Bible for new Christians

I was asked recently, “What is the best Bible for a new Christian”. This is a really good question as it is important to start off right.

I believe the best Bible for new Christians is the Life Application Study Bible (LASB). The reason I believe this is because it has a book introduction for each book, maps of key locations, profiles of the authors and most importantly a commentary in the margins.

The commentary in the margins is a great feature. Some Bible verses do not make sense at first reading. They might have a cultural or historical meaning that we find hard to understand in today’s world. Having these notes can help us understand how it applies to us today.

As far as a Bible translation goes I think it is important to find one that you find easy to read and understand. With the LASB it has a number of English translations that range from a simple plain English versions, right through to the older King James style of writing.

For my personal Bible reading and preaching I mostly use the New Living Translation. I find this simple to read as it paraphrases the original text (Hebrew or Greek) in a way I find easy to read and understand. I have a large print paper version and I also have copies on my iPad and iPhone…so it goes with me everywhere!

If you are interested you can find more information on the LASB website here.

Weekly worship of first Christians

I am currently reading through the practices of the early church. In my reading I came across a letter by Justin Martyr in 150AD. The section below is taken from his First Apology Chapter 67.

He was writing to explain what Christians did when they met together. In his letter to Roman Emperor Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius, he explains some of the weekly things Christians did.

It is interesting that they did many of the things we still do today. Things like meeting on Sunday, bless the Maker, prayer, reading the writings of the Apostles and Prophets, a teaching exhortation, celebrated Communion, and a collection and distribution to the widows and orphans.

Weekly Worship of the Christians.

And we afterwards continually remind each other of these things. And the wealthy among us help the needy; and we always keep together; and for all things wherewith we are supplied, we bless the Maker of all through His Son Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Ghost. And on the day called Sunday,76 all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability,77 and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given,78 and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who succours the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need. But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is the first day on which God, having wrought a change in the darkness and matter, made the world; and Jesus Christ our Saviour on the same day rose from the dead. For He was crucified on the day before that of Saturn (Saturday); and on the day after that of Saturn, which is the day of the Sun, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, He taught them these things, which we have submitted to you also for your consideration.

Our amazing earth

I read this in one of my devotionals I do today. It talks about our amazing earth that God made for us…

‘The sunrise is so consistent that we take it for granted, but few things are as miraculous as the celestial dance that takes place on a daily basis. The earth spins on its axis at a speed of 1,000 mph. And while it rotates 360 degrees on its axis every twenty-four hours, it is also hurtling through space at the unimaginable speed of 67,000 mph. You may not have any big plans for today, but you will travel 1.6 million miles in your annual lap around the sun. Quite an accomplishment!’

Another two week Bible plan

Below is another two week Bible reading plan with links. This one touches on the role of the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. please enjoy!

Two weeks on the Holy Spirit

Day 1 – Judges 14:1-20 – The Spirit gives Samson strength
Day 2 – 1 Samuel 10:1-27 – King Saul’s experience
Day 3 – Matthew 3:1-4:10 – Spirit’s role in Jesus’ birth and baptism
Day 4 – John 14:1-31 – Jesus promises the Spirit
Day 5 – John 16:1-33 – The work of the Spirit
Day 6 – Acts 2:1-47 – The Spirit comes at Pentecost
Day 7 – Acts 10:1-48 – Visions from the Spirit
Day 8 – Romans 8:1-39 – Christian’s victory in the Spirit
Day 9 – 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 – Wisdom from the Spirit
Day 10 – 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 – Gifts of the Spirit
Day 11 – 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 – Gifts of tongues and prophecy
Day 12 – Galatians 5:1-26 – Life in the Spirit
Day 13 – Ephesians 4:1-32 – Unity and gifts
Day 14 – 1 John 4:1-21 – Signs of the Spirit

What is the rapture?

I was asked a question about the rapture of the church recently. As the person had not done a lot of Bible reading I sent them the link to the video below. It provided a short and simple explanation. Please enjoy.