HOW DO I TO FIND A VERSE IN THE BIBLE ?
If you are using a hard copy of the Bible and are unfamiliar with it, use the table of contents at the front. It will give you the book and page number to look up. Often there are two lists, one is in the order books appear, while the other will be alphabetical to help you even more. In a reference the first number is the chapter, the second number is the verse. The chapter numbers will be in a large font and the verse numbers much smaller. If you are using a Bible online it is easier as it will allow you to search for the book you want, and will take you to chapter and verse.
THE BIBLE – WHERE DO I START??
Because the bible is a collection of 66 different books you don’t have to read them in order. Also since we live under the New Covenant – established by Jesus’ death and resurrection – a good place to start is in the New Testament. For example – the gospel of John is a good place to start.
The book of Acts gives us an account of the birth of the church and the spread of the gospel throughout the world.
The letters that follow give us great teaching on living the life God intends for us to live. Because the early church didn’t have the New Testament it relied on the letters of Paul, Peter and others to bring teaching to the church.
Revelation – is an account of the prophetic vision John is given at the end of the first century and speaks of the End Times.
Remember we read the Bible for revelation of God and how He wants us to live. Before you start reading ask the Holy Spirit – who is our teacher – to speak God’s “now” message to you. God knows your situation at any given time and wants to speak directly into that situation through His word as well as through prayer.
God’s word is truly a living word and you can read the same verses of scripture at a different time and get a different emphasis because you are at a different place in your walk with Jesus.
God’s word is full of promises for you to claim – but you won’t be able to claim them if you don’t know them. This is another benefit of studying the scriptures.
Sometimes you may read large portions of scripture and at other times just one or two verses will capture your attention and it is good to stop and meditate on them – even memorise certain verses.
There are also some great devotional guides available that help guide and interpret the scriptures for you and give you life applications.
REMEMBER – GOD’S WORD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE AND IS OUR SPIRITUAL FOOD – SO FEED YOURSELF ON HIS WORD DAILY – PRAY THE SCRIPTURES AND CLAIM HIS PROMISES TO YOU!
