Bible Question?

Question

i was always told that i was catholic but went to public schools and never went to caticisim (sorry i know thats spelled wrong)

but here is my question

when people read the bible to gain strength or to feel better are they reading a specific part? i wanted to start reading the bible but i wasnt sure where to start of what that part was that i was talking about

hopefully that makes sence

please serious and postive answers only

Answer 1

We are living in the New Testament.

Start in the New Testament. Matthew and so on.

(Don't worry about Revelation read it as well)

After the New Testament start in the Old Testament. Genesis-Malachi.

Answer 2

There are so many ways to read the Bible. It's a vary diverse book filled with the best and worst of humanity mingled with how people of another time and place tried to make sense out of their world given what they knew at the time.

The Older Testament has history (huge epic stories of family dynasties, wars, great loves, ideas about our origins and what happened - how we got here), Poetry (some of the most beautiful and inspiring works of art, grounded in a genuine faith in the goodness of God), books of wisdom, and big assed sermons (the prophets both major and minor).

The newer testament (the christian story and formation) starts with the stories and life and meaning of Jesus and goes into the formation of christian beliefs and letters to struggling christians and struggling churches and ends with a book of affirmation and ultimate victory.

My suggestion as to how and where to start would be
1. Get a good easy to read and understand translation. NIV, NRSV or something that feels comfortable to you
2. Decide whether or not you want to read for inspiration or study. Inspiration - to help give you hope, strength etc... or study to understand texts in the way that they would have been understood by those who first read them etc...
3. If you're mainly looking for inspiration, go to Psalms (Short, poetic, hopeful and shared human experience) Proverbs (Wisdom for each day. There are 31 chapters so they can fit easily into each month), and the gospels (the Jesus stories in the 1st 4 books of the new testament - read short sections and sayings at first)
4. If you're looking to study, get a copy of J.S. Spong's book called "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism", a good study Bible, and keep a journal.

The main thing is not to be intimidated. The words and ideas were written in ancient times so sometimes it may be a bit difficult to understand what was meant, but it is well worth it.

If you need any help email me back and I'd be happy to suggest more ways. ;-)

Answer 3

You shouldn't read the Bible like a novel you will find it very hard to understand it that way, the best way to study the Bible is to search out scriptures one subjecty at a time otherwise you can confuse things and possibly yourself. You migh find it helpful to try to answer the questions here in Y/A by searching out the answers from the Bible it will help you find Bible truths and learn what the Bible says on specific topics as well as gain strength and feel better.

Answer 4

OK, buckle up, because this is not your every day, group huggin', get a feel good mentality kind of answer.

Read the book of Romans. It was then that God opened the truth to me. It shone a light on my pitiful state, and laid a ton on bricks upon me, as I saw how wretched and rebellious my life has been. For three solid weeks I wept with the knowledge that my life had only been lived in enmity to a powerful and fearful God.

Eventually, this was lifted from me, as I learned that God provided a way out of this dreadful dilemma. I laid down my weapons of warfare against Him, and surrendered to the King.

I will tell you that if you have never FIRST been shown your iniquity, you were never born again.

I'm not saying that everyone shall have this same exact experience. I am saying that in some fashion you will first have to know of your need of a Savior in order to fully understand what has been done for you.

It's not often pretty. It will not make you 'feel good', but it WILL set you free from the penalty that you have found you so justly deserve.

Answer 5

You can begin by reading smaller parts -- you don't have to go beginning to end.

One thing my daughter did the first time she read the Bible was to purchase a read-the-bible-in-a-year Bible, with readings for each day in a manageable amount.

I also think the Gospels, Acts and the Psalms are good places to start.

Then from those parts, you will find that you have passages that become your favorites, and might re-read those when you want to gain strength or feel better.

God bless you as you study and read God's word!

