How Do I Read the Bible? Tips for Starting Your Journey
- Boundless Team
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
So, you’ve got a Bible, or maybe an app, and you’re staring at it. It’s a huge book with thin pages and some pretty strange names. Where do you even start? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of reading the Bible, you aren't alone. It’s not just a book; it’s a library of 66 books meant to lead you to Jesus. Let's make it simple.
What Does the Bible Say About Reading the Bible?
Before we dive into the "how," let's look at the "why." God’s Word isn't just ancient history. It is alive, and it is meant to guide your daily life.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." , Psalm 119:105
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." , 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." , Joshua 1:8
Understanding the Foundation
At Boundless Online Church, we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is our final authority for how we live and what we believe. This is actually the very first of our 16 Fundamental Truths.
Because we believe it’s inspired by God, we don't read it like a textbook. We read it as a letter from a Father who loves us. Whether you are a late-shift worker catching a few verses at 3:00 AM or a busy parent finding a quiet moment during a nap, these words are for you.
Step 1: Pick a Translation You Actually Understand
If you try to read a version with "thee" and "thou" and it makes your head spin, you probably won't keep reading. That’s okay! God speaks every language.
For beginners, we often recommend translations like the NIV (New International Version) or the NLT (New Living Translation). They use modern English that is easy to follow while staying true to the original meaning. The goal is clarity. You want to understand what God is saying to you today.
Step 2: Don’t Start at the Beginning
It sounds counterintuitive, right? Usually, you start a book on page one. But the Bible is a collection of books. If you start at Genesis, you’ll enjoy the stories of creation, but you might get stuck once you hit the detailed laws in Leviticus.
Start with Jesus.
The best place for a beginner to start is the Gospel of John. It’s located in the New Testament. John tells the story of Jesus, who He is, why He came, and how much He loves you.
After John, try the Gospel of Mark. It’s fast-paced and shorter, giving you a great overview of Jesus' ministry. If you want something practical for your daily emotions, sprinkle in some Psalms. The Psalms are like a songbook of human experience, joy, pain, and everything in between.
Step 3: Talk to the Author First
You wouldn't sit down to a meal without thanking the cook, right? Before you open the Bible, take 30 seconds to pray.
You don't need fancy words. Just say: "God, I’m about to read Your Word. Please help me understand it. Speak to my heart today. Amen."
The Holy Spirit is our teacher. He helps the words jump off the page and apply to our real-life situations. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, looking for direction in your job, or just need peace, the Spirit uses the Word to meet you right where you are.
Step 4: Small Bites, Big Impact
You don't need to read five chapters a day to be a "good" Christian. In fact, if you rush through it, you might miss the point entirely.
Try the 5-10 minute rule:
Pick one chapter.
Read it slowly.
If one verse stands out to you, stop there.
Think about that verse throughout your day.
If you’re a shift worker or someone managing a disability that makes long reading sessions difficult, don't feel guilty. One verse meditated on for five minutes is better than ten chapters read with zero focus. God cares about the quality of your connection with Him, not the quantity of pages turned.
Step 5: Ask Three Simple Questions
To help you process what you’re reading, keep a notebook or a digital note on your phone. Ask these three questions about the passage:
What does this tell me about God? (His character, His love, His power).
What does this tell me about people? (Our need for Him, our common struggles).
How can I live this out today? (A change in attitude, an act of kindness, a step of faith).
Making it a Habit
Consistency is the secret sauce. Try to find a specific time that works for you.
Morning people: Read while the coffee is brewing.
Night owls: Read after the house goes quiet.
Commuters: Listen to an audio Bible on your way to work.
If you miss a day, don't beat yourself up. There is no "perfect" record needed. Just pick it back up the next day. The Bible is a gift, not a chore. We invite you to join us for Clarion Call Bible Study if you’d like to learn alongside others in our community.
Why This Matters for You
The world is loud. Your phone is constantly buzzing with news, social media, and work alerts. It’s easy to feel lost in the noise. Reading the Bible is how we tune our ears to the voice of God.
As a ministry of FA Memphis, Boundless Online Church is committed to helping you grow in your faith, no matter where you are in the world. We know that for many of you, a traditional physical building isn't accessible. Maybe you’re in a care facility, living in a remote area, or your schedule just doesn't align with a Sunday morning service.
The Bible is your direct connection to the heart of God. It provides a foundation that doesn't shake when life gets hard.
Encouragement for the Journey
If you’ve never read the Bible before, welcome to the most important journey of your life. Don't worry about understanding every single word right away. Even people who have studied it for 50 years are still learning new things!
Focus on getting to know Jesus. He is the center of the whole story. As you read, you’ll discover that God isn't a distant figure in the clouds; He is a present help, a loving Savior, and a faithful friend.
If you are feeling new to all of this and want to take the next step in your faith journey, we’d love to meet you. You can visit our I'm New page to see how you can get plugged into our online family.
A Short Prayer for Your Journey
Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word. Thank You that I don't have to navigate life alone. As I begin this journey of reading the Bible, give me a hunger for Your Truth. Open my eyes to see Jesus on every page. Give me wisdom to understand and the strength to follow Your lead. Help me to hear Your voice above all the noise of the world. Amen.
We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online.
If you have questions about a specific passage or just need someone to talk to about your faith journey, we are here for you. You can always check out our Sunday Sermons for more teaching or join the conversation on our Prayer Wall.
Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.
Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.
Comments