The Bible is its own best teacher. The Bible however is not arranged like an encyclopedia. You cannot go to chapter 1 and read everything about God and go to chapter 2 to read everything about Jesus, etc. Remember when reading the Bible the verses and chapter breaks are placed in the scriptures by man. It is better to read by paragraph, these too are man-made but they do conform better to the original language than verses. Some ground rules need to be set up first:
- Pray first before opening God's word. Ask for guidance and to be able to accept what is written and to be able to apply His will to your life.
- Never, never read the Bible trying to proof your belief on any subject. It is only human nature to take ideas out of context.
- When you are reading and come across something that does not make sense, reread the paragraph or chapter again. If you still do not understand, write down the problem area and continue onward. You may discover the answers later in your reading.
- Do not read large amounts of the Bible in one setting. Take breaks often or stay with about 4-6 chapters a day.
- Start with the New Testament, people who start with the Old Testament almost never read the Bible all the way through. The New Testament is what is binding on us today. We need to follow God's will for us today.
- Forget everything you have ever heard about Jesus, God and the Bible before you start reading the Bible. Don't take what you want it to say with you first.
Now with those in mind, let's lay out the way to read the Bible to let it build on itself:
- Read "John." (It contains a lot of the life of Jesus not before read, especially his last two weeks before the crucifixion.)
- Read "Matthew." (It goes into better detail of some events and adds more about Jesus.)
- Read "Mark." (It is written in chronological order.)
- Read "Luke" then "Acts." (Both written by Apostle Paul's traveling companion Luke. Acts is a continuation of Luke. It describes the early church and contains the examples of New Testament conversions.)
- Read "Galations." (It deals with the reasons why we do not follow the Old Testament Laws in a more simplified way than does Romans or Hebrews.)
- Then read the rest of the New Testament starting at Romans and going to Revelation.
More on Daily Bible Reading click Here
More Help on Bible Study Tools (commentaries and resources online) click Here
King James Bible Read Online click Here
A Short and Easy Method of Prayer by Madame Guyon click here
Bible Reading by J. C. Ryle click here
Bible Study For Spiritual Power by J. R. Mott click here
Children's Bible Read Online click Here
Christian Knowledge by Jonathan Edwards click here
Daily Reading Plan for an Year with The World English Bible click Here
Devotional Guide - Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. Read Online click here
Difficulties In The Bible by R. A. Torrey click here
Evening Thoughts Or Daily Walking With God by Octavius Winslow click here
How To Study The Bible by R. A. Torrey click here
(Introductory to Methods of Bible Study, Study of Individual Books, Topical Study, Biographical Study, Study of Types, Study of the Books of the Bible in the Order in the Bible and their Chronological Order, The Study of the Bible for Practical Usefulness in Dealing with Men, Fundamental Conditions of the Most Profitable Bible Study, Final Suggestions)
How to Work for Christ Volume 1 Personal Work by R. A. Torrey click here
(The Importance & Advantages of Personal Work, The Conditions of Success, Where to do Personal Work, How to Begin, How to Deal with those who Realize their Need of a Savior & Really Desire to be Saved, How to Deal with those who have Little or No Concern about their Souls, How to Deal with those who have Difficulties, How to Deal with those who Entertain False Hopes, How to Deal with those who Lack Assurance, How to Deal with Backsliders, How to Deal with Professed Skeptics & Infidels, How to Deal with those who Wish to put Off a Decision until Some Other Time, How to Deal with the Deluded, How to Deal with Christians who Need Counsel, Rebuke, Encouragement or Comfort, Some Hints & Suggestions for Personal Work)
How to Work for Christ Volume 2 Methods of Christian Walk by R. A. Torrey click here
(House to House Visitation, Cottage Meetings, The Church Prayer Meeting, Use of Tracts, Open-Air Meetings, Tent Work, Organizing & Conducting a Gospel Mission, Meetings in Jails, Hospitals, Poor Houses, Revival Meetings, The After Meeting, Children's Meetings, Advertising the Meetings, Conduct of Funerals, etc.)
