2. The Bible
Where did the Bible originate?
The Bible was written over a span of 1600 years, across three continents (Africa, Asia and Europe), by forty authors, in three languages (Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek) and has one primary theme: “The glory of God and salvation to everyone believing in Jesus Christ.”
The 66 books of the Bible are divided into two main parts: The Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books). It is important to remember that these books carry the unique perspectives and personalities of its writers. The Holy Spirit, the Author of the Bible, allowed them to pass on their version of understanding, under His guidance.
The Bible is thus called the “Word of God,” because it is His message to mankind.
Read your Bible
The Bible is the Word of God. Matt 4:4 – “… Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
His Word is life. It is the essential food you need for a life of victory.
Heb 4:12 AMP – “For the Word of God is living and active and full of power (making it active, operative, energizing and effective). It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit (the completeness of a person) and both joints and marrow (the deepest part of our nature), exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of our heart.”
Also, read the passage in Luke 8 about the parable of the sower. Here Jesus is identified as the Sower. When you read the Word, you SOW the seed of life into your life, which involves Jesus, the source of all life.
Rom 10:17 speaks about faith which comes through the hearing of the Word. The Word plants faith in your heart, which enables you to live according to His will.
The Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, breathes the life of God into you.
Also, read Ps 119 for more information on the Word of God.
Beginner’s reading programme
The purpose of this chapter is to guide you to follow a meaningful reading programme so that you will have sufficient knowledge to start living effectively as a believer. Also, to encourage you towards a more advanced knowledge of the Word.
Take note that the purpose of this programme is to establish you in certain truths. Speed is not mandatory when studying the Scriptures. Take your time and read again, until you have a proper understanding of the Word.
Every reader is strongly advised to make prayer part of their reading programme. Pray before you read, while you read and after you have read. Through prayer, you speak to the Author of the Bible. He wants to lead you in all Truth.
Reading Programs:
- Genesis 1-3 and Psalm 1
- The book of Luke and Psalm 19
- Acts 1-4 and 7 and Psalm 23
- James 1-5 and Psalm 63
- John 3, 14-21 and Psalm 16
- Ephesians 1-6 and Psalm 27
- Romans 1 and Psalm 91
- 1 Corinthians 15 and Psalm 100
MEMORIZE Scriptures
Josh 1:8 – “This book of law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
We memorize scriptures so that we can carry out these assignments and receive the promises attached to them.
How do I do it practically?
Choose a scripture every week. Read and overthink it regularly. Pray about it. Learn it and repeat it for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to make the words you’re saying come alive in your spirit. Your thoughts will gradually line-up with His Word and the truths of the Word will be captured in your mind and spirit with life-changing consequences.
Lastly, keep track of the scriptures you’ve learned and review them regularly.
Which Bible should I read?
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
Our Bibles are thus just a translation of the original texts. Due to linguistic challenges, the original meanings are possibly not fully acquired. Therefore, it is recommended to read more than one translation to reach the true meaning of a text. I recommend that you also read the Bible in your mother tongue. Further, at least one trustworthy English translation such as the New King James version or the Amplified Bible (many are available).
Numerous electronic programmes are also available to help you with a better understanding of Scripture, for example, eSword.