The study of the Bible is not optional for the Christian, but mandatory, Study to show thyself approved unto God… - II Timothy 2:15.  It is necessary for spiritual grow, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: - I Peter 2:2.

But, how do you study the Bible? Here are some simple guidelines from Alan Espinoza to use in your personal Bible reading that will help you see how your Bible is relevant to your life.

List sins to forsake, Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, - I Peter 2:1. List promises to claim, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

List examples to follow, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. – James 5:16. List stumbling-blocks to avoid, …thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. – Acts 5:4. List personal applications to your life, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed… – Romans 12:1, 2. List commands to obey, Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. – Romans 16:17. List thoughts about God, Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. – I John 4:10.