Reading the Bible will feel easier if it is done according to the guidelines containing the order of the books that must be read. You can read the Bible sequentially according to the history of writing or follow a schedule so that the reading of the Bible can be completed within a certain time. If you want to read to deepen your understanding, use the study guides in the study editions of the Bible or join a Bible reader group. Take advantage of the benefits that many people have enjoyed by reading religious verses that are very useful every day.
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Part 1 of 5: Executing the Devotion Plan
Step 1. Choose one of the gospels that describes the life and teachings of Jesus
The most important messages in the Bible are conveyed through several texts containing the story of the life and teachings of Jesus called the Gospels. If you are just starting to read the Bible, read the Bible first. There are 4 Gospels in the Bible that contain similarities and differences, for example:
- The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of the life of Jesus, conveys the teachings of Jesus in certain chapters, and reveals that Jesus' life corresponds to the prophecies presented in several previous books.
- The Gospel of Mark conveys a summary of the story of Jesus' life journey through a short narrative and culminates in the event of Jesus' crucifixion.
- The Gospel of Luke contains the life and teachings of Jesus in several long chapters that focus on Jesus' interactions with many people.
- Different from the three gospels above (the so-called Synoptic Gospels), John's Gospel focuses on revealing who Jesus is and things that are not conveyed in the other gospels.
Step 2. Read the Pentateuch which contains the story of the creation of the world and verses written thousands of years ago
The Pentateuch are the first five books of the Bible, namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The five books tell the story of the creation of the universe and its contents, the lives of ancient spiritual figures, such as Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and very important verses, including the "Ten Commandments". Read the Pentateuch to learn about the basic Christian beliefs held by the Jewish people.
Step 3. Read a book of wisdom for spiritual guidance
The books of the Old Testament, such as Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon contain verses of poetic wisdom. Read the book if you want to deepen your understanding of faith, praise God, and learn the truth.
Step 4. Read the prophetic books (books of the Prophets) to deepen the knowledge that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's plan
Several books in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, contain verses that explain the coming of the Messiah and His role in bringing about God's plan. Reading from the book is very useful for those of you who want to get more information about the role of Jesus in Christian life as a whole.
Step 5. Read Paul's Epistles as a way of understanding the devotion of Christian leaders in the early development of Christianity
The books of Corinth, Galatians, Epistles of Peter, and Jude belong to the Epistole group, which is a collection of letters written by some of Jesus' first apostles. In the letter, the apostles relate that Jesus' followers were killed and faith was tested. The Epistle also teaches high wisdom to live a life in obedience to God. Read the book of Epistle to deepen understanding of the value of Christian virtues.
Step 6. Rely on the Bible for guidance on the topic you need
The Bible contains a variety of topics that deal with spiritual matters. The study edition of the Bible provides guidelines for reading the scriptures based on topics in daily life so it is very useful for people who want to read the Bible for certain purposes. For example, read the book:
- Matthew 10:28-33 or Philippians 4:4-47 if you are facing difficulties.
- Psalm 91:9-16 or Joshua 1:9 if you are being bullied.
- Luke 15:11-24 or Psalm 107:4-9 if you are in despair.
- Psalm 100 or 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 and 15 if you want to give thanks.
Step 7. Read the Bible by choosing a verse at random for inspiration
Many people believe that they can achieve enlightenment by choosing a book, chapter, or verse at random. Many spiritual leaders and Bible scholars have argued that this method tends to confuse readers and lead to contradictions. This method is fine if it makes you more diligent in reading the Bible.
Part 2 of 5: Reading the Bible to Understand Culture
Step 1. Read the Book of the Pentateuch which contains the story of the life of the ancestors of the Hebrews
In addition to the stories of the creation of the world and the lives of great people, the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy tell the history of the 12-tribe Hebrew nation including stories of slavery, exile from Egypt, and information about applicable laws and regulations. Read the book if you want to study the history of the Hebrew nation.
Step 2. Read the next few historical books in the Bible
The books of 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles tell the history of the founding of the kingdom of Israel, the occupation by the Babylonian kingdom, and other stories. Biblical scholars still debate the historical accuracy of the books, but this plays a very important role in tradition.
Step 3. Read the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistle for a glimpse into the beginning of Christian life
There are several references to Jesus written during His lifetime. However, certain books of the Bible, including the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles (e.g., the Books of Corinth, Galatians, Peter, and Timothy) tell of the early followers of Jesus spreading the teachings of Jesus in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The book contains a lot of information if you want to know the history of the development of Christian life and the birth of Christianity.
Step 4. Read the Bible in chronological order to make it a continuous story
The contents of the Bible are not arranged according to the time the events are told. If you want to read the Bible as a whole story, some books must be read first.
