June 30, 202

     Lots of people have read the bible, most are sincere looking for eternal truths to guide them in life and death. The Bible does contain these truths however when we find them they are not always what we were hoping for. Truth is often very uncomfortable and making serious changes is hard work. Because of this many people having taken a look put the Bible back on the shelf and don’t let it get into their hearts where it can have its full effects. In order to make the bible more appealing I would offer the following suggestions.

1. Read small portions of the bible while paying little attention to what comes before and or after the verse or few verses you have read. This lack of context will allow for a wide variety of interpretations one of which will probably not be too convicting.
2. Understand that the bible is an old book and while it contains wisdom (those are the parts that make you feel nice) some it of is quite outdated and probably not applicable to you and your life. 
3. Feel free to combine bible verses from any book with verses from any other book if they sound at all similar or even if they don’t. This way you can devise elaborate theologies about things you have imagined. 
4. When you read about bad characters in the bible understand that they are most like your neighbours, co-workers, family members, and people you may have heard about on the news. 
5. When you read about good noble characters in the bible understand that they are most like you and the people you like and agree with.
6. If you don’t immediately understand something in the bible, you can see what someone else things about it by reading a commentary there are lots of commentaries this is so you can find the interpretation that you like.
7. Don’t read a whole book in a sitting that’s too overwhelming, besides who reads letters or emails in one sitting? 
8. When you come across things that sound like direct commands you need to realize that God doesn’t have those expectations of you rather these are more like good suggestions probably for someone else.
9. Sometimes in your reading you will find history, sometimes you will find poetry, sometimes you will find reasoned discussions, sometimes you will find visions or symbols. You don’t really need to worry about all that just approach it all the same.
10. Finally, if you get to a point where you think there might be some reflection of you in the text don’t look to hard. It’s better to go away with your self-image intact than to feel like you might not measure up.

I hope that you will use the guide to aid in your Bible study. One last warning whatever you do don’t read James 1:22-25

~ Kevin Cleary