Reading the Bible
Now that you have become a Christian, you have the spirit, the faith and the desire to learn more. Knowing Jesus and helping spread the Good News of the Gospels are the greatest characteristics of being a Christian, but now you want to know the steps showing Jesus that you love Him as He loves you. You have a great deal of learning to do and this learning process is a lifetime of information that you will be gathering on a daily basis.
The first step is something that you may have already been doing, but now it has greater meaning and there is a lot of faith to behold when working on this step. This step is the reading of the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is definitely THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD. This explanation of the Bible is told in books as well as movies since the early 1900s based on the Book. It is important to point out that there are two main sections to the Bible: The Old Testament and the New Testament. Briefly, the Old Testament talks a great deal about Gods Chosen People, the Jewish Faith and how they came to be so. Due to their continued sinning and turning from God, He knew that there was no doubt that a Savior was necessary to right their wrongs. This Savior, as you now know as Jesus Christ, has been prophesied throughout the entire Old Testament since the beginnings in the book of Genesis. The story of Jesus begins the New Testament with His birth, his teachings (the Gospels) and the story of His crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus called the New Testament, The NEW COVENANT, which is important to understand that this means the relationship between humanity and God the Father.
The Holy Bible has 66 Books from the beginning of the Old Testament with the Book of Genesis all the way through the Book of Revelation which ends the story. Within the 66 books are numerous chapters and verses. In todays society, there are hundreds of variations and interpretations of the Holy Bible and it is up to you, the new Christian to choose which you want to read, and how you want to read it.
There is a great deal of books outside of the Holy Bible which teaches a Christian how to read it. Then, there is the Bible that you choose which might have a section explaining how to read it. Christians read the Bible through Daily Devotionals (which we will get into in another section of this website). Daily Devotionals are small writings with scripture embedded in them to support the devotional. Most bibles outline how to complete a Daily Devotional. The Bible can actually be read in its entirety in the 365 day structure of a year. Is this enough to understand the Bible? That is up to you. Can you understand it after one year of reading? Probably not, but again, this depends on your understanding and your interpretation. What is truly important when reading the Bible it to continue your belief in God and understand that the Bible was most likely written by man, inspired by God the Father.
The following are questions and scripture to help you along with what the Bible means and why it is important to read it:
Why Should I Read the Bible?
Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8And with them he sent Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijahthe Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. 9So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people. (2 Chronicles 17:7-9)
How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word. (Psalm 119:9)
Why Should I Trust The Bible?
(Psalm 33:4): For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth.;
(Proverbs 16:22): Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.
(2 Peter 1:16-21): For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19£And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private £interpretation, 21for prophecy never came by the will of man, but £holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Why is the Bible Called Gods Word?
(2 Timothy 3:16-17): All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
How is the Bible Different from Other Religious Literature?
(2 Timothy 3:16): All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
This is an extremely brief introduction into understanding the Bible and there is a great deal more. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us by sending an email with your question or posting it at the Contact Us link and we will be more than happy to answer the question for you or at least recommend some links on the internet for you.
©Mission Lighthouse Ministry. All Rights Reserved. 2010.
