Reading is Fundamental

Among the variety of spiritual practices that bring us closer to God, there is simply no replacement for Bible reading. No prayer, worship song, dream, or miracle can do for you what consistently reading and studying the Bible can do. There is a reason why it is the best-selling book of all time. And there is a reason why people have died to possess it, to translate it into common language, and to share it with others. If you can’t read it, listen to someone else read it (ie. an audio Bible). Write down scriptures that stand out to you. Recite them and try to memorize them. If you find the Bible too hard to understand on your own or seek a deeper grasp, avail yourself of the many Bible dictionaries (I highly recommend the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary), commentaries, devotionals, Bible apps, or PC study software programs that can be found. 

There is truly no end to the depth and power of the Bible. You can read it 1,000 times and never reach the bottom of its well of insight on topics like God, reality, salvation, truth, life, time, eternity, creation, the nature of humanity, good, evil, faith, love, and purpose. It is a mirror that reveals and ministers to our truest selves in all of its repulsive ugliness and beautiful potential. It is chock-full of suspense, humor, adventure, allegory, parables, history, drama, and action. And the best part is that it features real people experiencing real issues and emerging from real trials by the grace of a real God. It will transform you from the inside out, rescue you from deception, insulate you from external threats, cleanse you of internal filth, humble you, raise you up, prepare you for future success, bring healing to your body, sensitize you to God’s presence, acquaint you with God’s voice, strengthen you against the temptation of sin, and empower you to live a life that positively impacts the world around you. 

Most importantly, reading the Bible regularly will introduce you to Jesus Christ, familiarize you with his ways, pacify your heart toward Him, conform you to His image, and equip you to expand His Kingdom. It will revive your heart, renew your mind, and establish you in your true God-given identity. Therefore, search through the pages of the Bible carefully as for hidden treasure, for every gem of its heavenly wisdom will bless you for eternity. May you grow in godliness and be settled in Christ’s peace as you pursue Him through His holy word.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When using the word “Bible,” I am referring to the Holy Bible. I am not attributing these powerful abilities to the demonically inspired mistranslations of false Christian sects or the sacred books of other religions such as the following:

1) The New World Translation, which is promoted by Jehovah’s Witnesses and contains numerous heretical mistranslations and errors designed to diminish the deity of Jesus Christ and spread a works-based message of salvation that opposes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2) The Mormon Bible, which is promoted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is no archaeological evidence of its mythical civilizations and multiple plagiarized but mistranslated scriptures designed to spread a works-based message of salvation that opposes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

3) The Quran, which is revered by Muslims and contains countless contradictions, erroneous claims about Jesus, and misrepresentations of the Bible.

VERSIONS

As for acceptable versions, I usually don’t wade into the waters of this often fruitless argument, but for the sake of being thorough, I will recommend 8:

1. King James Bible

   
   

   Classic, beautiful, thorough, but in medieval language that some find difficult to follow in modern times. Contains sharp and unapologetically in-your-face phrasing that leaves some people feeling uncomfortable. Sure is good medicine for our politically correct culture though.

2. New King James Bible

   
   

   Classic, great flow, relatable, and easy to understand due to modern adjustments to hard-to-understand medieval words and phrases.

   
   

3. Holman Christian Standard Bible

   
   

   My personal favorite. Clear and concise with keywords and phrases that give readers a more in-depth understanding of the text.

   
   

4. New International Version (1984 Version)

   
   

   My first true study Bible. It reads till the pages were virtually see-through. It places emphasis on simplicity so the text is super understandable and easier to memorize.

   
   

5. English Standard Version

   
   

   More literal than others. Good literary flow. Loved by preachers.

   
   

6. New American Standard Version

   
   

   Also more literal. It is meant for a modern audience while keeping the feel of more classic Bible translations.

   
   

7. New Living Translation 

   
   

   As if God sat you down and read you a bedtime story. It is stimulating to the imagination, poetic, and smooth. Critics might argue that it is a bit too storyline and softens certain phrases that are meant to be more bold and nuanced.

   
   

8. Amplified Version

   
   

   One of the best all-in-one study Bibles. Almost every verse includes multiple degrees of understanding concerning keywords which drive the ultimate meaning of the text. It helps readers to see how carefully words were chosen by God to communicate His will. It instills profound insight when read consistently alongside more traditional translations. It is overly complicated and drawn out for some, but quite illuminating and informative when you get the hang of reading it.

   
   

BOTTOM LINE

If you are concerned about getting the most accurate translation possible, there are tons of study helps, websites, and software resources that will show you the original text, impart a nuanced understanding of the scriptures, and leave little room for misunderstanding. There are also various church communities and study groups led by Bible teachers which are designed to delve into the fine details of biblical interpretation if you’d like to go that route. However, the most important tool of proper biblical interpretation is a heart that is sincere, humbled, repentant, and ready for obedience. That starts with a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and is strengthened through a growing dependence not on your own reasoning faculties but on the Holy Spirit, whose job involves guiding us “into all truth” (John 16:13). So whether saved or unsaved, believing or agnostic, spiritually immature or seasoned in faith, allow your pursuit of Truth through the investigation of the Bible to begin with a prayer of surrender before its author.

Lastly, be sure to balance your granular study of scripture with times of simply reading it to absorb the story. Don’t merely read to be right, read to know God. Allow the word of God to read you by being painfully honest with yourself about how and where it speaks to your situation. Take note or journal to solidify understanding, memorize portions of text, record important thoughts and questions, or to memorialize moments of revelation as you read. Then close your reading sessions with prayers of agreement, repentance, and/or supplication regarding what you rest or learned. When you pray such prayers which are in accordance with His will as shown through His word, you can have great confidence that God has heard you and responded in your favor (1 John 5:14-15). Most importantly, remember that God loves you beyond your level of knowledge, understanding of doctrine, or depth of revelation. In this way, you can rest assured that through one of the above translations or another, His truth will indeed “set you free” (John 8:32).

Jason Weathers

Apostle, Prophet, & Mentor

AIM Prophetic Training Network

Kingdom Heritage Ministries USA