Isn't it Time you REALLY read the Bible

reprinted here Below, one of our Books from the Effective Bible Reading Series

available in Paperback or Kindle on Amazon

This Book INCLUDES the Complete ” Effective Bible Reading & Study Program “

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“Isn’t it Time you Really Read the Bible ?”

Rev David M Perry

FocusOnJesus Ministries

North Alabama USA

Author of

“ Isn’t it Time you Really Read the Bible ”

“ KNOW ..When God Speaks “

“ Which Bible Should I Buy ? ”

“ and the Qur’an says “

email [email protected]

on the web

www.focusOnJesus.net

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN-13: 978-1497393073

ISBN-10: 1497393078

Around the World, most people believe there is

” a Higher Power ”,

although many do not really understand much about this Higher Power.

Throughout history, however, numerous events have been recorded that provide much

knowledge about this “ Higher Power ” , leading many to recognize this Almighty God.

He is the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob,

of Moses, Kings David and Solomon,

of Peter, James, and John,

of Christopher Columbus, and the Pilgrims, of Generals George Washington and George Patton,

and of many World Leaders and celebrities of today.

I believe that by reading the

Holy Bible more effectively you will greatly increase your understanding ,

and you will recognize Almighty God as being that

“ Higher Power ”,

and that understanding ,

will actually change your life.

It is our objective to stimulate the reader to seek more knowledge of the Truth, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, have a better understanding of God’s Word.

As you read , you will notice the Words of Jesus are in red, and the Words of Almighty God are in purple, so you will always “know when God is actually speaking“

Isn’t it Time you

Really Read the Bible ?

Rev David M. Perry

Over the years that I have promoted frequent reading of the Holy Bible, I have learned that most people are in one of three groups……..those who have never read, or rarely ever read, the Holy Bible…those who occasionally read certain passages, seeking Almighty God’s Peace or direction….and those who read quite often, choosing random verses , without any specific order. There is also a fourth group, those Biblical Scholars who study the Bible, but I am not addressing that group.

To the first two groups, I say “Isn’t it time you really read the Bible “

and to the third group, I say “Isn’t it time you really read the Bible “

I think it is important to identify which group you belong to, or which group the person you are communicating with, belongs to.

For those who have never or only occasionally read certain passages, I think they should take the time to read the Holy Bible..meaning the whole Bible…

and to those who do read it often, I encourage they really read it…in a format that will forever give them a solid understanding of all of Almighty God’s characteristics.

For all groups, I suggest reading a contemporary translation like the New Living Translation, rather than the Shakesperian style King James Versions. Understanding what Almighty God intended, is most important, and trying to decipher God’s meaning from the language of Romeo and Juliet, or the Pilgrims, is often difficult. Just as men painstakingly translated the Scriptures into Old English over 400 years ago, now men have painstakingly translated it into today’s English, so you are able to easily understand what Almighty God originally intended, when He spoke to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, King David, Peter and the Apostles, and many others.

Why read…

Most Christians can give numerous reasons to read the Holy Bible, but although it is the #1 selling book, it may be the least read , as many remain unopened

on tables and in book cases and drawers.

Anyone traveling to a distant place generally consults a map or seeks directions, and by following directions, arrives at their intended destination.

Likewise, someone about to bake a cake, consults a recipe, and by following those directions carefully, is able to enjoy excellent results.

Reading the Bible, and following it’s directions, results in a combination of both…you will arrive at your desired destination, and you will enjoy life along the way.

God has already pre-destined each of us, but He does not control every minute of our daily lives. God has made it clear in Deuteronomy 30:19

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, …..” .

The Original King James says “ I have set before you life and death… ..”

Although He may have already planned events along multiple paths, it is your choices of paths, that determine your daily events.

Sometimes you are subject to the influences of others, that are beyond your control. Even then, however, you still make choices as to how to react to those circumstances. It is much like the 1960’s books

“ Choose your own adventure”. The author has already pre-determined the varying ‘outcomes’, based upon choices the reader makes.

Reading the Holy Bible, and getting familiar with the character and previous actions of Almighty God, is the road-map and recipe for a life that is most pleasing to both you, and God.

This is true, because “When you think of God, He smiles” , and when God is pleased, He is likely to bless you.

Where to begin ……..

With anyone in the first two groups, and even a few of the third group, I always suggest first reading the Book of Proverbs, before any other reading. Of all the Books of the Bible, the Book of Proverbs is directly related to every reader, and reading Proverbs first can make the Holy Bible feel relevant to the reader’s life, resulting in a desire to read more.

