Prelude: The writer in this corner of the the web page is merely a simple Christian, a Jesus-lover, a Jesus-enjoyer, not a Bible scholar, without any theological background, actually a retired mechanical engineering professor from a Canadian university. He has no intention to give any teaching or doctrine here, rather, just wishes to have fellowship with the readers regarding what he has enjoyed and experienced of the Lord and His Word. This principle stands and holds true not only for this article but for all past and future articles as well.

Although numerous books and messages on studying the Bible have been published and are available, there is still room for us to review and discuss this topic here. Consequently, three points in this respect will be considered worthy to be addressed as in the following.

Firstly, we should never doubt the Bible. In the past, we may have been taught, and even taught others, concerning the ways to study or how to study, with three things emphasized:
(1) thoroughly study,
(2) generate some doubts, and
(3) dare to raise any opposing opinions.

This approach is acceptable for literature, science, technology, and so forth. However, it should definitely not be applied to the study of the Bible. For the Bible is God- breathed (2Tim 3:16) and written with the inspiration of God (2Peter 1:21b). We may realize that not all the verses are God's speaking, e.g. Satan's speaking in Gen 3 and Job 1. Yet the authors of each book in the Bible were driven and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Of course, questions may be raised in our Bible-study, since many verses in the Bible are not easy to understand. We may ask what is the meaning or the intrisic significance of a certain verse and why it says so, and so on. However, we should not doubt the Bible. Doubting usually comes from Satan ( e.g. Gen 3:1 ). Positive questioning is healthy, but doubting is negative and should be avoided.

Secondly, we should have a bird's eye view in our study of the Bible. Actually, this point is quite common in academic institutions. Any thesis on a certain subject must be written with a full overview covering the entire scenery, otherwise, the study will not be complete and adequate, and may not be worthy to publish. It is all the more so in our study of the Bible. To fully understand a single verse in the Bible sometimes may involve the whole chapter, the whole book or even the whole Bible. Often we may have a question in the Old Testament and find its answer in the New Testament and vice versa.

Thirdly, we should train ourselves, cultivate our mind, and build a proper and healthy study habit in our daily life to know the Bible, to love the Bible, and to enjoy the Bible. Of course, this kind of approach will not be built overnight. Rather, it may take a long time, even a life-long time. However, if it is our will, there is no reason for us not to accomplish it. Once Confucius told his disciples: "To love the knowledge is better than merely to pursue it, and to enjoy the knowledge is better than merely to love it." It is so true, and we may testify that indeed this is our experience of our study of the Bible.

In conclusion, doubting the Bible is negative and should never be our practice; positive questioning, however, is healthy. In addition, any study of the Bible should have a bird's eye view over the entire scenery. Furthermore, we should encourage one another to know and pursue, to love, and to enjoy the Bible.

Bro. Joseph