HOW TO ACTUALLY READ THE BIBLE
HOW TO ACTUALLY READ THE BIBLE
Firm Foundation - Part 5 | July 4-5, 2026
Caleb Kolstad | @calebkolstad
STUDY THE BIBLE FAITHFULLY
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
– Nehemiah 8:8-9
1. The Bible comes alive when we read it CAREFULLY
3 He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.
– Nehemiah 8:3 (NLT)
2. Read it with HUMILITY
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
– Acts 17:11 (NLT)
3. Read it with COMMUNITY
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
– Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.
– Matthew 18:20 (NLT)
4. Read it with OBEDIENCE
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
– James 1:22 (NLT)
Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
– Romans 16:19 (NIV)
FOR DISCUSSION:
Read Nehemiah 8:1–12 out loud. Then retell the passage in your own words. Then discuss the following questions:
What does this passage teach us about God?
What does this passage teach us about people?
If this is true, what should I do in response?
Who could I share this with?
