Reading the Bible
Where to start if you don't have a plan
We get a lot of questions about what the Bible is, why it’s essential, and how to start reading it. So we decided to answer these questions in short video format. We plan on creating more videos like this, so if you have other questions – please ask!
Video 1
Introduction to | How to Read the Bible
This short video explains the purpose behind a new series of brief Bible-focused videos: to give practical, how-to guidance for reading God’s Word by addressing common questions and hesitations that keep people from getting started, covering foundational basics like Bible translations, how to actually read it, and what the numbers (chapters and verses) mean, with more videos planned around other frequently asked questions as they come up.
Video 2
What is the Bible?
The Bible is God’s inerrant word — his self-revelation and unfolding plan of redemption, tracing how he’s restoring a world broken by sin since Genesis, with everything pointing to Jesus. Remarkably, it was written by over 40 authors across 1,400 years, three continents, and three languages, yet forms one coherent story, only explainable through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and it spans multiple genres (law, history, wisdom, prophecy, gospel, apocalyptic) that each call for a different way of reading. Its basic structure moves from the Pentateuch (law) through historical books, wisdom literature, and the prophets in the Old Testament, into the four Gospels (each telling Jesus’s story from a different angle), Acts, the Epistles (letters teaching believers how to live out the gospel), and finally Revelation, which points to Christ’s ultimate victory. Like a thousand-piece puzzle, individual passages are hard to interpret alone, but as the whole picture comes together, each piece — and the reader’s own place in the story — becomes clear.
Video 3
What are translations? How do I use my Bible?
This covers two practical questions about using the Bible: which translation to choose and how to navigate one physically. Translations fall into two categories rooted in the complexity of the original Hebrew and Greek: word-for-word translations (like the King James Version or ESV) prioritize accuracy but can read a bit awkwardly, while thought-for-thought translations (like the NLT or NIV) prioritize readability while still maintaining strong accuracy—ultimately, the best choice is whichever one a person will actually stick with and read consistently. On the practical side, every Bible includes a table of contents for locating books, and passages are cited by book, chapter, and verse (e.g., Romans 5:8 means the book of Romans, chapter 5, verse 8); a concordance in the back lets readers look up terms and cross-reference related passages, while a study Bible adds commentary, historical context, and application notes alongside the text. Notably, chapter and verse numbers weren’t part of the original writings but were added centuries later simply to make it easier to locate specific sections of Scripture.
Video 4
Where do I start?
When it comes to where to start reading the Bible, the recommendation is simple: begin either with the Gospel of John, since it points most clearly to Jesus and the heart of the Bible’s story, or with Genesis and read straight through—what matters most is being intentional rather than picking a specific “right” spot. Beyond that starting point, plenty of free Bible reading plans and apps can guide readers through themes, chronology, or specific books, but the real key is consistency: developing a personal routine and rhythm (like a quiet morning with coffee, a Bible, and a journal) that becomes a genuine part of daily life rather than something picked up sporadically. Writing notes, highlighting what stands out, and praying through passages all deepen the experience, and slowing down to sit with a word or verse that stands out—an old practice called lectio divina—can add even more depth. Ultimately, the discipline of reading Scripture consistently, whatever the starting point, is what transforms it over time from an obligation into a genuine delight.
Video 5
What do I do when I don't understand?
Confusion while reading the Bible is normal and expected — even Peter acknowledged that some of Paul’s writing was hard to understand — so the key is not to be discouraged when passages don’t make sense. Practical steps for working through confusion include keeping a journal to write down questions, bringing them into community (small groups or pastors) rather than turning first to the internet, where information can range from excellent to completely unbiblical, and praying honestly through frustration or doubt in the moment. It also helps to remember that Scripture was written in a vastly different cultural context than our own, which naturally makes some passages harder to grasp — something a study Bible can help clarify. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit, whose role includes illuminating Scripture and helping it truly sink in, and to pray for understanding and application, trusting that this is a prayer God is always willing to answer.