Keith Ferrin offers a very simple and practical way that one might read and study scripture.

Any time I meet someone who enthusiastically loves God’s Word, I take notice. There was no doubt that the guy I met Sunday loves the Bible. After I spoke at Mt. View Presbyterian Church on Sunday, he made a beeline to where I was standing and started asking me questions about How this? and Why that? and What about this? His passion was contagious.

At one point he shared the process he is currently using to read the Bible. It is pretty simple… but very intriguing. He is reading through the New Testament, book-by-book, five times through each book. Each reading has a slight twist.

Reading 1: He simply reads the book in the New International Version. (no notes or commentaries of any kind)

Reading 2: He reads it again… in The Message.

Reading 3: He reads it in the NIV again. However… this time he reads ALL the notes in his study Bible.)

Reading 4: He reads it in the New Living Translation (no notes)

Reading 5: He reads it one last time in the NIV (no notes)

Told you it was simple.

Not only could I see the immediate benefits of this type of read through, I could also see some cool adaptations. You could insert various translations other than the ones mentioned. What if during one – or more – of the readings you were ALSO listening while you were reading? What if you read it out loud with/to a partner? Hmmm… got me thinking…

What are some other adaptations to this process?