BIBLE FAQ
Below, we've listed some questions you may have about the Bible.
To look for your question, just scroll down.
What translation should I use?
It mostly depends on your personal preference. There are many translations out there to suit all kinds of needs. Here are some defining characteristics of a few of the most commonly used translations:
New Living Translation
The New Living Translation translates entire thoughts from the original text, as opposed to individual words, to create a translation that is very simple, easy to read, and understandable. We would recommend this translation to new believers or those just beginning to read the Bible. More information at www.newlivingtranslation.com.
New International Version
The New International Version takes a balanced approach to translating the technical way scripture was written, and the meaning behind it. The result is an easy, understandable translation. We would reccomend this translation to new Christians or those who have had extended experience with the Bible. More information at www.biblica.com.
English Standard Version
The English Standard Version is an "essentially literal" translation: each word or phrase is as close as possible to the original text or the attitude of that text. This means that, while this translation may be more accurate, it can - at times - be more difficult to understand or interpret. This is the translation most often used in sermons at Destination Church, and is recommended to those who have some experience with the Bible. More information at www.esv.org.
The Message Paraphrase
The Message is a paraphrased translation of the orignal text of the Bible by Eugene Peterson. This means that the author was not as focused on word-for-word accuracy as he was on communicating the tone, subtleties, and nuances of the orignal text. We would recommend, along with Peterson himself, that The Message not be used as a Study Bible, but rather a supplemental reading to more accurate translations. More information at www.biblegateway.com.
Where can I find additional resources for reading my Bible?
The Bible is, by far, the most read book in the world, and has been for centuries. That means that if you've got a question or simply want to know more about a passage of scripture, so does somebody else! The good news is that there are thousands of free resources online to help solve those problems. Here are a few websites which provide these resources that we would recommend:
BibleHub
BibleHub is a website devoted to increasing the visibility and accessibility of the Scriptures online and providing free access to Bible study tools in many languages. The website offers commentaries, Greek & Hebrew word studies, maps and charts, devotions, dictionaries, and loads of other free resources.
Begin studying at www.BibleHub.com.
YouVersion
YouVersion is the most popular Bible App for iPhone and Android devices. It provides free, ad-free Bible reading in 731 languages and 1037 versions. In addition, YouVersion provides hundreds of topical devotions on topics such as depression, anxiety, and dating, as well as a variety of reading plans and other studies. YouVersion integrates with Bible.com to provide a social reading experience.
Set up an account at www.Bible.com, read more at www.YouVersion.com, or download the app on your smart phone.
Bible Gateway
Bible Gateway provides Bible translations in over 70 languages and 180 different versions. The website provides free commentaries and resources on Scripture, devotionals, and audio for some translations.
www.BibleGateway.com
How do I make reading the Bible a habit?
Reading your Bible daily could be one of the greatest habits you ever build, and we want to provide you with some tips on how to build, maintain, and strengthen that habit.
Click here to read some practical tips we have for making Bible-reading a consistent habit.
How do I get the most out of reading?
Reading the Bible daily is important, but sometimes it can feel like nothing comes from it. We want to provide you with some tips on how to get the most out of your reading time.
Click here to read a short guide on how to get the most out of reading your Bible.
What if I don't like reading?
If you don't like reading, you're in good company. Loads of people have trouble reading anything, much less the Bible, but they don't let that stop them from recieving God's word.
Today there are dozens of Audio Bible resources out there: from the Bible on tape, to an app you can download on your phone. If you don't like reading, the most simple solution is to listen to the Bible being read through apps like YouVersion.
While audio Bibles are a good solution for those who struggle with reading, take some time to consider these truths when it comes to reading your Bible:
The Bible is God's way of communicating with his people.
It is only in the last few decades that the Bible has been transformed in to audio. From the beginning of history, the Bible has been recorded and passed down as text, and that has always been God's plan to communicate what He is saying.
Reading is a privilege.
Throughout history, there have certainly been thousands of people who would give anything to simply have the ability to read: it is a light that illuminates the world around them, and a skill that you probably recieved for free in the third grade. In light of this, consider the potential you now have to receive God's word in a way that some people do not have the ability to.
Your attitude towards reading adjusts with the nature of what you're reading.
You may not like to read, but what if you recieved a five-page letter that began, "You have recently become the recipient of a $200,000 inheritence. Read on for more details." What about a letter from your doctor explaining that the cancer has disappeared? A letter from a college awarding you a full-ride scholarship? Suddenly, you become very eager to read. God's word is the most important piece of writing you will ever own, and when you begin to understand the implications of that, your attitude towards reading it will adjust accordingly.
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