“How to Read the Bible for Beginners” is an excellent article that shares the best next steps for those who have said “Yes!” to Jesus.
The first point that’s highlighted in “How to Read the Bible for Beginners” is the importance of owning a Bible that’s understandable, easy to read, and yours! We’ve attached some of our favorite Bibles for you to browse and find the one that’s the perfect fit for you.
If you’re looking for….
Something simple, easy to read:
- NLT (New Living Translation) Red Letter Bible. The New Living Translation “combines the latest biblical scholarship with a clear, dynamic writing style that communicates God's Word powerfully to all”. All new NLT Bibles also come with the Filament Bible App – a digital way to view Bible study notes, devotionals, worship and video study!
- NIV (New International Version) Life Application Study Bible. The New International Version is a trustworthy translation “that offers a balance between a word-for-word and thought-for-thought translation and is considered by many as a highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English.” Their Life Application Study Bible is a loved Bible that provides input on how to apply the Scriptures to your everyday life!
- ESV (English Standard Version) Study Bible with beautiful graphics, bonded leather, and a timeless design! The English Standard Version “is an ‘essentially literal’ translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes "word-for-word" accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning.”
Something a bit more scholarly and robust:
- NKJV (New Kings James Version) Study Bible is a great resource if you’re wanting to grow up into the Scriptures. The New King James Version is an edited form of the original King James Version that “sought to preserve the accuracy and poetry of the King James Version, but in a language that the everyday person could understand.”
- NASB (New American Standard Bible) Study Bible is another excellent choice for a Bible! The NASB is “ known for its “formal equivalence” (word-for-word) translation”
A lot of our guests on the Ask About My Faith podcast began their journey with the Bible in the New Testament rather than the old Testament. Just like in “How to Read the Bible” for beginners, lots of our guests started their journey in the book of John!
We agree with the author that it’s wise to skip the Old Testament – the beginning of the Bible – and focus on the New Testament. The Gospel of John offers personal accounts of Jesus, affirms Him as the Messiah, and offers an insight into Jesus as the Light of the World!
Another helpful tip from this article is to read one book of the Bible at a time vs. jumping all over the place. Read one chapter from the Bible a day to start out with. Should you choose the book of John, you could finish that book in just 21 days if you read a chapter daily.
After that, explore the rest of the Gospels – there is Matthew, Mark, and Luke after John. Some of our other favorite books are Colossians, Ephesians, and Acts!
The author of this article also provides the timeless wisdom that consistency is key. A daily Bible reading habit of 5 - 10 minutes is far more beneficial than sporadic reading. Choose the time, place, and set your space up for success when you study the Bible!
Read our article: How to Practice Christian Meditation for a deeper understanding on studying the Bible!
The next word of wisdom in this article is to begin with prayer, rather than striving. You can view the Bible as God’s love letter to you and you can ask God to guide your mind, your understanding, and direction through His word.
“You will seek me and find me, if you seek me with all your heart!” - Jeremiah 29:13
Understanding the Bible also comes through reflection and response. “How to Read the BIble for Beginners” offers us two questions to ask after we read a passage in the Bible:
1) What does this teach me about God?
2) How should this impact my life?
As we engage with God’s word, our thoughts become transformed and our relationship with Him flourishes. The Bible aims not just to inform, but to transform us and “How to Read the Bible for Beginners” is one of our favorite articles to equip you on your journey to following Jesus!
