Tag: read the Bible

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Bible Insights

What Bible Version or Translation Should I Use?

Bible FAQs with Peter DeHaan, PhD

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.”
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​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?

Bible FAQs with Peter DeHaan, PhD

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?

Bible FAQs with Peter DeHaan, PhD

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?

Bible FAQs with Peter DeHaan, PhD

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?

Bible FAQs with Peter DeHaan, PhD

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?

Bible FAQs with Peter DeHaan, PhD

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.

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Christian Living

Notable Women in the Bible

Two weeks ago I encouraged you to have a Bible reading plan for the new year—and I felt a bit guilty for saying it. This wasn’t because I gave bad advice, but because I hadn’t yet figured out my own plan.

I try to never tell someone to do something that I won’t or don’t do myself. Yet I ran the risk of doing just that.

Each day I had asked God what my Bible reading should entail for next year and each day he was silent—or more likely I wasn’t listening close enough. Despite hearing nothing, I was confident I’d have my plan prior to January 1.

Yet when I picked up my Bible on the first day of the new year, I still didn’t know what I was supposed to read.

So, I asked God, “New Testament or Old?”

He said “Old.”

Then I started listing the different sections: The Law of Moses, the historic books, the poetic books, the prophets. For each group, he said, “No.”

Then two specific books came to mind; I think it was God’s prompting. I asked, “Ruth or Esther?”

I heard, “Yes.”

Again I asked, “Ruth or Esther?”

Nothing.

Then the Holy Spirit began to clarify. My reading is to focus on the notable women in the Bible—and I’m delighted to do so. “Thank you, Jesus!”

So, I’ve already read Ruth and am on my second pass through Esther.

Other names that come to mind are Deborah (the judge), Hannah (Samuel’s mom), Sarah (Abraham’s wife), Naomi (Ruth’s mother-in-law), Rebekah (Isaac’s wife), Rachel (one of Jacob’s wives), and Abigail (one of David’s wives).

Then are the four women in the Bible honored by name in the family tree of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, and Bathsheba, along with Ruth. There are also some not mentioned by name, such as Naaman’s servant girl and Jephthah’s daughter.

In the New Testament there is Mary (mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene (from whom Jesus cast out demons), Anna (the woman in the temple who awaited Jesus’ birth), and Priscilla (wife of Aquila and friend of Paul).

Since I want to look at those with positive traits, I’ve not included Jezebel or Sapphira. What about Leah and Eve?

This is just a start. Who else should I add to my list of women in the Bible?

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

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.

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Peter DeHaan News

Bible Reading Plans

Get your free Bible reading plans today: Read the Bible This Year.

Bible Reading Plans are Now Available

Learn more about the Bible from ABibleADay.com — and have a Happy New Year!

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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Christian Living

Read the Bible in a Year

Get your free Bible reading plans today: Read the Bible This Year.

Last year, my church encouraged us to read the entire Bible as a congregation. I’m pleased to report that not only did I complete that goal, but I also finished early.

I celebrate my accomplishment and all that I learned about God in the process, but I’m also glad to put the task behind me.

Reading three or four chapters a day is simply a faster pace than I presently enjoy. Not that this was always the case.

I was a teenager the first time I read the entire Bible. By spending an hour a day, I read straight through from Genesis to Revelation in two and a half months during summer break.

This did much to help me see the Bible as a whole and not in disparate parts. I also saw the story arc from Adam to John, or more correctly, from creation in Genesis 1 and 2 to re-creation in Revelation 21 and 22.

Annual Bible Reading Goals

For many years since that time, I set an annual goal to read the entire Bible (which takes about 12 to 15 minutes a day). A few times, my annual plan was to read just the Old Testament (about 10 to 12 minutes a day).

Most years, however, I read through the New Testament (about 3 to 4 minutes a day – unless you want to take time to study and ponder the text).

Lately, my plan for the year has been to read through the Psalms on Sundays and focus on specific books or genres during the week. Yes, I take a break on Saturdays.

This is a rhythm that works best for me, and I’m excited to reclaim it for next year.

The point in sharing this is to encourage you to set a Bible reading goal for next year. The quantity isn’t the point but habitually directing our attention to God is.

Consider These Bible Reading Plans

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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Peter DeHaan News

Bible Reading Guides Now Available

2013 Bible Reading Guides

Peter DeHaan Releases Reading Guides to Encourage Regular Bible Reading and Contemplation

This year’s Bible reading guides are now available.

With an investment of less than 4 minutes a day, Monday through Friday, you can read the entire New Testament of the Bible in one year.

For those who prefer to cover the entire Old Testament in one year, it will take a bit more time, reading about 10 to 12 minutes each day.

If these options seem overwhelming, here are some alternate monthly Bible reading plans to help you ease into regular Bible reading.

The Wrong Approach…and a Better Way

Many people approach the Bible as they would a novel, starting at the beginning of Genesis and reading straight through to the end of Revelation.

This can be discouraging because readers can become bogged down in sections, such as the law and major prophets,” said A Bible A Day founder and chief writer Peter DeHaan.

“Our reading guides offer a mix of the Bible’s many genres, while still providing a logical approach.”

DeHaan notes the Bible is actually an anthology, written by many writers over a period of several centuries. It contains different forms of writing, which need to be understood as such. “The Bible is not a rule book or manual, but more of a faith narrative,” he said.

In addition to Bible reading guides, A Bible A Day also provides an overview of each book of the Bible and other resources to guide readers.

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.