HOW DO I PICK A BIBLE TO READ

							          BIBLE READINGS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
The Bible is difficult to read like a normal book from cover to cover. Listed below are selected
Bible readings that will help Christians to grow. The Bible is a hard book for people to understand,
so we have prepared this list to help you grow in your knowledge of God's Word.

Start up Reading Suggestions: Begin by reading about the life of Jesus in the Gospels. Mark is
the shortest. John has some of the best-remembered passages. Luke is the best storyteller.
Matthew is the best teacher. We think it’s best if you take time to read ‘em all.

Next, you should go on to some of Paul's Letters: Galatians helps us see that Jesus came to set us
free because he loves us, not to put us in bondage to a set of rules or laws. Ephesians helps us
see the advantages that a believer has in Christ. Philippians reminds us that we can have joy in any
situation. James tells believers how they ought to be living.

Next, go back to the Old Testament: Exodus tells how God rescued his people from slavery in
Egypt; 2 Samuel tells of the story of King David; Job in a complicated book that helps us ponder
why people suffer; Proverbs offers advice for every area of life; Isaiah gives words of warning to
God’s People in the first section and words of comfort in the second section of his book.

Other Helpful Passages: when there is sorrow read John 14, when others fail read Psalm 27, if you
want to be fruitful read John 15, when you have sinned read Psalm 51, when you worry read
Matthew 6:19-34, when you are in danger read Psalm 91, when God seems far away read Psalm
139, when your faith needs stirring read Hebrews 11, when you are lonely or fearful read Psalm 23,
when you grow bitter or critical read I Corinthians 13, for Paul's secret of happiness read Colossians
3:12-17, for Paul's idea of Christianity read 1 Corinthians 5:15-19, when you feel down and out read
Romans 8:31-39, when you want rest and peace read Matthew 11:25-30, when the world seems
bigger than God read Psalm 90, when you leave home for labor or travel read Psalm 121, when your
prayers grow narrow or selfish read Psalm 67, for a great invitation and a great opportunity read
Isaiah 55, when you want courage for a task read Joshua 1, how to get along with fellow men read
Romans 12, when you think of investments and returns read Mark 10, if you are depressed read
Psalm 27, if your pocketbook is empty read Psalm 37, if people seem unkind read John 15, if you
are discouraged about your work read Psalm 126, if you find the world growing small and you
yourself great read Psalm 19.

Some Great Verses on God's Promises to Us: Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 21:22, Jeremiah 32:17, 2
Chronicles 7:14, Proverbs 15:8, Isaiah 55:6, James 4:2, Philippians 4:6, Hebrews 11:6, 2
Corinthians 5:7, Mark 11:23, Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Romans 8:26-
28, Matthew 19:26, Mark 11:24, Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 1:4, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 28:20,
John 1:9, Matthew 8:16, Isaiah 53:5

Some Great Chapters: Three stories about God's love - Luke 15, Jesus explains being born again -
John 3, Jesus the Good Shepherd - John 10, how God deals with sin - Romans 3, finding peace with
God - Romans 5, new life in Christ - Ephesians 2, being sure of salvation - 2 Peter 1, prayer taught
by Jesus - Matthew 6, Jesus' prayer for us - John 17, Jesus' temptation - Matthew 4, and life in the
Spirit - Galatians 5.
                     HOW DO I PICK A BIBLE TO READ?
It is important for Christians to learn and grow in faith. One of the best ways to do that is to read
the Bible. But choosing a Bible to read that is understandable can be difficult. You'll find hundreds
of different Bibles facing you in your local Christian bookstore. If you have a Bible, get it out and
read it. If you find it difficult to understand, it may be that you have an older, more formal
translation of the Bible. In the last few years, lots of newer, more easily understood translations of
the Bible have been published. We suggest you choose a bible based on three basic issues:

  VERSION - First, you need to decide what version or translation to get. Pick one you
  understand. Some folks prefer one of the older translations like the King James and the Revised
  Standard versions. Many prefer an easier to understand, newer translation. At King of kings we
  often read from the New International Version. Most Bibles are pretty accurate translations of
  the original texts – but the need to be readable. Be sure you can understand it. Some people
  prefer a bible paraphrase, where the writer has put the text into his owns words, while less helpful
  for a group Bible study - they can be great for personal devotions. The Message by Eugene
  Peterson is a great paraphrase of the New Testament that brings the stories of the Bible alive.

  STUDY AIDS - Once you choose a version (or translation) you understand, you also need to
  decide whether you want a plain Bible or one with various tools to aid your understanding. Many
  good Devotional Bibles are available if you're buying a Bible for personal reading. If you're
  planning to buy a Bible for reading and for study, we recommend a Study Bible, a Life
  Application Bible, or a Student Bible.

  COVER, COLOR, COST - How much you can pay will help you decided between hard and soft
  cover, color, and other less important decisions. You may also want to think about getting a
  Commentary, a Bible Dictionary, a Bible Atlas, a Concordance, or other reference books to help.

To help get you started, we’ve compiled this list of suggested Bible Readings for Growing
Christians. Whatever Bible you decide on - get one and read it. Bring it to church. Write in it.
Make it what it was designed to be - the Owner’s Manual for human beings.




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