How do you read the bible?

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FallingStar

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I mean, I read already so often here that you 'read the bible and stumbled across some interesting verse'. I once tried to read the bible - in fact it is still in my shelf next to my bed - but I never came further then the 1. book of Moses. It was all so boring......that guy got these children and their names are--------and the first son got another 20 children-------the second son got these chidren-----------I would like to read the bible, but I can't cope with these stories of who is whose father and when that person died........
So where is a good part to read? The Psalms? The stories of Christ's life?
 
You might try skipping to the New Testament. The Gospel of John is a really interesting one, I think. So is the Gospel of Luke. Actually, the OT has lots of interesting stuff in it too, but there are a lot more genealogies and whatnot to wade through. You might also try taking a look at the paraphrase version by Eugene Peterson called "The Message". It's in everyday language and it's Bono-recommended. :up:
 
sulawesigirl4 said:
You might also try taking a look at the paraphrase version by Eugene Peterson called "The Message". It's in everyday language and it's Bono-recommended. :up:
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I've heard of another Eugene Peterson bible or whatever that Bono said would be his favourite book, but when I wanted to buy it it costed 45$. :huh:
However, I'll try that out. Thank you. :yes:
 
FallingStar said:


I've heard of another Eugene Peterson bible or whatever that Bono said would be his favourite book, but when I wanted to buy it it costed 45$. :huh:
However, I'll try that out. Thank you. :yes:
Click to expand...

It's the same one. A paraphrase of the Bible called "The Message". Perhaps you could check the library and see if you can borrow it for free. Or maybe buy it used. :)
 
there are also cliff's notes available. i had to use them to get a backing for a paper i wrote once. but i felt like a big loser checking it out. :(


psalms are good times. they're like little snippets of goodness. so if that's what you're aiming for, then read those.
 
I haven't read very much of the Old Testament either. I find the New Testament much more interesting. Romans and Corinthians are the books I find myself reading most often. There's a lot of good stuff in them. The Psalms are great too! I've never read either the OT or the NT all the way through, but I'd like to one day. I haven't read "The Message" yet but I'm going to make sure I get it sometime because it sounds great. From all I've heard about it I think you should definitely get your hands on it if you can.
 
Lilly said:


psalms are good times. they're like little snippets of goodness. so if that's what you're aiming for, then read those.
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pslams are really nice to read , I also learn about the bible by talking about it with my gram because she loves to talk about and can actually quote it to.
 
Ecclesiastes! is my favourite book. It has its humourous moments even. Sometimes other sources renew my interest in God's Word. For instance, reading the first chapter of A History of the World in 10 1/2 pages (Julian Barnes) got me re-reading the story of Noah and the flood. Another time, I attended a lecture about the scientific facts of the Flood, behemoths, Nephilim, which got me interested again in Genesis. When Bono mentions a bible verse, my ears are pricked up. Like when he talks about the proverb about pissing in the wind and having your piss being blown back at you. Or when he sings about Judas in UTEOTW. I've also been reading Unlocking the Bible (David Pawson) and it has opened me to interesting interpretations of the Word.

foray
 
Thank you all so much

Hey, thank you all! :happy: That's a big help! I'l try that out soon! :yes:
 
Lilly said:

psalms are good times. they're like little snippets of goodness. so if that's what you're aiming for, then read those.
Click to expand...

At the same time, many of the psalms are brutally honest with respect to doubt, anger at God, and despondence. These psalms are just as encouraging to me as the praise-oriented ones, as they offer glimpses of "real" people with ordinary struggles. The fact that God chose to inspire them and give their words to the ages inspires me and reminds me that He is reality-grounded and relationship-driven.
 
You pose a question that people have been grappling with for years. How to read a book that has benefit for the here and now, as well as eternal implications for us, and read it with a passion and wilingness, as opposed to a duty.

I have often found that reading the bible along with a very good devotional has helped me. It takes me to many key verses for growth, and can also be an off shoot to other obscure books that one might not peruse as often. My suggestion would be "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. It is one of the greatest devotional ever written, and it will give you outstanding insight to the scriptures are you reading for that day.

Chris
 
Thank you all for responding. It's a great help and I'm at reading already. Thank you all. :yes: :D
 
I read through the ENTIRE Bible last summer and the only real problem I had then and now, since I'm reading it again, is that the Exodus-Dueteronomy books have a lot of repetition in them. Simply put, you'll read about not touching dead bodies or carcasses. While it isn't too interesting, it's a law that the Jewish people were to abide by, so it has it's place there. However, that same sort of stuff about sacrifices and such will appear again, and again, and again. Same with the the family trees, as they can be a slight nuisance since most of the people mentioned don't really appear outside of the tree in the Bible. The one other spot that was kind of a pain were the Chronicles books, which simply retold the story of David and the fall of the kingdom that I'd already read earlier in 1-2 Kings and 1-2 Solomon.

I'd only recommend the Old Testament for a few key books of history along with Psalms and Proverbs. The rest doesn't really have much importance, to be honest. If you're a first timer to the Bible, I'd definitely agree that starting at the New Testament is your best bet, since it's the essence of what Christianity is all about and explains God's plan for us.
 
Just had to point out that I meant 1-2 Samuel and not the nonexistant 1-2 Solomon. I always make that error for some reason.
 
Okay, the NT - I think you all agreed on that. :yes: Thank you - I've started it and I like it so far. :)
 
hippyactress said:
Just thought I'd let you know that I saw "The Message" at B&N in paperback for $17 :)
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The whole thing? OT and NT? *drools* me want! *wonders if she can afford the space and weight in her backpack this fall* :huh:
 
sulawesigirl4 said:


The whole thing? OT and NT? *drools* me want! *wonders if she can afford the space and weight in her backpack this fall* :huh:
Click to expand...

Hmmm....the only version I saw was the NT with Psalms and Proverbs...I started to read a little bit of it and I was very impressed! The language he uses is very easy to read and looks like it would be a great intro to the Bible for someone who has never read it before...and a great interpretation for those who have.
 
mebythesea said:
Half.Com
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AWESOME website! I love it. Perfect place to pick up some older cds for dirt cheap.

EPandAmerica- You're welcome. :cool:

I'm thinking I'll have to pick up the NT w/ Psalms and Proverbs sometime soon. I wonder how Revelations reads.
 
sulawesigirl4 said:
You might try skipping to the New Testament.
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Since the New Testament is about 3/4 quotes from the Old Testament i see no need to skip the old part.
But when you're unsure what the meaning of several passages of the Old Testament is - the New Testament is a great help to understand the Old Testament :yes:

Back to the original Question:
It depends on your personal interests where to start.
You could try to listen to your feelings ;)

Klaus
 
I just read the Bible when I am in the mood. Then I usually open it and hope it is the right page at this moment.
 
Another Message link

buy.com has the whole Message for $25.19, free shipping; mine came in 2 days:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=30884444&loc=106

I am pretty familiar with the Bible so this one is nice for seeing verses you've heard 100 times in a new light, a different perspective. Even makes the OT a bit more interesting.

BTW, their prices on some of the U2 books available are really reasonable too.
 
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