The word Bible comes from the Greek word “βιβλία” (biblía), meaning “books” or “scrolls.” The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written over a period of 1,600 years by more than 40 writers from all walks of life. It is laid out by shelves just like a library. It is God's gift to us so that we might know Him and the paths of life.
God carefully guided those to whom He revealed Himself down through history to carefully record what they heard and saw. These were eye witnesses, and the Bible is a collection of accounts and letters that they wrote. So reading the Bible is the place to start if you want to know God. Here is a suggested reading list to get started.
This is a layout of 100 of the most important passages in the Bible for someone who is new to the Bible. Set a goal to read through these 100 passages over the next month or so. Start by setting aside the time to read and focus. Ask the Lord to speak to you through His Word as you read, and highlight what stands out to you. What do you learn about God? What do you learn about yourself? What do you learn about how you should live? What stands out that you could pass on to someone else to help them in their faith journey?
When we invite the Lord Jesus into our lives, He promises to come and make His home with us (John 14:23), to live in us through His Spirit (Galatians 2:20) and that His life in us would bring salvation's impact to every area of our life (Romans 5:10). He makes us new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and restores that in our lives that was broken by sin (2 Corinthians 3:18). My Heart Christ's Home is a wonderful allegorical story of what that relationship looks like. I hope you enjoy reading it and reflecting on its implications to your life personally.
The "Wheel" illustration has longed been used to help understand what are the keys components of walking with Christ and living life by faith in Him as our Good Shepherd. Take some time to study this illustration and ask the Lord to guide you in growing in each of the areas.
For many who have developed a strong relationship with God and are living their lives through faith in Christ, they have learned that daily focused time with God in His Word is critical. Here is an 11 minute video testimony of the impact that cultivating that life discipline has had on Jean Fleming, an author, wife, mom and grandmother!
"Putting First Things First"
Start each day spending time with the Lord in His Word to grow in your relationship with Him. Here is a simple format to get you started. Print the two pages back-to-back, cut the final page in half and fold the half sheets. It is a great tool!
Here are a simple Quiet Time plan to help you get started in daily spending time with the Lord in His Word. You will find that the time will deepen your relationship with God the more you get to know Him. It is an exciting journey ... have fun getting started!
There are over 60 books in the Bible, which are grouped on "shelves" just like a library. Here is a list of the chapters of each book to help you navigate as you read.
Here is a 52 week Bible reading plan that will guide you in reading from a different book each day. You will discover how the Bible is one large unfolding story, given us by God.
Here is a 52 week Bible reading plan that will allow you to read the Bible in chronological order. It will help you learn what each book is about, and how it fits in the time-line with other books.
The Apostle Paul wrote over a dozen letters that are today in the New Testament of the Bible to help others grow in their faith. Here is a layout of the things he prayed for others as he sought to encourage them in their faith. Spend some time reflecting on what Paul prayed, then pray these things for yourself and others as you grow in your faith.
Jesus said that others would know that He is in our lives and that we are living by faith in Him by the way we relate to one another. Read through this list of "one another" passages from the New Testament that give clear applications as to how the Lord wants us to relate to one another. As you ask God for the grace to relate to others in this way, you will find yourself growing in your faith.
Do you have questions about the Bible, about who is the Lord Jesus and what has He done for us, about what true faith in God looks like? Click on the these links ...
www.GotQuestions.org and www.ChristianAnswers.net
Both are wonderful websites dedicated to assist others in their understanding of God, Scripture, salvation, and other spiritual topics. Both sites provide biblical, applicable, and timely answers to spiritually related questions through an internet presence.
Disclaimer ... CreatedAndLoved.com may not necessarily agree with everything posted on these websites, but overall we do.
They have lot of great insights and resources.
The historic account of the Lord Jesus conquering death, rising from the dead on Easter morning, is recorded by four historic authors in what we call "The Gospels" of the Bible. Here is the entire Easter story woven together from the four Gospels into a single narrative. Take some time to slowly read through it and reflect on what the Lord Jesus did for us and who He is. It will strengthen and deepen your faith.