To be most effective, the reading of any book requires an understanding of the author and his objective of writing. The Holy Bible is no different even though there are many authors. I believe before continuing, one should read the Introduction and other ‘Welcoming’ notes, including especially the statement by the Translators. Translation is an art, not a science, the goals of the Translators and their standards of interpretation are highly important to the correctness of your understanding . For this reason, I especially suggest those in group three above, not overlook these important portions, and that every reader begin with the Welcome, Introduction, and other notes of the Publisher and Translators, before continuing to the Scriptures.

The New Testament Reading Plan

Since the Holy Bible is the Foundation of the Christian Religion, I believe reading should be first based on Christianity. In the New Testament Reading Plan, the Book of Luke is read first because it is considered to be historical and in chronological order, and reading the Book of Luke gives the reader the best Chronologically Historical understanding of the life of Christ.

For a number of years , encouraging others to read the Holy Bible more frequently has been a priority in my life, and I believe by following a formatted reading program, the message of the Bible is more effective , and a better understanding of Almighty God will be attained.

This format of reading was not arranged by me, and I take no credit for it. Many years ago, I began a recognized Daily Bible Reading Program suggested by my local church.

It was designed so that by following the Daily Scripture list, the reading of the entire Bible would be completed in one year.

As I read, I took various notes, as many readers do. The Program alternated between two Books, reading some verses of one Book, and the next day verses of another Book then returning to the first the following day, and continuing similarly, with the other Books of the Bible. By the end of December, I had completed my first reading of the Holy Bible.

The following April, I thought I might do it again, with a newer translation, and so I acquired the latest

“ Holy Bible , New Living Translation, 1996(c) “.

This time, I actually began with the first page of the Book, and read every page before getting to the Book of Genesis, the first Book of the Holy Bible.

I was led to read first, the Book of Luke , then other Books in the New Testament, one at a time, taking notes as always, while ‘keeping track of what I was reading by checking off the Scriptures in the list I used before. It was several months, and I was through the New Testament, including part of the Book of Revelation, and well into the Old Testament, when I realized this order of reading was Spiritually led.

When I completed the entire Bible, I proceeded to publish the formatted order of Scriptural reading I had followed. In doing so, the reasons the order is the way it is, became evident to me … but as I really did not consider the order at the time it was arranged, I take no credit for it, because I feel the order was Spiritually lead.

The New Testament Plan will take 4 months to complete, following the ‘daily reading’ schedule, but most readers will find it becomes so interesting, it is completed in much less time

Many who have since followed the format of this Plan, have said they developed a clearer perspective and understanding of Almighty God and His Word.

Following Luke in the Plan, are the Books of John, James, and Jude, Matthew and Mark . Their books are significant, because they actually lived with Him, and therefore would have known Him quite well.

These books include many quotes of Christ.

What Christ is quoted as saying should be the foundation of all Christian belief ( and teaching) , and many publishers of the Bible have emphasized His words, by printing them in red ink.

These writers, are followed by the Book of Acts, Luke’s continuing historical account of the early Church.

Through these writings of those who were closest to Jesus, Christians everywhere, should look to each other, realizing the common connection amongst all Christian Churches of various Denominations, and should measure their personal beliefs by all the quoted words of Jesus without compromise.

The Letters of the Evangelist Paul follow, and they are read in the chronological order that they were written, rather than the order they appear in the Bible. The reader thus gets a perception of Paul as he grew in the Christian Faith over a 20 year period.

Each of the Churches Paul wrote to, had different strengths and weaknesses in faith and life styles.

I believe understanding to whom Paul was writing is very important to the reader, in order for the reader to make the correct application in his own life. “ Is my life like the Church that Paul is writing to ? “ the reader should ask himself, and if so, pay particular attention to that specific message of Paul.

Only a portion of the Book of Revelation is included in this New Testament Program…… specifically included are those early Chapters in which Jesus again is quoted as speaking , this time directed to various Churches. Often overlooked, these quotes of Jesus are usually printed in red, and the reader should be very attentive to them.

Like Paul’s Letters , it is important the reader always understands to whom Jesus is speaking, in order to make the correct application in his own life. “ Is my life style like the people, or the Church, that Christ is speaking to ? “ the reader should ask himself.

The Old Testament Reading Plan

Although the New Testament is the Foundation for Christians, it is the Old Testament that will give a person a complete understanding of the characteristics of Almighty God. Christians often focus on the attributes of Jesus, without considering it was Almighty God that He always remained subject to. Having a better understanding of Almighty God comes from the knowledge of the past relationship

between Almighty God and Satan, and then His past relationships with Man, which are historically documented through the Old Testament.

Jesus often referred to the Scriptures in His teachings, and in the Book of Luke, Ch 16 vs 19-31, speaking to His disciples, He is quoted, :

“ Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read their writings , (if) they want to” implying also that you have been warned…you can read God’s earlier words of warning, and the warnings of the Prophets, if you want to ….

