## Introduction and Problems with Current Note-Taking Methods - The goal is to present a comprehensive [[Bible]] note-taking system that addresses the problems of existing methods, including inconsistent color usage, inefficient note-taking, and limited space for writing full thoughts [(00:00:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=3s). - The system aims to provide a theological order for color usage, a symbol system for cueing major doctrines, and a method for referencing notes in a systematic way [(00:02:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=150s). - Writing in the Bible is not considered a problem theologically, as the pages and materials are not holy, but rather the inspired and infallible word of [[God]] [(00:01:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=64s). - The current method of taking notes in the Bible often results in three problems: colors not having a specific meaning, notes being jammed into small spaces, and limited room for writing full thoughts [(00:01:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=96s). - The proposed system will address these problems and provide a more organized and effective way of taking notes [(00:02:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=147s). - The system will be presented in a single video, distilling the knowledge and skills accumulated over the years by Matthew Everhart, the pastor of Gospel Fellowship PCA [(00:00:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=42s). - The importance of having a systematic approach to note-taking is emphasized, as it will enable users to reference their notes in a more efficient way [(00:02:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=169s). ## Color-Coding System - A color-coding system can be used to organize notes in a [[Bible]], with each color representing a specific doctrine, such as black for [[God]], green for creation, brown for sin, red for Christ and the atonement, orange for the [[Holy Spirit]], blue for the church, purple for eschatology, yellow for blessings, and pink for reformed theology or the doctrines of Grace [(00:03:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=196s). - The colors can be used to highlight or underline specific passages or notes in the Bible, creating a visually organized system that connects doctrines with colors [(00:05:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=305s). ## Symbol System - A symbol system can also be used to convey information in a small space, with each symbol representing a specific concept, such as the Trinity, resurrection, or other key biblical themes [(00:05:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=349s). - It is recommended to create a personal symbol system, rather than borrowing someone else's, to ensure that the brain connects with the symbols and their meanings [(00:06:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=376s). - Using a combination of color-coding and symbols can improve note-taking in a [[Bible]], making it easier to review and connect different doctrines and themes [(00:05:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=332s). - A symbol system for note-taking in the Bible includes various symbols such as a downward arrow for repentance, an "a" with an arrow for atonement, "C" for Covenant, and "f" for justification by faith, among others [(00:06:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=398s). - The symbol system also includes abbreviations for the [[Five Points of Calvinism | Tulip]] doctrines, which are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible Grace, and perseverance of the Saints [(00:07:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=425s). - A page in the Bible with limited margin space can still be used for note-taking with a symbol system, allowing for dense information to be recorded in a small space [(00:07:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=451s). - Examples of symbols used in note-taking include an asterisk for referencing other sources, a "t" for typology, a heart for love, and a "C" for Covenant [(00:07:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=466s). - Typology is used to highlight connections between biblical figures, such as Adam and Christ, and to note deeper meanings in the text [(00:07:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=475s). - An asterisk symbol can be used to reference other sources, such as books or authors, and to cue the reader to look up additional information [(00:08:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=514s). - The symbol system can be used to record notes in the margins of [[Bible | the Bible]], even when space is limited, and can help to develop a more sophisticated note-taking system [(00:09:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=562s). - The goal of the symbol system is to help readers to advance their Bible note-taking skills and to make the most of the limited space available in the margins of the Bible [(00:09:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=575s). ## The Miscellany System - The Bible's physical limitations can make it difficult to take notes, as publishers try to fit as much content as possible into a portable book, resulting in limited space for notes [(00:10:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=613s). - A common approach to note-taking in the Bible is to write notes in the margins, but this can be inefficient and take up valuable space [(00:10:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=626s). - A better system for note-taking is inspired by Jonathan Edwards' miscellany system, which involves referencing external notebooks to keep notes organized and separate from [[Bible | the Bible]] [(00:11:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=660s). - Edwards' system allows for a cleaner note page in the Bible by making references to external notebooks, where more detailed notes can be written [(00:11:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=692s). - The miscellany system involves assigning a number to each note, which corresponds to a more detailed entry in an external notebook, making it easy to find and add to notes [(00:12:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=725s). - To implement this system, an external notebook, called a miscellaneous notebook, is needed, where a table of contents is created to keep track of notes by miscellany number [(00:12:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=752s). - The table of contents should be left with several blank pages at the front of the notebook to accommodate future additions [(00:13:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=790s). - Each note in the miscellaneous notebook is assigned a unique number, such as "m001", to facilitate easy reference and organization [(00:13:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=807s). - A miscellaneous notebook is used to store notes that don't