Where Do I Start Reading The Bible?

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Additional Insights

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Will God in very deed give us understanding [of his Word]? This is a miracle of grace. It will, however, never be wrought upon us till we know our need of it. . . Let each man by faith cry, ‘Give me understanding.’”​​

Throughout Scripture, we see God’s people asking for understanding and wisdom. Open your Bible or a note on your phone and write a prayer asking God to give you wisdom and understanding from his Word before you read. Psalm 143:8 is a good starting place if you’d like to borrow from a prayer from David!

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Think About It

  1. What are the ways that you typically learn best? Podcasts? Short articles online? A printed book in your hand? Make the Bible more accessible for you to best enjoy it by exploring the mode that works best for you. Thankfully the Bible is available to us in many different forms (audio, printed, digital, book by book). Take advantage of your particular learning style to ensure that you stick with your reading.

  2. What are the Biblical characters and/or stories that intrigue you most? Make a list of these and start by exploring one of them closely. Use observation, interpretation, and application to practice Bible study with a short passage that interests you.

  3. What are the questions about God or his character that you want to explore most? Do an online search of that topic (using resources like bibleproject.com and groupleaders.org will help) and then dive into the Scripture that might help you discover more about your question based on God’s movement and revelation throughout Scripture.

Apply It

This week, explore and find a Plan that works for you!

For Group Discussion (If Desired)

  1. How have your efforts to read and study the Bible gone in the past? In what ways have you felt like a success and/or failure? If you were to define a win for your Biblical study, what would it be? How can this group help you in that goal?

  2. What is the best time of your day to read/study the Bible? Get creative here and think of a time when you are forced to sit anyway (car, waiting for kids at sports, restroom, early-morning coffee time). Remember that even just reflecting on one or two lines of Scripture carefully can grow your faith deeply. How can this group help you use your time to dwell more in God’s Word?

Digging Deeper

Watch “What is the Bible?”