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Discuss the Bible as a Family

We also want to support families as they read the Bible together. Through our partnership with Watermark Community Church, we’re providing Family Conversation Cards – an easy, engaging guide to help families talk about Scripture. We really believe the Bible is more meaningful (and more fun!) when you explore it together as a family.

Simplified Reading Plan
Conversation Cards

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you need additional help understanding a passage, we’ve partnered with Watermark Community Church as a podcast resource! You can find their podcast – Join the Journey – Season 4 on your preferred streaming platform. Each episode corresponds with the daily reading assignment and tackles that day’s toughest verse(s) in 10 minutes or less!

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DOWNLOAD THE FREE 2026 BIBLE READING PLANS

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Need Help Studying the Bible

STEP 1

OBSERVATION

Observation simply answers the question, “What do I notice?” or “What do I see?.” It requires considering who is speaking, what people are involved, where they are, what they are doing, what words are being used, etc.

Put simply, it’s the “who, what, when, where, and why” of the passage.

When you start observing the text, begin by looking for things that are emphasized, contrasted, listed, exaggerated, repeated, similar, different, or related. Have a pen out and don’t hesitate to mark up the page. Find out what is literally occurring in the set of verses – try not to just look at one and ignore the rest.

PRO TIP: For every observation, try to cite a specific verse that supports the observation. (If you can’t cite a verse, it probably isn’t an observation.)

STEP 2

INTERPRETATION

While observation is the process of determining what’s there, interpretation is the process of determining what the passage of scripture is saying, or, in other words, what it means. It requires us to build a bridge between today’s time and when it was written. What was true then? What is always true? And what is true now?

When interpreting a passage, it’s helpful to begin by investigating the context.

  • Literary context: What’s around the passage? What book is it in? And what do I know about that book?
  • Narrative context: Where does it fall on the Bible timeline?
  • Historical context: What’s happening in history at this time?
  • Cultural context: What customs, practices, actions, and attitudes were common at this time?

PRO TIP: Sometimes, you’ll need to consult other resources to be able to understand the context! More on that in the dive deeper section below.

STEP 3

APPLICATION

“So what?” “What difference does it make?” or “How does this have anything to do with my life?” As you apply the truths of God’s Word, ask questions like:

  • Is there a command to obey?
  • Is there a sin to repent from?
  • Is there a promise to cling to?
  • Is there an example to follow? Or one to avoid?
  • Is there someone I should share this truth with?
  • What could I do today to put this principle into action?

STEP 2

PRAYER

Simply talk to God! The point of studying the Bible isn’t just to learn facts or check a box – it’s to come to better know the God of the Bible, to fall more in love with him!

When we pray we can ask God to help us understand what we’re reading, confess any sin our time in the Word has exposed, or ask for His help in following through with our application of the text!

Additional Resources

Pentateuch

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Historical Books
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 and 2 Samuel
1 and 2 Kings
1 and 2 Chronicles
Ezra-Nehemiah
    Esther
    Wisdom Literature
    Job
    Psalms
    Proverbs
    Ecclesiastes
    Song of Solomon
    Prophets
    Isaiah
    Jeremiah
    Lamentations
    Ezekiel
    Daniel
    Hosea
    Joel
    Amos
    Obadiah
    Jonah
    Micah
    Nahum
    Habakkuk
    Zephaniah
    Haggai
    Zechariah
    Malachi
    Gospels
    Matthew
    Mark
    Luke
    John
    HISTORY
    Acts
    Paul's Letters
    Romans
    1 Corinthians
    2 Corinthians
    Galatians
    Ephesians
    Philippians
    Colossians
    1 Thessalonians
    2 Thessalonians
    1 Timothy
    2 Timothy
    Titus
    Philemon
    General Letters
    Hebrews
    James
    1 Peter
    2 Peter
    1-3 John
    Jude
    Prophecy
    Revelation

    WANT TO Follow a year in the word AS A FAMILY?

    Bible Study Resources

    Many of us struggle to interpret the text. How do we know if we’re interpreting something correctly? Want to get better at interpreting Scripture? We recommend:

    • 40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible (Robert L. Plummer)
    • Join The Journey Podcast Bonus Episodes (Released December 2022)
    CoMMENTARIES

    Almost all commentaries attempt to explain the passage in terms of some system of theology. In other words, the commentary is an explanation of how the Bible fits together and what it means. Some commentaries outline each book, others look at themes, and some even do word studies based on the original languages. Here are two of our recommended commentaries to aid you in your study:

    • The New Bible Commentary (G.J. Wenham, J.A. Motyer)
    • Baker Commentary on the Bible: Based on the NIV (edited by Walter A. Elwell)
    • The Christ Centered Exposition Commentary Series (series edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida)
    • The Gospel Coalition Comentary 

    When using a commentary, it’s important to always read God’s Word for yourself first, prayerfully study it on your own, and then consult the commentary! If we aren’t careful, we can easily make the mistake of studying what someone else has to say about God’s Word rather than exploring what God might be trying to teach us through His Word.

    STUDY BIBLES

    Commentaries can be expensive, and they can be a hassle to carry around! A great middle ground resource is a good study Bible. Study Bibles provide commentary, cross-references, and helpful articles. Sometimes they even include maps and diagrams! We recommend:

    • The ESV Study Bible
    • The NIV Study Bible
    • The CSB Study Bible
    ONLINE RESOURCES

    Trying to find an answer? We’ve got you covered!

    Having trouble finding a specific verse?
    Search for it at www.biblegateway.com.

    Want to search the Bible topically?
    Check out www.bible.org.

    Looking for a free commentary?
    Try www.netbible.org or Sonic Light.

    Want to do a deep dive on an individual word?
    Try www.studylight.org or www.blueletterbible.org.

    Got a really specific question?
    Check out www.gotquestions.org or Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry.