How Many People Read the Bible in the Us? How Many People Understand the Bible in the Us?
I rounded the corner and saw her. She stood frozen, open-mouthed in front of the rows of Bibles in the religion department at Barnes and Noble. She wanted to read the Bible; she hadn't known there would be so many options.
Her facial expression said information technology all: I have no thought where to start reading the Bible.
Scores of people experience overwhelmed when it comes to reading the Bible. Maybe, fifty-fifty now, you're shaking your caput in agreement, thinking, Aye. That's me. How in the globe do I know where to start reading and making sense of the entire Bible?
My new friend looked visibly relieved when I asked if she'd like aid choosing a Bible. She looked even more than relieved when I showed her where and how to start reading the Bible.
May I reach across the reckoner screen and help you, too? These are my top suggestions for those wondering how to start reading the Bible. Information technology is my prayer that this beginner'due south guide to reading the Bible volition encourage you and aid you attain your goals! These six simple steps will assistance you lot start to read the Bible today.
1. Choose a Bible version that's understandable and easy to read.
Hither's the apartment out truth: If we don't understand it, we won't read information technology.
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek. One of the earliest translations to English was the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, merely today we have a variety of versions to choose from. Some translations focus on beingness more precise and are best for Bible study, while others focus on readability and are great for devotions.
If you're a beginner, I recommend the New Living Translation (NLT), or a study Bible in the English Standard Version (ESV) or New International Version (NIV). The NLT version of the Bible is most readable while still being literal in its translation; the Study Bibles incorporate footnotes that explain difficult to understand passages of Scripture.
You tin can as well download a Bible app or read the Bible at biblestudytools.com. These are keen tools for beginners and veterans alike.
One of the best places to start is in John and so Romans, following John. Download our Gratis Prayer Guide for Romans to help y'all navigate through one of the near popular New Testament books.
2. Yous don't have to get-go at the beginning of the Bible.
The Bible contains 66 split up books compiled into i book. The 39 books of the Former Attestation are the story of God and his people before the coming of the Messiah—Jesus. The 27 books of the New Testament pick up the story outset with the nascency of Jesus.
If y'all're new to the Bible, the all-time place to get-go is the Gospel of John. This book (the 4th book in the New Testament) is John's bystander account of the life of Jesus. As one of Jesus' closest disciples, John's business relationship is both riveting and informative.
John's purpose in writing is to help us believe, making it the ideal place to showtime. "These things were written to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing y'all may have life in his proper name"(John 20:31).
3. Pick a volume of the Bible and work your mode through it.
If y'all're anything similar me, you need a Bible reading plan or you'll waste precious minutes thumbing through the Bible, never quite landing. So pick one book of the Bible and read a lilliputian each day, i affiliate, perhaps.
If you read one chapter of John a 24-hour interval, (which will take no more than than five-10 minutes) yous'll read John in information technology's entirety in 21 days.
After reading John, move on to the other gospels – Matthew, Mark or Luke. Side by side read Philippians, Ephesians and Colossians, which provide practical encouragement and instruction for living the Christian life. Romans is jam-packed with essential doctrine. Genesis explains how everything began. Psalms is filled with heartfelt prayers that offering encouragement for every flavor of life.
Work your way through one volume at a time, and you lot'll never find yourself fumbling for where to read over again.
4. How to read the Bible: Read a niggling every day!
Getting God's Word into your life doesn't have to take long. Commencement small—five or 10 minutes is better than none. Sometimes less is more, especially when reading less means you'll really call back more.
Chose a time and place that'due south user-friendly for you lot. Many people read their Bible starting time thing in the morning time, choosing to spend time with God before daily distractions get in the way. Only if mornings aren't your thing, don't sweat it. Thatyou read God's Word is more important than whenyou lot read God'south Give-and-take. Personally, I love to read my Bible at a local coffee shop, only I once read through the entire Bible while waiting in carpool lines.
5. How to read the Bible: Pray before yous brainstorm.
Intermission before you open up your Bible and ask God to speak to you. Recall, the Bible is God'south Word; it is God's beloved letter written to His people, which includes y'all.
Ask God to help you lot understand His Discussion. Inquire God use His Word to teach you lot, to direct yous and fifty-fifty to re-direct you, when necessary. Ask Him to use His Word to help you know Him and love Him.
Jeremiah 29:thirteen says, "Yous volition seek me and discover Me, if you seek Me with all your heart." God loves to reveal himself to those who seek Him.
6. Write it downward.
Every bit y'all read the Bible inquire ii questions:
- What does this teach me about God?
- What does this teach me about how I should live?
No dubiousness, as yous read you'll discover one or two verses that seem to leap off the page. Maybe they speak to an issue you lot've been grappling with; maybe they reply a long held question; maybe they requite you comfort or encouragement; maybe they provide an example to follow or avoid.
When a verse resonates with you, stop and write it down, word for discussion. Pause to allow the message sink in because these words are God'swords to you.
This practice has cemented God's Word into my thoughts in countless ways. Sometimes I keep the verse with me throughout the mean solar day. Sometimes I ask God to aid me remember it when I demand it. Sometimes I memorize it. Be intentional almost getting God's Give-and-take into your thoughts and you lot'll soon see your relationship with God thrive and your life alter. After all, isn't that the whole signal of reading the Bible!
The Bible was never meant to merely inform us; the Bible was meant to transform united states of america.
It's been years since I encountered the gal at Barnes and Noble just when I recall of her, I smile. Her story is our story. We all begin somewhere in our human relationship with God.
And we all need someone to testify us how. Allow united states know in the comments below how you've been able to begin reading the Bible and what is has done for yous!
Photo courtesy: Oladimeji Ajegbile/Pexels
How Many People Read the Bible in the Us? How Many People Understand the Bible in the Us?
Source: https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/the-beginner-s-guide-to-reading-the-bible.html
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