www.calvarybiblechurch.org/teaching.aspx/how_to_study_the_bible_2009 <p>The greatest treasure we have is the Bible. The Bible is where God speaks to us so that we can know Him, His will for our lives, and His plans for the future. This is why the Scriptures describe themselves as "more valuable than gold, yes, than much fine gold" <cite>Psalms 19:10</cite>.</p> <p>But if you have ever tried to study the Bible in depth, either for personal study or in preparation to teach a Bible study, you probably discovered that it can be very difficult. The reason for this is that the Bible was written over a 1,500 year time span by different people, in different places, from different cultures who wrote in different ways. Some wrote like historians using historical narrative, others wrote very eloquent poetry, Jesus taught at times in parables, and then there are the very mysterious and often baffling prophetic writings. Each of these literary types require certain Bible study principles if they are going to be interpreted accurately.</p> <p>The "How to Study the Bible" class is an entry level class which addresses the basic principles for Bible interpretation. The first four lessons cover the essential information needed to interpret any passage. The rest of the lessons address specific kinds of literature like parables and prophecy, and how to interpret them accurately.</p>