Normally you begin a book at page one and read it through to the end. Of course there is sense in reading the Bible like that, but it would take quite a long time to get to the central message. It is, however, very useful to read the early chapters of Genesis, (the first of the 66 books contained within the Bible) for they lay the foundation of all that will be developed through the many pages to come. Genesis also introduces Abraham, called by God to become the father of a numerous posterity, the Jewish people.

The Bible is a book of history, and recounts the development of God’s people throughout numerous generations. The second book, Exodus, tells of the escape of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, and how God gave them the Ten Commandments. Succeeding books reveal God’s dealings with his people through the centuries.

The central message of the Bible becomes clearer in the New Testament, where the four Gospels relate the life, teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and this is the heart of the Bible’s message, so it is quite acceptable to move quickly into that. One way of reading the Bible is to read each day a chapter both of the Old Testament and of the New Testament. 

Different parts of the Bible have differing emphases and usefulness. For example, the Psalms are prayers of God’s people in a large number of diverse situations; they express their need of God in various ways, and uplift the spirit by their expressions of praise to God. The Book of Proverbs contains short adages of practical advice; the Book of Ecclesiastes illuminates the human dilemma, life seemingly meaningless without God. In the later prophetic books, we see God speaking to the Israelites words of reproach and warnings of judgment as well as promises of mercy and predictions of blessing when they repent. 

In the New Testament one of the Gospel writers, Luke, wrote a second book, the “Acts of the Apostles” which continues the history of the disciples of Jesus from AD 30 to AD 62. It shows how the early church began, what the apostles preached, and how they dealt with various issues as the Gospel went further out into the Roman Empire. This is a fascinating historical read.

What is very helpful for the believer are the letters written by the apostles, Paul, Peter, James, John, and Jude to the first believers. They contain eternal truths that all believers hold, especially developing the way God saves sinners through Christ. They also give numerous exhortations about living as Christian disciples in the world. These letters speak directly to the believer of today and are extremely helpful for our spiritual growth. Some are more complicated than others, for God’s truth is very deep and requires our serious study.

But how should one read? It is good to start by praying that God will speak to you through his Word and enable you to understand it. Then read with an open spirit, attentive to what God might say to you through the passage you read. The Bible is a living book: God still speaks through its pages to the hearts of believers today. 

Don’t rush your reading; take the time to think through what it means. It has been well said, “It is better to read little and think much than to read much and think little”. And as you think – or meditate – on the Bible’s message, you can also have a notebook and pen handy, to jot down any particular thought that inspires you or is applicable to your life. It does no harm to underline in the Bible those verses that speak to you. 

There are some helpful “Study Bibles” for sale that have notes assisting the reader to understand those passages that may seem unclear. Most of them are excellent and you may want to invest in purchasing one. Conversely, you may find it helpful to have a pocket New Testament that you can carry around with you, or download a Bible on your smartphone. That way, if you have time spare before your next activity, you can nourish your faith by a quick Bible reading.

Bible reading is meant not only to inform you, but to change you more into the likeness of Jesus. So don’t let your reading be merely to gain head knowledge – useful though that is. Keep asking yourself, what does this mean in my life? How should I apply this statement or this promise or this commandment in my life today? Reading the Bible with an open heart, submissive to God’s teaching, will enable you to grow in faith, love, and commitment to your Saviour.

Clive Every-Clayton