You might be wondering, “where should I begin to read the Bible?”.This is a question that many people ask, especially those who may be new to reading Scripture. Bible reading can be an intimidating pursuit – after all, it’s a big book! Fortunately, there are some strategies and resources available to help you begin.
When starting to read the Bible, a good place to begin is by reading short passages from the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—which are found in the New Testament. Not only are these books more concise than other books in Scripture, but they are also more accessible because they tell the story of Jesus’s ministry and teachings. Additionally, many of the events, parables, and sayings recorded in these books can be read and understood in the context of today’s world.
Another way to start reading the Bible is to read from the book of Proverbs. This ancient book of wisdom, written by King Solomon, is full of timeless principles and insights into life. By reading through a few verses every day, or even a complete chapter each week, you can quickly gain a deeper understanding of Scripture.
Another method of Bible reading is to explore one of the major themes of the biblical narrative. The Bible is a story, and this storyline can help you to see how the overarching themes of redemption, judgment, and grace can be traced throughout the books of the Bible. Reading through books that focus on a single theme, such as Ezekiel’s prophecy of the future or Paul’s letters to the churches, can give you a better sense of the scope of Scripture.
For those who are just beginning to read the Bible, there are also many helpful resources available. One helpful resource is a Bible overview, which is a concise summary of the themes, books, and major events from the biblical narrative. This can help you to gain a broad overview of the Bible, so that you can begin reading in context. Other resources that may be helpful include Bible commentaries, which provide further information and insight into specific verses or passages, as well as Bible study guides, which are designed to help readers to explore and apply the Scriptures to their own lives.
The Benefits of Biblical Reading
Reading the Bible can be overwhelmingly satisfying and have a life-changing impact. It not only provides comfort and strength, but it speaks to our soul in ways that no other book ever will. It’s a book that can teach us to think differently, understand our sin, and grow in a relationship with God.
Reading the Bible is also beneficial in helping us to grow in faith and humility. We can learn the power of prayer and study God’s Word. We can also build our spiritual knowledge, reading the Bible and putting its teachings into practice in our lives.
Finally, reading and studying the Bible can also be beneficial for our overall health and happiness. Bible reading can improve mental and physical health, as well as improve our social relationships. It can also help to reduce anxiety and depression, as well as encourage spiritual growth.
The Best Bible Versions to Read
There are many different Bible translations available, and different versions can benefit readers in different ways. Generally speaking, those new to the Bible and those more experienced often benefit from the modern language of contemporary translations. An example of this is the New International Version (NIV) and the Common English Bible (CEB). For those who are more accustomed to traditional translations, versions like the King James Version (KJV) or English Standard Version (ESV) offer a more timeless and familiar experience.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some translations of the Bible may be used for study purposes, while others might be better suited for worship or devotional readings. Additionally, some versions may be geared toward personal devotion, while others may be used by theological institutions or used in the classroom. Selecting the right Bible version can help to enhance your spiritual practice.
Bible Reading Plans
If you want to get into the habit of reading the Bible daily, it can be helpful to create a Bible reading plan for yourself. A Bible reading plan can help to take the guesswork out of Bible reading, as many of the plans are organized to help ensure that readers are engaging with more than just one passage. There are many Bible reading plans available online and in print, from plans that focus on specific books of the Bible to plans that focus on a single episode in the biblical narrative.
Additionally, there are various Bible apps available that can also help to create a Bible reading plan that works with your own schedule. These apps can also provide extra features such as audio recordings and study tools, which can make Bible reading more accessible.
Conclusion
It can be intimidating when starting to read the Bible for the first time, but there are many resources available to help make reading Scripture easier. By reading short passages from the Gospels, exploring the book of Proverbs, or delving into one of the major themes of the biblical narrative, readers can gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Additionally, there are many Bible translations available, as well as Bible reading plans which can help readers to stay on track. No matter how you choose to begin your Bible reading practice, taking the time to read God’s Word can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