The Old Testament Reading Program begins with the Book of Proverbs… thirty one chapters of advice, mostly recorded by King Solomon, who is considered to have been a man of great wisdom.

“ Knowledge is good, but wisdom is even better “ begins the New Living Translation editorial comment at the beginning of this Holy Book.

I believe reading the Book of Proverbs can make the Bible, and the knowledge of Almighty God, more relevant in a person’s life. Many of the Proverbs are repeated frequently today in common conversations. The Holy Bible is not just a ‘religious’ book, it really is “the book that can change lives “ . Proverbs are intended to make one think about themselves, and the many decisions in their life, and the Book of Proverbs is the best advice, endorsed by Almighty God.

Much of the Old Testament is about the recorded relationship man has had with Almighty God for more than 4000 years.

After Proverbs, the Reading Program continues with the books of Moses : Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy . These books record events from the time of Creation to about 1400 years before Christ, and are followed by the books of Joshua and other historical Books over the next 900 years, giving the reader a good perception of the chronological history of man and the development of the Jewish people, through that time.

During that period, God also influenced, or tried to influence people, through various Prophets, and so in chronological order, this group of writings of the Prophets follows, from Job, about 2000BC to Malachi about 400BC …at which time Almighty God became silent until the birth of Jesus.

After completion of the Old Testament Reading Program, the Reader should have a better understanding of just how Almighty God interacted with Man, as well as some knowledge of the early development of what is now the Mid-East culture

Two people, King David and King Solomon, father and son, had a great influence on people of their time, and their books, Psalms, Song of Solomon, and

Ecclesiastes will complete the reading of the Old Testament.

Following Ecclesiastes, the reader is directed to the Book of Revelation Ch 16 vs 15, then Ch 22 vs7 to 20 where Jesus is recorded as speaking.

Now with more knowledge and a better understanding of Almighty God, the reader finishes reading the Book of Revelation in it’s entirety, completing the reading of the entire Holy Bible

Encourage others to Read

Encouraging people to read the Holy Bible in a formatted program is a rewarding effort, and many church leaders offer and encourage daily reading programs, often at the beginning of a new year. This may seem to be a logical way to proceed, but experience has shown that very few people will continue in a daily reading after a couple of months, and hardly any will actually complete the program by the end of a year. This not only leaves many people without the knowledge of Almighty God, but it leaves many with the feeling of failure and embarrassment when they are asked if they are still following the daily reading program.

The 50 A.D. program, though published in a daily format, should be presented as “read as often as you can, and as much as you can” , rather than as a strict daily reading requirement. The first priority should be to encourage reading … not as a burden, but as self-fulfilling. When interest is developed, readers often complete the program in less time than is scheduled.

Because developing interest is so important, we generally offer free copies of the New Living Translation. When presented to a group , it is presented with a commitment to complete, but with no time limit for completion. ..

We are very careful to point out “ you don’t have to commit to do this”

Moses was very clear in Deuteronomy Ch23 vs21

“When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin. However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow. But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God.”

……… the commitment to complete the Plan, is to complete , and is without a deadline,. Therefore, there is no sense of failure, and many people finish reading long after a year has passed… but they do finish , and they can always remember the satisfaction of fulfilling a promise to Almighty God.

Who is speaking ?

While reading, pay particular attention as to when Almighty God is actually speaking. In the New Testament, most versions print the quotes of Jesus speaking, in red, but I know of no effort by a publisher to show similarly, the times Almighty God is actually speaking in the Old Testament.

Often, Almighty God speaks in the 2^nd ( We) or 3^rd Person (the Lord) when referring to Himself, and this realization can impact the message tremendously.

Notice the difference , when the words of Almighty God, are differentiated from those of the prophet Malachi.

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Malachi Ch 1 vs 1

This is the message that the Lord gave to Israel through the prophet Malachi.

The Lord’s Love for Israel

“I have always loved you,” says the Lord.

But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?”

And the Lord replies, “This is how I showed my love for you:

I loved your ancestor Jacob, but I rejected his brother, Esau, and devastated his hill country. I turned Esau’s inheritance into a desert for jackals.”

Esau’s descendants in Edom may say, “We have been shattered, but we will rebuild the ruins.”

But the Lord of Heaven’s Armies replies, “They may try to rebuild, but I will demolish them again. Their country will be known as ‘The Land of Wickedness,’ and their people will be called ‘The People with Whom the Lord Is Forever Angry.’ When you see the destruction for yourselves, you will say, ‘Truly, the Lord’s greatness reaches far beyond Israel’s borders!’”

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name!

“But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’

“You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.

“Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’

“You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect. When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“Go ahead, beg God to be merciful to you! But when you bring that kind of offering, why should he show you any favor at all?” asks the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“How I wish one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “and I will not accept your offerings. But my name is honored by people of other nations from morning till night. All around the world they offer sweet incense and pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name is great among the nations,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But you dishonor my name with your actions. By bringing contemptible food, you are saying it’s all right to defile the Lord’s table. You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the Lord,’ and you turn up your noses at my command ” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Think of it! Animals that are stolen and crippled and sick are being presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?” asks the Lord.

“Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “and my name is feared among the nations!

“Listen, you priests—this command is for you! Listen to me

and make up your minds to honor my name,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “or I will bring a terrible curse against you. I will curse even the blessings you receive. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you have not taken my warning to heart. I will punish your descendants and splatter your faces with the manure from your festival sacrifices, and I will throw you on the manure pile. Then at last you will know it was I who sent you this warning so that my covenant with the Levites can continue,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin.

“The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. You have corrupted the covenant I made with the Levites,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So I have made you despised and humiliated in the eyes of all the people. For you have not obeyed me but have shown favoritism in the way you carry out my instructions.”

the prophet Malachi continues:

Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?

Judah has been unfaithful, and a detestable thing has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem. The men of Judah have defiled the Lord’s beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols. May the Lord cut off from the nation of Israel every last man who has done this and yet brings an offering to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Here is another thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn’t accept them with pleasure. You cry out, “Why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.

Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

You have wearied the Lord with your words.

“How have we wearied him?” you ask.

You have wearied him by saying that all who do evil are good in the Lord’s sight, and he is pleased with them. You have wearied him by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.

“At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’

“ Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! ”

“But you ask”, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you.

I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord.

“But you say, ‘ What do you mean? What have we said against you?’

“You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”

Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

“They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.

“But for you who fear my name, the Son of Righteousness ( Jesus) will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel.

“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah ( John the Baptist) before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

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( After this contact through Malachi, Almighty God became silent for the next 400+ years, until the birth of Christ)

The Book of Malachi is but one example of the importance of always considering who is speaking…

it is also a good example of the clearer understanding, when reading a version that is written in today’s English.

To Whom is God speaking ?

Understanding to whom the speaker is addressing, is equally important. Although originally meant for the people of the period, all Scriptures are applicable to later generations that would fit the context of the message. As an example, I believe the following, taken from the Book of Jeremiah, is applicable to the current generations of the United States.

When this great land was discovered, settled, and founded, God and His Principles were recognized as the foundation of the United States Government .

The Country’s motto “ In God We Trust “ indicates the founding of a Nation of ‘ His People ‘ , but the immoral direction prevalent today, shows that many men and women of today’s generations have wandered away from His principles.

Chapter 14, of the Book of Jeremiah, records Almighty God’s words during a period that His People were behaving in a similar way, about 2600 years ago, and the message should be understood as Almighty God’s personal warning to the population of the United States today, who are no longer restraining themselves morally, ethically, or honestly.

Jeremiah Ch 14 vs10

So this is what the Lord says to his people: “You love to wander far from me and do not restrain yourselves. Therefore, I will no longer accept you as my people. Now I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins.”

Verse 10 is only a portion of that message, but it reflects God’s displeasure then, just as it would today.

A reader should consider to whom the Prophet or Almighty God is speaking, and decide if their life is similar and the same warning is applicable to them ,

especially when it is Almighty God who is speaking.

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Likewise, in the New Testament, realizing who Jesus was speaking to, while focusing on the words of Jesus , gives the reader a better understanding

John Ch 8 v 31 to 47

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they (some of them) said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But (some of) you are following the advice of your father.”

“Our father is Abraham!” they declared.

“No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, ( some of ) you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.”

They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”

Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For ( some of ) you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, ( some of ) you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t ( some of ) you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But (some of) you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

In vs 31, the people believed in Him, but after being confronted with their sinful lifestyle, some of them became hostile to Him …. How would you react, if you were listening to Him then ….?

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True Believers … ???

Occasionally, the contents of the Holy Bible are demeaned by some Christians as ‘just stories’ not to be really believed….

The Book of Jonah and other portions of the Bible have recently been discredited as being “just allegorical” by the author of a book about the death of Jesus.

He is not alone, there are others, self proclaimed Christians , who apparently believe only certain parts of the Holy Bible. If the Book of Jonah is unbelievable, what other miracles of the Bible do they also think to be ‘unbelievable’ ?

The Bible is full of stories of the Omnipotence of Almighty God. If these events were not beyond human ability or human understanding , how would any person recognize the awesome power of this Almighty God.

Certainly, believing that Christ rose from the dead on the Third Day, which the same skeptical author professes to believe, takes much more faith than believing God could arrange a simple event involving Jonah, or many other awesome events recorded in the Bible.

Developing faith in Almighty God is the purpose of the Bible , and discounting Jonah and other stories as being untrue and “allegorical” as that author puts it, may show a lack of understanding of Almighty God.

The story of Jonah was clearly ‘authenticated’ by Jesus, who referenced it in the Book of Luke Ch11 vs 29

As the crowd pressed in on Jesus, He said, “This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah. What happened to him was a sign to the people of Nineveh that God had sent him. “

In verse 32, Jesus continued : “ The people of Nineveh will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent. “ Such a warning , 2000 years ago by Jesus, may be very appropriate today, and certainly discrediting the story of Jonah as untrue, is not showing honor to the Word of the Almighty God.

In Mark Ch10 v27 of the Holy Bible it is recorded

“ Jesus looked at them intently and said, “ Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” and belief in that statement of Jesus, is what separates these Skeptics from True Believers.

No man can fully create such a belief within another person…belief comes only by ‘ knowing ‘ the truth ..and by reading completely the Holy Bible.

“you will know the truth…and the truth will set you free” Jn 8:32 is a reality, only when you have belief and a firm faith that “everything is possible with God “.

Mark Ch10 v27

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The Importance of knowing the Old Testament

For Christians the New Testament is the Foundation of their Faith, and having a personal knowledge of Jesus and relating to Him should be a high priority. But having a good knowledge of the Old Testament is also important, not only because Jesus often referred to it, but because it is by the Old Testament that we can understand the Almighty God that Jesus subjected Himself to. Of lesser importance, it also gives Christians a better understanding of some beliefs of Jews and Muslims, with whom we live.

Long ago, Almighty God made it clear through His Messengers, that remembering what He had done, and passing those memories to children and future generations, was an expected duty of man.

As the Israelites were preparing to enter the Holy Land, Moses spoke to the people :

Deuteronomy Ch 11 , vs2

“ Keep in mind that I am not talking now to your children, who have never experienced the discipline of the Lord your God or seen his greatness and his strong hand and powerful arm. They didn’t see the miraculous signs and wonders he performed in

Egypt against Pharaoh and all his land. They didn’t see what the Lord did to the armies of Egypt and to their horses and chariots—how he drowned them in the Red Sea as they were chasing you. He destroyed them, and they have not recovered to this very day!

“Your children didn’t see how the Lord cared for you in the wilderness until you arrived here. They didn’t see what he did to Dathan and Abiram (the sons of Eliab, a descendant of Reuben) when the earth opened its mouth in the Israelite camp and swallowed them, along with their households and tents and every living thing that belonged to them. But you have seen the Lord perform all these mighty deeds with your own eyes! “

vs19 “Teach them ( these feats of God) to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

It is through a good understanding of the Old Testament that we are able to continue to both remember what God has done, and to teach our children ..so they will teach their children…

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>

After the death of Moses, in the Book of Joshua Ch 1 vs 8 , Almighty God spoke directly to Joshua, the new leader of the Israelites, clearly directing him to read these old Scriptures regularly.

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

There is no better advice that you can accept…than the instruction that Almighty God gave to Joshua, and always remember and be assured while you read,

“When you think of God, He smiles”

Rev David M Perry

Appendix I

“ Holy Bible , New Living Translation, 1996(c) “

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. and Courtesy of BIBLEHUB.com

The King James Version (KJV), commonly known as the Authorized Version as published in 1611

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The BEST Reading Plan available anywhere

If you have never read the Bible, beginning with the Book of Proverbs will show you the Bible’s relevance to your daily life. These are sayings you may often hear, but they were written about 3000 years ago, by King Solomon, who is considered a man of great wisdom.

The Book of Proverbs

Almighty God’s ADVICE for Living

recorded about 960 BC Mostly by King Solomon

Proverbs ..1

Proverbs ..2-3

Proverbs ..4

Proverbs ..5-6

Proverbs ..7

Proverbs ..8-9

Proverbs .10

Proverbs .11-12

Proverbs .13

Proverbs .14-15

Proverbs .16

Proverbs .17-18

Proverbs .19

Proverbs .20-21

Proverbs .22

Proverbs .23-24

Proverbs .25

Proverbs .26-27

Proverbs .28

Proverbs .29-30

Proverbs .31

The New Testament Reading Plan

The New Testament Plan, if followed as a daily reading, takes about 4 months to complete. We often suggest Christians read it before the Old Testament. It is best read with the help of the Holy Spirit, and without commentary by others, who present ‘their’ interpretation. If you ask Almighty God for UNDERSTANDING, we believe you will get it, if you are not distracted by notes and comments. For that reason. while following this Plan, we suggest ignoring footnotes, commentaries, and other ‘explanations’ if your Bible has them, and rely on only the text of the Bible, while giving special consideration to the Words of Jesus, generally printed in red.

