How many of us have found ourselves asking, “How do I start reading the Bible?” Where do I even start?
If you're anything like me, you've probably started and stopped more times than you can count, each time feeling a little more frustrated. I remember when I first committed to reading the Bible in a year with The Bible Recap (an excellent resource to understand the Bible); it took me four years instead.
I gave up a thousand times but always felt a pull to return. I've discovered that while reading the Bible chronologically is immensely rewarding, trying to do it in a year it was too overwhelming for me.
Understanding the Bible’s Structure
Let's start with the basic. the Bible consist of 66 books divided into two main parts:
- Old Testament or Hebrew Bible: 39 books
- New Testament: 27 books
The Old Testament lays the historical and prophetic foundation, encompassing various genres like poetry, prophecy, and historical accounts. The New Testament, on the other hand, introduces us to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the early church and the good news.
The Benefits of a Chronological Reading
Why read the Bible in chronological order? For starters, it makes sense, it is easier to grasp the setting of each book. It will help you understand the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.
The Bible is a book to be read throughout our lives, so there's no need to rush. Take your time with each chapter, read it and understand it.
In our Free Facebook Group we read a chapter every week and we go deep in what the chapter is about. Join me HERE so you can share some time with us while learning about God.
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We explore the Bible in an easy to understand manner, always aiming to build a relationship with the God of the Bible, while enjoying sips of coffee.
There are many chronological reading plans available, but if you decide to join us, we follow the same plan as the Bible Recap. Follow the link to get a copy of your plan as a fillable PDF.
Starting with Genesis: The Foundations
Begin your journey with Genesis. It's not just a collection of stories; it's the bedrock of biblical themes and narratives. Key events like the Creation, the Fall, the Flood, and Abraham's journey are more than stories; they're the foundation of everything that follows.
Moving Through the Old Testament
As you proceed, focus on the key historical books like Exodus, Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. They provide a backbone to the Old Testament narrative. Don’t forget to explore the poetic and prophetic books like Psalms and Isaiah. Reading these in their historical context adds depth and richness to the overall story.
Transitioning to the New Testament
The New Testament opens a new chapter, highlighting the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Understanding the cultural and historical context of Jesus' time is crucial as it sheds light on his teachings and the profound impact he had.
The Life and Teachings of Jesus: The Gospels
The Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – offer four perspectives on Jesus' life and teachings. You might choose to read them as they appear or in historical order. Each Gospel provides a unique lens through which to understand Jesus and his mission.
Simplify the process with our easy-to-follow FREE guide! 📖
Click DOWNLOAD and deepen your faith and understanding of God's word.
**You can either print out this PDF or fill it in electronically**
The Early Church and the Apostles: Acts and Letters
Following the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles gives insight into the early church. Then, delve into the letters of Paul and other apostles. These writings offer practical advice and theological insights that were relevant to the early Christians and remain so today.
Revelation: The Hope of Glory
End your journey with Revelation. While often viewed as complex and symbolic, its core message is one of hope and final redemption, a fitting conclusion to the biblical narrative.
Practical Tips for Consistent Reading
To make Bible reading a habit:
- Commit to a Daily Reading Time: Set aside 5, 10, or 15 minutes each day for Bible reading. You can even utilize this time during your commute to work or while in the shower.
- Start with Shorter Sessions: Begin with brief reading sessions and gradually increase your time as you become more comfortable and engaged.
- Listen to a Bible Podcast: This is a great way to immerse yourself in the scriptures, especially when you are on the go.
- Keep a Journal or Use a Reading Guide: Track your insights and reflections to enhance your understanding and personal connection to the readings.
Materials you might want to consider
On your walk with God and in reading the Bible you will find things that work for you and things that don't. This is by no means comprehensive list but are things that help me depending on how much time I have available.
- A Study Bible: An invaluable tool for deeper understanding, offering explanations and historical context.
- YouVersion App: This app on your phone is fantastic for on-the-go reading and offers various translations.
- The Bible Recap Podcast: A great way to understand what you read through engaging discussions and insights.
- The Bible Project: This provides wonderful visual explanations and thematic explorations of biblical content.
- Spiral Bible: Handy for taking notes directly alongside the text you're studying.
- Notepads: Essential for jotting down reflections and thoughts during your study.
- Markers and Sticky Notes: Perfect for highlighting and marking important verses or sections for easy reference.
- Devotional Journals: These can guide your thoughts and prayers, helping to apply biblical lessons to daily life.
Perseverance is key in your Bible reading journey. Remember, it’s not about the speed at which you read, but the depth of your connection with the words. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Here are some of my devotional journals – feel free to start small and gradually deepen your exploration.
Don’t miss out on joining us at our Facebook Group, Sip Pray Love. It’s a lovely spot where we chat more about all these heartfelt topics. I'm really looking forward to connecting with you and deepening our conversations.
In the meantime,
Sip Slow, Pray Deep, Love Always…
Join Our Community
We explore the Bible in an easy to understand manner, always aiming to build a relationship with the God of the Bible, while enjoying sips of coffee.
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