What Is The Easiest Bible To Read And Understand
The Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version is an English translation of the Bible compiled by the World Bible Translation Center. It was originally published as the English Version for the Deaf by BakerBooks. Deaf readers sometimes struggle with reading English because sign language is their first language.
These Are Gods Very Words
You may have heard the Bible referred to as The Word of God. This idea comes from within the Bible itself. The authors of the Old Testament referred to the words they recorded as the Word of God. And in the New Testament, Jesus himself referred to the words recorded in the Old Testament as being the very words of God.
This means that these very words carry Gods authority and speak the truth about Gods character, his actions and his plans for the world.
The Bible reveals that God is a God who speaks with authority. Much of the Bible is a recording of Gods instructions, corrections and blessings that he spoke both audibly and through his Spirit in visions and dreams to his people. It is difficult to pick just one example from the Bible that illustrates this idea because there are so many!
The Bible clearly contains the understanding that Gods spoken word is true and authoritative in creation and the lives of His people. Over and over the words, God said, or The Word of God, or The voice of the Lord, occurs in the Old Testament.
In the New Testament, the author of the book of Hebrews explains it like this:
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Hebrews 1:1-2
Suggested Reading Order Of New Testament Books
Most of the time, when people start reading a book, they open to the first page because thats where the story starts. While Genesis starts the story of the Bible and is an extraordinary book, Gods communication to people is ultimately about the person, life, and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Why start with the New Testament? The New Testament tells the story of Jesus and the community of believers he established, called the Church. The Old Testament looks forward to the arrival of Christ by means of prophecy, typology, and foreshadowing. Yet the New Testament teaches readers about his birth, his death and resurrection, and everything that happened in between.
The Old Testament is also much easier to understand after readers have a basic understanding of New Testament teachings.
Don’t Miss: Is It Ok To Be Gay In The Bible
How Do You Read The Bible Every Morning
As you start reading the Bible daily, to many it may be important to read the Bible in the morning to help start your day. Some people are not morning people, OR mornings may not even be an option. Dont let this deter you. The essential thing is to find time each day.
With regards to reading the Bible every morning, follow the 5 Ps from above. Set your alarm, make a hot cup of tea or coffee, and begin your day with your Creator.
If you do not have a Bible version that you understand, shop for a version that suits you! I love using this ESV Study Bible. In the past, Ive also used the NLT Study Bible. Or, if youre looking for a chronological bible, I used this Chronological NLT Bible several years ago and loved the margins of notes and the ability to color specific verses with guided reading for each day.
I share about different Bible versions in this post on Best Bibles to Read for Beginners. I also highly recommend that you go to a book store so you can handle different bibles yourself and see what style youre drawn to. It helps immensely to see and feel for yourself.
Trust me, a Bible version that you can understand makes a world of difference!
What Book Of The Bible Should A New Believer Read First
Eden Parker
What book of the Bible should a new believer read first?
Great question. There are so many to choose from! Im going to suggest two options. Before I make my case, I want to give you some general encouragement. Then, I will explain why I think you may want to begin your Bible reading adventure either in Genesis or John.
Also Check: Why Should I Read The Bible Every Day
Preparing To Read The Bible
In order to get the most out of your Bible reading, there are several things to have on hand. Some people like to keep these items in a basket so they can easily pick them up and go anywhere to read.
- A notebook, paper, and pen
- Colored markers that do not bleed through paper
- Bookmarks or sticky notes to mark places you want to go back to
When you actually sit down to read, start by asking God to help you understand what you are reading. Then ask Him to use it to transform you into the person He wants you to be. This is a prayer that God loves to answer.
Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and wondrous things which you did not know. Jeremiah 33:3
New American Standard Version
You are my hiding place You keep me from trouble You surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have set in place What is man that You think of him, and a son of man that You are concerned about him? Psalm 8:3-4
Also Check: The Church Of The King
At This Point You Can Choose How To Proceed
You might want to study the rest of the New Testament before going back to the Old Testament. Maybe you want to hang out a bit in the New Testament and then go back to the Old Testament. Its entirely up to you.
