Bestr Bible Book to Read for Fear
10 Books of the Bible You Should Read Again and Again
- Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
- 2019 27 Jul
Growing upwards, I idea the Bible was a real snoozer. I had no idea information technology contained the living, breathing Word of God. The only Skillful Book I had always seen was my great-grandmother'southward original King James Bible, the 1611 version, and information technology put me to sleep. I didn't know why Jesus was then of import, just I had an inward longing to know God, so I'd pick up that croaky blue leather Bible with crinkled pages and read folio one of Genesis...
...until drowsiness overtook me. Then I'd put that antique Bible back on the shelf until next time. I read the first chapter of Genesis about fifteen times as a teen, but that was as far equally I got.
When I came to faith every bit a college pupil, I discovered the power of God's Word. Reading a modernistic translation, I began to understand God'southward beloved for me. As a desperate immature mom years afterwards, I discovered that God'south Word gave me peace and encouragement. When I began to parent teens, I learned God's Give-and-take imparted wisdom and forcefulness. In today's world, confronting the backdrop of grim headlines in the news, I detect promise on its pages. I observe joy that sustains me in my weak moments.
To be honest, some days I roll my eyes as I open my Bible with thoughts like these: "I've read this passage then many times; there's no way I can learn annihilation new from it." But the Bible surprises me. It speaks to me every time I open information technology. God's Word is alive and agile because the Holy Spirit brings it to life. Fifty-fifty when I'm reading a passage for the tenth fourth dimension.
The Bible is a living book with a timeless message. The more nosotros read information technology, the more God's words get into us. Nosotros get to know God ameliorate. We find wisdom and guidance for how to deal with our crazy lives. We observe peace for our troubled times and promise for our hard moments.
There are certain books of the Bible that we demand to read over and over. Hither are 10 of them:
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1. Genesis
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Although I fell asleep reading Genesis as a teen, I now curiosity at how information technology sets the foundation for understanding who God is and how He relates to man: "God created human in His own epitome, in the prototype of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27).
The stories of how God created the world and chose a people for Himself help us understand the rest of Scripture. In Genesis, for case, we find the outset prophecy regarding Christ's coming, right after Adam and Eve sinned in the garden.
This book tells united states of america dramatic stories: Abraham and Sarah having a child in their old age, the miraculous provision of a wife for Isaac, and Jacob's two wives battling for his favor. Nosotros read about Jacob's jealous sons selling their brother Joseph, their father'due south favorite, into slavery, and how God ironically used Joseph to relieve them from famine afterwards.
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2. John
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John helps us become to know Jesus improve. Many of us honey this book for its beautiful, inspiring language and for the picture it paints of Jesus and the relationship we tin have with Him. We notice hope and inspiration from Jesus' "I am" statements: "I am the Staff of life of Life" (John 6:35), "I am the Light of the World" (John 8:12), "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:11), "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25), and "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).
More mystical and philosophical than the other three gospels, John gives the well-nigh disarming argument in favor of the supernatural identity of Jesus as the Son of God. John solitary calls Jesus the Word of God: "The Give-and-take became flesh and made His dwelling house among usa" (John ane:xiv).
John states his purpose for this book: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that past believing you may have life in his name" (John xx:31).
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3. Romans
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One of my favorite memories is studying Romans with local brothers and sisters in our abode in the Middle East over a period of six months. I'd never actually understood it earlier, but as we discussed its deep theological truths week afterward calendar week, I gained a new appreciation and understanding. At the end of our study, my friend Filiz summarized information technology well: "Romans explains God. It shows usa what God is like, how He saves us, and how He wants us to live."
Masterfully written by the apostle Paul, Romans presents a convincing statement of why we need a Savior. We ofttimes quote verses from Romans to share the gospel: "But God demonstrates his ain beloved for the states in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
My favorite passage in the whole Bible, chapter viii contains then much uplifting truth in 39 verses. At least once a year, I have four or five days to read and blot it.
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4. Psalms
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If you want a uncomplicated handbook on prayer, turn to the Psalms. They teach u.s.a. how to relate to God in all circumstances. They express lament, praise, joy, and despair. We can find Psalms that meet our demand to grieve, confess sin, enquire God for guidance, or express joy and thanks.
