Tips on reading the Bible?

[Jamesj]

Ok, I want to read the bible all the way through. I'm just wondering what the best way is; As front to back seems a bit daunting.
I also want to read the NT first I think, is there any problem with this? Should the Bible be read in order, or is it okay to jump around?

 

[JCFantasy23]

It is ok to jump around. Many recommend starting with certain scriptures over others, like the gospels. I think it's important to at some point read the bible in order as well though, since it all ties together and keeps referencing back and forth.

 

[wayseer]

Ok, I want to read the bible all the way through. I'm just wondering what the best way is; As front to back seems a bit daunting.
I also want to read the NT first I think, is there any problem with this? Should the Bible be read in order, or is it okay to jump around?

Why do you want to read the Bible?

You might have to think about that for a moment because the answer to that question will determine 'how' you read the Bible.

 

[Kaitlin08]

I would start with the Gospels and then read Paul. These are the most important parts of the New Testament for Christians who are just beginning to read it. IMO the ranking for importance of study goes like this: Gospels = Paul > Hebrews > John = Peter > James.

It may be difficult reading. You can always come back here and ask if there's something that is hard to understand.

Have you thought about the version you're going to use? I recommend trying the ESV, the NRSV, or the NASB for their accuracy and easiness to read.

 

[Jamesj]

Why I want to read the bible: I want to know more about god and his word, but I think I want to know more about Jesus and his time here first, so I'm going to start with the NT.

What version I'm reading: KJV, mostly because it's what I have. Would you recomend another version over it?

Thank you all

 

[lesliedellow]

Why I want to read the bible: I want to know more about god and his word, but I think I want to know more about Jesus and his time here first, so I'm going to start with the NT.

What version I'm reading: KJV, mostly because it's what I have. Would you recomend another version over it?

Thank you all

The short answer from me is no I wouldn't recommend anything in preference to the KJV. But there is no absolute answer to that question, so maybe you should try several versions, and go with the one you find most devotionally helpful.

 

[Mr Dave]

If you're happy with the language of the KJV then go for it, it's beautifully written and really brings something special. My personal favourite is the NRSV, it's one of the more accurate translations and is easy to read (Without being simplistic or losing meaning or depth).

If I were to read all the Bible, i would start with the gospels (probably in this order, Mark, Matthew, John, Luke (Mark is the shortest and oldest and gives you the bones of 'gospel', Matthew expands on this, Luke is fairly similar to Matthew, so I would break those two up with John which is written in a completely different style)). I would then read the letters of Paul, followed by the other letters. Then I would move back to the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), then the Historical Books (Joshua to Esther). After this I would read the Prophetic Books (Isaiah to Malachi) and finish with Revelation. I'd leave Revelation to the end as it is better to read this after having read the OT prophetic books (especially Daniel) as you'll find links across them and it won't just be incomprehensible imagery.
I've left out the Wisdom Books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song Of Solomon) as I would recommend reading these alongside the rest of the Bible, as it would become fairly monotonous reading 150 psalms one after the other or countless wise saying one after the other. I'd read a chapter of one of these, then read whichever other bit of the Bible you're up to. Hope that makes sense.
That's just what I would do, there's no right or wrong way.

 

[razeontherock]

I agree read what you have. Gotta start someplace and there's no time like the present! Every version has it's strengths and weaknesses, and in time you will want to examine other translations, but don't get de-railed on that now.

I think it's equally important to constantly check and re-check our attitude of approach towards Scripture, but I'll get to that last. I usually recommend to start reading in John's Gospel, (the Gen 1:1 of the NT) because you cover the essentials w/o so much repetition, and get straight into the rest quicker. If you're primarily interested in Jesus' words, by all means start in Matthew and read straight through the NT from there.

While I think we should prioritize the NT and "live in the Epistles," I also think you should have many other bookmarks and in time put them to use. For example, read chapter 5 of Proverbs today. This works out every day of the month, and I can guarantee you you'll always find at least something that applies that day!

Another bookmark going in Psalms.

Another marking your progress from Gen 1:1

Perhaps another going through the Prophets, beginning w/ the minor ones at the end that everyone skips but are short and GREAT.

None of this is designed to pre-empt your progress through the NT for any reason, just to keep you fresh, interested; i.e., "on fire." that's important! To wit:

_________________________________________________________________________


1. Approach the Bible with the attitude that it is God speaking to you, telling you about how to relate to Him. Pray with a quiet, meditative spirit, for exactly that. Ask Him to show Himself strong to you, in ways you haven't known yet. It's ok to stir up your hunger, but try not to let that stir up your emotions.

2. Do this every morning, and every evening. We can talk about Scriptural reasons in depth later, but it is God's way.

3. As you read, anything that looks good PRAY FOR IT. Specific examples I've found powerful:

a. Is 50:4 "The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. (Jesus got this, prophetically. (Jesus got this, prophetically. Talk about humility!)

b. “That[bless and do not curse]the[bless and do not curse]God[bless and do not curse]of[bless and do not curse]our Lord Jesus Christ,[bless and do not curse]the[bless and do not curse]Father[bless and do not curse]of[bless and do not curse]glory, may give unto you[bless and do not curse]the[bless and do not curse]spirit[bless and do not curse]of[bless and do not curse]wisdom[bless and do not curse]and[bless and do not curse]revelation[bless and do not curse]in[bless and do not curse]the knowledge[bless and do not curse]of[bless and do not curse]him:” Eph 1:17

c. Realize EVERY instance of "the wicked man" in Proverbs is you (me / us).
Yeah, ouch.

4. If there's time for more involved praying after this, fine; but more likely there will be other things you need to go do. Don't think they take you away from God because they DON'T! Just don't leave home w/o Him. It's in the doing that prayer seems to be most helpful. "Pray w/o ceasing," keep a prayerful attitude; there is room in His kingdom for
our own unique style. The calling is to abundant LIFE.


May G-d Bless you richly via His Word, which is Blessed already.

 

[Jamesj]

Thank you all so much, I didn't even consider a lot of this. I have a much better Idea of how I'm going to make my way through it now. Thank you all

 

[razeontherock]

Getting started is the hardest part of any task, and while the Bible can seem daunting at first:

3 chapters a day and you'll get through the whole thing in a year. The real key is - -

HIS SPIRIT