Where to Start

Some would say to just start at the beginning, but that is a pretty big starting point. For beginners, there are four books that would be a great place to begin:

  1. Luke:  This is the easiest gospel to read. It is where you will hear about who Jesus was, what He did, why He did it, and also read a lot of stories that Jesus told. Check out Luke 15 for one of the most famous ones.
  2. James:  This is a short five-chapter book that deals very precisely with how to live out your faith. James was the brother of Jesus, and after seeing everything his brother did, he believed Jesus was the Messiah. Check out James 1:27 for what James says about religion.
  3. Psalms:  These are songs and poems, many written by King David. This book shows you that it is only natural to have feelings, and there’s nothing wrong with it, as long as you bring them to God and trust Him to take care of things. Check out Psalm 23 to see how God cares for each of us in all moments of life.
  4. Proverbs:  Practical wisdom for life is provided in this book. Many people like reading one chapter a day, every month, since there are 31 chapters. Check out Proverbs 3:5-6 for how we should live our lives.

How to Start

It may feel daunting to read a whole book of the Bible, but here are several ideas to get started:

  1. Set a Timer:  Set 5, 10 or 15 minutes, and just read until the timer goes off. You’ll be surprised how much you read.
  2. Read One Chapter a Day:  Some chapters are longer than others, but on average, one chapter will only take you a couple of minutes to read.
  3. Find a Reading Plan:  Whether it’s the whole Bible or one section, there are lots of plans that will break down the Bible into manageable sections. Make your own reading plan
  4. Try a Devotion:  Devotions are usually someone’s take on a couple of verses in the Bible. They can be themed around life topics or around a story of the Bible. Check out some recommendations below.
  5. Read a Storybook Bible:  While intended for kids, a storybook Bible is a perfect way to learn the basic stories and grasp each of the main points. It's a favorite for discovering how the whole Bible is about Jesus.


How To Love Reading The Bible

Bible Studies Devotions to Try

Spending time reading the Bible in its original form is good for all of us. If you’re new to reading the Bible, you may feel like you need help understanding what it’s all about.

Luke: A 10-Day Devotional Proverbs Introduction to Wisdom Understanding the Book of James Psalms: Everything

Some Favorite Bibles

The best Bible is the one you read! If the translation, or version, you have is making it difficult for you to engage, check out some of these:

Here are a couple of great starter Bibles for kids:

For students, this Bible is a good way to continue their Bible studies:

Here are several suggestions for adults: