Reading the Bible

By Brenda Vinyard
Youth Director, Taiwanese Presbyterian Church

The Bible remains at the top of the best seller list.  Yet so many people 
have one, they fail to read it.

We recently met new friends from Shanghai.  They came to our Friday night 
Bible study class, and announced that they had never studied the Bible 
before.  We were so happy to have new friends to share such an exciting 
book, full of promises.

The couple joined us that night as we studied from the book of Matthew.  It 
seems odd to start studying in the middle of a book.  But that is where our 
class was that particular night. They confessed that even though they had a 
Bible, they have never studied it.

Sometimes people will eagerly open the Bible at the beginning and then when 
they reach Leviticus and Numbers and Deuteronomy, they lose interest.  I 
can't say that I blame them.  Those books give direction for worship for 
the Israelites, Numbers continues the history with preparations for moving 
on from Sinai to Canaan.  Holiness is the main theme however and for those 
who enjoy history, reading these books does not daunt enthusiasm at 
all.  But for others, who might be a little impatient, reading books that give an overview might be a better way to study.

I would recommend the following.:

Genesis is a book of origins, describing mans fall into sin, and God's plan 
of redemption.

Matthew, God's promise fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah.

Acts, describes the establishment of the church. The history of the spread 
of the gospel, and a defense for the faith.

Romans, This wonderful book gives God's plan of salvation and righteousness 
for mankind.  This righteousness comes from God.

James, describes the Christian life

1 John, Jesus is God from the foundation of the world.

Once those books are read, go back to the beginning.  You will have had the 
overview and things will come together quickly.  There are introductions to 
books which give an overview of meaning also.  If you still have questions, 
we welcome those anytime at Bible Study class. Taiwanese Presbyterian 
Church is located on Reis Road in Ballwin.