Luke ..1-2 ALWAYS

Luke ..3-4 READ

Luke ..5-6 EACH

Luke ..7-8 BOOK’S

Luke ..9-10 INTRODUCTION

Luke .11-12

Luke .13-14

Luke .15-16

Luke .17-18

Luke .19-20

Luke .21-22

Luke .23-24

John ..1-2

John ..3-4

John ..5-6

John ..7-9

John .10-12

John .13-15

John .16-18

John .19-21

James ..1-3

James ..4-5

Jude all

1 John ..1-2

1 John ..3-4

1 John ..5

2 John all

3 John all

Matthew ..1-2

Matthew ..3-4

Matthew ..5-7

Matthew ..8-10

Matthew .11-13

Matthew .14-16

Matthew .17-19

Matthew .20-22

Matthew .23-25

Matthew .26-28

Mark ..1-2

Mark ..3-4

Mark ..5-6

Mark ..7-8

Mark ..9-10

Mark .11-12

Mark .13-14

Mark .15-16

Acts by Luke ..1-2

Acts about 60 AD ..3-4

Acts ..5-6

Acts ..7-8

Acts ..9-10

Acts .11-12

Acts .13-14

Acts .15-16

Acts .17-18

Acts .19-20

Acts .21-22

Acts .23-24

Acts .25-26

Acts .27-28

1 Peter ..1-3

1 Peter ..4-5

2 Peter all

Galatians ..1-3 by Paul 50 A.D.

Galatians ..4-6

1 Thessalonians ..1-3 by Paul 51 A.D.

1 Thessalonians ..4-5

2 Thessalonians all by Paul 52 A.D.

1 Corinthians ..1-2

1 Corinthians ..3-4 by Paul 56 A.D.

1 Corinthians ..5-6

1 Corinthians ..7-8

1 Corinthians ..9-10

1 Corinthians .11-12

1 Corinthians .13-14

1 Corinthians .15-16

2 Corinthians ..1-3 by Paul 57 A.D.

2 Corinthians ..4-5

2 Corinthians ..6-8

2 Corinthians ..9-10

2 Corinthians .11-13

Romans ..1-2 by Paul 58 A.D.

Romans ..3-4

Romans ..5-6

Romans ..7-8

Romans ..9-10

Romans .11-12

Romans .13-14

Romans .15-16

Colossians ..1-2 by Paul 61 A.D.

Colossians ..3-4

Ephesians ..1-2 by Paul 61 A.D.

Ephesians ..3-4

Ephesians ..5-6

Philemon all by Paul 61 A.D.

Philippians ..1-2 “ “

Philippians ..3-4

Titus … by Paul 64 A.D.

1 Timothy ..1-3 “ “

1 Timothy ..4-6

2 Timothy ..1-2 by Paul 67 A.D.

2 Timothy ..3-4

Hebrews ..1-4 ?? Paul 70 A.D

Hebrews ..5-7

Hebrews ..8-10

Hebrew .11-13

Revelation ..1-4vs1 by John 95 A.D. (included here, because Jesus is recorded as speaking in these verses).

Congratulations, You have completed the New Testament Program

www.focusOnJesus.net

www.effectiveBibleReading.com

The Old Testament Reading Plan

A Historical Chronology

It is best read with the help of the Holy Spirit, and without commentary by others, who present ‘their’ interpretation.

If you ask Almighty God for UNDERSTANDING, we believe you will get it, if you are not distracted by notes and comments.

For that reason. while following this Plan, we suggest ignoring footnotes, commentaries, and other ‘explanations’ if your Bible has them, and rely on only the text of the Bible, while giving special consideration to the Words of Almighty God when He is speaking.

You can read ALL of the Old Testament Books with God speaking printed in purple, Click HERE

Genesis From Creation, to 1800 BC by Moses 1450 BC

Genesis ..1-3

Genesis ..4-7

Genesis ..8-11

Genesis .12-15

Genesis .16-19

Genesis .20-23

Genesis .24-27

Genesis .28-31

Genesis .32-35

Genesis .36-39

Genesis .40-43

Genesis .44-47

Genesis .48-50

Exodus 1450-1410 BC by Moses

“freedom for the Jews”

Exodus ..1-4

Exodus ..5-8

Exodus ..9-12

Exodus .13-16

Exodus .17-20

Exodus .21-24

Exodus .25-28

Exodus .29-32

Exodus .33-36

Exodus .37-40

Leviticus 1445-1444 BC by Moses

“ The Old Testament Law”

Leviticus ..1-3

Leviticus ..4-6

Leviticus ..7-9

Leviticus .10-12

Leviticus .13-15

Leviticus .16-18

Leviticus .19-21

Leviticus .22-24

Leviticus .25-27

Numbers 1450-1410 BC by Moses

“wandering, the Wilderness”

