YOUR REQUIREMENTS?

Well you don't need to schedule any classes or pay any fees and the only book you'll need is the Holy Bible, which is also available online for free, at least for now anyway.

You can take it at your own pace; there are no deadlines; only commitment.

You can use your computer to further study the meaning of Scripture

You may find some pens and a great big notebook helpful though.....

THE BENEFITS?

COUNTLESS when you consider the priceless rewards, the learning, growing closer to GOD, and personal development of the fruits of the Spirit, not to mention getting to know Jesus better! 

An increase in godly knowledge and wisdom that inspires obedience, peace, clarity and creativity and is unique for each student, because when believers study the Word of God, answers to their/our own unique problems and questions are revealed and the path is made clear that they/we ought to follow, whether to take this job or that job or move here or there or break up with someone and so forth.

THE DIPLOMA?

Isn't necessary, but there are free and college/pay online classes for those interested; some that charge a fee and some that do not, and even some that give you the option; depending on if you are going for college credits or not.

Some Pointers on Studying The Bible--

The meaning of terms used are consistent throughout the Scriptural text, therefore, if you research the meaning of a word from any verse, that meaning will be the same, no matter where else in the Bible that word appears. Context is another matter, however, as anything written or spoken.

It is also quite helpful and even important to understanding, to know who is talking and to whom they are addressing in the text.

When you find a verse confusing, check the previous and following verses to get a more complete look at what the text is saying.

Any text that can be taken as literal, ought to be taken as such. The symbolism found in other places will jump out at you when you follow this thinking. But remember, the amazing stories that involve God's direct counsels are to be taken literally, no matter how outlandish they may seem, like for example: Jonah really did stay in the whale's belly for 3 days. (The story is recorded in Jonah, chapter 1.) And, this application is also appropriate for the study of the book of Revelation, as this book covers the Rapture, the Tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom, all of which are literal events that are soon to take place on the earth.

Some of the best places to begin are Genesis, the Gospel and John's letters, and Pauls; the epistles.

Start by simply reading. Stop when you get to something that you aren't sure about, you can search it out on your PC or phone or tablet. 

Jot down what verses you have researched and what you learned.

Some people retain information best when they make a regular practice of note-taking. I recommend trying this method.

There is also a plethora of Bible Commentary on the web that can be quite helpful at times.

Apply what you read to your own life and circumstances.

Remember, the deeper you dig, the deeper the learning and it can help to look up the meaning of words/phrases in Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament.

If you aren't sure about what you are understanding, continue in your study of that topic or passage AND remember, it's okay to not get something. Sometimes just reading it over and over can help, but it's okay to have trouble. We all do! No one can know it all, until we get to Heaven, (then we'll understand it all!)

And always ask that the Holy Spirit reveal the meaning of Scripture to you and give you discernment.

Developing a never-quit, determined toward learning God's Word can help accelerate your spiritual growth and repeatedly lift you up out of ordinary earth-bound living; you will soar above your troubles like the eagle. (Isaiah 40:31)

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.