1. When you choose a book to read, first determine in which Testament time period it belongs. We no longer live under the Old Testament as our law. The Old Testament was necessary to bring us unto Christ (Galatians 3:19-25). There is a great deal of valuable information in the Old Testament that is worthy of our study (Romans 15:4). It increases our ability to understand much of the New Testament.

2. One must then get a general idea of the subject material of the book. A good Bible study will provide a brief introduction which would include the author, approximate time of writing, the intended receiver, and possibly some pertinent historical points.

3. Next, when reading a certain verse be sure and study the verses before and after. Never isolate one verse from the context. A great deal of religious error arises when this principle is neglected. For example, if you are reading about some act of conversion it is necessary to read the entire story. A good example is found in (Acts 16:25-33) relating to the conversion of the jailer and his household. Some want to stop with

(vs. 31)when the jailer is told to believe. The rest of the story is that they were taught the word of the Lord and were baptized that same night.

4. To properly understand a specific verse you must understand the meaning of the words in the text. It is not enough to ask the question, "What does that verse mean to me?" The real question is, "What does the verse mean?" A Webster's Dictionary can be of some help but it is necessary for a proper understanding of many words to turn to a Bible Dictionary. A good dictionary that I recommend is the "Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words" by W.E. Vine.

5. We then must ask ourselves how that verse applies to me. Just knowing the facts of the Bible is not sufficient for a saving faith. (Matthew 7:24) "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock."

6. We cannot do better if we do not know better. It is vital that we become a people of the "Book". Our eternal destiny depends on our knowledge of and obedience to the wonderful words of life. It is a wonderful journey and the destination is out of this world.