Reading Scripture in Context (Free Resource!)

I’ve noticed something lately—well, not lately. It really has been an ongoing issue, and I say it with a tender heart, not a critical one.

More and more, I’m seeing scripture used out of context. Sometimes it’s to prove a point in a debate. Other times it’s to prop up an emotion or validate a decision. The verse sounds good, it fits the mood, and it gets shared like a spiritual stamp of approval.

And I get it. I’ve done it too.

There was a time when I approached scripture looking for a quick answer, a comforting phrase, or a motivational boost without stopping to ask what did this mean to the original audience? or how does this verse fit into the bigger story?

But here’s what I’ve learned: when we lift verses out of their context, we risk misunderstanding what God is actually saying. Worse, we risk making the Bible about us, instead of about God.

That’s why I created a Practical Guide: How to Read Scripture in Context. It’s a free resource you can download, print, tuck into your Bible, or share with a friend.

This guide walks through 10 simple steps to help you approach scripture with clarity and faithfulness. Whether you’re brand new to Bible study or have been walking with the Lord for years, it’s a helpful reminder that context matters.

You’ll find questions like:

• Who was the original audience?
• What’s happening in the surrounding verses?
• Is this passage descriptive or prescriptive?
• How does this fit into the bigger story of the gospel?

You’ll also find a list of tools I personally use. As with anything, it is good to filter all resources, even the ones I recommend, through the lens of sound theology.

And stay tuned! My next post will be a real-time example of how a passage like Mark 16:15-18 is often misunderstood when read out of context, especially in conversations about spiritual gifts. We’ll walk through that passage together and let scripture interpret scripture.

I hope this guide serves you well. My heart is to see more women rooted in truth, growing in discernment, and equipped to rightly handle the Word of God. Not just for personal insight, but for the glory of Christ.

If you download the guide and find it helpful, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or share how you’re using it. Let’s encourage one another to be faithful students of God’s Word.