Ever hear a statement that just slapped you upside the head with a life-changing revelation? One profound instance for me happened at one of my live boot camps. During a sincere moment at the end of the camp, my friend shared a revelation he had experienced: “How dare I read self-help books all of the time and never read a book on being a better parent.” Wow.
That not only struck me in the moment, but it also stuck with me. In my efforts to learn more about my faith and build a stronger relationship with God, this statement prompted me to have my own revelation. Though I have gone to church quite regularly since my youth and have heard many Bible passages multiple times, I have never read the Bible. What is in-between the famous passages? How dare I live my life claiming to have faith when I have never read the Bible for myself.
It is one thing to get the Cliff Notes or insights from a pastor or priest, but why haven’t I read the whole book? I could be missing some important parts. So last year I committed to reading the Bible cover to cover, just a few passages every day. I was encouraged to start with the New Testament, but I’m logical and have been called legalistic. My commitment was cover to cover, which to me means from the beginning to the end.
I have to be transparent. Some parts confused me terribly. Some were very challenging to read, but I’m still glad I am doing it. I feel it is now inside me. Once I have finished, I’ll go back and follow a plan from my church, but for now I just feel the need to go all the way through at least once in my lifetime.
Last week I finished the Old Testament and have started on the New Testament. I thought it was curious that there was nothing that clearly told me when I went from the Old to the New, but I figured it out. Sometimes we have to figure some things out on our own. Glad my friend shared his revelation, because it led to mine.
I’d love to hear any comment you have on this post. Please share them below!
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It warmed my heart to hear that you are developing a relationship with God. After the loss of my dear wife Beth, many of my thoughts are of our creator. I’m now here in Las Vegas getting ready to give a presentation on ethics at the International Aquatech water quality association convention. You are one of the big reasons l am here. I have admired your talent and I’m not turning down stage time as you have taught me. God bless you Darren and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
I consider the Bible to be the first and most read personal/professional development book of all times. It really is the foundation to all other books that are located in the self-help and development section. Enjoy the journey, it has been a goal of mine as well. Maybe this posting will be the seed that is planted in me. Thx
i think you made a great choice Darren in beginning with the Old Testament first, Much of the New Testament is based on the old and I think you need to really understand that. I am a Toastmaster as well as a lay preacher in the Lutheran Church and feel it is always important to understand scripture in the context of the times. Reading the Old Testament will give you that context when you get there.
Darren,
You might want to check out the Bible-study materials created by Crossways International (https://www.crossways.org/biblical-studies). The distinctive theme of their content is to help people grasp the biblical narrative as a whole, from Genesis to Revelation. My all-time favorite Bible studies come from Crossways, as is the best biblical timeline graphic I have encountered (https://www.crossways.org/index.cfm/category/34/the-bibles-big-storytell-tale-time-line.cfm).
I am delighted that you have begun your journey of discovery with The Bible! The Truth trumps fact anytime! Glad that you have finished reading the Old Testament and now are on your way to learning how to build a tighter relationship with Jesus Christ who is The Savior of the world! We are studying more about the End-times right now and getting into the Book of Revelation and it is so exciting – the good wins and it is very heartening to know God’s Truth prevails!
Darren it has been invigorating to read about your growing relationship with God in part because I have been on a similar journey to become a diligent Christian disciple. I felt compelled to respond to this blog because I recently referred to myself as a “Cliff-notes Christian.” Like you, I have read the Bible hit and miss not start to finish. God has an interesting way of guiding us to places we never thought we would go. My pastor tapped me to develop a lay message ministry because of my speaking and storytelling skills (developed through TI as well as exposure to your writings, recordings, and workshops) I declared that I wasn’t ready and that I wasn’t the right one. I thought surely stage time didn’t apply to speaking to our congregation about my budding journey. But neither God nor my pastor would accept “no” as the answer. Accepting the charge has lead me to a commitment to greater Bible study. You have inspired me to start in the beginning . . . Thanks.
I’ll sit quietly in the corner on this one……:)