The Best Way to Read the Bible?

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_____falyne

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Jun 15, 2007
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Hi,I am a very new Christian and I've never read the entire Bible yet. I have read some parts but some are very confusing to me, especially the New Testament. I've heard some people don't read the Bible cover to cover but skip around and read certain parts and then come back to the others. How should I start reading my Bible? Also what Bible type is the best? I have a magazine copy right now that I got when I started at church, and my foster parents are going to buy me my own Bible soon. What kind is best?ThanksFalyne
 

inhislove76

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Jun 15, 2007
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Hello again,I have many translations myself, like you, I was not sure where to start. May I suggest reading the Gospels first. They will get you familiar with the period of Jesus, and His ministry. A great book to read for starters is the book of John. For bible translations, the one that works for me right now is the New International Version, (NIV). It is translated from the NKJV, but is fit for the new beginner. A great bible is the Quest. It gives you questions and answers to some unexplainable or confusing verses, and also has some great thoughts to ponder on. You can get it at your local Christian bookstore, or on christianbooks.com. I hope this helps...Blessings
 

Jordan

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Apr 6, 2007
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Actually the NIV (New International Version) came out about 9 years earlier than the NKJV. (New King James Version) However, I will warn you that I can not trust both of either versions is because of its omission (It deleted some of the important verses that we need to know( ...I only go by the Oldé King James Version...because it is translated well done by the KJB translators from the original tongue...however to get the whole Word, we must need to look at the original tongue (languages)Lovest thou in Christ Jesus (Yahshua) our Lord and Saviour.P.S I got 3 translation.1. New International Version (I didn't like it at all)2. New Living Translation (Same reason above)3. King James Version (This I can trust, because it has no copyright©, as only God copyrighted it, not mankind, but we have to look at the original language...to understand.
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inhislove76

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I apologize for the misleading info...for some reason, I thought the NIV came off from the NKJV. I personally find the KJV very hard to understand, but I do agree about the original language...and I do notice some missed words in other translations, as opposed to the KJV. What do you think about the Amplified though, it gives extra words....some the redefine words, that may not need defining?
 

HammerStone

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Falyne, my best advice is to start in your comfort zone or maybe even a little out of if you are able. However, avoid (at all costs) these new translations that like to paraphrase the Word. Translators make mistakes, but huge mistakes happen when someone tries to paraphrase what our Father has said to us.My recommendation is always the KJV. It's archaic language can be somewhat daunting at first, but it protects and mimics the old language of the manuscripts the best. The Bible is really the most beautiful piece of literature I have ever come across, and I say this as an English major.That being said, I have both KJV and NKJV on hand specifically for CB. If your foster parents would like to have one for you, just shoot me an email and I can send one out at no cost. It's paperback, but it's the Word.
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There are also some online resources and Bibles you can use.We had our own, but yours truly has been a little slack. It will be back soon! In the meantime, check out:http://www.biblegateway.com/http://www.bible.cc/With that being said, the number one Bible I will recommend is the Companion Bible by EW Bullinger. It is deep and it helps you understand the language. While hard to find (and expensive) in print, several people are making it available online:http://www.companionbiblecondensed.com/(Note: This is a highly condensed version, but it's better than nothing!)
 

Jordan

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Apr 6, 2007
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First off, these (some of them) scripture tells me why I could not trust a bible that is copyrighted by man...II Peter 1:20 - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretationDeuteronomy 4:2 - Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.Revelation 22:18-19 - For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.The word for book in greek in biblos. Which means bible.As for the Amplified, due to extra words. I think it is rather absurd...cause it somewhat copies the words of NIV, NKJV, ASV, and others.One example is this...Romans 1:25 KJV - Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.to -----------------------------------------------------------------Romans 1:25 NIV - (also NKJV, ASV, NASB, AMP...) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.God hates it when his creations (people) changed His words...Without the original languages though, it is much harder to learn the True Word. But hey, it's your choice...but be careful with it...It summons devils without us realizing it. (If we were beginners)Yes, the oldé KJB, uses archaic words that pretty much no onwe uses in today's time...but hey our Father in Yahshua's (Jesus) name...He can teach us...and we will get through. So I can trust Him on His Words.Lovest thou in Christ Jesus (Yahshua) our Lord and Saviour.
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Bamp;#39;midbar

