JorgeP’s suggestion to primarily read the Bible is a good one. One of the unhealthy mindsets in the local churches is the tendency to treat the Bible as a complex puzzle that must be deciphered- an approach that may apply to certain prophetic books like Daniel and Revelation. However, the majority of scripture, especially the New Testament, was written to be read plainly and understood literally.
For example, when Paul wrote letters to the churches, he intended his audience to understand his words directly and clearly, not to decode hidden meanings.
In the early church, scripture was often read publicly because most people did not have personal access to written texts, and the New Testament canon had not yet been fully compiled.
Quote:
1 Timothy 4:13 – “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”
Justin Martyr (c. 155 AD), First Apology, ch. 67:
"On the day called Sunday... the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits..."
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One thing I really enjoy is listening to the audio Bible in my car. One of my favorite versions is the Breathe edition of the NLT, which features voice actors. I like to imagine that God is speaking directly to me as I listen, and I often notice things I might miss when reading the text on my own.