fit into other categories, with over a thousand entries possible, each with a unique identifier, such as "m001", and including the topic, scripture verse, and full note [(00:13:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=821s). - The notebook starts with a table of contents that grows as entries are added, allowing for easy reference to all notes, regardless of their order [(00:14:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=847s). - Each entry includes a topic, scripture verse, and full note, with the freedom to write as much as desired, include shapes, symbols, sketches, or drawings, and make references to other books or systematic theologies [(00:14:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=864s). - The system allows for reminders of previous notes when reading through [[Bible | the Bible]], with the table of contents serving as a key reference point [(00:15:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=902s). - The entries do not have to be in chronological or canonical order, and can be organized in any way that works best for the user [(00:15:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=925s). - A smaller, portable notebook, referred to as "notebook X", can be used to carry around and make new entries, with the same system of table of contents and unique identifiers [(00:16:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=987s). - The portable notebook allows for easy access to notes and the ability to make new entries, even when the main notebook is not available [(00:16:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1014s). - The system is inspired by [[Jonathan Edwards (theologian) | Jonathan Edwards]], who used a similar method to organize his notes, and allows for flexibility and customization to suit individual needs [(00:15:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=949s). - A Bible note-taking system can be organized using multiple notebooks, each identified by a letter, and entries within each notebook identified by a number, allowing for easy referencing and organization, regardless of the number of notebooks used [(00:17:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1034s). - The system consists of a letter to identify the notebook, a number to identify the entry, a scripture reference, and the topic being discussed, making it easy to find specific notes and preventing the problem of running out of space [(00:17:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1050s). - This system allows for flexibility, as users can have multiple notebooks in different locations, such as at home, church, or work, and can easily switch between them [(00:17:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1045s). - Over time, the notebook or [[Bible]] will become filled with notes, which is the desired outcome, as it shows that the user is actively engaging with the material and taking notes on various topics [(00:18:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1085s). - The types of notes that can be taken include background information related to the text, personal illustrations, prayers, inspirational quotes, fulfillment of biblical prophecies, subject and topic lists, academic citations, textual footnotes, and links to other notebooks [(00:19:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1146s). - The system can also accommodate various types of notes, such as historical anecdotes, theological and doctrinal notes, and alternate translations [(00:20:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1203s). ## Recommended Writing Implements - For writing in Bibles, the recommended pens are [[Micron Technology | Pigma Micron]] pens, which are available on [[Amazon (company) | Amazon]] [(00:20:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1232s). - A recommended pen for note-taking in [[Bible | the Bible]] is the Pigma Micron pen, which has a fine nib, does not smudge, and does not wear away, making it ideal for writing small and neat notes [(00:20:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1242s). - For highlighters, the Zebra Mild Liners are recommended due to their mild color, minimal bleed-through, and reduced see-through effect compared to other highlighters [(00:21:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1275s). - If using a cheap, off-the-shelf highlighter, [[Sharpie (marker) | Sharpie]] is preferred over [[Bic (company) | Bic]] due to its better performance [(00:21:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1309s). ## Different Bible Types and Note-Taking - A wide-margin Bible provides more space for writing marginal notes, but it is still recommended to use a miscellaneous system for notes that require more space [(00:22:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1328s). - Journaling [[Bible | Bibles]] have a large journaling space, but even with this space, a miscellaneous system is still recommended for note-taking due to its flexibility and ability to provide more room for notes [(00:23:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1386s). - A miscellaneous system is preferred over writing notes directly in the Bible, even with a wide-margin or journaling Bible, as it provides more space and flexibility for note-taking [(00:23:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1410s). ## Additional Tips and Techniques - To avoid damaging the Bible, test writing implements such as highlighters, pens, and markers on the concordance page first before using them elsewhere in the Bible [(00:24:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1443s). - Use blank pages in the Bible to create lists of key doctrines, such as a list of [[Messianism | Messianic]] prophecies, as these pages are limited and should be utilized for important information [(00:24:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1467s). - Cross-reference notebooks to each other, including digital notebooks, to stay familiar with topics and link related information across different notebooks [(00:25:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1506s). - Tab in extra pages for extra note-taking by gluing in an extra page with a small fold on the edge, but avoid overdoing it to prevent stressing [[Bible | the Bible]] [(00:25:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1549s). - Consider sticking with one main Bible for as long as possible to maintain consistency in note-taking and organization [(00:26:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1596s). - Create a digital miscellaneous system on a computer for alphabetical entries, allowing for easy addition and organization of information [(00:26:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1605s). ## Conclusion - A farewell message is given, expressing love and stating that the conversation will continue later [(00:27:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M&t=1636s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgk1GWoz8M)