Numbers ..1-3

Numbers ..4-6

Numbers ..7-9

Numbers .10-12

Numbers .13-15

Numbers .16-18

Numbers .19-21

Numbers .22-24

Numbers .25-27

Numbers .28-30

Numbers .31-33

Numbers .34-36

Deuteronomy The Covenant by Moses 1406 BC

“remember Who God is”

Deuteronomy ..1-3

Deuteronomy ..4-6

Deuteronomy ..7-9

Deuteronomy .10-12

Deuteronomy .13-15

Deuteronomy .16-18

Deuteronomy .19-21

Deuteronomy .22-25

Deuteronomy .26-28

Deuteronomy .29-31

Deuteronomy .32-34

Joshua in the Promised Land by Joshua 1380 BC

“the beginnings of ISRAEL”

Joshua ..1-5

Joshua ..6-10

Joshua .11-15

Joshua .16-20

Joshua .21-24

Ruth ..1-4

Judges Israel prospers by Samuel about 1000 BC

Judges ..1-6

Judges ..7-11

Judges .12-16

Judges .17-21

1 Samuel King Saul’s reign by Samuel and Nathan 1000 BC

1 Samuel ..1-5

1 Samuel ..6-10

1 Samuel .11-15

1 Samuel .16-20

1 Samuel .21-25

2 Samuel King David’s reign by Nathan and son about 930BC

2 Samuel ..1-4

2 Samuel ..5-9

2 Samuel .10-14

2 Samuel .15-19

2 Samuel .20-24

1 Kings King Solomon’s reign by Jeremiah about 560 BC

1 Kings ..1-4

1 Kings ..5-9

1 Kings .10-13

1 Kings .14-16

1 Kings .17-18

1 Kings .19-22

2 Kings The fall of Israel by Jeremiah and others c560 BC

2 Kings ..1-5

2 Kings ..6-10

2 Kings .11-15

2 Kings .16-20

2 Kings .21-25

1 Chronicles 1000-960 BC by EZRA 430 BC

1 Chronicles ..1-4

1 Chronicles ..5-9

1 Chronicles .10-14

1 Chronicles .15-19

1 Chronicles .20-24

1 Chronicles .25-29

2 Chronicles 970-586 BC by EZRA 430 BC

2 Chronicles ..1-5

2 Chronicles ..6-10

2 Chronicles .11-15

2 Chronicles .16-20

2 Chronicles .21-24

2 Chronicles .25-28

2 Chronicles .29-32

2 Chronicles .33-36

God’s messages through the Prophets

Always read each Books Introduction

Job about 1800 BC by Moses or Job

Job ..1-2

Job ..3-4

Job ..5-6

Job ..7-8

Job ..9-10

Job .11-12

Job .13-14

Job .15-16

Job .17-18

Job .19-20

Job .21-22

Job .23-24

Job .25-26

Job .27-28

Job .29-30

Job .31-32

Job .33-34

Job .35-36

Job .37-38

Job .39-40

Job .41-42

Joel 835-798 BC by Joel

Joel all

Jonah 785-760 BC by Jonah (tradition)

