For that reason, this is the most fundamental note to use in your Bible. This type of note allows you to summarize an entire text, understanding how it operates as a whole and how each individual sub-section contributes to one overall theme. Outlining is the process of taking a set of verses-perhaps a few verses within a chapter, an entire chapter, or even multiple chapters-determining its main point or theme, and dividing it into supporting sub-sections. Each of these types is explained below, along with an example and illustration of the type of note as it would be used for Psalm 46 (these examples are based on the exposition of Psalm 46 found here). This method relies upon only four categories, or types, of notes: outlining, commenting, defining, and linking. In response to these pitfalls, the following note-taking system I developed many years ago may serve as a blessing to you. Those who find themselves in this category may have so over-coded their note-taking system that it, too, has been rendered unhelpful. Relying upon literally dozens of colored pencils, designs, and symbols, some systems I’ve seen essentially require something like a three-page rubric to decipher. Lastly, there are some who have concocted an exquisite note-taking system. Underlining everything provides no additional insight. And while I certainly appreciate and understand that zeal, especially for passages like Ephesians 1 or Romans 9 that reveal some of the grandest metaphysical realities known to man, that kind of mentality suffers from similar problems. Others who take notes go the opposite route: underlining every single line in an entire chapter. In fact, years later, the one who wrote it may not even remember how or why the particular passage struck his or her fancy in the first place (and aren’t all passages of Scripture “so good?”). And while true, such a note does not contribute to understanding the text. Some underline phrases in their Bible and write, “So good!” next to it. On the other hand, you may want to take notes-and perhaps have even done so from time to time-but you don’t quite know what to write. In that case, purchasing a new Bible in order to take notes would be a good decision. Certainly, if you’ve inherited a multi-generational family Bible, I agree that it would be wise to preserve it as best you can, and I understand why you wouldn’t write in it. The manufacturing process used to produce your physical copy has not endowed it with any special graces. If that’s you, let me encourage you to recognize that it is God’s Word, not man’s paper and ink, that is to be revered. Have you ever considered taking notes in your Bible?įor some, that idea of writing in a Bible seems unconscionably sacrilegious.
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