Reading The Bible - Where To Begin

For someone getting serious about reading the Bible, the common question is, "Where do I begin?" But before that question is addressed, there are some other fundamentals to establish first. 

1) THE TYPE OF BIBLE

First, buy a new Bible, even if you have an old one --  get a physical paper-bound book. There's something special about an actual book. And don't be afraid to use a marker to highlight favorite verses, and to make notes in the margins. It makes your Bible more personal and valuable to you. 

"But there are so many different translations!" Here's a good recommendation for a first Bible: The New Living Translation (NLT) -- it's easy to read and understand. And if you need to, get a large print version. Just search Amazon for an NLT Bible. For first timers, I wouldn't go with a study Bible yet, but add that as a reference book later because study Bibles can get large and overwhelming.

2) THE HABIT OF READING

"When should I read?" You need to establish a Bible reading habit. For example, read during the same time period every day. Usually early mornings are best. 

"How much should I read?" Try doing only one chapter a day. Take your time. Go slowly. Speed reading may be good for the newspaper, but not for the Bible. 

3) WHERE TO START

"Should I just start on page one?" No! Do not start on page one like it's a novel. You'll get bogged down in Jewish law and history. Not that it's unimportant, it's just best to first start in the New Testament that more directly applies to Jesus and His church. Start in the Old Testament after you've read the New Testament. 

"How is the Bible divided up?" The Old Testament has 39 books of History, Law, Poetry, and the Prophets. The New Testament has 27 books starting with the Gospels, History, Letters to Christians, and Prophecy. 

"So where do I begin?" A good plan is to start in the New Testament with the book of Mark -- it's one of the 4 Gospels, talking about the life and teachings of Jesus. 

"Where do I go after that?" Keep in the New Testament Books. Here's a good practical order: 

Mark, Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, Luke, Acts, James, John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Matthew, Galatians, Hebrews, Philemon, Romans, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Jude, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Revelation.

"After the New Testament, where do I start in the Old Testament?" Start with Genesis then Exodus. Then Joshua and Judges. Then go back and forth between a Psalm, a book of one of the prophets, a historical book (Kings, Chronicles) -- your choice.

"Why should I read the Bible?" It can change your life by bringing spiritual awareness, transforming how you should think and act. It will give hope and peace developed through a maturing faith in God. The Bible is the word of God -- of divine origin, the writers inspired by the Holy Spirit! The Bible reveals who God is, what He expects of us, and how our personal, trusting relationship can develop with Him.

The Bible all points to the Messiah, Jesus, and culminates with how we are forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus giving us the promise of eternal life. In the New Testament especially, we learn of God's grace, mercy, and love for us as His adopted children through Christ. 

So if you haven't started yet, make today be day one!