Jonah all

Amos 760-750 BC

Amos ..1-4

Amos ..5-9

Hosea 753-715 BC by Hosea

Hosea ..1-7

Hosea ..8-14

Micah 742-687 BC by Micah

Micah all

Isaiah 700-680 BC by Isaiah or followers

Isaiah ..1-6

Isaiah ..7-11

Isaiah .12-17

Isaiah .18-22

Isaiah .23-28

Isaiah .29-33

Isaiah .34-39

Isaiah .40-44

Isaiah .45-50

Isaiah .51-55

Isaiah .56-61

Isaiah .62-66

Nahum 663-654 BC by Nahum

Nahum all

Zephaniah 640-621 BC by Zephaniah

Zephaniah all

Jeremiah 627-586 BC by Jeremiah

Jeremiah ..1-6

Jeremiah ..7-11

Jeremiah .12-16

Jeremiah .17-21

Jeremiah .22-26

Jeremiah .27-31

Jeremiah .32-36

Jeremiah .37-41

Jeremiah .42-46

Jeremiah .47-52

Habakkuk 613-589 BC by Habakkuk

Habakkuk all

Lamentations 586 BC Jeremiah after the Fall of Jerusalem

Lamentations all

Obadiah 586 BC by Obadiah after the Fall of Jerusalem

Obadiah all

Ezekiel 571 BC by Ezekiel

Ezekiel ..1-6

Ezekiel ..7-12

Ezekiel .13-18

Ezekiel .19-24

Ezekiel .25-30

Ezekiel .31-36

Ezekiel .37-42

Ezekiel .43-48

Daniel 605-535 BC by Daniel

Daniel ..1-6

Daniel ..7-12

Haggai 520 BC by Haggai

Haggai all

Zechariah 520-480 BC by Zechariah

Zechariah ..1-7

Zechariah ..8-14

Esther 470 BC by Mordecai or Ezra

Esther ..1-5

Esther ..6-10

Ezra 538-430 BC by Ezra

Ezra ..1-5

Ezra ..6-10

Nehemiah 430 BC by Malachi

Nehemiah ..1-4

Nehemiah ..5-9

Nehemiah .10-13

Malachi 430 BC by Malachi

Malachi all

Psalms 1440-586 BC by King David and various authors

Psalms ..1-2

Psalms ..3-5

Psalms ..6-8

Psalms ..9-11

Psalms .12-14

Psalms .15-17

Psalms .18-20

Psalms .21-23

Psalms .24-26

Psalms .27-29

Psalms .30-32

Psalms .33-35

Psalms .36-38

Psalms .39-41

Psalms .42-44

Psalms .45-47

Psalms .48-50

Psalms .51-53

Psalms .54-56

Psalms .57-59

Psalms .60-62

Psalms .63-65

Psalms .66-68

Psalms .69-71

Psalms .72-74

Psalms .75-77

Psalms .78-80

Psalms .81-83

Psalms .84-86

Psalms .87-89

Psalms .90-92

Psalms .93-95

Psalms .96-98

Psalms .99-101

Psalms 102-104

Psalms 105-107

Psalms 108-110

Psalms 111-113

Psalms 114-116

Psalms 117-118

Psalms 119

Psalms 120-121

Psalms 122-124

Psalms 125-127

Psalms 128-130

Psalms 131-133

Psalms 134-136

Psalms 137-139

Psalms 140-142

Psalms 143-145

Psalms 146-148

Psalms 149-150

Proverbs 960 BC Mostly by King Solomon

Proverbs ..1

Proverbs ..2-3

Proverbs ..4

Proverbs ..5-6

Proverbs ..7

Proverbs ..8-9

Proverbs .10

Proverbs .11-12

Proverbs .13

Proverbs .14-15

Proverbs .16

Proverbs .17-18

Proverbs .19

Proverbs .20-21

Proverbs .22

Proverbs .23-24

Proverbs .25

Proverbs .26-27

Proverbs .28

Proverbs .29-30

Proverbs .31

Song of Songs 960 BC by King Solomon early in his Reign

Song of Solomon ..1-2

Song of Solomon ..3-4

Song of Solomon ..5-6

Song of Solomon ..7-8

Ecclesiastes 935 BC by King Solomon near the end of his Reign

Ecclesiastes ..1-2

Ecclesiastes ..3-4

Ecclesiastes ..5-6

Ecclesiastes ..7-8

Ecclesiastes ..9-10

Ecclesiastes .11-12

Revelation

Revelation .16 vs 15 “ take note “

Revelation .22 vs 7-20

Congratulations,

You have completed the Old Testament Reading Plan

Appendix V

The Book of Revelation

written about 95 A.D by the Apostle John

it describes the End Times of Humanity

Revelation ..1-6

Revelation ..7-11

Revelation .12-17

Revelation .18-20

Revelation .21-22

Congratulations, You have completed Reading the entire Holy Bible

Isn’t it Time you Really Read the Bible ?

Rev David M Perry

FocusOnJesus Ministries

North Alabama USA

Author of

“ Isn’t it Time you Really Read the Bible ”

“ KNOW ..When God Speaks “

“ Which Bible Should I Buy ? ”

“ and the Qur’an says “

email [email protected]

on the web

www.focusOnJesus.net

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN-13: 978-1497393073

ISBN-10: 1497393078

( Back Cover is reprinted below )

Isn’t it time

you

really

read

the Bible

Around the World, most people believe there is

“ some Higher Power ”, although many do not

really understand much about him.

Throughout history, however, numerous events have been recorded that provide much knowledge about this “ Higher Power ”, leading many to recognize this Almighty God.

He is the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob,

of Moses, Kings David and Solomon,

of Peter, James, and John,

of Christopher Columbus, and the Pilgrims,

of Generals George Washington and George Patton,

and of many World Leaders and celebrities of today.

I believe that by reading the Holy Bible more effectively you will greatly increase your understanding ,

and you will recognize this Almighty God as being that “ some Higher Power ”,

and that understanding ,

will actually change your life.

“ When you think of God, He smiles “

Rev David M Perry

www.FocusOnJesus.net

Notes…………

Churches, Pastors, and Teachers

Quantity Discounts of this book,

and

FREE Printable copies of the Bible Reading Plans

found on pages 36 – 52 can be obtained

by email to

[email protected]