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Apr 5, 2007
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The best plan is to do whatever you find works for you! But of course I have some suggestions…First, I’d try to read at least one of the gospels through completely. Maybe Mark or Luke? I’d not pick John for the first attempt. If you go with Luke, then you could continue with the book of Acts, since it continues the story and is written by the same guy. One of the characters you’ll meet in Acts is Paul. Once you’ve met him, then try to read one of the letters he wrote. Those appear in the NT after the book of Acts. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a nice length. Also, once you’ve heard some of Peter’s sermons in Acts, then go read the first letter that he wrote, 1 Peter.If you want the OT to makes sense, this is harder. I think it really helps to know the basic plot or outline of main events and persons. Sometimes it is hard to read the prophets, for example, if you don’t know what the Babylonian Exile is. Usually a study bible will have a short timeline and synopsis of the history. I’d spend a few minutes looking at that. Perhaps first try one of the short story books to get your feet wet, like Ruth. But you need to work on the bulk of the main story line too. I’d read both Genesis and Exodus. This gives you some of the storyline. Some people just take the OT straight through, in the order it is written. But other people stall in Leviticus or Numbers that way. Feel free to skip stuff for now if it will help you keep reading. 1 Samuel is more engaging than some of the stuff in Lev and Num. I’d read a Psalm or a few Proverbs every so often, to work through those books. They can be read a chapter at a time, easily interspersed with other things.About versions, if you have little cash, I’d use whatever version you have, for now. Remember, you can read most versions online, so you can try before you buy. I prefer to use a modern version for basic reading, but it is very nice to have an older version to utilize now and then if you don’t read Greek and Hebrew. I don’t feel there is a perfect translation out there. My personal preference is a version that stays close to literal, and is not a free translation. The more you study, the more likely it is that a free translation will annoy you.For a beginner, I think I’d pick a “study bible”. That is, the kind that has headings in the text here and there, like “the parable of the lost sheep”. That isn’t part of the text, but it can help you to navigate and not get lost.
 

betchevy

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Jan 7, 2007
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LiNE BY LINE VERSE BY VERSE AND WITH A STRONGS CONRCORDANCE USING A KING JAMES VERSION OF THE WORD AND YOU MUST READ FOR LONGER THAN 10 MINUTES TO GET AN OVERALL UNDERSTANDING ... i STUDY ON THE NET IWHT A MAN WHO KNOW THE LANGUAGES BETTER THAN ANYONE I HAVE EVER MET, ITS A HOUR EVERY DAY LINE BY LINE AND VERSE BY VERSE WITH THE STRONG'S USED TO HELP YOU LOOK AT THE WORDS THAN NEED CHALLENGING AND THER ARE WORD THAT NEED TO BE CHALLENGED IN ALL TRANSLATIONS... I ALSO STUDY FOR 3 HOURS EVERYDAY ...BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TOBE FOUND STUPID BY FATHER ABOUT THE WORD THAT HE PRESERVED AND WROTE FOR ME...I LOVE HIM ENOUGH TO SHOW HIM MY LOVING HIS WORD..TRY www.shepsherdchapel.com
 

BibleStillStands

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Jun 24, 2007
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I too recommend a good old fashioned KJV, but pay attention! Or you will merely glance at the words and not become pregnant in them.Good places to begin: GENESIS!!! One of the first three Gospels, John, etc. Then move on to Job, Acts, Romans, some of Paul's letters. I think the prophets can be the hardest to understand.
 

RaddSpencer

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Mar 28, 2008
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(_____falyne;11831)
Hi,I am a very new Christian and I've never read the entire Bible yet. I have read some parts but some are very confusing to me, especially the New Testament. I've heard some people don't read the Bible cover to cover but skip around and read certain parts and then come back to the others. How should I start reading my Bible? Also what Bible type is the best? I have a magazine copy right now that I got when I started at church, and my foster parents are going to buy me my own Bible soon. What kind is best?ThanksFalyne
I find it easiest to read it online. I can search for verses that way.
 

myqlcb

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May 7, 2008
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I recommend beginning in the book of John.Also get a couple of good books on how to understand some of the biblical concepts from people like MAX LUCADO, CHARLES STANLEY and CHUCK SWINDOLL..video and mp3 teaching will be your biggest help too.
 

