Question: Where should I start reading the Bible?
Answer: This is a great question, because it’s important for a new or young-in-the-faith believer to build a firm foundation of faith in Christ. Bible reading is also important for all Christians, whether they’re new, young or mature believers, the Bible is spiritual food necessary for growth. We can never exhaust the riches that the Bible has to offer and it should be read daily.
For new believers, when they came to Christ they understood their sin and their need for forgiveness. They understood that Jesus alone could save them because He is God and He accomplished the atonement for their sins by His finished work on the cross.
Although, they understand what Jesus has done for them in saving them, they might not have a very full understanding about who He is or who they are as new creations in Him. Therefore a new believer needs to build a solid foundation on Jesus. Learning about His incarnation and His earthly ministry is a great place to start. I would recommend the Gospel accounts of Mark and/or John. Mark focuses on what Jesus did. It presents Him as a servant and is a quick and fun read. It’s almost like reading a film script. The book describes events, places and people, and tells of Jesus’ mighty and miraculous works in conquering demons, disease and death. It fully illustrates what Jesus proclaimed His mission to be, which is clearly recorded in Luke when Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me [1] to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath [2] sent me to heal the brokenhearted, [3] to preach deliverance to the captives, and [4] recovering of sight to the blind, [5] to set at liberty them that are bruised, [6] To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19, emphasis and bracketed information added)
We see Jesus’ mission revealed in all of the Gospel accounts, but in Mark the accounts of His works and words seem to come to life by Mark’s use of the present tense and questions that seem to be addressed to the readers, as well as to those to whom the words were originally spoken in the historical context. Mark paints a picture of Jesus as a servant who came to minister. A key verse in the book is “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Mark is a great book to grow in knowledge of what Jesus did on earth. It reveals His perfect service in surrender to the will of His Father and His suffering service in offering His life in love for mankind.
Perhaps the most beloved book of the Bible is the Gospel of John, and it should be read soon (and studied) by all new or young believers. While Mark focuses on what Jesus did, John tells of what Jesus said during His earthly ministry and presents Jesus as the Divine Son of God. The book offers simple verses that contain precious promises. For new believers, this book is a great help to remember what they have been given. Some of the many promises include, John 3:16 — everlasting life, John 14:6— Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and John 14:16 — the gift of the Holy Spirit. The book contains many more verses that give the assurance of the hope that we have in Jesus. John paints a picture of just how BIG our God is. It’s a great book to grow in knowledge of Jesus’ divinity, and to come to love and worship Him even more.
Once a new believer is firmly grounded in knowing Jesus, they might want to move on to reading one or more of the epistles of Paul (13 letters that Paul wrote to the church that teach Christian doctrine and life), or they might want to dig into the historical accounts, starting with “In the beginning…” (Genesis 1:1). Paul’s letters to the church tell us about the risen Saviour, what He has done for us and who we are in Him. Of the 13, these four short epistles are a good place to start: Galatians speaks of our liberty in Christ. Ephesians is all about our identity in Christ. Philippians proclaims the joy we have in Him (even in difficult times), and Colossians is about the supremacy of Christ.
Genesis is a wonderful book. In the first three chapters it opens the Bible with the beginning of God’s purpose and plan in creating man, teaches how God created the world, and everything in it, to be in perfect communion with Him, and tells of the fall of man and God’s promise and unfolding plan to send that Rescuer who would save man from his sins. From creation, the book moves on to the call of Abraham and the building of the nation of Israel as God’s chosen people. Throughout the Old Testament the plan of God is revealed as we read of His preparing His people to receive their Messiah. The Old Testament contains not only the history of the world since creation but also the revelation of our Creator and Redeemer.
If you set out to read the Old Testament, continue to read in the New Testament also. Although the entire Bible speaks of Jesus, Jesus is fully revealed in the words of the New Testament. It’s not about a need to understand all of history, it’s about knowing and loving the Saviour who died for us. It’s not about working to please God with good deeds, it’s about surrendering to His will so the Holy Spirit can work through us. And, it’s not about fulfilled prophecy and end times revelation, it’s about living our lives in service to the Lord and in service to others…and it’s about sharing our faith. When the Lord saved us He also commissioned us to be His ambassadors and share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:44-49, John 20:21-22).
It’s all about Jesus! From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, the Lord Jesus Christ is there. The more you read, the more you will enjoy reading the Bible–and, the better you will know and the more you will love the Person who the Bible reveals.
Keep in mind these are just suggestions. Start reading wherever you wish…just start reading. The Holy Spirit will guide and teach you, for Jesus has promised: John 16:13 “…when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
Pray always before you begin and then trust that the Lord, by the Holy Spirit, will guide and teach you. Start reading and read everyday. You wouldn’t go without daily food… and Jesus has told us: “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4).
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great day.
Pastor Linzy Slayden, Friendship Baptist Church, Owasso, Oklahoma
