READING THROUGH THE BIBLE

I assume you came to this section because you want to read the Bible, and require some assistance. I also assume that you don't want a theological treatise; if you do, you will be disappointed! This section is just a challenge to you to read the Bible, and some material to assist you in doing that.

But let's first define "read the Bible". We are not talking about studying the Bible — that's a totally different topic — we are talking about simply reading the Book, giving attention to what we're reading. It's not about trying to construct doctrines or teachings, it's about getting a view of the whole Bible, trying to get an idea of "what it's all about".

Imagine I buy Stephen Hawking's book A Brief History of Time. I've been told that it is an awesome book about the science behind reality, specifically time, so I am very excited. When I get home, I put it on the shelf in my living room, look at it repeatedly every day, wondering what I would find inside. Months later, I decided that I have to read it, otherwise I have wasted my money. So I read chapter 15, and I'm left scratching my head. Two weeks later I read the last part of the final chapter, and now I am thoroughly confused! A month later I cautiously read the middle part of chapter 3, and decide that I have indeed wasted my money: there is absolutely to method or flow to the book, it mentions concepts without any explanation, it just doesn't make any sense!

Would you do that? Of course not! And yet that's exactly what we do with the Bible! A chapter here, a chapter there, a verse for the day...


So how should we read the Bible?

The way it was put together by the Author: from beginning to end. Any book (literally any book) has a specific structure, and following that structure is a key part of understanding the book. If we want to understand the story of the Bible, we have to read it like it happened, and was written down: from beginning to end. And despite common wisdom, or your experience, it could actually be very easy to do that.

Most Christians, and a lot of non-Christians, would really like to read through the whole Bible, but it seems like such a daunting endeavour. What plan to follow? Where to start? How much to read on one sitting? And how to do it practically? And all those strange names and actions! As a result, most people don't start, or start and stop rather quickly.

The Bible contains 66 books, with a total of 1189 chapters — any plan promising that I will read through the Bible in one year, or whatever other timeframe, is bound to fail! I know myself, and life is bound to happen.... So let me introduce you to my ultimate Bible reading secret, which works, and makes reading the Bible fairly easy. It is so simple I can state it in one sentence:


That is how you would read any book, right? Probably more than a chapter a day; but start by committing yourself to read at least one chapter a day. To get into the habit of reading, I would normally recommend that you start with the New Testament: it's the easier (and most familiar) part for most people. Start at Matthew chapter 1, and keep reading. When you get to the end of the New Testament (Revelation 22), start right at the start of the Bible, Genesis chapter 1, and just keep going.

To get into the habit of reading, I recommend that you start with the New Testament: it's the easier (and most familiar) part for most people. Start at Matthew chapter 1, and keep reading. When you get to the end of the New Testament (Revelation 22), start right at the start of the Bible, Genesis chapter 1, and just keep going.


This is the ultimate in personalisation:

· It is your own personal programme: you can do it on your own, at a time that works for you.
· But it's also a structured approach that can become a habit very quickly — even if it's simple, it gives structure to your Bible reading process, and humans always function better within established structures!
· It's manageable: usually you don't need a lot of time to read one chapter. Or if you have time, more.
· No guilt: if you fall behind, for whatever reason, you don't have to "catch up" with the programme, just pick up where you stopped.
· It works like reading any other book, from beginning to end. This brings a MASSIVE benefit: You get to see the flow of the narrative, not bits from all over the place.

Yes, there will be lots you don't understand, especially at the beginning. That's OK. The more you read, the more you will get the bigger picture, and the more things will start making sense to you. When you start the second cycle, you'll be amazed at how much clearer things have become; and each new cycle will bring more understanding and insight. Just read, and trust God to use his Word to lead you deeper into truth.


What you'll gain from reading through the Bible

If you do it properly, structured chapter-by-chapter reading will help you understand the flow of the entire Bible and how each book connects to God's overall story.

You'll develop a transformed perspective: you'll start to see it as one book covering the greatest narrative ever penned. Believe me, you'll never look at the Bible the same way again.

It will protect you against false teachings. We need to know what Scripture actually says, to prevent being led astray by people "having a form of godliness bu denying its power" (2 Tim 3:5; and see also 2 Tim 4: 3-5). And remember, the Holy Spirit really can't remind you of something you have never read!

It will help you hear God's voice speaking to you through His Word in context and clarity, and bring confidence in your faith as you discover what you've been missing all along.


How to use the material in this section

It goes without saying, but keep your Bible the focus of the endeavour! If you are able, get a specific Bible to use for reading: no notes or highlights or underlined sections to draw your attention away from simply reading.

Keep a notebook to record your observations, striking passages, questions you might have, special insights, whatever you want to remember for future use.

The background note are exactly that, background information on the book or section of the Bible you're reading. Read it before reaading a specific Bible book, or use it as you go. (More information here on using the material.)

So here's my challenge to you: Start reading the Bible, a chapter a day, more if you have time, but at least a chapter a day.
Start at Matthew chapter 1, and just keep reading.
When you get to the end of the New Testament (Revelation 22), start right at the start of the Bible, Genesis chapter 1, and just keep going. It will be the beginning of one of the greatest adventures of your life!

BACKGROUND NOTES TO THE BIBLE BOOKS

Introduction to the Bible
OLD TESTAMENT		NEW TESTAMENT
THE PENTATEUCH Introduction to the Pentateuch Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy OLD TESTAMENT HISTORICAL BOOKS Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther WISDOM LITERATURE Introduction the the Old Testament Wisdom Literature Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs THE MAJOR PROPHETS Introduction to the Major Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel THE MINOR PROPHETS Introduction to the Minor Prophets Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi		THE GOSPELS Introduction to the Gospel History Matthew Mark Luke John   THE BOOK OF ACTS   PAUL'S EPISTLES Introduction to Paul's Epistles Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon   GENERAL EPISTLES Introduction to the General Epistles Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter Jude   THE LATE WRITINGS OF THE APOSTLE JOHN Introduction to the Late Writings of the Apostle John 1 John 2 John 3 John Revelation