Bible question

[michigandeerslayer]

Im a big believer in the man up stairs and I pray everyday, and I would like to go one step further. I am interested in starting to read the bible, and I have a few questions

Where do you start, is it to read like a regular book. What are the differences in the different bibles out there

I m a newer catholic and Im sure which one I should be reading

I have the Bible for sportsman, and it is the new international Bible. Is this one ok?

Thanks and God Bless

[cedartool-fishinfool]

First of all welcome and good luck in your new-found faith. I am by no means an authority on the matter but do have a couple of comments for you. I have heard that new believers should start by reading the book of John in the new testament and more importantly pray before reading the bible and ask the Lord to open your eyes to his word and bring the Holy Spirit into your heart. The Old Testament is a history of the past but also has many insights on the future things to come. As far as the differant versions I'm not sure . I currently use the NASB(New American Standard Bible) because it's easier to understand. The main thing is you took the first and hardest step. Talk to other believers and get as much insight as possible but always look to God first. I hope this helps a little.

[theredmission]

I would second cedartool's advice on checking out a NASB or or NLT (New Living Translation) as they will make it a much easier read for you, but the NIV is good as well. Versions of the Bible are kind of tricky to understand because each major branch, faith, (whatever you want to call it) of Christianity choose to recognize different books as apart of the Bible. For example in most Protestant churches you'll find Genesis through Revelation as you have in your NIV, but in Catholic churches they also recognize additional books from the Apocrypha such as Maccabees. Under the Protestant faith is where you're going to find your most common versions such as KJV, NIV, NLT, NASB, The Message, etc. whereas in the Catholic you find specific Catholic versions of the RSV, NRS, NAB, and the like. So obviously it gets kind of confusing.

I too would start in the New Testament, and with something short like Paul. Don't worry about plowing through it like a regular old book, read it like a math textbook where youre both trying to both understand individual concepts as well as how each one of those concepts apply to the larger equation. Just start small, even just a chapter a day is plenty when you dive into it really deep. Like CT said; start out w/ some prayer then give a chapter or two a read through then go back a re-read to figure out how everything connects to other points within the Bible and how it relates to us today. Personally I've found that it helps to read it aloud the first time through just to make sure I'm reading it in the right context.

I would also suggest picking up a Strong's concordance of the Bible as it is a very good tool to use when you start to study the word a little deeper.


Thats my tidbit of advice feel free to pm or post any other ?s

[Firecracker]

lol. I have to chuckle.. I am one of those that starts a chapter and then looks up something,somewhere else in the Bible, and then from there read something else. BY time I am done I been allover the Bible, and still know nothing !

[Due51]

I'd start with Genesis and then read the 4 Gospels.
Then, The Acts of the Apostles.

[Backwoods-Savage]

I'll second Due51's suggestion. However, I would add Romans for sure after Acts. I'd also recommend you read two or more translations of the Bible. The King James used to be the most popular but at times can be difficult to understand. I like the New King James which is very easy to read and then just pick another to cross reference with it.

Good luck to you and May God Bless You.

[walleyeman2006]

ive read and read and even read books of other faiths......and will continue too do so.....a freind of mine an older gentleman looked at me two days ago and said some of you lutherns are now more catholic then we ever were...its tight gemran community not trying to ruffle feathers at all..........it depends on the preist or pastor ,,,,,,more so it depends on you........if you go down the path you need to be on,,,,you will know it..........i do go to catholic serivices now and again as my wife is catholic.......just becuase the priest is a a goodman with common sence..........fist time i went he talked for 20 minutes about corn burners......backwoods knows its right up alley lol......i wont change my way of thinking over anything.....i was raised luthern and catholic and in the chirstian science church as well......

[kbkrause]

Mark, Mathew, John, Luke, then Acts.

Also, when looking at the different Gospels try and understand the audience for which it was written as well as some of the history around it. It can put what you're reading in a better perspective.

[Ranger Ray]

I would also suggest picking up a Strong's concordance of the Bible as it is a very good tool to use when you start to study the word a little deeper.

A concordance is a excellent way to study by topic.

[Flash]

Im a big believer in the man up stairs and I pray everyday, and I would like to go one step further. I am interested in starting to read the bible, and I have a few questions

Where do you start, is it to read like a regular book. What are the differences in the different bibles out there

I m a newer catholic and Im sure which one I should be reading

I have the Bible for sportsman, and it is the new international Bible. Is this one ok?

Thanks and God Bless

1. The Bible is 3 books. 1 is literature. 2 is history. 3 is philosophy.
2. You can read any bible as any one or more combination of the above.
3. Use your current bible and first read the Gospels as literature. Just like any other book or article you would pick up. This is sometimes referred to as the "milk" phase of bible reading. (As babes we first are nurished on milk).
4. A useful book for the Goslpels is called "A Harmony of the Gospels". It is available is the NIV (New International Version) translation. It places all 4 gospels side by side on the same page so that you can read each book independently or all 4 as one continuous timelined and sequential work. It is perfect for early readers of the new testament.
5. After a basic foundation is understood from Christ's basic story/premise, then you will likely feel moved to read other books. The remainder of the New Testament is very worthwhile, as are some of the more well known books of the Old testament like Proverbs, Ecclesiates, etc. Follow your heart.
6. When and if you become more interested, join Bible study group. You acn join as many as you wish and with as many different deniominations as you wish.
7. Regardless with what anyone would ever tell you, there is nothing wrong with being a catholic and there is nothing wrong with using a protestant bible. The NIV is an excellant Bible written with the intent of replicating modern english.
8. I have personally disected side by side a King James, New Jersuleum, NIV, and an American Standard Collegiate study Bible and could not find enough difference between them to matter as it applied to the "INTENT" of the message. Read whatever you have available. Read it first as literature. Then, as you grow in the word, read it on deeper and deeper levels, hopefully within the support of one or more study groups.