thisistheendtimes

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Mar 3, 2008
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Hello falyne,FIRST AND FOREMOST, do you LOVE God (I mean REALLY LOVE Him)? I have faith in the laws of physics, but I don't love them, so I'm not talking about 'FAITH IN GOD', I'm talking about LOVING GOD (a "MORE EXCELLENT WAY", 1 Corinthians 12:31).God is LOVE."faith, hope, and love" are three things that should be part of our walk with God, but LOVE is the GREATEST of these (1 Corinthians 13:13). The MOST IMPORTANT part of our walk with God is our own PERSONAL relationship with Him and how much of a PERSONAL relationship He can have with us (His spirit "yearns jealously" over us, James 4:5). You will always hear and read many things (opinions, people's own interpretations) about God and scripture, but if you LOVE God (not simply have faith in Him) and retain a passion for objective truth (instead of SUBJECTIVE/biased truth), The Lord will equip/guide you to learn the "depths of God" (1 Corinthians 2:10) and will avoid the "strong delusion" (2 Thessalonians 2:10) that has been in effect ALL THROUGHOUT HISTORY (the strong delusion is not a FUTURE event). If you have/feel SORROW that people suffer misfortune, you will be sad about that and will (at times) be "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3, the kingdom of heaven must first be inside you before you can walk with God).TRUE worshipers (John 4:23) must "WALK BY THE SPIRIT" (Galatians 5:16 and 25) and worship in SPIRIT and TRUTH by learning the INTRODUCTORY doctrine of Jesus (Hebrews 6:1) and moving on to a more mature/intimate and deeply personal relationship with God. Scripture is the "WORD OF TRUTH" (2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 1:13, John 14:6) and the "sword of the spirit" (Ephesians 6:17) is the word that we should LIVE BY (Matthew 4:4, PRESENTLY "proceedS"). Some "sheep" do not "enter by the door" (John 10:1), but The Lord's sheep "HEAR" His voice" (John 10:27).We must do the works of God simply by believing/having faith in Him (John 6:28 and 29) so that we can be justified IN CHRIST (Galatians 2:16 and 17), but for those OUTSIDE, all of their chosen wisdom is in the parables (Matthew 13:13)...http://cf.blueletterbible.org/search/trans...nd&t=RSV&page=2A truly PERSONal relationship requires that that there be no "self abasement" (no "SELF" abandonment, Colossians 2:18 and 23, establish your identity). SELF discipline for repentance in Christ is only possible if you truly have a "SELF" and The Lord can only have a truly PERSONal relationship with your "SELF" (He is no respecter of persons/personalities, He only has regard for a person's TRUE NATURE).Unbelievers should learn to fear not having God in their lives (it is the BEGINNING of wisdom), but once we come to know God, our love should be made PERFECT (1 John 4:18, Isaiah 29:13) and we should live according to the law of LIBERTY (James 1:25 and 2:12) because the 'sin laws' were abolished (Ephesians 2:15). True worshipers should come to know Him as "ABBA FATHER" (Mark 14:36, Galatians 4:6), not as 'taskmaster' and we should be a "FRIEND of God", not 'servant/slave'.No version of scripture is completely discrepancy free (many have been changed/made to be politically correct, and/but there are also language translation difficulties). Many times in scripture, the word "and" will be replaced by the word "but". Let The Lord's eternal spirit be your teacher so that your conscience can be purified also (Hebrews 9:14) as you learn to divide/distinguish right from wrong (as with a sword) so that the change from good to evil/wrong is clear and sudden (with no middle ground, "no variation or shadow", James 1:17). Jesus did not come to cause peace of mind so that everyone could continue doing whatever they wish regardless of it's merit, He came to produce a division in our minds between right and wrong (Luke 12:51). Adam and Eve ate of the tree of conscience, and we need to learn how to use that knowledge properly (Hebrews 5:14). Be transformed [into a new creation] by the renewal of your "MIND" (Romans 12:2).True Christianity is not a faith, it is a LOVE (the book of Job is a [historically true] LOVE story, not a story of faith). All worship habits (Bereans included) and names of God BEFORE the spirit was given (John 7:39) are not a valid means of worship/devotion for the NEW Testament Christian. The Father's true name (FOREVER) is "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14) and only "SELF" can truly identify with/relate to Him and His son.
 

