READING THE BIBLE

Why read the Bible?

1. To explore who God is and what the story is about

The Bible tells one big story. It begins with a loving Creator who makes the world and wants to be known. As the story unfolds, it’s honest about the human condition, our capacity for good, but also our tendency to hurt one another, ourselves, and our relationship with God.

At its heart, the Bible is about restoration and how broken relationships can be healed, and how people can find hope, forgiveness, and a fresh start.

2. To understand Jesus

Central to the Bible is Jesus. Christians believe he shows us what God is like. Compassionate, truthful, and self-giving. His life, death, and resurrection are presented as God’s way of dealing with sin and offering new life.

Many people read the Bible simply to explore who Jesus is and why he continues to shape history and individual lives today.

How to Read the Bible

1. Start in a helpful place

The Bible is a collection of books, so where you begin matters.

    • One of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) is a great starting point. They focus on the life and teaching of Jesus.
        • Mark is short and fast-paced and good if you want an overview.
        • John goes deeper into who Jesus claimed to be and why it matters.
    • Genesis (the first book) explores beginnings, the world, humanity, and how things went wrong.
    • Letters like Ephesians or Colossians show how early Christians tried to live out Jesus’ teaching in everyday life.

2. Have a simple plan

  • Pick a time that works for you. Morning? Lunch break? Or evening?
  • Pick a place where you can focus.
  • You don’t need special tools, just a Bible (a modern translations like NIV or NLT can be easier to understand).

Consistency helps more than intensity.

3. Start small

Read a short section each day. Maybe a chapter or 10–15 minutes. Take your time. Ask simple questions:

  • What stands out?
  • What does this say about God?
  • What does this say about people?
  • Is there something here that challenges or encourages me?

You don’t have to understand everything at once.

4. Be open

If you believe in God, you might want to pray before you read, asking for understanding. If you’re unsure what you believe, simply reading with an open and curious mind is a good place to begin.

More Than An Old Book

For Christians, the Bible isn’t just literature or history, it’s a way of encountering God and discovering hope. Even if you’re exploring or unsure, reading it can help you engage with some of the biggest questions in life:

  • Who are we?
  • What’s gone wrong in the world?
  • Is change possible?
  • Where can hope be found?

You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. Just start reading and see where the story takes you.

If you have recently started reading the bible, then we would love to get to know you and support you in reading this book that we love! Click the button below and connect with us!

Connect with us