Below are the remaining books left to study if you want to be able to track what you have left.
The rest of New Testament
- 1 & 2 Corinthians
Why Your Kids Misbehave And What To Do About It
Tantrums. Talking back. Throwing toys or food. Meltdowns. Slamming doors. Kids know just how to push your buttons. Youve tried all sorts of methods, but nothing seems to work. In this book, Dr. Kevin Leman reveals exactly why kids misbehave and how you can turn that behavior around with practical, no-nonsense strategies that really work . . . and are a long-term win for both of you.
Recommended Reading: Is Atlantis In The Bible
Where Not To Start
I have actually had non-believers ask me this more than new Christians and this is a great question. The Bible is not strictly written in chronological order. For example the book of Job belongs in the time frame of the book of Genesis. Some have tried to start at Genesis and begin through the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, then Deuteronomy, but when they get to certain sections of the Old Testament they can get bogged down in the lengthy genealogies. A good example is found in I Chronicles 9:11-12: Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the official in charge of the house of God Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah and Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer. You get the idea.
What Is The Best Order To Read The Bible
Reading the Bible can be very intimidating and confusing when you don’t know where to start. Find out what the best order is for you to read the bible in and why.
Reading the Bible from cover to cover can be very intimidating and confusing. The books in the Bible were arranged according to the type of book it is. But this does not mean we have to read it in that order. There is no right or wrong order or way to read the Bible, it is a personal choice.
You May Like: What Does The Bible Say About After You Die
Gospel Of John: Learning Who Jesus Is
Start with one of the four Gospels in the Bible. They give an account of Jesus life and teachings here on earth, and central to our faith is the historical figure of Jesus Christ, who is God Himself who became flesh, and dwelt among us .
Seven times, Jesus answers I Am when people question His identity.
The Gospel of John is a great place to start because it was written to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that by believing you may have life in his name. .
Introduction to the book: Throughout the Gospel of John, we see that Jesus is God.
Not only is Jesus the Messiah , Hes also the Son of God who gives eternal life to everyone who believes in His name. We see this reality through the signs and miracles He performs, and seven times He answers I Am when people question His identity.
When I Was A Kid I Had The Notion To Read All The Encyclopedias From A To Z
My beloved Encyclopedia set lined the bottom of my closet, and I would curl up in there with a flash light and read until someone told me to go to bed.
No matter how many times I set out to accomplish this goal, I never made it past Johnny Appleseed.
I sometimes wonder how far I would have made it if I hadnt insisted on starting at the very beginning of the set every.single.time. If I had just picked up where I left off the first time, I might have finished the As at least.
Nevertheless, I was a perfectionist, and I like things done the right way if its going to be done.
If I say Im going to read through all of the Encyclopedias, then I should read through them all front to back, cover to cover, never missing a line or getting out of order.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that when I became a Christian and wanted to get to know the God I served through His written word, I thought starting at the very beginning and reading straight through was the only way to do it right.
Genesis to Revelations here I come!
Time and time again, Id set the goal of reading the entire Bible beginning to end, and no matter how many times I tried, I never made it past the list of Noahs descendants in Genesis 10.
I felt like such a failure. What sort of Christian cant even read the Bible let along study it?
In his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald Whitney says:
Also Check: What Does The Bible Say About Spiritual Eyes
What Is The Proper Way To Read The Bible
Weve covered how to start reading the Bible daily but is there a proper way to read the Bible? My only advice on this is to read Gods Word with reverence.
Reading the Bible is a treasure trove of wonder, instruction, redemption, power, and direction straight to the heart of God. He meets us in His Living Word!
Approach reading the Bible with an earnest desire to meet Him in the pages!