Nyoka

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Mar 26, 2008
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I think you need to find a version that you can understand. I use the KJV for reading but for studying I have several different versions. My children all used the Good News version as they understood it better. There is nothing wrong with having one main version to read but referring to other versions to get a better understanding of a piece of scripture. A good concordance, such as Strong's Concordance, will help you understand more about what the original words mean too.
 

jtartar

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Mar 14, 2008
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(_____falyne;11831)
Hi,I am a very new Christian and I've never read the entire Bible yet. I have read some parts but some are very confusing to me, especially the New Testament. I've heard some people don't read the Bible cover to cover but skip around and read certain parts and then come back to the others. How should I start reading my Bible? Also what Bible type is the best? I have a magazine copy right now that I got when I started at church, and my foster parents are going to buy me my own Bible soon. What kind is best?ThanksFalyne
falyne, There are many good Bible translations today. Almost every translation is better than the KJT. The King James has the truth, but it is hard to find sometimes. You must look up many references to find the truth. Probably, the best way to study the Bible is to read the Gospels, especially Matthew and John. Then it is best to study the Bible TOPICALLY. This means to decide on a topic, look up all the scriptures pertaining to the topic. To be able to study the scriptures you will need a concordance. It is best to get a concordance of whatever Bible translation you decide to study. NIV is a very good one. One thing to remember is the fact that many things mentioned in the Greek Scriptures had their beginning in the Hebrew Scriptures, so the KEY to understaanding the Greek is to look up the references pointed to, in the Hebrew. Another thing to remember: It is ALL scripture that is TRUTH, both the Hebrew and the Greek, so all scripture must harmonize with your belif, or your belief is wrong, John 17:17, 2Tim 3:16,17. Keep in mind that Scripture WILL INTERPRET SCRIPTURE, if you let it, and do not accept too much of what MEN tell you, Gen 40:8, Dan 2:22,28.
 

Jordan

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Apr 6, 2007
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(jtartar;53630)
(_____falyne;11831)
Hi,I am a very new Christian and I've never read the entire Bible yet. I have read some parts but some are very confusing to me, especially the New Testament. I've heard some people don't read the Bible cover to cover but skip around and read certain parts and then come back to the others. How should I start reading my Bible? Also what Bible type is the best? I have a magazine copy right now that I got when I started at church, and my foster parents are going to buy me my own Bible soon. What kind is best?ThanksFalyne
falyne,There are many good Bible translations today. Almost every translation is better than the KJT. The King James has the truth, but it is hard to find sometimes. You must look up many references to find the truth.Probably, the best way to study the Bible is to read the Gospels, especially Matthew and John.Then it is best to study the Bible TOPICALLY. This means to decide on a topic, look up all the scriptures pertaining to the topic.To be able to study the scriptures you will need a concordance. It is best to get a concordance of whatever Bible translation you decide to study. NIV is a very good one.One thing to remember is the fact that many things mentioned in the Greek Scriptures had their beginning in the Hebrew Scriptures, so the KEY to understaanding the Greek is to look up the references pointed to, in the Hebrew.Another thing to remember: It is ALL scripture that is TRUTH, both the Hebrew and the Greek, so all scripture must harmonize with your belif, or your belief is wrong, John 17:17, 2Tim 3:16,17.Keep in mind that Scripture WILL INTERPRET SCRIPTURE, if you let it, and do not accept too much of what MEN tell you, Gen 40:8, Dan 2:22,28.Actually your first sentence is a downright lie. Each translation (modern version) has been killing our Father's Words. Those translations has an agenda.
 

Kooks

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Mar 22, 2008
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So the translation that you recommend is the perfect one, which in turn was translation of the Latin originals? Surely if you are taking that tone then you should be demanding that we read the Bible in the original languages that it was written. Ulitmately, following your tone, all translations are wrong and sinful.Personally, I prefer the Good News Bible, the NIV and the NKJ, as I find that they are easier to follow. For a person starting the Bible, study bibles are brilliant as they point out things which you may have skipped over in your reading. As for where to start, start at the Gospels and then go on to where you are drawn.
 

Jordan

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Apr 6, 2007
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(Kooks;53842)
So the translation that you recommend is the perfect one, which in turn was translation of the Latin originals? Surely if you are taking that tone then you should be demanding that we read the Bible in the original languages that it was written. Ulitmately, following your tone, all translations are wrong and sinful.Personally, I prefer the Good News Bible, the NIV and the NKJ, as I find that they are easier to follow. For a person starting the Bible, study bibles are brilliant as they point out things which you may have skipped over in your reading. As for where to start, start at the Gospels and then go on to where you are drawn.
If you say so...look at my thread under in my sig before making comments like these...I do my own research...
 

Jimmy Engle

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Jun 17, 2009
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I read through this whole thread with the question in mind as to what the best bible to be reading is. From what I have read the most accurate is the King James. But because it is hard to get the full meaning out of the text because it is written in old English, what would the next best version be? The NKJ?
 

gumby

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May 29, 2009
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Whatever style works best for you my freind, i usually read one book at a time personally. I own three diffrent types of the bible as well, the living bible, the king james version, NIV, and my favorite version the american standard.