Opening the Bible Together
Looking at two different methods for studying Scripture.

Kevin Hardy • Lead Pastor | Elder
October 15, 2026

4 Minute Read

Last week, I encouraged us to consider a simple question: What would it look like if Christians throughout our church were regularly opening their Bibles together?

Maybe you’ve thought of someone you could ask to do this with. But another question might be holding you back: What would we actually do when we sit down?

You don’t need to prepare a lesson or have all the answers. You can open your Bibles, read a passage, and work through it together. A few simple questions can help guide the conversation.

In our recent Monday School classes, we explored two approaches recommended in David Helm’s One-to-One Bible Reading: the Swedish Method and COMA. Both give us a starting point for reading carefully, understanding what God has said, and responding in faith and obedience.

The Swedish Method

Light Bulb → Question Mark → Arrow

This approach uses three simple symbols to guide your reading: a light bulb, a question mark, and an arrow.

Start by reading a passage aloud together. Then take a few minutes to read it again individually, noting something beside each symbol.

A light bulb: What stands out?

This should be something that 'shines' from the passage – whatever impacts you most, or draws your attention.

A question mark: What don’t I understand?

Anything that is difficult to understand in the text, or a question the reader would like to ask the writer of the passage or the Lord.

You don’t have to hide your questions or pretend you understand everything. Bring them into the conversation and look carefully at the passage together.

An arrow: How does this apply to me?

Ask how you are to respond. Something in the passage that connects personally to your life. How does this passage call you to trust God, turn from sin, love someone, or change the way you think and live?

After taking a few minutes individually, share what you’ve noticed. Keep returning to the passage as you talk. The aim is to understand and respond to what God has actually said.

The COMA Method

Context → Observation → Meaning → Application

COMA provides four headings to guide your conversation: Context, Observation, Meaning, and Application.

Context: Where does this passage fit?

Consider what comes before and after it. Who is writing or speaking? Who is being addressed? Reading a few surrounding verses can help us avoid taking a statement out of context.

Observation: What does the passage say?

Look closely at what is there. Who is involved? What happens? Are there repeated words, commands, promises, or contrasts? Take time to notice the details.

Meaning: What does the passage mean?

What is the author communicating to the original readers? How do the details fit together? Try putting the main point into a sentence, checking that it reflects the passage. Application: How should we respond?

Having considered its meaning, ask how this part of God’s Word should shape your beliefs, desires, words, and actions. Is there a promise to trust, a sin to confess, or an example to follow? Be specific, and pray for God’s help to respond.

Give It a Try

These methods are just a couple of ways to get you into God’s Word with someone else. So, choose whichever approach helps you get started. Ask God to help you understand His Word, read the passage, and use one of these methods to guide your conversation. Finish by praying about what you’ve learned.

We still have copies of David Helm’s One-to-One Bible Reading available at the church if you would like more guidance.

Remember, you don’t need to be an expert! Simply think of one person, arrange a time, and open the Bible together.

Pastor Kevin

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From this Author: Kevin Hardy
October 22, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Christian Foundations
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Kevin Hardy

Lead Pastor | Elder

Currently Reading
October 15, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Opening the Bible Together
Last week, I encouraged us to consider a simple question: What would it look like if Christians throughout our church were regularly opening their Bibles together? Maybe you’ve thought of someone you could ask to do this with. But another question might be holding you back: What would we actually do when we sit down? You don’t need to prepare a lesson or have all the answers. You can open your Bibles, read a passage, and work through it together. A few simple questions can help guide the conversation. In our recent Monday School classes, we explored two approaches recommended in David Helm’s One-to-One Bible Reading: the Swedish Method and COMA. Both give us a starting point for reading carefully, understanding what God has said, and responding in faith and obedience. The Swedish Method Light Bulb → Question Mark → Arrow This approach uses three simple symbols to guide your reading: a light bulb, a question mark, and an arrow. Start by reading a passage aloud together. Then take a few minutes to read it again individually, noting something beside each symbol. A light bulb: What stands out? This should be something that 'shines' from the passage – whatever impacts you most, or draws your attention. A question mark: What don’t I understand? Anything that is difficult to understand in the text, or a question the reader would like to ask the writer of the passage or the Lord. You don’t have to hide your questions or pretend you understand everything. Bring them into the conversation and look carefully at the passage together. An arrow: How does this apply to me? Ask how you are to respond. Something in the passage that connects personally to your life. How does this passage call you to trust God, turn from sin, love someone, or change the way you think and live? After taking a few minutes individually, share what you’ve noticed. Keep returning to the passage as you talk. The aim is to understand and respond to what God has actually said. The COMA Method Context → Observation → Meaning → Application COMA provides four headings to guide your conversation: Context, Observation, Meaning, and Application. Context: Where does this passage fit? Consider what comes before and after it. Who is writing or speaking? Who is being addressed? Reading a few surrounding verses can help us avoid taking a statement out of context. Observation: What does the passage say? Look closely at what is there. Who is involved? What happens? Are there repeated words, commands, promises, or contrasts? Take time to notice the details. Meaning: What does the passage mean? What is the author communicating to the original readers? How do the details fit together? Try putting the main point into a sentence, checking that it reflects the passage. Application: How should we respond? Having considered its meaning, ask how this part of God’s Word should shape your beliefs, desires, words, and actions. Is there a promise to trust, a sin to confess, or an example to follow? Be specific, and pray for God’s help to respond. Give It a Try These methods are just a couple of ways to get you into God’s Word with someone else. So, choose whichever approach helps you get started. Ask God to help you understand His Word, read the passage, and use one of these methods to guide your conversation. Finish by praying about what you’ve learned. We still have copies of David Helm’s One-to-One Bible Reading available at the church if you would like more guidance. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert! Simply think of one person, arrange a time, and open the Bible together. Pastor Kevin

Kevin Hardy

Lead Pastor | Elder

October 8, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
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Kevin Hardy

Lead Pastor | Elder