Back home in Stockholm again... Counselling, marriage counselling and meetings with new believers... So much fun!
Are you a rookie when it comes to reading the Bible? How about some tips and advise from your priest?
1. Start in the New Testament (part 2)!
2. Start by reading the Gospel of Mark! It is short (16 chapters), straight to the point and you will get a quick survey of the life of Jesus. Jesus is the main character of the Bible, God in human body and the one every disciple wants to be like... Jesus is our greatest example and our great role model!
3. Then read the serial by one and the same author, part 1 and part 2 – The Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. The Gospel of Luke will give you a repetition and some more details on Jesus’ life and disciples, and then as you read the first history book of the Christian church – the Book of Acts – you’ll learn about the first 30 years after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
4. Then I think you should read the Gospel of Mathew and the Gospel of John. John is quite deep and a bit philosophical and requires a slow and thoughtful reading.
5. It is always good to read with a Bible Atlas available so that you can see and follow where everything happened. Travel with your index finger while reading, sort of...
6. Take notes, write interrogation marks in the margin of your Bible and ask your older brothers and sisters in faith or your pastors and priests about what you don’t understand.
7. Then read the different letters one at a time. Take your time and make sure you know a) who is the receiver of the letter, b) age determination, c) the reason and purpose of the letter, and finally ask yourself the question; d) what are the basic ideas and main message of the letter?
8. Finish by reading the thrilling depiction of the last time, written by the disciple John – Revelations!
9. Once you think your getting the hang of the New Testament you can start reading the Old Testament... The Old Testament should preferably be read in the light of the New Testament, or else it might be difficult to understand...
I will get back you to with a guide in what order I would suggest you read the very exciting and so rich and important Old Testament... Good luck with reading your Bible!
I hope I’ll see you on Sunday in SOS Church Stockholm at 4 PM!
See you!