Answer 6

Dear Kimmy,

I answered a similar question 3 weeks ago by Melanie K.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtXP0m_9k4uab2jx3dwtuu_ty6IX;

For me personally the best way to read the Bible is to do it from cover-to-cover. In 10th grade I knew that I wanted to read the Bible but I didn't have a clue how to go about doing so. It wasn't until my life fell apart at the seams a few decades later that I did actually read it, even though I had already been studying it.

The Bible tells us what our heavenly Father wants us to know about Him and can be seen as His Love Letter to us. Check out The Father's Love Letter at http://www.fathersloveletter.com

Reading the whole Bible was and is the BEST thing I've ever done. I read it and I study it and learn something new each day.

It is important to pray and ask God to help you to find the best way for you to know Him better.

For His glory,
JOYfilled

Answer 7

Hello Kimmy,
My name is Robin. I have been a Christian for 28 years. If you are new to the Bible, then I would suggest that you start with the Gospel of John, since it talks about the ministry of Jesus, and shows how to be saved. However if you are not so new to the Bible, then I would suggest that you maybe read the Book of Psalms, or the Book of Proverbs.

May God bless you as you endeavor in your studies.

Answer 8

somewhat, you need to exchange your wording in simple terms rather: Hebrew Bible Roman Catholic Bible Protestant Bible The Jewish scholars complete the version of the Hebrew Bible in proper to the 0.33 century. That text fabric is roofed in the two the RC and Prot. Bible. The order of the books is distinctive, by using fact of underlying assumptions. The Christian Bible (the recent testomony) wasn't somewhat nailed down till very nearly the 10th century or so. After that, it replaced into locked in. This replaced into finished in a chain of Church Councils. this article is the comparable in the two the RC and Prot. Bible, and the previous testomony is exceedingly plenty the comparable in the two of those Bibles, different than that the order may well be slightly distinctive. the only distinction between the RC and Prot. Bibles is the presence of the Apocrypha -- a number of books that have been unknown in Hebrew, yet have been lined robotically in Greek language translations of the previous testomony that have been in conventional use around the time of the early Church. That Greek translation of the previous testomony (referred to as the Septuagint) replaced into so conventional (maximum Jews did no longer at that factor submit to in suggestions the thank you to talk or study Hebrew anymore) that whenever you come across the previous testomony quoted interior the recent testomony, it somewhat is often the Septuagint text fabric they're quoting.

Answer 9

ok i had a problem like this when i was first being a christian.

what you have to do is find one of the books, preferably one that tells a story and is short, start reading a little each day and you will learn a lesson in each book. But after you read, reflect on what you read. the Bible isn't going to just sit there and tell you the lesson you should of learned.

Answer 10

The important part of reading the Bible is to read the Bible. God will lead you where you need to go, even if you just open it and start reading at the first word you see. He can reveal Himself in quite astounding ways. Choose a book and read. Genesis is wonderful because it shows that He is a God of promise and fulfillment. Joshua shows that He is a mighty God who wants us to be strong and courageous. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes show us that He is wise. The prophets show us that He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Job, Ruth, and Esther show us that He is interested in us as the people that we are, and that He wants to be in every part of our lives. The Psalms show us...everything! His love, His wrath, His mercy, His faithfulness, His frightfulness...so many aspects are revealed over and over! Then, there's the Gospels, and what joys they are! Then Acts, telling us the history of the Church. The epistles of Paul give so much insight into Christianity. The epistles of Peter, who rose from fisherman, to disciple, to betrayer and back to disciple again! What a wonderful story to see! Hebrews, in which we have the telling of the source of faith, the need for faith, and power of faith. Revelation, in which we have, spelled out, the things that are to soon come, and what it all means to us now! Just read, and that prayerfully. Always pray before you read that God will guide you, and He will reveal truths to you.

Answer 11

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
-Psalm 46:1-2

You will find many verses in the Psalms about strength and courage....they will make you feel better...But I also agree with the poster who suggested you read the Gospel of John...It will introduce you to Jesus and what he did for you on the Cross.......It is the fourth Gospel in the New Testament......