Learn to Better Engage the Bible

Three Practical Ways and a Quick Tribute to My Dad

This article was first shared on my free Substack.

I’ve been sharing how Bible study tools are helpful, but they are not what make engagement with God’s Word possible. I wrote about how I guard against this in my preaching and teaching preparation, and I reflected on some of the blessings God has used to help me read and understand the Bible.

Today, I want to share a short tribute to my dad alongside three practical ways we can all learn to better engage the Bible.

1. Go to Sunday School.

My dad was a Sunday School teacher. It resonated with me because I knew he wasn’t a teacher professionally. He taught Old Testament Survey, and I saw how he found God’s Word fascinating.

If your church has a Sunday School program, consider it a blessing. Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with your church family. You can learn from different teachers, and you can learn from one another.

2. Read deeply and widely.

My dad was our church’s first librarian. They had a small cart and people would come to borrow books. My dad also had a library at home, and I would often look through his shelves. Some of my books at my home are his.

We can learn to engage God’s Word through both the most academic books and the simple truths found in books written for youth. Read books by both men and women, and read on a variety of topics. Good reading stretches our minds and helps us see Scripture from different angles.

3. Talk about Scripture.

My dad does not talk much with us about the Bible. But I know that he could talk, being a Sunday School teacher, and I remember him leading college fellowships and prayer meetings.

Find people with whom you can discuss God’s Word. Look for ways to bring Scripture into your everyday conversations. Listen to what others think, especially those who can offer different perspectives. Some of my best insights into the Bible have come through conversations with other believers.

The Joy of the Father

What my dad did do, is he made sure we learned how to play Christian songs in our piano lessons. As We Gather, As the Deer, More Precious than Silver. So the joy of music and singing Scripture was more our thing.

I’m grateful for the ways my dad taught us to learn to better engage the Bible. I hope I can be a good example to my children. And I pray this week that you would experience the joy of the Father through his Son.