The third installment of the “What the big deal about the “little book” posts. The featured image for this blog is a page from the Chinese translation of Simple Truths.

How to get started?

The first reading

If you have never read a book like this before, the best place to begin may be to simply start reading it through slowly. It is very short, so you can read through it very quickly. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything.  If you have questions, you can always write them down on a piece of paper.

This first reading will help you understand how the little book (Vérités Simples) is written. You will also become familiar with new words and new ideas. Remember not to worry if there are things you do not understand at first. That is why the book was written. It will become the tool to help you learn.

A closer reading

Once you have gone through the little book once, it is time to take a closer look and dig deeper.  If you thought of questions as you read it the first time, this second reading is a good time to return to those questions and look up the verses in the Bible that are listed underneath each Question and Answer. Remember, the little book was written to help you understand the Bible.

Look up the verses and read them. Also read the verses before and after those verses as well. This will help you better understand what those verses are saying.

Reading together

One of the best ways to read the little book is to read it with other believers. The New Testament tells us to “teach one another”. Finding a Christian who has followed Jesus for a long time can help you. When you come to something you do not understand, maybe they will be able to help you understand it better. If they cannot, then both of you can try to find the answer together.

Learn the questions and the answers by heart.

One of the best ways to use this little book is to memorize each Question and Answer. That way, you can think about these things even when you do not have the little book with you. This is a good way to teach your family (especially small children) about what the Bible teaches. In some places, families begin teaching their children to memorize these Questions and Answers even before the child can read. That way, they can talk about these important things anywhere and at any time. Of course, memorizing these Questions and Answers is also good for adults. Having these things in your head and heart can help you be guided by the truth and also detect error when you hear it.

Some people can memorize things quickly. Others memorize more slowly. But no matter how you do it, knowing these Questions and Answers and keeping them in your memory will help you become a stronger Christian. Some people also look up the verses that follow each Question and Answer and memorize them as well. These people benefit even more. The man or woman who keeps God’s words in their heart will become wise and strong in the ways of God.

            Here are some ideas to help:

Memorize one to two questions each day for five days and on days six and seven review them. The next week do the same and the following week do the same. Do this each week until you have finished all 144 Questions. Then at least one day each week review all of the Questions and Answers from the beginning.

One of the best ways to memorize these Questions and Answers is to do it with a friend. One person can ask the Questions and the other can give the Answers. Then go through them again and change roles. This will help you both as you learn these important truths from the Bible.