We have finally come to the end of the special series on “The Holy Bible.” Now, we will go through all the parts once again. By the end of this review, we believe you will clearly understand what the Holy Bible truly is and how it differs from all other books. We also believe you will learn the right methods for reading the Bible effectively and receiving results -revelation.
📖 The Holy Bible Blog Series
- 📑 Episode 1: What Is the Holy Bible?
- 📑 Episode 2: The Holy Bible and the Other Books
- 📑 Episode 3: How to Read the Bible (Part 1): Before you Read
- 📑 Episode 4: How to Read the Bible (Part 2): How to Read
- 📑 Episode 5: How to Read the Bible (Part 3): What to Expect
- 📑 Episode 6: What is the Holy Bible? A Summary
What is the Holy Bible?
In the first episode, we looked extensively at what the Holy Bible is. So, what is the Holy Bible? We saw that the Holy Bible is not just literature; it becomes the Bible when it is inspired by the Holy Spirit that is what gives it life.
According to TB Joshua, “Scripture is literature, but when it is inspired by the Holy Spirit, it becomes the Bible.” As 2 Peter 1:21 declares, “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The words were written by men, but the message came from the Spirit.
You must understand that the Bible is not just a history book. It is not merely a poetic or ancient book. Other books, familiar to us, serve to inform and educate. They contribute to the development of the mind and intellect. Books such as chemistry texts, literature, biology, medical books, and inspirational writings can inform, but only the Holy Bible can transform.
The Bible is not just another book we read to keep ourselves busy. It possesses a unique nature that sets it apart from all other books. One fact that makes the Word of God so unique and special is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Scripture can remain just a letter if it is not inspired by the Holy Spirit.
How to Read the Holy Bible: A Proven Method
We covered three steps, and the first step was what you must do before you read the Holy Bible. We need to correct a common mistake from this very moment: we cannot pick up the Bible the same way we pick up other books and open it randomly to read. Although we have personal Bible-reading goals, we must take time to consider these steps.
Before you Read
As mentioned earlier, the Holy Bible is different from all other books, so the approach to reading it must also be different. The very first step to reading the Holy Bible effectively is to understand the importance of the Holy Spirit and the state of your heart.
TB Joshua said: “As the Lord breathed His Spirit into certain men, so He breathed His Spirit into certain books.”
The Holy Spirit is essential to effective Bible reading because He is the Teacher (John 14:26), the one Jesus promised to reveal to us the deep things of God. He is the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation (Ephesians 1:17).
If the Holy Spirit is so important for reading the Bible, then we must be conscious of the truth that He must be invited before reading. And when we invite Him, we must consider the state of our heart, because if we expect the Holy Spirit to speak to us, every barrier must be removed.
What is that barrier?
The Holy Bible does not come alive to many people today because this first step is ignored. What is the state of your heart before you pick up the Bible to read?
Many read the Bible with unforgiveness, envy, jealousy, and resentment in their hearts. As we saw in Psalm 66:18, when you hold on to past pains, unforgiveness, hatred, envy, or jealousy and then read the Bible, you cannot hear the Holy Spirit.
How to Read
After considering the state of your heart, TB Joshua often taught that the best method for reading the Bible effectively is to read slowly, attentively, and repeatedly.
Why is this important? Because this deliberate act allows you to be fully aware of and connected to the active presence of the Holy Spirit.
When it comes to the Bible, speed reading must not be used. Speed reading may help with subjects like history or literature but it is completely unsuitable for engaging with the Scripture.
You must meditate on the Scripture until it becomes a reality to you. You may not fully understand it the first time you read it, but you must keep meditating. If you don’t grasp it immediately, simply continue meditating.
The correct pattern for Bible study is this: The Holy Spirit leads, and you follow.
What to Expect
What to expect when these first two steps are followed? You should expect revelation and revelation comes through meditation, where you turn the Word over and over in your heart.
So, what is meditation?
T.B. Joshua taught that meditation means “think more.” Meditation helps you discover the burden lying upon your spirit, what is weighing you down or putting your spirit in bondage.
The benefits of meditation go far beyond receiving revelation or understanding from what you read in the Bible. Meditation leads to obedience. In other words, meditation aids obedience.
Practical Steps on How to Read the Bible
Before you read, free yourself from every form of bitterness, envy, jealousy, and pride. You can listen to the song composed by TB Joshua, “Free my heart to follow You,” and pray the words in your heart until you receive clearer light to proceed. Do not be in a hurry to pick up the Bible without taking this first step.
After releasing yourself from any form of sin, you can then pick up the Bible and read but read slowly, attentively, and repeatedly. Examine everything you read. Instead of rushing to cover more chapters, meditate on what you have read. Repeat it quietly in your heart, reflect on its meaning, and ask the Holy Spirit questions until it becomes a reality to you.
Always remember: Reject speed reading. Focus on quality, not quantity.