it’s something you should prayerfully read. Expect it to change you. Pray before, ­during, and after you read. Ask for God’s guidance and insight.

This article was written for the MAY 2012 issue of ec by AMY KEYS. Get your subscription here: www.lifeway.com/ec.
Filed Under: Cover story, In this issue, Love God Tagged With: , , ,