If you need a new way to approach your daily quiet time with the Lord, the ABC Bible Reading Method is a great place to start.
What is the ABC Bible Reading Method?
The ABC Bible Reading Method consists of an acronym that models how we can approach the Scriptures and our relationship with God: Ask Questions, Best Verse and Commit.
Why should I use the ABC Bible Reading Method?
There are many Bible reading plans and studies and different tips on how to study the Bible. Simply put, this is just another way! If you’re feeling stuck in your Bible reading, the ABC Bible Reading Method can help jumpstart your daily quiet time and get you excited about reading the Word.
How do you use the ABC Bible Reading Method?
You can use the ABC Bible Reading Method for any passage in the Bible you wish to study during your daily quiet time.
Let’s use a passage from the New Testament as an example:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Ask Questions
Asking questions about what you are reading allows you to approach the Scriptures with curiosity, regardless if you’ve read that passage for the first or the hundredth time.
The following is a list of sample questions you can ask yourself and God, with example answers using the passage from Matthew 11:
Who is saying this? To whom? Why?
Jesus is preaching to the crowds in the towns of Galilee.
What was the writer’s intent in saying this to his original audience?
Written by Matthew, Jesus had just declared to the crowds that He is His Father’s Son, and those that come to Him weary and burdened will find rest for their souls.
What was that audience thinking when they heard the message?
Many believe Jesus’ words, including His disciples, but some did not, including nearly all Pharisees who were likely offended.
What is the main point in this passage?
Jesus isn’t speaking of physical burdens, but of the oppressive spiritual ones laid upon them by the religious order at the time. Jesus was offering rest and a different “yoke” of repentance and faith in Him. He would fulfill the Law and change their hearts so that they would be able to truly love God and neighbor rather than just following the Law with their actions.
What is God saying to me here?
God wants me to lay aside religion and have a relationship with Him, because Jesus is the only one who is perfectly righteous and is able to carry my sins and pay for them.
What can I apply to my life today from this passage?
Living by faith in Jesus is much more freeing and restful than trying to be self-righteous by my own actions.
Best Verse
A “best verse” is that one particular verse in the passage you’ve read that appears to be highlighted and narrows your focus on the big lesson or truth you believe God is revealing to you.
Example: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
As you go about your day, try to mentally and spiritually return to that “best verse.” Perhaps you reread the passage again, write it down on a notecard or journal, and take a few seconds to talk with God about it. Then, listen. The Holy Spirit will often bring to mind that “best verse” in the middle of your day or during an unexpected situation and reveal to you how it can be applied with His wisdom.
Commit
At the end of your Bible reading, ponder the different areas of your life and choose a particular one — or some part of your upcoming day — that you will commit to God. You may decide to commit your finances, relationships, or career to the Lord, or more specifically a test, sales call, presentation, or a meeting with a particular person.
Example: Lord, I commit my relationships to You. I know I can never measure up, but by laying down my burdens at Your feet, I know that You will show me the way and give me Your rest in return.
Think again about that “best verse” and how it resonates with your life. Again, commit that to God.
Example: Lord, thank You that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. I commit everything to You.
Committing to the Lord means you choose to submit to Him and His will with a humble posture of your heart, and then act with obedience. You can commit to God with short, simple prayers throughout the day:
- “Today, Lord, I trust You with this.”
- “Yes, Lord, I will go to her and ask her forgiveness.”
Your Next Steps
The ABC Bible Reading Method is a simple but powerful way to spend time with the Lord and His Word, and if you’re looking for additional structure for your daily quiet time, visit our How to Have a Daily Quiet Time resource to learn more.
God calls us to have an intimate and personal relationship with Him, and the best way to grow in our walk with Jesus is to spend time in His Word. No matter what Bible reading method you use, your precious time with the Lord will only increase your faith and draw you closer to Him with joy!
Share this Navigators Discipleship Tool
Download a print friendly PDF of the ABC Bible Reading Method resource to pass along. Navigators Discipleship Tools are designed for sharing with your Bible study, church groups, and those you are discipling.
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