HELPFUL HINTS FOR BIBLE READING

1. Read an English Translation that you can understand. Following is a list of available Bibles:

King James Version (1611), Old English

Revised Standard Version (1952), a revision of King James with retention of some of the early English expressions.

The New English Bible (1970), a paraphrase in readable English, good for reading large sections at one sitting.

The Jerusalem Bible (1966), a Modern English translation by Roman Catholic scholars.

The Amplified Bible, Modern English with notes concerning the original languages.

An American Translation (1976), a Modern English translation by a Lutheran Scholar.

The Good News Bible (1979), a Modern English translation from the American Bible Society.

The New International Version (1978), becoming most widely accepted Modern English translation. (Used on the back of our bulletin).

The Concordea Self-Study Bible, The NIV with introductions to books and notes on text.

2. Understand the various types of literature in the Bible (history, poetry, prophecy, gospels, letters, etc.)

3. Do not try to read the bible like a novel.

Begin with the New Testament.

Suggested sequence: Mark, John, Acts, Galatians, Romans, Luke, Corinthians, Ephesians, Matthew, then Philippians to end.

Then read the Old Testament.

Begin with historical sections (Genesis to Esther) interspersed with Psalms and Proverbs.

4. Set aside about 5 minutes each day to read your Bible or to listen to it on cassette tapes.

5. Steps to follow when reading:

a. Begin with prayer: "Thank you, Lord, for giving us Your Word. Today as I read, speak directly to me. Teach me and increase my faith and trust in you. Amen."

b. Read expectantly, expecting God to do something great for you.

c. Picture yourself in the situation (i.e. in the crowd listening to Jesus, seeing his miracles; a new Christian hearing a letter from Paul; an Israelite being led out of Egypt, living in Jerusalem, etc.)

d. Keep these questions in mind as you read:

1. Is there an example for me to follow?

2. Is there a sin for me to avoid?

3. Is there a command for me to obey?

4. Is there a promise for me to claim?

5. What does this particular passage teach me about God or Jesus Christ?

6. Is there a difficulty here for me to explore further?

7. Is there something in this passage I should pray about today?

e. Discuss what you have read -- with friends, family or in Bible Class.

f. Decide what you are going to do about what you have read, if such a decision seems to be indicated.

g. Close with prayer, thanking God for speaking to you, and asking Him to help you implement the decisions you have made.

6. Be aware of various Bible Helps:

a. Bible Dictionaries: Definitions and short articles on various subjects.

b. Concordances: Listings of various words or subjects and where to find them in the Bible.

c. Commentaries: Comments on the text of the Bible.

d. Bible Handbooks: General information about the Bible and the various books in the Bible.

e. Bible Atlases: Maps of Bible lands at various times in History.

OLD TESTAMENT: CONDENSED OUTLINE

BOOKS	SUBJECT OR LEADING THOUGHT
Historical Books
Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth I Samuel II Samuel I Kings II Kings I Chronicles II Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther	Founding of the Hebrew nation God's covenant with the Hebrew nation Laws of the Hebrew nation Journey to the promised land Laws of the Hebrew nation The conquest of Canaan The first 300 years in the land Beginning of the Messianic family Organization of the Kingdom Reign of David Division of the Kingdom History of the divided Kingdom Reign of David History of the Southern Kingdom Return from Babylonian Captivity Rebuilding of the Temple Escape from extermination
Poetic Books
Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon	The Problem of Suffering National Hymn Book of Israel The Wisdom of Solomon The vanity of earthly life Glory of Wedded love
Prophetic Books
Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi	The Messianic Prophet The last effort to save Jerusalem A dirge over the loss of Jerusalem They shall know that I am God The prophet at Babylon The apostasy of Israel Prediction of the Holy Spirit age Ultimate, universal reign of Messiah Destruction of Edom An Errand of mercy to Nineveh "The just shall live by faith." Coming of a "pure language" Rebuilding the temple Rebuilding the temple Final message to a disobedient people

NEW TESTAMENT: CONDENSED OUTLINE

BOOKS	SUBJECT OR LEADING THOUGHT
Gospels	(Life and Teaching of Jesus)
Matthew Mark Luke John	Jesus, the Messiah Jesus, the Wonderful Jesus, the Son of Man Jesus, the Son of God
Early Church History
Acts	Formation of the Church
Letters
Romans I Corinthians II Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians I Thessalonians II Thessalonians I Timothy II Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James I Peter II Peter I John II John III John Jude	The nature of Christ's work Various church disorders Paul defends his apostleship By grace, not by the law The unity of the church A missionary letter The deity of Jesus The Lord's second coming The Lord's second coming The Care of the church in Ephesus Paul's final word The churches of Crete Conversion of a runaway slave Christ, our great high priest Faith and good works To a persecuted church Prediction of apostasy Love Caution against false teachers Helping Christian workers Imminent apostasy
Apocalyptic Book
Revelation	The ultimate triumph of Christ

**Mostly taken from Halley's Bible Handbook, pages 28 and 29

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