In some of the Pauline Epistles, we see Paul address immature Christians, using carnal words and examples, to encourage them to move forward. We sense the deep love of God for people who may be very gifted spiritually, and yet immature.
The rest of the epistles continue to lead the body of Christ into maturity and understanding of how to live out our Christlike walk. We continue to see the power, patience and love of God as He speaks through His chosen vessels, through discipleship, example, and guidelines.
Hebrews brings us further into the real promised rest of God as described in the Old Testament, as the promised land. At this point, we begin to understand the progressive leading of God in each individual life, and the changes in attitude, speech and behavior that are supposed to occur.
By the time we get to the chapter of "Revelation", we usually understand the text as prophetic and also as practical. Though it may be explained as a vision, it gives Christians insight on what is to come, and dispels any dread of coming events, when understood in conjunction with the basic concepts and character of a loving God. Our God does only what has greater benefit for each of His precious children.
May you know the awesome love of God and the glorious riches of His grace, that He would consider us as His very own.
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Bibles are only translations of the original thing. They still serve the purpose for which God intended, helping to understand and accept Him and His sacrifice on the cross.
Here are a few resources that I use:
NAS, The New Open Bible, Study Edition: My recommendation if you can buy only one Bible.
NIV Study Edition: easy to look up additional insights on scripture at church, because explanations are on each page.
The Amplified Bible: the main words are clarified right in the text.
The New King James, authorized: I was raised on this version, and still speak it without thinking sometimes. The psalms are really beautiful.
The Way: easy to understand.
The Good News Bible, Today's English Version: easy to understand.
WE Vine Expository Dictionary: easy to look up further definitions of words
Strong's Concordance: for the truly devoted student
The book "Lifetime Guarantee" is my recommended book for summer reading. Here is an articles list, at
Christian Book Summaries and
here is a list of chapter summaries. This book tells in a nutshell the way to live victoriously in Christ.
