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Connect With God: Bible Reading

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Want a practical approach to reading Scripture?
We can help.

Why Reading the Bible Matters

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul gives us snapshot of what it looks like to grow in our relationship with God:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

Reading the Bible is a key part of “renewing our minds.” In Psalm 119:11, David wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” When we read the Bible, its words have the power to change our perspective and our behavior. That’s why we’ve identified it as one of the core spiritual practices. Any Jesus follower with access to a Bible can do it. And every Jesus follower can benefit from it.

Reading the Bible can help you:

  1. See God’s character.
    Even people with the deepest faith need to be reminded that God loves them and is engaged in their lives.

  2. Figure out the next step in your spiritual journey.
    The Scriptures provide a mix of practical teaching and stories about people that help us to see ourselves in God’s grand narrative and identify what steps we need to take next.

  3. Find hope and peace during difficult circumstances.
    Jesus promised each of us: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” No one gets to live a trouble-free life. When we face loss or tragedy, the Bible can be an anchor of hope to remind us of God’s presence in our lives.

Additional Resources

  • The Bible Project: John
    This two-week personal study includes videos that provide background and context on John's gospel, as well as a daily reading plan that gives you the opportunity to put the Observation/Interpretation/Application approach to Bible reading into practice.

  • 30 Days with Jesus Reading Plan
    This simple reading plan uses daily passages from all four gospels to lead you chronologically through the life of Jesus.

  • YouVersion App
    The free YouVersion App for your smartphone or tablet includes a whole library of study plans, as well as multiple translations of the Bible to choose from. (If you're not sure which translation to read, the NIV is a good place to start.)

  • Bible Gateway (Online Bible)

  • Bible Study Tools (Dictionaries, concordances, and commentaries)

  • Sonic Light (Commentary)

  • Bible Atlas

  • Net Bible (Language background)

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