biblegateway.com
Biblos.com, Free Online Biblical Study Tools
BlueLetterBible.org – An on-line interactive reference library
e-Sword.net – The Sword of the Lord with an Electronic Edge
levendwater.org – Bullinger ’s Companion Bible
Philologos Religious Online Books
SearchGodsWord.org
gladtidingsfellowship.com How to Read the Bible for Understanding and Power
NetHymnal
Amazon.com
ChristianCafe.com
Family Christian StoresReading through the Bible . . . A Study Help
Posted By Edward Hardy on July 5, 2009
Reading through the Bible built up my confidence in God and enlightened my understanding of the overall scope of the Word from Genesis 1:1 through Revelations 22:21. After I’d finished, the joy of accomplishment was overshadowed by seeing the Word fit together from cover to cover. I also developed a deeper reverence for God and a clearer understanding for the manner in which each character played a part in the unfolding of the story of God’s love to and for man.
2 Timothy 2:15a Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed…
Considering the context, God is concerned that the knowledge of His Word is known and believed. Wouldn’t the best way to receive that knowledge be to read the Bible?
After I read through it, my familiarity with the Scriptures grew (obviously) and I also found an increased willingness to refer to God’s will as my first and only reference for truth. As a “study help”, I consider reading the first step in study, moreover reading from cover to cover a big aid in edifying, comforting and exhorting to a more worthy endeavor through study.
The first thing I did, after seating myself in a comfortable, but, not too comfortable chair, was to pray and ask for understanding of the Scriptures. Next I’d set a time frame of one hour and 30 minute increments if I wanted to read later. While keeping a note pad close by (to jot down thoughts or memorandums), I’d pick up my favorite version, the King James, and begin reading. Reading in a hard-backed chair and staying in the time frame helped to keep me interested and awake to what God was showing me.
What I’m suggesting are things which work for me with the best results. I’ve used schedules which helped me stay on track and recorded my progress. Schedules are good and helpful, but they’re not the only way.
I got a schedule a while ago which would guide me through in 100 days or I could slow it down to 200 days, all the while reading books that complimented one another. Later I used a schedule guiding me through in 365 days, and then I just started in Genesis and ended in Revelation. For me, schedules were helpful, but not the only way. What is basic and true for everyone, with or without a schedule, is to stay faithful to read and focus on the goal.
Let me now list some fears or hesitations some have voiced to me and my response to them.
- The Bible is too big for me to read through. If you take it in small chunks, one hour a day, you’ll soon be through it. Stay faithful.
- I’m just too busy with work and other things to find the time. If you want to, set a specific time each day and don’t let other things interrupt you during that time.
- Reading some vague Old Testament records just puts me to sleep. At first, reading these vague records seems slow, but I’ve found they become more interesting as I saw them repeated in later records.
- Getting started and sticking to it are too much. The first week, for me, was the hardest until I developed a routine and stayed faithful to it.
- I don’t know where to start. How about the beginning.
Time flies by so quickly and as Mordecai said to Queen Esther:
Esther 4:14b …who knows whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
So, now is the time. Rather than putting off to another time, make the determination to read through the Bible and see for yourself what God’s will is in and through you.
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