What is the best book for learning the bible and stories in the bible?

daytraderbm: What is the best book for learning the bible and stories in the bible?
I’m 23 years old. I feel that God is moving me towards ministry in my life. I want to learn the bible front to back. I want to know stories from the bible so I can tell them to people when they are going through difficult times. What are the best book(s) to buy to help me with this and so it’s something that I can understand. Thanks so much!

Answers and Views:

Answer by What?
The Bible and a Strong’s Concordance and Bible dictionary

Answer by Ali B
The Encloypedia of Biblical Errancey by Dennis Mckenzie

Answer by The Black Pistol
Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Judges.

Answer by Gazoo
Leviticus and Deuteronomy are both just peachy.

Answer by Maurice
You should read the Bible itself instead of something about it. That doesn’t even make sense. I would suggest the KJV.

Answer by Anthony The Genuis
I reccomend “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins.

Answer by John_D
“The New Testament Story” by David Barr is good intro for the New Testament. But you should really pick up the “Anchor Bible,” a multi-volume commentary representing academic consensus.

Answer by Karl P
Please check out anything to do with Ravi Zacharias! (His books, cds, everything!) He is one of the greatest Christian Apologists today! www.rzim.com

Answer by Greek & Coptic Translator
The best approach is to compare several modern-language Bible translations as you go. You will get a fuller understanding of the Bible and can avoid much of the sectarian bias in translations.

If possible get an interlinear translation as well to see what the original actually says. For best results, learn Greek, and maybe Hebrew as well.

Avoid the bias in commentaries that interpret what someone thinks the Bible “means” by ignoring or twisting what it actually “says.” Focus in the Bible itself, not human opinions.

Answer by Praise the Lord!
KJV Study Bible.

Answer by Baba O’Riley
Look at the above answers and really study the Bible. Then, when you know everything in it, you can logically conclude that you are basing your entire life on a 2,000 year old book that is not backed by any logic!

Answer by follower_of_christ36
Pray and let God direct you to what to read, do not ask people on here for advice because you will be setting yourself up for the devil trap. If you do not understand the bible, pray about it and read, I learned this a long time ago. People can only give you advice for themselves, not for you. God made you differently so learn what he wants and expect from you. Not people on here.

Answer by towerclock_raven
Well, the Bible, of course. It’s the best place to learn the Bible. If you need a simpler version, trying The Message. It puts the Bible in layman’s terms and reads more like a novel. If you are going into ministry, though, you need to look at the Bible itself. In seminary, you’re probably going to have to study Greek and Hebrew. If you’re not thinking seminary, just find a translation of the Bible that clicks with you. Lots of versions also have good devotions and commentaries added it. 🙂 Good luck!

Answer by SURfER bEE
I agree with “What?”.
My dad uses all of those on a very frequent basis and urges me to do so also.
He’s a Pastor/Missionary.

The Bible, above all, & Strong’s Concordance.

Answer by Helios_50
When I accepted God into my life, I found it hard to follow up with the KJV version of the Bible. Many parables were confusing simply because of the language used in context. ESV is the best Bible for beginners because you can understand it.

Answer by rascal
The best way to understand the Word of God, is through prayer. If you are serious about studying, then ask God to be your interpreter. His Holy Spirit will show you what you need to know, and how to apply God’s words to life. Of course, go ahead and use any other tools and references you wish, but start each study session with a prayer for understanding, and you will receive more enlightenment than you could ever have imagined.

Answer by δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ
An excellent book to start for anyone who wants to know the Bible is called, “Living by the Book”.

If you e-mail me I will give you as many resources as you want. Most of it is free. I would be more than happy to help you with anything. I need to use this seminary training for something. 😉

edit– Regardless what your experience with the Bible is, read, read, read. Ask God to enlighten you to the truth of scripture and keep reading.

There are so many resources available to you, (some good some not so much) that if you are serious you can get a very solid foundation for free. It is very hard work I will warn you.

Answer by Pastor Art (((SFCU)))
Read the Bible itself.

If you have never read it before, I’d suggest you get the NIV translation.

Then talk the Alpha Course.

Answer by D-Rock
Well, there have been several good answers. The best book about the bible is…the bible. Get a good study bible, the New King James is my favorite. The NASB and the NIV are also good. I would also recommend a good bible concordance, such as Strong’s and there are many commentaries that are excellent. I recommend MacArthur’s commentary or a MacArthur’s study bible.

But…let me ask you this. If you are unfamiliar with the bible and aren’t in God’s Word, how can you be sure that it is God who is moving you towards ministry. The bible contains all of God’s instructions for us, His promises to us, His desires for our lives and how to live a life that glorifies Him. So, the first thing you need to do is get into your bible and read it and pray over it. If you aren’t reading God’s Word, then I doubt that God is moving you towards ministry…at least right now. Get into His Word, then let Him direct your path.

Answer by Bill M
the new king james version is the best bible for learning