What To Do When You’re Not Okay
Life can be pretty stressful. Between work, relationships, and other obligations, the pressure builds, and we lose sight of who we are. Counselor Debra Fileta helps you better understand your emotions, assess your mental, physical, and spiritual health, and intentionally pursue a path to wellbeing. In dealing with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, Debra understands the importance of self-examination as well as the benefits of seeking professional help. She offers biblically-based advice, tools, and encouragement to help you get on a path toward healing and wholeness.
Recommended Reading: Where To Find The Lord’s Prayer In The Bible
How To Start Reading The Bible Daily Patience
When it comes to beginning to read the bible, have patience! Trust that God is working every single time you open the bible to read. There may be days that you read the bible and it doesnt feel like youre getting anything out of it.
Dont let this discourage you! Before you know it, youll be going about your day, and all of a sudden, Hell bring to mind something you read days before and it will be exactly what you needed at that moment.
It takes patience and persistence as you start reading the bible daily. Commit to it. Trust God that He will satisfy the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things!
Another important point is to know that there is a spiritual war raging around us. Evil gains ground when Christians are complacent and passive.
When we get in the habit of daily bible reading, we grow in knowledge and understanding, and we begin to realize the power of Christ in us if weve accepted him as our Lord and Savior.
This is the last thing evil wants Christians armed with the truth! So remain diligent in reading your Bible daily, even when there are moments of struggle, doubt, or distractions.
Memorize Bible Verses With Your Family
Another great way to read the Bible and reinforce what you are learning is to memorize Bible verses from the passages you read. And what better way is there to do that than to get your family involved too! Check out this article below for some tips on scripture memory, as well as a list of verses to memorize!
Equipping the Sword of the Spirit: A Guide to Scripture Memory
The Bible is described as the Sword of the Spirit, a living and active weapon used to fight against sin and help us grow closer to God. Heres how we can equip it for the spiritual battles we face each day!
Read Also: What Is The Bible Say About Forgiveness
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet, but they shouted even more loudly, Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David! 32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, What do you want me to do for you? 33 They said to him, Lord, let our eyes be opened. 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
Pick One Of The 4 Gospels
The 4 gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This is where you can read about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is essential for the Christian faith. You can always add a study to help with understanding the context of what you are reading. These can be helpful! Once you finish reading through one gospel, I recommend picking another. When reading through the gospels, the story of Jesus is really setting a foundation for you to build on as you continue to read the Bible.
I have created an 18-day reading plan for you that goes through the Gospel of John. This reading plan is a great way to build reading the Bible as a daily habit as well as giving you an idea of where to start reading in your Bible. Make sure to subscribe below to get your Gospel of John reading plan!
Read Also: Be The Light Bible Verses
Write Down Your Thoughts And Questions
There is something particularly helpful about writing, especially when youre reading the Bible. It forces you to slow down, to ask questions of the text, and to clarify your thoughts on each verse.
You can either write directly in your Bible , or you can write in a journal. Alternatively, you could use a journal Bible which has space in the margins specifically for writing.
Some Books Have Multiple Genres
Theres definitely some genre-hopping going on throughout the books of the Bible. Daniel is both historical narrative and apocalyptic literature, and Acts works as both history and Gospel. Proverbs is a wisdom book that includes poetic elements. But the point is that learning to see these books through the lens of genre can help make Scripture reading a lot easier.
Read Also: Catholic Church St Augustine Fl
Why Study The Bible
When you accepted Jesus Christ into your life, you stepped into the most amazing relationship you will ever have a relationship with God. All relationships require work for them to strengthen and grow. But how can you cultivate a relationship with the Creator of the Universe?
The key to any relationship including one with God is communication. First, you can talk to God through prayer. Remember that communication isnt a one-way street God wants to speak to you too! Make sure to take the time to listen for His voice. He will choose many ways to talk to you. However, one of the best ways to hear Gods voice is to read His love letter to you: The Bible. Reading Gods Word helps us to grow in Christ. It teaches us how to live a life that is holy and pleasing to Him and that will demonstrate His power and love to those around us. The Bible shows us Gods character and gives us guidance on handling situations in life. We can test everything against His Word and know it is true yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Want to dig deeper? .