I've read a Psalm each day for virtually of my adult life, and of all the books of the Bible, Psalms has influenced me most greatly. The words have go familiar. I turn to the Psalms when I'm too upset or distracted to read anything else. When life turns me upside down, I remember, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:i). When I'k scared, I remind myself, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:i).
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5. Ephesians
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During a low point in my life, I memorized the opening verses of this book to remind myself of the many reasons I had to exist grateful. Paul's letter to the Ephesians begins with an inspiring description of the blessings and grace that are ours in Christ, and I always return to it when I need reassurance.
Ephesians reminds us we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ solitary. Information technology contains a powerful reminder of our identity and purpose: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do practiced works, which God prepared in advance for u.s.a. to practise" (Ephesians ii:x).
This book also covers topics helpful for Christian living, similar unity in the body of Christ, counsel for husbands, wives, and families, every bit well every bit how to engage in spiritual warfare and so we can stand firm in our organized religion.
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vi. Proverbs
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If y'all need wisdom or just a general "How-to-Do-Life" transmission, read Proverbs. Solomon's book of short, pithy statements gives the states timeless truth for effective living. This is why many of our grandparents grew up hearing Proverbs read at the breakfast tabular array. In it nosotros find sound advice for everything from relationships, union, and family to piece of work and money. Proverbs teach us near cocky-control, wise speech, planning, justice, leadership, success, and beloved.
The opening chapters of the book explain the importance of wisdom for living, and describe both the benefits of wisdom and how to attain it. The well-nigh important bulletin of the book is this: the foundation of all wisdom is to laurels and obey God.
"The fright of the Lord is the starting time of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and field of study" (Proverbs 1:7).
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seven. Philippians
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When life gets u.s.a. down and joy all simply disappears, Philippians encourages the states to look beyond our circumstances and find joy in Jesus Christ. In just four capacity, Paul mentions joy or rejoicing sixteen times; in fact, simply remembering that Paul wrote this joyful letter from a Roman jail reminds me that maybe my life isn't as bad equally I recall. If he could say, "Rejoice in the Lord ever," surely I can besides (Philippians 4:4).
I besides appreciate this guidance on how to handle worry and feet: "Do not be anxious nigh anything, but in every situation, past prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, volition guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-vii).
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8. i John
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God used 1 John to atomic number 82 me to Christ when I was eighteen years old. Equally I read these verses, the Holy Spirit brought them to life, and of a sudden the gospel became clear to me: "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and merely Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved u.s. and sent his Son equally an apologetic sacrifice for our sins" (one John 4:9-19).
When we demand a reminder of God'due south love for us, 1 John encourages u.s. with its many affirmations of His astonishing dear. In just five chapters, John touches on themes of light, victory in Christ, fellowship with God, forgiveness for our sins, and balls of eternal life.
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9. James
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When I polled a grouping of 50 friends virtually their favorite books of the Bible, it surprised me how many of them mentioned James. Simply when I took a closer look, I remembered the practical wisdom James offers. "The wisdom that comes from heaven is commencement of all pure; and so peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and expert fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17).
This brusque volume challenges united states of america to take practical steps towards interim out our faith, instead of only talking about information technology. James begins with special encouragement for people undergoing trials and for those who need wisdom. Information technology continues with sage advice on listening before speaking, obeying God's Word, taming our tongues, and showing generosity to the poor.
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ten. Isaiah
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Written about 700 years before Christ, Isaiah foretells the coming of the Messiah, God's anointed servant. Information technology gives several specific prophecies about Jesus: that he would come from David'south line, be born to a virgin, suffer for our transgressions, and rule eternally. This volume gives Jesus the names of "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," and "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:half dozen).
Like many One-time Attestation prophets, Isaiah tin can be challenging to read considering of its potent words of judgment against disobedience and sin. Yet it also gives us a beautiful picture of God'south holiness, majesty, pity, and His programme for redemption. Isaiah offers powerful words of encouragement and comfort, like these: "Those who hope in the Lord volition renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and non grow weary, they volition walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
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