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Bible Insights

What if I Don’t Understand Everything I Read in the Bible?

Question: What If I Don’t Understand Everything I Read in the Bible?

Answer: If you don’t understand everything you read in the Bible, then you are in good company. No one completely understands the entire Bible.

Instead of getting frustrated or focusing on what you don’t understand, give your attention to what does make sense.

Over time, as you read and study the Bible, God will reveal more and more truth to you and increase your understanding of it.

Mastering the Bible is like peeling an onion. There are layers and layers. Just when you think you have one passage mastered, God’s Holy Spirit will reveal another deeper and more profound layer.

This is why reading the Bible is not a one-time effort, but a lifetime pursuit of discovery and revelation.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

What Does Prayer, Meditation, and Fasting Have To Do with Bible Reading?

Question: What Does Prayer, Meditation, and Fasting Have To Do with Bible Reading?

Answer: Prayer, meditation, and fasting (along reading the Bible) are spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines draw us closer to God, deepen our understanding of who he is, and help make us into the men and women he desires us to become.

Praying for guidance before reading the Bible is a wise practice. Also, you may be prompted to pray while reading or studying a passage. Saying a prayer after reading the Bible is also a God-honoring practice.

As you read the Bible, you may want to spend time contemplating on what you just read for any possible applications to your life. This is meditation; it’s often combined with prayer.

The act of fasting (be it going without food or withholding some other enjoyment or practice) is used to heighten spiritual awareness. This includes insights gleaned from Bible reading as well as prayers and meditation.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

What is a Spiritual Discipline?

Question: What Is a Spiritual Discipline?

Answer: A spiritual discipline draws us closer to God, deepens our understanding of who he is, and helps make us into the men and women he desires us to become.

Spiritual disciplines are practices that we willingly pursue in response to the God who created us, saved us, and guides us.

Spiritual disciplines aren’t something we do out of guilt or obligation; they aren’t a way to gain God’s attention or earn our way to heaven.

The list of spiritual disciplines is inexact. Prayer, Bible study, fasting, and meditation are common spiritual disciplines. Some people end the list with these four, whereas others cite additional activities.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

What are Those Strange Reference Notations in the Bible?

Question: What Are All the Strange Reference Notations in the Bible?

Answer: The reference notations in the Bible (such as Romans 3:23) are analogous to line numbers assigned to a Shakespearean play; they serve as a study aid.

Since the Bible is much longer and more complex, its reference notations are more involved.

The Bible is divided into 66 books (see Apocrypha for more information), or sections, such as Genesis, Psalms, John, or Acts. These were the names given to them, over time, based on the pieces’ author, audience, or purpose.

In the 1200s each book was divided into chapters, such as Acts 2. In the 1500s the chapters were further subdivided into verses, such as John 3:16.

The name of the book is listed first, followed by the chapter number, a colon, and then the verse number. This is sometimes called the chapter-verse reference notation; it was done in order to help people quickly locate a specific text.

Here’s how to locate a specific passage in the Bible based on its reference: Most Bibles contain a table of contents at the beginning, which gives the page number of each book.

So start there, locate the book you want to read and turn to that page number. Then page forward to find the chapter you want, and then skim that page to locate the specific verse.

Although an effort was made to place these divisions at logical breaks, they sometimes seem arbitrary.

Therefore, it is a good practice to read what precedes and follows each break, as the surrounding text may contain relevant insight into the portion you’re studying.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

What Bible Version or Translation Should I Use?

Question: What Version or Translation of the Bible Should I Use?

Answer: Although some people are adamant that a specific version of the Bible is the only one to use, this is a limited perspective that only discourages people from reading and studying the Bible.

You should select a version that is meaningful to you and easy to understand. Some versions are paraphrases, putting the Bible into modern-day language that is readily understandable.

If you are new to the Bible (or need to take a fresh look at it), The Message is recommended.

Other versions of the Bible are translations, either a word-for-word translation or a phrase-for-phrase translation.

Popular versions include the New International Version (NIV), the Amplified Bible (AMP), and the New Living Translation (NLT).

The King James Version (KJV) is the choice for many long-time Bible readers (complete with traditional Old English wording), though some now opt for the New King James Version (NKJV).

To read a version that includes the Apocrypha books, consider the Common English Version (CEB), New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) or New American Bible (NAB).

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

What if I Don’t Have a Bible?

Question: What If I Don’t Have a Bible?

Answer: You can buy a Bible from almost any bookstore as well as online. If you can’t afford one, many churches and parachurch organizations will give you one.

However, since you have Internet access, why not just do your Bible reading and studying online? BibleGateway.com allows you to read and study the Bible from a selection of popular versions and translations.

Also consider the YouVersion app and Bible Hub.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

Where Should I Start Reading the Bible?

Question: Where Should I Start When Reading the Bible?

Answer: In general, any Bible reading is better than no Bible reading.

Probably, the least effective way to read the Bible is to start on page 1 and read straight through to the end.

The different sections, or books, of the Bible are grouped by category more so than in chronological order. Therefore, a sequential reading doesn’t always make sense.

However, to have a specific Bible reading plan in place allows for the systemic method of reading the Bible. This website offers several Bible reading plans for you to consider.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

When is the Best Time of Day to Read the Bible?

Question: When Is the Best Time to Read the Bible?

Answer: There is no specific best time to read the Bible.

The ideal time for you to study the Bible is whenever you are going to be able to give it your full attention, focusing on it, blocking out distractions, and not rushing to finish.

Many people like to read their Bible in the morning, before they begin their day.

Others feel Bible reading is a great way to conclude their day and focus their thoughts before going to sleep.

Some find that arriving at work early and reading before others arrive best prepares them for the workday.

Other options include reading during your lunch hour or coffee break, on your morning commute (providing you’re not driving), while savoring a cup of coffee, or even enjoying a hot bath.

Ultimately, the best time to read the Bible is whenever you can get the most return out of your investment of time and energy.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

Why Should I Read the Bible Every Day?

Question: Why Should I Read the Bible Every Day?

Answer: Just as we eat regularly to maintain our physical health, regular Bible reading helps keep us on track and healthy in a spiritual sense.

Just as it would be ludicrous to eat a big meal on Sunday and expect it to hold us for a week, reading the Bible sporadically – or not at all – is equally unwise from a spiritual standpoint.

In addition to regular Bible reading, other components of spiritual health include regular prayer and meditation, along with periodic fasting.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

What Are the Basics about the Bible?

Question: What Are the Basics about the Bible?

Answer: The Bible is actually a collection of books, written by various authors over a period of several hundred years. Think of the Bible as a diverse anthology of godly communication to us.

It contains historic accounts, poetry, letters of instruction and encouragement, messages from God sent through his emissaries (prophets), and future prophecies.

Altogether, the Bible contains 66 books*. They are grouped into two sections. The Old Testament contains 39 books that precede and anticipate Jesus. The New Testament contains 27 books and cover Jesus’ life and the work of his followers.

Some Bibles, as well as the original King James Bible, include additional books that cover a gap in time between the Old and New Testaments. (See Apocrypha for more information.)

The Hebrew Bible includes the same writings of the 39 Old Testament books, but combines some books together, resulting in 24 books.

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.