So I am indulging into my Christian self and want to start reading the bible. Should I start with old testament or new testament? I also have heard of other books that help define the bible more and to read those as well. I being a little more organized with my beliefs and it starts with the right readings..so a little advice?
2007-10-08 12:08:11 · 18 answers · asked by Adam S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Read John first
2007-10-08 12:10:18 · answer #1 · answered by CJ 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
start with the New Testament, its an easier read for right now. Also you may want to get a Strongs Concordance. It has all of the original translations from the Greek and Hebrew, and understanding exactly what the author meant is very enlightening. I would also recommend looking into Precepts classes/ getting a Precepts book. The author is Kay Arthur. She teaches you how to break down verses, and truly understand their meaning.
If you have not purchased a Bible yet, look for one that gives additional information at the bottom or in the margins of each page. Very helpful. I like the NIV Life Application Bible. I think NIV is easier to understand...although many people debate which versions are the best (NIV, King James version)
2007-10-08 12:16:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many books that are great for helping you read the books of the bible. I personally recommend reading the gospels first. They are interesting, and pretty much sum up the rest of the bible. After you have read that, try the psalms and the letters from Paul. Genesis is also good (the stories of creation, Noah, Abraham, etc.) After you have read these, try the books of the prophets near the end of the old testament. When you read revelation, read Daniel.
I recommend this order because if you will stay interested. If you start at the beginning (Genesis) you will loose interest somewhere in Deuteronomy or Numbers.
Good luck.
2007-10-08 12:15:01 · answer #3 · answered by Ryan K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I admire you for wanting to read and study the Bible and hope you will really benefit from it. Many people get bored if they try to sit down and just start reading so I would recommend a Bible course or study topics to get a better understanding of how to deal with today's problems with the Bible as your guide.
Since the New Testament is the law we live by today, I would highly recommend studying that and the steps of salvation first and then let other things tie in as you go along. Check out the site below for more information and a Bible study course you can do online.
The Old Testament is very beneficial and gives us the history, problems and many good people who set good examples for us, all things that went on before Jesus walked the earth. Just be careful not to bind OT laws to today unless Jesus carried them over to the NT and made it part of the New Law.
God bless you and may you enjoy your studies :)
2007-10-08 12:17:27 · answer #4 · answered by KittyKat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start in the New Testament, at the beginning in Matthew. Then go back and read the Old Testament, it will help you to understand it a bit better. You do need to research things when you get to the Old Testament in order to get a clearer picture of what happened. If you wish for me to elaborate on that statement, please email me.
2007-10-08 12:13:04 · answer #5 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want a pick me up begin with Psalm. It always reminds me to praise and worship my King. A very easy Bible to read is "The Message". It is very understandable. I have all kinds of bibles. My favorite being the New King James Version. Definitely, whichever version you choose, begin with the bible itself. Then, when you understand a little more, then you can try reading other books!
2007-10-08 12:14:15 · answer #6 · answered by sassy.nurse 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read the Book of John, next Luke, then Acts, which is pretty much a continuation of Luke.
Romans is pure doctrinal, and deserves much time for thorough study.
Try also a chapter of proverbs a day, and a Psalm before bedtime.
You can never get enough!!!
2007-10-08 12:13:55 · answer #7 · answered by Jed 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would start with the New Testament, because Jesus established the new covenant we're living under now. The Old Testament describes the old covenant and the history of the faith. But by all means, whichever interests you the most! :)
2007-10-08 12:12:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Read John, then Romans.
And, remember that the first four "Gospels" were written to the Hebrews (Jews). Paul was the "apostle to the Gentiles".
A 'guide' from the Christian book store, or from your church can help you understand.
ADDITIONAL: I also agree with Sassy; the Psalms are very uplifting, and strengthening.
2007-10-08 12:14:42 · answer #9 · answered by sheek Txn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So loving someone makes you "un-Christian"??? And here I thought all along that Christ wanted us to actually love other people... boy how wrong was I? *Edit* He sounds like a guy with 'mostly' good intentions... but is just trying to get some easy tail in the meantime...
2016-05-19 02:04:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ephesians chapter 5 with God's guidance
2007-10-08 12:12:19 · answer #11 · answered by sego lily 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