Histories of denominations don't cure alienation and not knowing who you are

The practical way to the read the Bible is as if you are reading of your people, your history, your biography. I.e., once you finally get your hands on a Bible, in the unique way where you value it as the Word of God, you then read it to find out about yourself, your history, what you are to do, and just what is going on.

When you read of the Israelites in the Old Testament you are reading of yourself and your people and your history. When you are spiritual Israel that history is your history. YOU have been brought up out of Egypt (regeneration). Yet even in historical time that is your people. On all levels the Bible gives you knowledge of your biography and your history. Of you and your people.

When you open your Bible and read Psalm 78 you are eager to read it because in it you are learning of your history. The history it recounts is YOUR history.

Then, practically, you live your life as an Israelite now. You now know who you are. You know your history, your people, your faults, your blessings, your past, present, and future.

You're still a stranger and pilgrim in this present world, yet you know who you are and whence you came from. Rather than being ill-defined, or having a hazy notion of who you are and where you are and what is going on, it is ALL right there in the pages of Scripture. Your family history. Your biography. Your past and your future. Rather than living in total alienation you now know who you are and what you belong to and you know your history and future.

This is, practically, how the Bible must be engaged. This is its value, other than regenerating (with the Spirit) you to begin with.