• Parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)

    • In a study, many people from the United States failed to notice the famine in Luke 15:14. People from Russia who read the same story noticed the famine much more readily. The Russians had more recent history with famines, so that detail stuck out to them more.

    • What might we be missing when we read the Bible?

  • Try an unfamiliar translation (and do some double-takes)

    • Nehemiah 8:1-8

    • Numbers 28:7 – NASB says “strong drink.” CSB reads “beer” here and other places.

    • II Timothy 3:16 – “inspired by God” (NASB) vs “God-breathed” (NIV)

    • The KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, and ESV are recommended.

    • Parallel Bibles can help when comparing translations, as can Bible study software.

  • Read the Bible in a different order (switch reading plans)

    • II Peter 3:1

    • Chronological plans help you see the overall story.

    • Slower plans allow for more thinking.

    • Reading whole books gets us closer to the original.

      • Beyond the Verse by Wes McAdams

      • In 1560 A.D., the Geneva Bible was the first English Bible printed with chapter and verse markings.

    • Mixed plans add variety.

    • An audio Bible may provide a whole new twist.

  • Remember that you are a new you.

    • Psalms 71:5-6, 15, 9, 18

    • II Kings 22:11

    • II Timothy 3:15

    • Psalms 119:105