Wanting to get closer to God? Nothing does that better than reading His word. The Bible has the answers for every question for those who have faith in God.

Most verses are from the King James version, because the KJV is one of the most accurate translations, and is not copyrighted. In KJV verses, I have replaced some archaic words and spellings with modern equivalents. Other verses are from either the New International Version or Today's English Versions.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
-2 Timothy 3:16,17

The Old Testament books cover Creation through Israel's birth as a nation, Israel's existence and eventual exile, Israel's return, and numerous prophecies both of the New Testament and the end times.

The New Testament starts with the accounts of Jesus' coming to earth to fulfill the Old Testament laws and prophecies, and is filled thereafter with books of instruction and encouragement for Christian living. It ends with the prophecies of the end times, when the world as we know it will end, evil will be defeated, and Jesus will be our King forever in the Heavenly kingdom.

Genesis- Covers the beginnings of the world, the Great Flood and other accounts, and the birth of the Hebrew nation.

Exodus- Tells of Israel's escape from slavery in Egypt, and the laws and instructions that God gave to Moses.

Leviticus- The laws and instructions for Israel.

Numbers- The census of Israel and the account of Israel's wondering the desert for 40 years.

Deuteronomy- More laws and instructions.

Joshua- Tells how Israel conquered the Promised Land and settled there.

Judges- Tells the accounts of the judges of Israel, such as Gideon, Deborah, and Samson; also, the slaughter of the tribe of Benjamin.

Ruth- The story of Ruth, and how she met her husband.

1 Samuel- Tells about the prophet Samuel, king Saul of Israel, and David of Israel.

2 Samuel- Picks up where 1 Samuel left off and tells of king David of Israel.

1 Kings- Tells about King Solomon of Israel, and the long line of kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Kings- Continues the account of the long line of kings of Israel and Judah and the start of Israel's exile in Babylon.

1 Chronicles- Re-tells the accounts of king Saul and king David.

2 Chronicles- Re-tells the accounts of king Solomon and the lines of kings of Israel and Judah; also the start of the Babylonian exile.

Ezra- The Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple after 70 years of exile in Babylon (the events leading up to the exile, the exile itself, and the command to rebuild the Temple are recorded throughout the rest of the Old Testament).

Nehemiah- Jerusalem is rebuilt after the Babylonian exile, against fierce opposition.

Ester- The story of Queen Ester, who saved the Jews all over the world from their enemies in Babylon.

Job- The story of a man who was tested to the brink by Satan, but remained loyal to God.

Psalms- Songs and poems in praise of God.

Proverbs- Sayings and teachings that pass down wisdom.

Ecclesiastes- A reflection on how short and often meaningless life is, and how we should enjoy what God gives us in life. This book depicts the depression brought on its author (king Solomon) after he married 700 wives who led him away from the Lord.

Song of Songs (Song of Solomon)- Romantic poetry about King Solomon and his bride. This is a reflection of God's love for his people, and a guide for Godly relationship.

Isaiah- A book of prophecy to Israel, foretelling their exile to Babylon.

Jeremiah- Another book of prophecy of Israel's exile, and covers of the exile itself.

Lamentations- Poems portraying the sorrow felt over Jerusalem's fall, and the hope of redemption in God's mercy.

Ezekiel- A book of prophecy about Jerusalem's fall.

Daniel- The account of the miracles of Daniel and other Israelites while in Babylonian exile, and prophecies of the End Times.

Hosea- A book of prophecy against Israel.

Joel- A book about some of the destruction that befell Israel, and prophecies for hope of a better future.

Amos- A book of prophecy against Israel, and the nations that attacked Israel.

Obadiah- A book of prophecy against Edom, a nation that attacked Israel.

Jonah- The interesting account of the prophet who was told by God to tell the city of Nineveh to repent or be destroyed. Jonah ran from God's command because he knew God was merciful and would spare Nineveh if they repented (he apparently really hated Nineveh!) God had a huge fish swallow Jonah and take him to his destination, where he preached his message and was mad enough to die after the city repented and God spared them.

Micah- A book of prophecy against Judah and Israel.

Nahum- Poetry celebrating the fall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, Israel's enemy.

Habakkuk- Habakkuk asks God why the injustice seen on the earth is allowed. God's response is that the wicked will be judged in due time.

Zephaniah- A book foretelling the fall of Judah, and also the nations that attacked her. Tells of the judgement of the wicked in the end and the restoration of the righteous.

Haggai- The LORD urges the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple after 70 years of exile.

Zechariah- Prophesies about the rebuilt Jerusalem, many Messianic prophecies.

Malachi- The prophet Malachi urges the people to remain faithful to God.

Matthew- The account of Jesus Christ, written down by the ex-tax collector tuned disciple Matthew, with emphasis on Jesus' teachings.

Mark- The account of Jesus Christ, written down by Mark, with emphasis on Jesus' works.

Luke- The account of Jesus Christ, written down by the doctor/disciple Luke, with emphasis on Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection, and His teachings.

John- The account of Jesus Christ, written down by John the Beloved, with lots of information and insight not covered by the other three gospels of Jesus.

Acts- The actions of the disciples after Jesus' assention, the formation of the Church and Pentecost, and the conversion and missions of Paul.

*Romans- Covers how both Jew and Gentile (those who aren't Jewish) are in need of, and receive, salvation from Jesus.

*1 Corinthians- Talks about Godly morality and Christian standards.

*2 Corinthians- Our eternal closeness with Jesus and God, warnings against false apostles.

*Galatians- Jesus is the fulfillment of the Jewish law, and everybody is now saved by faith in God, not the Law. Also talks about obeying the Spirit.

*Ephesians- Talks about Spiritual life, eternal life with Jesus, and various rules and morals.

*Philippians- Talks about the virtue of Christ and serving him, and striving to live in God's light.

*Colossians- Teachings about Christ and living devoted to Christ.

*1 Thessalonians- Talks about the resurrection of the dead in Christ when He comes back, and to be ready for His glorious return.

*2 Thessalonians- More on the return of Christ, the temporary arising of the antichrist, and the judgement of the righteous and wicked risen dead.

1 Timothy and 2 Timothy- Letters written by the apostle Paul to Timothy, with instructions for church doctrine and teachings, and personal living.

Titus- A letter written by Paul to Titus, with instructions for basic Christian living and church doctrine.

Philemon- A letter from Paul to Philemon, who's slave Onesimus had run away, and been converted by Paul. He urges Philemon to take his slave back and treat him as a brother.

Hebrews- A letter to the Jews, God's people, convincing them that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Messiah, our High Priest forever serving in the Temple of God in Heaven.

James- Many swift and to-the-point instructions on how God wants his people to live and act.

1 Peter- Written by the disciple Simon Peter, encouraging Christians to live holy lives after God, and to endure and not give up on their faith in Jesus Christ.

2 Peter- Written by Simon Peter, teaching about our strength as Christians, and against false teachers.

1 John- Written by the John the Beloved, teaching Christians how to recognize false doctrines and true Christians.

2 John- A very short letter written by John, encouraging Christians to love one another and follow Christ.

3 John- Another short letter by John, to a church leader named Gaius, praising him for his faithful service, and reporting the disservice of adversaries in the church

Jude- A warning written by Jude against false teachers and warning to follow Jesus.

Revelation- The visions that God gave to John the Beloved on the isle of Patmos. These visions are descriptions of the end of the age, the time in the future when Satan takes over the world after the church is removed from the earth. Evil is ultimately conquered by God and Jesus becomes our King forever.

*- These books were written by the apostle Paul to the churches at Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, and Thessalonica respectively.