Praying for your success.

Flash :coolgleam

[line wetter]

You have been given several good starting point here. I have heard the book of John is a good starting point too. I would recomend reading about a chapter,if not less. Usually not more than that. Read the chosen section straignt through one time and then go back and start picking it apart with reference material. Pray before you read, and allow time after you read, to pray and reflect.

If you can, find a bible study group. I think you will gain a lot more from God's word by diving into it with others.

I have struggled to gain deep insight by just reading the bible. It can be hard sometimes to apply the scripture to our live. I use a devotional to help me with this. If you find you are reading the bible and are not able to reflect on it, you might try a good devotional book that has several scripture references for each day.

Just my three cents worth.

[Due51]

If you are going to read Luke, I recommend getting the book "Dear and Glorious Physician" by Taylor Caldwell. It's a difficult book to find but a great read. Caldwell did years of study on Luke before writing the book. It details his life in Alexandria, his study of medicine, and ultimately how he met Mary.

It's one of the best books I've ever read.

[mi_sportsman]

I know that after being on this site for a short period of time you can get a ton of information and opinions. So, here's mine.

I have mentioned it before, but I really do enjoy the booklet, :Our Daily Bread". I say this as I have tried to read chapters at a time, or entire books at a time and it's so overwhelming. Maybe it's just me. The Daily Bread lets you study a short portion with study material to support it. It also has the option of additional reading to cover the entire bible within a year.

Just one more option for you, and may God bless you as you read and grow!

[michigandeerslayer]

these different books that you are referring (multiple posters) can they be picked up at any book store or bible store?

thanks for all the great advise and may god bless each and every one of you

[Flash]

This is the "Harmony" book I have - paperback. I picked it up at a local Bible store along with many other works - but that is a different discussion.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=5642X&event=CF

[mi_sportsman]

Here is the site for the reading material I was talking about http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

[troutslayer819]

alot of people think they are suposed to read from genisis to revelations without skipping around. but what i find prety interesting is to open up to a random page and start reading. its cool because that verse that you start reading might have something in common with things in your life at times. personlay my favorite book to start out with is the book of psalms though. it really teaches you alot of things that god wants us to do and how he will always here our prayers. (Psalms 130)

[timberkop]

i feel for you, i once was lost and now am found was catholic once became born again, i definatly would start with new testament ONLY! when you get thatinyour heart and understand the new covanant go to old testament otherwise very confusing.....GOD BLESS all you guys Timberkop

[valerio024]

I agree with mostly everyone. The gospels are a good place to start and then Acts and Romans are very good and contain God's plan of salvation. I find that many churches are using only the New testament nowadays, and I would advise against this. The Old testament and the new testament teach many of the same concepts so be sure to read a little of both. Often in the back of most bibles there is a glossary or index of topics with listings in both the new and old testament, be sure to check one of these out. If you are just beginning to read the bible I would suggest a translation such as NLV or NIV. NASB and King James versions are more closely translated to the original language and can often trip people up with confusing language. I would say stick to the NIV.

[mi_sportsman]

Hey MDS,

I just got done reading a book I think is worth the time, it's also pretty short. The book is called "More than a Carpenter" by Josh McDowell.

The book seems to be geared towards conviensing someone that christianity is what the bible says it is. But I found so much more in it that was very interesting.

God Bless,
Dave

[justthinking]

and more importantly pray before reading the bible and ask the Lord to open your eyes to his word and bring the Holy Spirit into your heart......Talk to other believers and get as much insight as possible but always look to God first.

I've got to agree with cedartool-fishinfool here.....without the help of the Holy Spirit, it's a lot more difficult understanding the things of God. With the Holy Spirit teaching you, you truly have the mind of Christ.

I know exactly where you are at in your journey, and am excited to hear that you have a desire to read and understand God's Word. That desire was placed in your heart by God to draw you closer to Him. Don't fear studying God's Word, it's truly a love letter from Him to you (all of us), and His desire is for you to know Him intimately and personally - and there is no better way to do that than by the daily reading of His Word. Pray that His Spirit would fill you and teach you as you begin to read any part of the Bible. You will soon understand how special the Bible truly is, as God starts to reveal Himself to you.

Would love to hear what He starts saying to you through His word. I'm truly excited for you.

Excellent posts from everyone else. Lots of help available from folks on this site, just walking the walk every day.

Here is some scripture to back up the "spiritual discernment" idea:

1 Corinthians 2 (New International Version - NIV)
1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

Wisdom From the Spirit
6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him" — 10but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

John 14:16-17 (New International Version - NIV)
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

John 16:12-14 (New International Version - NIV)
12 (Jesus) "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.

There are plenty of online Bibles as well, complete with passage look-ups, keyword searches and a topical index. You can also get many different translations of any particular passage you are looking for, to compare each to each. This is one that I use frequently when I am online:
http://www.biblegateway.com

God Bless!