How to Work for Christ Volume 3 Preaching & Teaching the Word of God
by R. A. Torrey click here
(How to Prepare a Sermon, Preparation & Delivery of Bible Readings, Illustrations & Their Use, Teaching the Bible, Textual Sermons in Outline, Topical Sermons in Outline, Expository Sermons & Bible Readings in Outline
Precious Bible Promises - God's promises for every situation. Read Online click here
Principles of Biblical Interpretation by R. A. Torrey click here
Seven Reasons Why I Believe The Bible is the Word of God by Ian Paisley click here
The Bible Book By Book by Josiah Blake Tidwell click here
The Bible Period by Period by Josiah Blake Tidwell click here
The Christians Pathway or "Upward & Onward" by John MacDuff click here
(The Important Command, The Promised Presence, Divine Recognition, The Voice From Heaven, The Mystical Union, Serving The Lord, The Patriarch's Piety, The Comfort of Love, The Present Help, Spiritual Declension, The Great Concern, Communion With God, The Contented Spirit, The Savior's Commendation, The Faithful Promiser, Harmony Restored, The Cheering Assurance, The Day of Trouble, The Heavenly Race, The Heart Established, Rejoicing in God, The Sure Hope, Trusting in Christ, The Needful Duty, The Arduous Struggle, Gracious Dealings, Growth In Grace, Christian Consistency, The Glorious Appearing, The Blissful Consummation)
The Faithful Promiser by John MacDuff click here
(Pardoning Grace, Needful Grace, All-Sufficient Grace, Comforting Grace, Restraining Grace, Restoring Grace, Sanctifying Grace, Reviving Grace, Persevering Grace, Dying Grace, After Grace-Glory, Another Comforter, Providential Overruling, Safe Walking, Love In Chastisement, A Condition In Chastisement, Strength In The Weak, Encouragement To The Desponding, Peace In Believing, Bliss In Dying, A Due Reaping, An End Of Weeping, A Speedy Coming, Eventide Light, Heavenly Illumination, A Glorious Reunion, Everlasting Espousals, A Joyful Resurrection, A Nightless Heaven, A Crown Of Life, The Vision & Fruition Of God)
The Footsteps of Jesus by John MacDuff click here
(Contentment-Covetousness, Steadfastness-Instability, Humility-Pride, Unity-Divisions, Selfishness-Unselfish Love, Pleasing Men-Pleasing God, Things of Earth-Things of Heaven, Timidity-Courage, Fruits of the Spirit-Works of the Flesh, Murmuring Submission, Luke warmness-Zeal, Purity of Heart-Nominal Profession, Life Everlasting-The Second Death)
The Grapes of Eschcol or Gleanings From the Land of PROMISE
or Meditations on the Glories of Heaven by John MacDuff click here
(Rest, Ceaseless Activity, Continual Progress, Many Mansions, Joyful Reunions, No Sickness,
The Death of Death, Waking Realities, Face to Face, Vision & Fruition, The Mutual Joy, Glorified Bodies, No Temple, The Glorious Transition, Suffering & Glory, The Marriage Supper,
Immediate Entrance, The Brimming Fountain, Immediate Entrance, From Glory to Glory,
The Victor's Song, The Victor's Dress, The Nightless World, Living Fountains, Forever)
The Night Watches by John MacDuff click here
(The Glory of God, The Immutability of God, The Omnipotence of God, The Omnipresence of God, The Wisdom of God, The Holiness of God, The Justice of God, The Love of God, The Grace of God, The Tenderness of God, The Patience of God, The Faithfulness of God, The Sovereignty of God, The Providence of God, The Word of God, The Ordinances of God, The Spirit of God, The Promises of God, The Warning of God, The Chastisements of God, The Invitations of God, The Consolations of God, The Paths of God, The Secret of God, The Name of God, The Favor of God, The Jewels of God, The Judgment of God, God's Banqueting House, The Presence of God, God's Closing Call)
The Rainbow in the Clouds by John MacDuff click here