- For example: since Job lived before Abraham was born, read Genesis to chapter 11. After that, read Job to the end, then continue reading Genesis chapter 12 (the story of Abraham's birth) to the end.
- Use study editions of the Bible or the internet to find tables that describe the order in which the books were written.
Step 5. Read all the books in order according to the time of writing to find out the arrangement of the contents of the Bible
The order of the books in the Bible is not determined by the time of writing. Read the table with the year the books were written or look up the year each book was written on the Bible website.
Part 3 of 5: Reading the Whole Bible
Step 1. Read the Bible from the first page to the end
The books of the Bible are not related to each other. Spiritual leaders do not always recommend reading the Bible in sequence from beginning to end. If you are motivated enough and want to experience success, start reading from Genesis chapter 1 to Revelation chapter 22.
A Bible teacher can guide you through the readings a little at a time so you can better understand each verse you read
Step 2. Set a time limit for how long you want to finish reading the Bible from start to finish
For example, many people set a 1 year target. You will stay motivated to read if there is a target time to be achieved. There are many sources that you can use to achieve the target.
- For example, Gideon's website provides a year-long Bible reading program via the internet or using a special application.
- As daily reading, choose a few chapters of Psalms or a few verses of Proverbs.
- If you want to finish reading the entire Bible in 1 year, you have to read 3 chapters per day, but 3 chapters a day is enough if you want to finish in 3 years.
Step 3. Match the New Testament with the Old Testament so that you understand the message you want to convey thoroughly
The Bible consists of 2 main parts. The Old Testament contains events and teachings before the birth of Jesus. The New Testament deals with the life of Jesus, His teachings, and Jesus' first disciples. However, the two agreements are not separate parts.
- For example: as daily reading, choose 1 Old Testament chapter and 1 New Testament chapter.
- Alternatively, read 1 book in the Old Testament to the end. After that, read 1 book in the New Testament and then return to the Old Testament and so on.
- This method is more useful if you want to read the Bible in a certain amount of time and need variety, instead of reading from beginning to end.
Part 4 of 5: Putting Plans into Action
Step 1. Choose the Bible translation that is most suitable for you
The Bible is translated in many versions which are always updated. Each version emphasizes different things and uses a different style of language. Choose the Indonesian version of the Bible translation that best suits your needs and inspires you to keep reading, for example:
- The King James Version (KJV) was published in the 1600s for the Church of England. While it may sound a bit outdated, many Bible readers like its empowering style.
- The New International Version (NIV) was completed in the '70s. This translation is easy to understand although the interpretation is somewhat conservative.
- The New Living Translation is a direct translation that conveys the message clearly and completely.
- Read several translated versions while comparing to gain insight into the different interpretations of the original Bible text.
Step 2. Read the printed Bible as a book
The traditional way of reading the Bible is to read directly from the printed Bible. Many readers choose to read the printed Bible because it will be easier if they need to take notes, mark verses, or quote important terms that they want to memorize. You also don't have to worry about the battery condition of electronic devices if you read the printed Bible.
Step 3. Use an electronic Bible to make it more practical
The electronic Bible provides many options for those of you who are accustomed to using it. Electronic Bibles can be accessed through a variety of devices.
- You can read the Bible in the form of electronic books and applications in various versions.
- Many apps and e-books are equipped with features for marking reading and taking notes.
Step 4. Create a reading schedule
Many people do not have time to read the Bible because of the piled up tasks and busy daily activities. Set a daily schedule and make a commitment to read a few chapters or verses or read the Bible at a certain time each day. If you are very busy, do the following tips:
- Read the Bible on the way to school or work.
- Listen to recorded Bible readings while working.
- Reading e-books or using apps while waiting in line, waiting for a bus, etc.
Part 5 of 5: Deepening Understanding by Studying the Bible
Step 1. Pray for guidance
The Bible can be understood in terms of literature, history, or philosophy. For many people, the spiritual aspect is the most important. Pray before and after reading the Bible so that you can understand the text you are reading.
Step 2. Use the study guide to deepen understanding
Many Bibles are published with additional material for studying the history, significance, and interpretation of each part of the Bible. Take time to read additional material before and after reading the Bible. Deeper understanding keeps you inspired to keep reading.
Step 3. Read while taking notes
Even if it sounds like you're studying at school, you'll better understand what you're reading by noting the thoughts and questions that come up as you read. Prepare a notebook that is only used for this purpose. Many study Bible websites and apps include a menu for taking notes while reading.
As you read, write down verses that can be applied to your daily life or write them down if you have questions
Step 4. Join a Bible course or group
Reading the Bible with other people makes you more motivated and inspired. Take advantage of group discussions to deepen understanding by discussing the material read. Find out if there is a Bible course at your local church or Bible study community that meets to discuss the Bible informally.
