so ive never read the bible, but have been giving it serious thought lately
do you approach it like you would any other book, and just start reading from front to back? i know there are like hundreds of chapters, and "book of matthew", "book of paul", "revelations", etc
but i dont really understand the structure, would you just recommend i pick it up and start reading, or just dive in on chapters etc that interest me the most?
I would not simply read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. You are likely to check out before you make it to the end. You may also see people advocating how to read the Bible in one year by reading three chapters per day. Do NOT do this. Yes, you will get through it, but you won't get a lot out of it.
So many chapters need several days to fully dissect. I look at a single chapter as its own project. Often, I will read a chapter then look for some commentary from a pastor I trust. Then I read it again. And once you get reading, you will begin making connections to other chapters. However, be very wary of listening to any old commentary on YouTube or elsewhere. A lot of bad/false teachers out there. I can recommend some if you get to that point.
Reading the Bible this way will change you. You will get so much more out of it. Read thru Genesis this way, or at least Genesis thru the flood and Noah. It's not far into Genesis. This will give you the creation story and the beginning of it all. Then I'd get very familiar with the New Testament. Start at the beginning with the gospels Matthew/Mark/Luke/John. You will learn all about Jesus that way.
Go slow! Read and KNOW a chapter before moving on. Seek outside help if necessary to fully absorb the chapter.
That's my advice for reading the Bible. To fully become a servant of Christ...
1. Read God's Word as explained above. This is how you will listen to God and have a relationship with Him.
2. Find a church that preaches the Word AND ONLY the Word. Any rainbow flags or other compromising signs, walk away.
3. Pray. Always. This is the other side to the relationship with God. Talking to God. The more you dive in, you will learn what prayer should be.
- PRAISE for God
- THANKING God for His goodness, blessings, etc.
- REPENTING. Admit your sins and voice your desire to turn away from sin.
- ASKING. Now you can ask. Ask for others. Ask what seems right. Pray for God to do His will in all things.
If it is truly in your heart, you will feel a difference as you jump in. It cannot be done half assed. There is no checking a box here. It's not a Sunday morning commitment. God demands a lifetime commitment.
A word about repenting. We are all going to sin. It's what makes us human. It's when we consciously and willfully sin then celebrate that sin...that's a problem. You will find yourself sinning less and less because you are aware of it. And you will find yourself feeling guilty about your less sins! It's crazy. But guilt is a good sign. You care the you have disappointed God. And THAT awareness will stop you in your tracks pre-sin more and more.
All of us deserve hell. That's a fact. By the grace of God, He provided all of us with the gift of salvation thru His Son. We can either accept that gift or decline it. Each choice comes with a different eternal reality for us.
Ask yourself this question. If my roof fell on me tonight, what would happen to me the second after I died?
Like I said before, it's NEVER too late. Until it's too late. Scary!
I look forward to hearing how things go for you. Ask anything. Please. There are others here who could offer insight too. Honestly, I would rather talk about Jesus than football. So you'll only keep me focused on the forum.
