I've found it more useful to read the Bible in sections, rather than just reading it in order. Other people may have different thoughts. The Bible is also very different from any other book I have read. I suppose it depends on how we approach reading it. I know that I enjoy reading something in the Bible more than once because I often see something different, at a deeper level, than I saw when reading it previously.
The Bible is in the order it is for good reason, though. The Old and New Testaments are very distinctly separated into different sections, and even further, are put into order my a methodology that takes into account age, chronology, and thematic. You could read it out of order if you really wanted to, the books in their oldest forms weren't even originally compiled together, after all, but the reason the Bible is organized as it is was to create the most perfect compilation possible out of the available sacred religious writings of the time, and it succeeded. There is no better way to read than in the order it's already presented unless you're studying one specific text at a time.
One thing that is helpful is to use a chronological guide and read the books in order of time. Also, I had learned that if you read something you don't understand, go ahead and plow through it. The Holy Spirit will bring it back to your remembrance at the right time. If you want I can send you a copy of the chronological reading guide.
Hmmm.....I see your point, and I think that is probably true for some who attend church. But what about those who don't believe in hell? Unfortunately, not all who attend church believe that hell even exists. I think that one of those individuals may still take comfort in a God who will help them in their times of need.
Very true.
Perhaps it was my fault for not writing clearly enough.
Not necessary or required.
Thanks for your thoughtful responses.
