The Journey BeginsSample

The Bible holds the power and keys of your new life. It is full of life and wisdom, and is essential to growing as a Christian and living free. It’s God’s Word! It’s inspired by God! The Bible was written over a period of 1600 years. It’s a collection of 66 books split into two sections and written by more than 40 authors of every sort, including kings, fishermen, poets, government officials, teachers, and prophets. 39 books form the first part, the Old Testament, and 27 form the second, the New Testament. The Old Testament covers a sweep of history, from the creation of the world, to about 400 BC. Its books include poetry and history, prophecy and wisdom. The New Testament, covers the life of Jesus, the stories of His followers carrying His message around the world, and various letters to Churches (many of them written from prison by apostles who were persecuted for their new faith). The Bible is inspired by God! It’s God’s Word. Even historians have shown that the Bible is one of the most accurate ancient historic documents ever to exist. But the Bible is not just ‘teaching’ its ‘truth that will set you free’ – it will change your life; transforming you to become more like Christ. It will set you free from the things you struggle with because it is the power of God's voice to us. Reading the Bible will bring inspiration, understanding, wisdom, freedom, direction and creative power into your life. Read it and apply it and you will be empowered to live your best life. To build the habit of reading the Bible, I suggest that you start by finding a Bible translation you like, and by setting a regular time and place to read it. Following a Bible reading plan can also provide more structure and help with choosing what to read next. Just like you are doing now. You can read it like a novel by reading large sections to get the overview, culture, stories and God’s thread of truth throughout. Or you can read it thoughtfully – read it slower and prayerfully, seeking understanding. However you choose to read it, make sure you internalize it, meditate on it and talk it out with God as you read. You will find that God will often use a word or a phrase or a concept to speak to you. When the pages of the book become life in you, that’s when the power of His Word is unlocked. Live it! Put what you discover into action. When you live your life according to the wisdom of the Bible, applying what you read, you will find that you build your life on a strong foundation.