“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;”
2 Timothy 3:16
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;”
Romans 1:16
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32
Introduction
As God’s written word to us, the Bible is the single most powerful agent for transforming our lives. But some Christians, overwhelmed by the diversity and complexity of the Bible, avoid reading it on their own. Those who do read it often find that their study becomes routine, failing to engage their hearts as well as their minds. This series is designed to walk students through the Scriptures, helping them become familiar with key elements of the Bible and how they all fit together into one grand, unified story. Whether you’re discovering the Bible for the first time or eager to rekindle your passion for God’s word, this series will help you read, understand, and respond to God’s word in ways that draw you near to Christ and transform your life.
What is the main concept of the Bible?
The great biblical themes are about God, his revealed works of creation, provision, judgment, deliverance, his covenant, and his promises. The Bible sees what happens to mankind in the light of God’s nature, righteousness, faithfulness, mercy, and love.
How do I begin to understand the Bible?
The New Testament is the best place to start reading the Bible. The first four books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry and are often referred to as the gospels. Reading the gospels is like reading the journals of four friends who went on a road trip together.
What should beginners read first in the Bible?
Naturally, reading the beginning of any book would help you understand the rest. However, Genesis proves to be a more important beginning to a story than any other beginning you have ever read. You desperately need to read it. It’s the beginning of God’s story, but it is also the beginning of your story.
Suggestions for reading The Bible
1. Choose a Bible version that’s understandable and easy to read.
Here’s the flat out truth: If we don’t understand it, we won’t read it.
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek. One of the earliest translations to English was the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, but today we have a variety of versions to choose from. Some translations focus on being more precise and are best for Bible study, while others focus on readability and are great for devotions.
If you’re a beginner, I recommend the New Living Translation (NLT), or a study Bible in the English Standard Version (ESV) or New International Version (NIV). The NLT version of the Bible is most readable while still being literal in its translation; the Study Bibles contain footnotes that explain difficult to understand passages of Scripture.
You can also download a Bible app or read the Bible at biblestudytools.com. These are great tools for beginners and veterans alike.
2. You don’t have to start at the beginning of the Bible.
The Bible contains 66 separate books compiled into one book. The 39 books of the Old Testament are the story of God and his people before the coming of the Messiah—Jesus. The 27 books of the New Testament pick up the story beginning with the birth of Jesus.
If you’re new to the Bible, the best place to start is the Gospel of John. This book (the fourth book in the New Testament) is John’s eyewitness account of the life of Jesus. As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, John’s account is both riveting and informative.
John’s purpose in writing is to help us believe, making it the ideal place to start. “These things were written to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).
3. Pick a book of the Bible and work your way through it.
If you’re anything like me, you need a Bible reading plan or you’ll waste precious minutes thumbing through the Bible, never quite landing. So pick one book of the Bible and read a little each day, one chapter, perhaps.
If you read one chapter of John a day, (which will take no more than 5-10 minutes) you’ll read John in it’s entirety in 21 days.
After reading John, move on to the other gospels – Matthew, Mark or Luke. Next read Philippians, Ephesians and Colossians, which provide practical encouragement and instruction for living the Christian life. Romans is jam-packed with essential doctrine. Genesis explains how everything began. Psalms is filled with heartfelt prayers that offer encouragement for every season of life.
Work your way through one book at a time, and you’ll never find yourself fumbling for where to read again.
4. Read a little every day!
Getting God’s Word into your life doesn’t have to take long. Start small—five or 10 minutes is better than none. Sometimes less is more, especially when reading less means you’ll actually remember more.
Chose a time and place that’s convenient for you. Many people read their Bible first thing in the morning, choosing to spend time with God before daily distractions get in the way. But if mornings aren’t your thing, don’t sweat it. That you read God’s Word is more important than when you read God’s Word. Personally, I love to read my Bible at a local coffee shop, but I once read through the entire Bible while waiting in carpool lines.
5. Pray before you begin.
Pause before you open your Bible and ask God to speak to you. Remember, the Bible is God’s Word; it is God’s love letter written to His people, which includes you.
Ask God to help you understand His Word. Ask God use His Word to teach you, to direct you and even to re-direct you, when necessary. Ask Him to use His Word to help you know Him and love Him.
Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find Me, if you seek Me with all your heart.” God loves to reveal himself to those who seek Him.
6. Write it down.
As you read the Bible ask two questions:
- What does this teach me about God?
- What does this teach me about how I should live?
No doubt, as you read you’ll find one or two verses that seem to leap off the page. Maybe they speak to an issue you’ve been grappling with; maybe they answer a long held question; maybe they give you comfort or encouragement; maybe they provide an example to follow or avoid.
When a verse resonates with you, stop and write it down, word for word. Pause to let the message sink in because these words are God’s words to you.
This practice has cemented God’s Word into my thoughts in countless ways. Sometimes I keep the verse with me throughout the day. Sometimes I ask God to help me remember it when I need it. Sometimes I memorize it. Be intentional about getting God’s Word into your thoughts and you’ll soon see your relationship with God thrive and your life change. After all, isn’t that the whole point of reading the Bible!
The Bible was never meant to merely inform us; the Bible was meant to transform us.
We all begin somewhere in our relationship with God and we all need someone to show us how.