Featuring Keith Ferrin, Your Bible Coach

Have you ever opened your Bible, read a few verses, and then closed it, still unsure how it applied to your life? Or maybe you’ve felt the pressure of turning Bible reading into a task to check off your list rather than an encounter with God.

You’re not alone.

In an episode of Living the Reclaimed Life Podcast, we sat down with Bible coach, author, and storyteller Keith Ferrin, and he unpacked something powerful: Seven simple questions that can help you engage any Bible passage. Whether you’re deep in a structured study or flipping to a random verse, these questions will transform the way you read the Bible.

Why Questions Matter

Many of us approach the Bible with a “should” mindset. We feel like we should read it more, understand it better, or apply it faster. But what if we started with curiosity instead? What if we opened the Bible to hang out with God, rather than to perform for Him?

That’s where these seven questions come in. They’re not a checklist; they’re relational prompts that help you:

• Know who God is
• Understand who you are in Him
• Discover how to draw you closer to Him. 

The 7 Questions

1. What does this passage say about who God is? Scripture always points to the character of God. Instead of jumping to personal application, start with discovering who God reveals Himself to be.
2. What does this passage say about what God has done? Look for how God is moving, interacting, creating, redeeming, or teaching. The Bible is His story, and we’re invited into it.
3. What does this passage say about my identity? Before we apply the Word to our behavior, we must root ourselves in our identity. We are chosen, loved, called, and equipped; and Scripture reminds us of that over and over.
4. What encourages me in this passage? Is there a promise, truth, or insight that uplifts your spirit? Write it down. Let it be a source of strength.
5. What challenges me in this passage? Be honest: Is there something here that stretches you, convicts you, or calls for change?
6. What questions do I have? Don’t shy away from confusion. Write your questions down and use trusted tools like BibleHub.com, BlueLetterBible.org; Keithferrin.com/logos; or Bible Gateway to explore answers.
7. How will I respond? Instead of asking, “What should I do?” ask, “How will I respond to what God is showing me?” Your response might be worship, silence, action, or simply gratitude.

A New Way to Engage

Keith reminded us that these questions aren’t meant to be answered all at once. Some days, just one of them might be enough. Other times, they may spark deep reflection, journaling, or great conversation in a small group.

He also shared powerful tools like the Bible Toolbox and his online Bible Life Community, where everyday people study the Bible together with clarity and joy.

Final Thoughts

Bible study doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating. It can be a deeply relational practice that brings you closer to Jesus; not just more informed, but more transformed.

So the next time you open the Bible, take a breath, pick one question, and begin a conversation with the One who wrote it all!

And if you missed our full conversation on the podcast, be sure to listen to the episode: 7 Questions That Will Transform the Way You Read the Bible.”

For more from Keith Ferrin, check out his YouTube channel, join his community, or follow him on the YouVersion Bible app. You’ll find tools and encouragement to help you move from should to want when it comes to reading God’s Word.
• Website – www.keithferrin.com
• YouTube – www.youtube.com/keithferrin
• Instagram – www.instagram.com/keithferrin
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/keithferrin
• Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/keithferrin