Sovereignty, A Loving Purpose, The Safe Refuge, The Reason For Chastisement, Immutability, Divine Sympathy, A Gracious Condition, Presence & Rest, The Giver & The Taker, Deliverance in Trouble, Pitying Love, The Blessed Hope, A Gracious Removal, Unveiled Mysteries, The Choosing Place, Mourning Ended, The Abiding Friend, Unwilling Discipline, Death Vanquished, The Greatest Gift, Sleeping & Walking, Invisible Harmonies, The Unchanging Name, Strength For The Day, The Grave Spoiled, Everlasting Love, Inviolable Attachment, The Supporting Presence, Fellow-Feeling, A Speedy Coming, Eternal Joy)
The Thoughts of God by John MacDuff click here
(Infinite Condescension, Everlasting Love, A Divine Challenge, The Thoughts of Thoughts, Tender Remonstrance, Paternal Pity, Comfort For The Bereaved, A Gracious Pardon, Almighty Guidance, Help For The Feeble, Sovereignty, Divine Joy, Sufficient Grace, Covenant Faithfulness, Chastening Love, Unbounded Patience, A Gracious Alternative, Tender Dealing, A Gracious Remembrance, Correction In Measure, Promised Deliverance, Thought Upon Thought,
Everlasting Espousals, Wondrous Comfort, Complete Forgiveness, More Than Parental Love, Death Vanquished, Contrasted Dealings, Guidance In The Dark, Divine Treasures, Mourning Ended)
The Words Of Jesus by John MacDuff click here
(The Gracious Invitation, The Comforting Assurance, The Power of Prayer, The Unveiled Dealings, The Father Glorified, The Tender Solicitude, The Good Shepherd, The Abiding Comforter, The Gracious Verdict, The Wondrous Relationship, The Befriended Orphans, The World Conquered, The Little Flock, The Unlimited Offer, The Sonful Servitude, The Measure of Love, The Brief Gospel, The Great Calm, The Dying Legacy, The Supreme Investiture, The Divine Glorifier, The Joyful Transformation, The Omnipotent Prayer, The Immutable Pledge, The Abiding Presence, The Resurrection & The Life, The Little While, The Beatific Vision, The Many Mansions, The Promised Return, The Closing Benediction)
King James Bible (with American Standard Bible, La Santa Biblia Bible (Spanish), Easton's Bible dictionary and Nave's Topical Bible) Read Online (Adobe - pdf file)
Your voyage through God's Word will be the best traveling you can ever take. You will laugh and you will cry, and lots more. It can teach you the most important things for this life and the one to come.
How readiest thou? (An insightful poem on Bible study)
It is one thing to read the Bible through,
Another thing to read to learn to do.
Some read it with design to learn to read,
And to the subject pay but little heed.
Some read it as their duty once a week,
But no instruction from the Bible seek;
While others read it with but little care,
With no regard to how they read, nor where.
Some read to bring themselves into repute,
By showing others how they can dispute;
While others read because their neighbors do,
To see how long 'twill take to read it through.
Some read it for the wonders that are there,
How David killed a lion and a bear;
While others read it with uncommon care,
Hoping to find some contradictions there.
Some read as if it did not speak to them,
But to the people at Jerusalem.
One reads with father's specs upon his head,
And sees the thing just as his father said.
Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed,
Hence understand but little that they read;
For every passage in the Book they bend,
To make it suit that all-important end.
Some people read, as I have often thought,
To teach the Book instead of being taught;
And some there are who read it out of spite;
I fear there are but few who read it right.
But read it prayerfully, and you will see,
Although men contradict, God's words agree;
For what the early Bible prophets wrote,
We find that Christ and His apostles quote.
So trust no creed that trembles to recall
What has been penned by one and verified by all.
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