Where should I start reading the Bible?

It’s important for a new or young-in-the-faith believer to build a firm foundation of faith in Christ. The Bible is spiritual food necessary for growth.  For new, young, or mature Christians, we can never exhaust the riches that the Bible has to offer and it should be read daily. The Bible reveals Jesus Christ, who is God, and tells how one can be forgiven of their sins, saved by Him, receive everlasting life, and live a life that honors God.

Although new believers understand what Jesus has done for them — forgiving their sins, saving, and sealing them — they might not have a very full understanding of who Jesus is or who they are as a new creation in Him.  The Bible helps a new believer 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, Luke, and John. 

The Book of Mark

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)

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. Mark clearly “paints a picture” of Jesus as a servant who came to minister.  A key verse in the book is:

Mark 10:45  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 is a great book to grow in the 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.  

Summary, outline, and a short video overview of the Book of Mark.

The Book of Luke

The Gospel of Luke was written to present Jesus as the Son of Man.  It presents Jesus in His humanity and contains an unusual interest in medical matters (Luke 4:38; 7:15; 8:55; 14:2; 18:15; 22:50).  The genealogy of Mary is given in chapter 3, although it lists Joseph (for an explanation why this is Mary’s genealogy but her name is not listed, read: Why are There Two Different Genealogies for Jesus?)  Mary’s lineage is recorded all the way back to Adam, again reflecting the nature of this book telling of Jesus’ humanity.  Additionally, much attention is given to recounting the events surrounding the birth of Christ. 

Luke tells the good news of the compassionate Son of Man offering salvation to the whole world (Luke 19:10).

Summary, outline, and a short video overview of the Book of Luke.

The Book of John

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 the knowledge of Jesus’ divinity and to come to love and worship Him even more.

Summary, outline, and a short video overview of the Book of John.

The Rest of the Story

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 (the 13 letters that Paul wrote to churches to teach Christian doctrine and living). 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 Jesus has done for us, and who we are in Him.  Of the letters Paul wrote, these four short epistles are a good place to start: 

• Galatians speaks of our liberty in Christ.  Summary, outline, and a short video overview of the Book of Galatians.
• Ephesians is all about our identity in Christ.  Summary, outline, and a short video overview of the Book of Ephesians.
• Philippians proclaims the joy we have in Christ. Summary, outline, and a short video overview of the Book of Philippians.
• Colossians is about the supremacy of Christ. Summary, outline, and a short video overview of the Book of Colossians.

Genesis is a wonderful book.  Chapters one and two tell of God’s purpose and plan in creating man and tells about how God created the world to be in perfect communion with Him. Chapter three tells of the fall of man (Adam’s sin) and God’s promise to send a 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.  Summary, outline, and a short video overview of the Book of Genesis.

God’s Plan Revealed

Throughout the Old Testament, the plan of God is revealed as we read of God’s 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…and so much more!

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). 

Start reading!

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 Jesus and the more you will love Him.  

Keep in mind these are just suggestions.  Start reading wherever you wish. Just start reading.  Pray always before you begin and then trust that the Lord, by His 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.

John 14:26  The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Start reading and read every day.  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

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Visit our Salvation Page and share your joy and hope with others today.

Read also or short summaries of every book of the Bible and watch our really short video overviews: