Faith Questions: How Do I Start Reading the Bible If I’ve Never Read It?

Starting something new is always a bit nerve-wracking, especially when that "something" is a book as big, ancient, and significant as the Bible. If you have picked it up, looked at the thin pages and tiny print, and then put it right back down, you are not alone. It can feel like trying to jump into a conversation that has been going on for thousands of years. You might worry about where to begin, what the "thee" and "thou" words mean, or if you will even understand what God is trying to say to you. At Boundless Online Church, we want to make this journey as simple and welcoming as possible because we believe the Bible is for everyone, regardless of where you are starting from.

The first thing to know is that the Bible isn't just one book; it is a library of sixty-six books written by different people over centuries, all inspired by the Holy Spirit. In the Assemblies of God tradition, we believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This means it is the primary way God speaks to us and shows us how to live. You can learn more about these core beliefs on our page regarding what are the 16 fundamental truths of the Assemblies of God. Because it is so important, we want to help you find a way to read it that feels practical and sustainable rather than overwhelming.

One of the most common mistakes people make is trying to read the Bible like a standard novel, starting on page one with Genesis and trying to power through to the end. While Genesis is a beautiful book of beginnings, many readers get stuck when they hit the detailed laws and genealogies found a few books later. Instead of starting at the very beginning, we recommend a strategic plan that focuses on the heart of the message first. This approach helps you get to know Jesus and understand the big picture of God's love for you before you dive into the more complex historical details.

A great place to start is the Gospel of John. This is one of the four books that tells the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. John focuses heavily on the identity of Jesus and His deep love for people. When you read John, you aren't just reading history; you are meeting the person who changed everything. It is written in a way that is easy to follow and highlights why faith in Jesus is so foundational to our lives today. By starting here, you ground your reading in the most important part of the Christian faith.

Alongside John, we suggest spending time in the book of Psalms. These are essentially songs and prayers written by people who were going through every emotion imaginable. You will find psalms of joy, but you will also find psalms of deep sadness, fear, and frustration. Reading one Psalm a day is a wonderful way to learn how to talk to God. It shows us that God is big enough to handle our honest feelings and that we can bring our whole selves to Him. If you find yourself needing extra support while you navigate these emotions, you can always visit our prayer wall to share your heart with the community.

The third piece of this simple starting plan is the book of Proverbs. While Psalms deals with our emotions, Proverbs deals with our daily decisions. It is a book of practical wisdom that covers everything from how we handle our money to how we talk to our friends and family. There are thirty-one chapters in Proverbs, which makes it perfect for reading one chapter a day throughout the month. It provides quick, actionable advice that helps you see how the Bible applies to your life right now, in the 21st century.

Choosing the right translation is another practical step that makes a world of difference. If you have a Bible that uses old English, it might feel like a chore to read. We often recommend translations like the New International Version (NIV) or the New Living Translation (NLT) for those who are just starting out. These versions are translated into the English we speak every day while remaining faithful to the original meanings. The goal is to understand what you are reading, so do not feel like you are "cheating" by using a version that is easy to comprehend.

We also want to speak specifically to those who do not work a traditional nine-to-five schedule. If you are a night shift worker, a caregiver, or someone living in a time zone far from our Memphis roots, your "morning" might be at four in the afternoon or midnight. The beauty of the Word of God is that it is not bound by a clock. You do not have to read the Bible at 6:00 AM for it to "count." If your house is quietest at 2:00 AM after your shift ends, that is a perfect time to sit down with a notebook and your Bible. God meets us in the quiet of the night just as much as He does in the light of the morning.

For our shift workers and busy parents, consistency is better than intensity. It is far more helpful to read for five or ten minutes every day than to try and read for two hours once a month. Find a "trigger" in your routine, maybe it is when you have your first cup of coffee after waking up, or perhaps it is during your lunch break at the warehouse or hospital. When you pair your reading with an existing habit, it becomes much easier to maintain. We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online, and that growth happens in those small, daily moments of connection.

Before you flip open the pages, try a very simple prayer. You don't need fancy words. Just say something like, "God, please help me understand what I'm reading today. Show me something about yourself." This simple act of invitation changes the experience from a reading assignment into a conversation. As you read, keep a notebook nearby. Write down one verse that stood out to you or one question you have. You don't need to have all the answers immediately. Part of the joy of faith is the lifelong process of learning.

If you are looking for more structured guidance, we have various resources to help you stay on track. You might find our daily parent devotionals helpful, as they provide short, digestible bits of truth for different times of the day. We also encourage you to look into our groups, where you can connect with others who are asking the same questions. You were never meant to figure out the Bible entirely on your own; it is a journey best taken in community.

Reading the Bible is about building a relationship with the Creator of the universe. He wants to be known by you. He wants to give you peace when you are stressed, wisdom when you are confused, and hope when things feel dark. Whether you are reading on a phone app during a bus ride or sitting at a kitchen table with a physical book, you are taking a step toward a deeper life. Don't worry about how much you don't know yet. Just start with one chapter of John today and see where the Spirit leads you.

If you ever feel stuck or if a passage of Scripture brings up a deep need for prayer, please know that we are here for you. We are a global community that values every individual, from the person working the late shift in a hospital to the student studying for exams. The Bible is a living book, and as you start this journey, you will find that it starts to read you just as much as you read it, offering comfort and direction in ways you might not expect.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.

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