This may seem simplistic to some, but it does work for some too.
Don't think of the Bible , and thus read it , as something boring like a history lesson or a documentary. Look at it as a Mystery or a great adventure. If you read it to learn about things, you might get bored in between the highlights. But if it is a who-done-it, you are looking for clues, answers, and hidden items. I once struggled as you have described, but I have since found that there are many , many things that if you are looking for them will facinate you and have you seeking out other jems.
This may not work for you, but it does work for some, because it really is the greatest story ever written, because you can completely read it 20 times cover to cover, and the 21st you will still learn someting new.
The bible isn't a novel or story book and shouldn't be read as such. If it is, you will find it very boring. It is a volumn of 66 books that contains more wisdom and knowledge that all other books combined. It is the only book that reveals the thoughs and workings of God, past, present, and future. The more one learn about the bible, the more he realizes that he doesn't know anything yet and has only scratched the surface of the great truths contained within. The more one learns about it, the more his hunger to learn of God increases. Thus some of the discussions here, There isn't many places where one can become involved in discussions as in-depth as some found here, They are the result of a desire for true "meat" of the word.
My advice is don't start in the most hard to be understood part of the scripture. Start in Acts of the Apostles, read about the birth of the New Testament Church. Find out what they preached, see what God did for them. Study the Epistles, the letters of instruction to the new converts to direct them in the right way. Take your time and read the referances given as you study. Remember God didn't say read the scriptures, He said "study" to show yourselves approved unto God. Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life.
Please do not mistake my suggestion as being irreverant. It is not intended as such. But it is the greatest ( true ) story ever written. I have nothing but respect and reverence for the Word of Our Lord.
I would simply start with the New Testament...Read it because it is the right thing to do.
You remind me a little of me.
The Lord drew me to read it back in 1976 while on a 30 days war game outside in the woods of north Florida's Eglin Airforce base. The sergeants in charge had just come to me and said since I was such a goof off I was going ot be dishonorable discharged. I was very bummed out and a thougth came ot me to read the New Testament through. I was raised a Methodist and thought this 'Good work ' may just be enough to push me over into Heaven.
Oct.1 ,1976 I opened up the little green Gideon King James New Testament and began reading.As I read my mind began sobering up although my intellect honestly was not picking anything up. Then I noticed MArk and Luke were saying about the same thing...I was really getting confused. I also read Psalms and Proverbs. by Oct. 30th I had completed the New Testament. Although I didn't understand one thing ..God's Spirit began enlightening my mind.
..I can't stop here ..I must go on to tell you about the most wonderful thing that has happened in my Christian life. About OCt. 27th I was to share my tent with a soldier named Cooper. While I lay in the tent with Cooper he began talking gay stuff. That little voice in my head {Which was speaking to me alot since I read the New Testament} told me to sleep out side instead ..so I did.
I don't recall the exact time but during the night...that little voice spoke to me and said unzipper your sleeping bag and tell me what you see. After 2 more promptings I obeyed. I unzippered the bag and looked straight up expectingto see only stars on a clear night. Instead ...I was stunned to see the Lord Jesus Christ as clear as a bell suspended about 15 yds upward. ..my eyes fully opened.I stared at his eyes and beautiful robes of scarlet red, royal blue and white. ..for about 20 seconds..Then my sin convicted me and I hid in my bag. I wished it wasn't true because now I knew He was real and I was lost. The enemy said maybe it wasn't even real. So the voice in my mind saidto look again.And He was still there. I wished he would meet my eyes ..and He did. After about 30 seconds I gently hid my head and melted into my sorrow of meaning so lost.
Shortly after {About 2 weeks} God sent certain people in my life that led me to salvation. I'm glad I read His Word.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
PS I wasn't discharged. I was blessed beyond measure. I was made the battalian executive officer's driver , given 3 ranks and sent to the honor guard at the White House during Jimmy Carter's reign. I ended up going ot Bible school to magor in Bible. I still read the Word daily ..."for without me ye can do nothing. "John 15:4
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
I like John for a beginning point also, just don't let that 1st chapter wigg you out. "In the beginning was the Word and Word was with God.." Can screw with your head sometimes. Read it, and keep going. Don't get hung up just yet if everything doesn't make perfect sense.
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Anything I say is my opinion, just that...and only that.
"...and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?
thanks everyone that old testament stuff is hard to understand. scaficies of animals, this person begot this person. i will try and read the new testament.
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I rather have a bad day in the woods then a good day at work
Motor got it right. Or at least in my eyes. Read thru Genisisthen gowith John. It was wrote for you. Maybe skip Romans and Hebrew at first. Head straight to Corrintheans, and bascially all of Pauls Letters, James is Awesome, and then Revelations. At that point you will want to know the old Testiment. I know I have been thru the old testiment two times and I love Genisis but things get tough after Leviticus, and then end of Kings gets tougher. As my pastor says, not reading Genisis is like not being able to see the beginning opening to Gilligans Island. Theopening of Gilligans Island tells the whole beginning and how they got there.
bible reading
