10 Bible books you should read over and over
1. Genesis
As a teen, I fell asleep reading Genesis, but today I wonder at how it explains who God is and how He interacts to man. ““God created man in His own image; male and female He formed them” (Genesis 1:27).
The creation and election tales help us comprehend the rest of Scripture. After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, Genesis prophesies Christ’s arrival.
This book offers dramatic stories: Abraham and Sarah bearing a child in old age, Isaac’s miraculous supply of a bride, and Jacob’s two wives contending for his favor. Jacob’s sons sold their father’s favorite, Joseph, into slavery, and God subsequently used Joseph to save them from hunger.
2. John
John teaches us about Jesus. Many of us admire this book’s lovely, motivating language and its portrayal of Jesus and our connection with Him. “I am the Bread 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). (John 14:6).
John presents the most persuasive evidence for Jesus’ supernatural status as the Son of God. John calls Jesus God’s Word: “The Word became human and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
John writes this book so people will believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and have life in his name (John 20:31).
3. Romans
My best memory is studying Romans alongside Middle Eastern brothers and sisters for six months. I’d never understood it before, but as we examined its deep religious meanings, I did. Filiz summed up our subject well: “Romans describes God.” It demonstrates how God saves us and how He wants us to live
Romans, authored by Paul, shows why we need a Savior. We commonly use Romans to communicate the gospel: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)
My favorite Bible portion, chapter 8, has 39 verses of inspiring truth. I spend four or five days reading it once a year.
4. Psalms
Psalms are a basic prayer guide. They show us how to relate to God always. They mourn, applaud, and celebrate. We can discover Psalms to express grief, sin, God’s direction, pleasure, and thankfulness.
Psalms has had the greatest impact on me of all the Bible’s writings. Familiar words. When I’m irritated or preoccupied, I read Psalms. God is our shelter and strength, an ever-present help in difficulty (Psalm 46:1). When I’m terrified, I tell myself, “He who dwells in the Most High shall rest in the Almighty’s shadow” (Psalm 91:1).
5. Ephesians
When I was down, I memorized the book’s opening passages to remind myself of my blessings. I constantly come to Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians when I need confirmation about Christ’s benefits and grace.
Ephesians tells us we’re saved by grace via Jesus Christ alone. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to perform good works,” it says (Ephesians 2:10).
This book addresses subjects important for Christian living, such as unity in the church of Christ, marriage advice, and spiritual battle so we can stay steadfast in our faith.
6. Proverbs
Proverbs is a “how-to-do-life” guidebook. Solomon’s book of brief sayings offers everlasting wisdom for living. Many of our ancestors heard Proverbs during breakfast. It offers advise on relationships, marriage, family, job, and money. Proverbs teach self-control, wisdom, planning, justice, leadership, success, and love.
The book’s first chapters discuss the benefits of wisdom and how to achieve it. The book’s main theme is to revere and follow God.
Wisdom begins with fear of the Lord, but fools disregard it (Proverbs 1:7).
7. Philippians
Philippians tells us to find pleasure in Jesus Christ when life gets us sad. In four chapters, Paul emphasizes joy or gladness 16 times. Remembering that Paul composed this joyous letter from a Roman cell tells me that maybe my life isn’t as horrible as I believe. Surely I can say “Rejoice in the Lord always” if he can (Philippians 4:4).
“In every circumstance, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, submit your requests to God,” the Bible advises. In Christ Jesus, God’s peace will guard your hearts and thoughts (Philippians 4:6-7).
8. 1 John
18-year-old me was led to Christ via 1 John. As I read these passages, the Holy Spirit brought them to life, and the gospel became clear: “This is how God displayed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so we may live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son to atone for our sins (1 John 4:9-19).
1 John affirms God’s wonderful love when we need a reminder. In five chapters, John discusses light, Christ’s victory, God’s fellowship, sin forgiveness, and eternal life.
9. James
When I asked 50 friends about their favorite Bible books, several named James. Then I recalled James’ sensible advice. “Heavenly knowledge is pure, peace-loving, compassionate, humble, kind, unbiased, and honest” (James 3:17).
This brief book pushes us to act on our religion, not merely speak about it. James encourages individuals facing difficulties and seeking insight. It continues with instructions on listening before speaking, obeying God’s Word, taming tongues, and helping the needy.
10. Isaiah
Isaiah foretells the Messiah’s arrival 700 years before Christ. It predicts Jesus would be from David’s line, born to a virgin, suffer for our sins, and rule eternally. It calls Jesus “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Isaiah’s powerful words of condemnation against disobedience and iniquity might be difficult to read. It shows God’s holiness, grandeur, compassion, and redemptive plan. “Those who hope in the Lord shall replenish their strength,” says Isaiah. They’ll fly on eagles’ wings, sprint without tiring, and stroll without fainting (Isaiah 40:31).
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