1. What Is the Bible?
The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written over thousands of years, all telling one unified story: God’s love for people and His plan to rescue and restore us through Jesus. It’s inspired by God and useful for our daily lives (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
2. Why Read the Bible?
• To know God and His heart
• To understand His character and promises
• To gain wisdom for life
• To grow in faith and direction
3. Where Should I Start?
The Bible isn’t meant to be read all at once. Here are a few good places to begin:
• The Gospel of John to learn about Jesus’ life and love
• Psalms when you need comfort or feel emotionally compelled to pray
• Proverbs for wisdom in daily life
• Romans to better understand the message of salvation
4. How to Read Daily
A. Find a quiet time and place – Set aside just 5–10 minutes to start.
B. Pray before you begin – Ask God to help you understand what you’re about to read.
C. Read a small section slowly – Focus on a paragraph or chapter, re-reading as necessary.
D. Ask questions as you read:
- What does this say about God?
- What does this say about me and my relationship with God?
- What might God be asking me to do?
- What do I need to research more to better understand God’s Word?
As you become comfortable with reading the Bible, try to read longer sections at a time.
5. What If I Get Confused?
It’s normal to be confused at times when reading through the Bible (especially the first few times). But remember to keep going! Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit leads us to truth (John 16:13). As you read, ask the Spirit to give you understanding. And don’t be afraid to write down questions and talk to someone at church or use online resources.
6. Tips and Tricks
- Use a Bible reading plan or begin memorizing key verses
- Try a study Bible, devotional, or topical series
- Keep a journal for thoughts and prayers
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105
7. What Now?
God speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. But just like any healthy relationship, God wants the conversation to go both ways. Learn about talking to God through prayer as you deepen your relationship with Him.
Recommended Readings
Bible Stories for New Believers
Make a Connection
Want to talk and pray with someone about life with Jesus? Call our Care Team at (800) 525-5683 to make a connection now.
