# The Answer - Week 7: How Should I Read the Bible?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/awake-us-now-3481/the-answer-week-7-how-should-i-read-the-bible
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/awake-us-now-3481/the-answer-week-7-how-should-i-read-the-bible.md
Podcast: [Awake Us Now](https://stenobird.com/podcast/awake-us-now-3481)
Published: 2026-07-02T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://awakeusnow.libsyn.com/questions-week-7-how-should-i-read-the-bible
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/awakeusnow/Message_-_Questions_-_Week_7__How_Should_I_Read_the_Bible_.mp3?dest-id=246214
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/awake-us-now-3481/episodes/the-answer-week-7-how-should-i-read-the-bible
Duration seconds: 1502

## Resource

Today's question, "How should I read the Bible?" is often asked by new believers, church going people who've never read the Bible and those questioning what they've heard about the Bible. It is often stated this way: ⁃ Which is the best Bible translation? ⁃ Where should I start as I begin reading? ⁃ What schedule should I follow? ⁃ Where can I find extra help and resources? And the often not asked question, but should be asked: ⁃ What are the essential things to remember? The Bible is the Word of God and is self authenticating, speaking to every generation. There are difficult parts and very clear parts. The Scriptures speak the Truth from God, and they are practical and very beneficial. Which translation? There is no perfect translation. Each translation works to capture what was originally written down to convey it's original meaning without translating word for word. 1. New International Version (NIV) - seeks to follow a literal translation 2. English Standard Version (ESV) - emphasizes word for word translation 3. King James Version (KJV) - a favorite for centuries - a language different than today's modern day language, and is easily memorized 4. New Living Translation (NLT) - seeks to convey the thoughts of Scripture versus a word for word translation - more easily understood 5. New King James Version (NKJV) - attempts to keep the text and rhythm of the King James Version but in more modern language Pastor shares an example of each translation using Matthew 5:17. Where to start? 1. Start with one of the Gospels (1 of the first 4 books of the New Testament) where we meet Jesus. Listen to what He says. 2. Matthew - written from a Hebrew perspective - Prophesied Messiah. 3. Mark - shortest of the 4 - speaks in dramatic terms and talks about the active Son of God - M…

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