The Bible is a Big Book...Where and How Do I Start?

The Bible is a big book about God getting glory through creating the world and redeeming mankind. It has an overarching narrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Jesus is the Hero, and He gets all the glory. 

A starting point is that God has revealed Himself and can be known.

God has revealed Himself and can be known through Creation, Jesus, and His Word.

  • Through Creation

    • "...since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made..." Romans 1:19-20

  • Through Jesus

    • "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." John 1:18

    • "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3

  • Through His Word

    • "and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15

SO, how do I start?

1. Pray.

Pray that God would open the eyes of your heart. This is a great prayer to start your Bible reading.

2. Read it. 

The best way to start reading the Bible is to start reading it. Read it literally, grammatically, historically, and in context. Here are some things to look for and questions to ask to better understand the text: 

  • What is the author saying?

  • What is the original author’s intent?

  • What are the repeated terms or themes in the passage I am reading?

  • How does the surrounding verses and paragraphs give light to what I am reading?

  • If you read a confusing verse, use Scripture to interpret Scripture....are there other verses that help explain what I am reading?

3. Plan It.

Use a reading plan. These plans are helpful tools to give structure and direction to your time with God. Check out some reading plan options on this page.

4. Live it.

We study the Bible so that we can live to please God. The goal is transformation, not just information. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16

Here are seven questions to ask to help you live what you are reading:

  • Is there something to learn about God?

  • Is there a command to obey?

  • Is there an example to follow?

  • Is there a promise to believe?

  • Is there a sin to avoid?

  • Is there a principle to practice?

  • Is there a warning to heed?