I'm not overly religious and I dont attend church anymore, although I am a confirmed Lutheran. I want to start studying/reading the bible. I heard you are not really supposed to just read it like a novel though. Anyone have any suggestions?
2007-01-20 07:21:40 · 14 answers · asked by Huh? 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
ask your pastor or look on line for which bible is best suited for your lutheran beliefs, there are concordances,study aids but you will need to locate the one most suitable for you as there are easy to harder levels of study. before you read the bible know what it is about,learn the different 'types' 'styles' and forms the authors use to relay the message to the viewer.try salvationhistory.com, this is a catholic website but it has a good overview for gods plan of salvation for us,it will make especially the old testament easier to read and understand. you will find it in the free study lesson under course one and there are six lessons,do it at your own pace and it is free,no hidden charges etc.........good luck on your bible reading and i hope you find your way back to church as the church will also benefit your understanding and fellowship.
2007-01-20 07:36:46 · answer #1 · answered by fenian1916 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you read the first book of the old testament, Genesis first, it will be much easier for you to understand the New Testament because it lays the foundation for you about why we are in need of a Savior. After finishing Genesis go on to the New Testament and read the Gospel of John first. Those are the two most informative books of the Old and New Testament to start you through your journey. It is a good idea to finish the New Testament before going back to the Old Testament.
It doesn't hurt to get a devotional book and read a small exerp daily. This will help you with understanding and applying Scripture to your life. You can receive the In Touch daily devotional via e-mail.
http://www.intouch.org
2007-01-20 17:17:22 · answer #2 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should do whatever works for you. If you want to read it like a novel you can but you will have a hard time understanding it. If you choose to read through it I suggest you skip Leviticus because it will only confuse you. If I were you I'd read the New testement before the Old testemant.
Another really good idea is to join a bible study/group. You will be a lot less confused and have people to answer your questions.
Good Luck!
2007-01-20 15:26:48 · answer #3 · answered by Alila 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
use the following as a beginning guide.
find each verse and read the chapter, the chapter before and the chapter after, too.
The Cry of a Father’s Heart
The Father’s Love Letter
My Child …
You may not know me, but I know everything about you
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ……. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ……. Genesis 1:21
In me you live and move and have your being ……. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ……. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived …. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ……. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake ……. Psalm 139:15-16
For all your days are written in my book ……. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ... Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ……. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb ……. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ……. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love …1 John 4:18
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ……. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect Father ……. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ……. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ... Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ……. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ……. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ……. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ……. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart … Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes
Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth
Revelation 21:4
I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus
John 17:23
For in Jesus my love for you is revealed ……. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ……. Hebrews 1:3
And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ... Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love
Romans 8:32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen … Luke 15:7
I have always been Father and will always be Father
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is … Will you be my child? ……. John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ……. Luke 15:11-31
Love,
Your Dad
Almighty God
2007-01-20 15:25:26 · answer #4 · answered by Chef Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So glad you asked. I recently started listen to a radio Bible study with Dr. J. Vernon McGee, the program is called "Thru the Bible". He has a website at www.ttb.org you can get all the info as to what station he is on. Of course you can listen to his teachings online also and download if you wish. I love this old country gent, very funny at times, and he believe the whole word of God, not just bits and pieces, including Jonah and the whale. Hope you enjoy him as much as I do.
2007-01-20 15:28:05 · answer #5 · answered by angel 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is a book called "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. It is a really good book that will help you to learn how to correctly read the Bible, and you should be able to find it at your local book store like Barnes n Noble or Borders. There is also book out there calld "Grasping God's Word" by Duvall and Hayes, but that one is mainly for seminary students.
2007-01-20 15:25:49 · answer #6 · answered by Jason M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I just purchased a Bible on DVD. I haven't started yet but if you go to their website you can get an idea if this would be something for you they also have online reading. I thought it was a great idea because I have always had the same problem I always start at Genesis. Good luck.
jw
http://www2.biblesondvd.com/default.cfm
2007-01-20 15:29:13 · answer #7 · answered by Janet lw 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get yourself a good study Bible and start studying. Seek help in a church soundly rooted in the Bible.
2007-01-20 15:27:05 · answer #8 · answered by movedby 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good way to get through the Bible is to go to Bible classes. Break it down and if you ask me, (which I guess this is all about) concentrate on the New Testament.
2007-01-20 15:26:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Slate.com has an interesting series "Blogging the Bible". He's gone from Genesis to Jeremiah so far.
2007-01-20 15:27:01 · answer #10 · answered by ststeve11 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