John 1:1- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it......

......14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

 

IT HELPS US TO MINISTER

 

1 Peter 3:15- "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be PREPARED to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;"

 

Knowing God's word also helps you to minister to others so that they can be a part of God's army, so that they too can be EQUIPPED! We must be ready to recall His word, to have an answer, to be able to direct someone to the right verse at the right time.  

 

 

IT HELPS US TO STAY STRONG

 

Revelation 1:3- "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."

 

Knowing God's word helps us to be obedient and knowledgeable so that we can continue to walk in his protection and know what is to come.  The time is nearing where our faith and what we know about the enemy will be tested.

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT BIBLE SHOULD I GET?

 

So what if you don't own a bible?  What version should you get?  How do you know it isn't missing things?  What if you don't really have a desire to read the Word?

 

I know for me, it took a long time to finally want to read the word without feeling like I was just pushing through it.  I was afraid that I wasn't really a christian and that I would never really be excited to read the Word like others.  But what I realized is that I can do nothing apart from the Holy Spirit and if I just ask for his strength and guidance I would desire and understand the Word.  Now I can't get enough and I am truly excited when I read the bible.  I actually admire the way it is written and I am in awe of the wisdom and intricate nature of the bible.  I truly feel and see that it alive and useful for all generations.  If you struggle reading His Word then I encourage you to pray tonight for the Holy spirit to fill you and give you the yearning for His gospel!

 

Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

1 Corinthians 2:13- These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

 

Now as far as bibles and what version i will start by saying the Word of God is infalliable.  No matter what man tries to do to prevert or destroy the truth of the bible, God can reveal His Spirit and guide you in understanding.  He is not a spiteful God that He leaves us in the dark without direction.  He desires to bring us to Him and will not allow the plots of the the wicked to stop Him.  That being said, we must also use discernment and there are versions that completely twist and omit alot of God's word.  

 

2 Peter 1:20-21 "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

 

Proverbs 30:5-6 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

 

Revelation 22:18-19 "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."

 

There are many versions and which you choose really depends on what your goal is and what kind of language is most easy for you to get full meaning from.  Versions like the NIV or NKJV, ASV, NET, ESB, NSAB and WEB are great ones for easy reading if you struggle with older language such as thee and thou.  Versions such as KJV, YLT and the Hebrew bible are great for understand the original text and thouroughly studying out the scripture.  Of course you can also use a combination of versions or use the internet to cross reference anything that you might want to understand deeper.

 

Versions such as the Good News Bible, Jubilee Bible 2000, GOD's Word Translation, New Living Translation or The Message tend to change and leave out a good chunk of the bible, those I do not reccommend for those just starting out in the faith.

 

Another thing you may want to consider is getting a study bible.  They are great for when you don't understand a verse or want to see what the verse is referring to.  Sometimes they have themes that help you see how God's word is relevant to women, marriages, students, kids or men.  

 

Last but not least, how do you want your bible to feel and look?  What about the quality?  If you plan on using it often, it is best to get a sturdy, well made bible in leather.  There are even many different types of leather or leather mixes.  The options now a days are endless!  Below is listed some great stores that carry many versions and types of bibles and to get the best price I usually go to Amazon.com, but if you can't afford a bible, don't be afraid to ask your church or pray that God sends you one!