Reading the Bible is critical in getting to know God but if we’re being honest, it can get confusing and feel overwhelming. Knowing what I know now, I wanted to create a place with resources and knowledge to better equip a new reader and help make Gods’ word less intimidating.
If you’re more of a visual/auditory learner, the following YouTube video is extremely helpful to getting started as well:
*This article includes links to Amazon products. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases with absolutely NO additional cost to you.
1. CHOOSING A BIBLE
There are many different versions of the Bible. This doesn’t mean that it was changed many times, as critics will try to tell you. The original scriptures were in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The original Bible, King James version, is from 1611. As you can imagine, meanings of words and phrases have changed since then. Over time, newer versions were made to ensure original meaning and intention of scriptures weren’t lost in translation. The more modern versions translate the same original message in a way that is consistent with Today’s culture. As a beginner, it's important to choose one that you are able to understand. I started with the King James Version (word for word English translation of original Hebrew, Latin, and Greek scriptures) and it was very difficult to follow as a beginner. I personally recommend starting with ESV, NIV, NLT. I personally use the NIV (New International Version) to study the bible and also have the KJV to cross reference original words. Another helpful resource is having the You version Bible app to cross reference different versions and look up specific words to get the true meaning behind a passage. The app also has the New Living translation which translates thought-for-thought in modern English vs. word-for-word.
For more guidance, there are study Bibles available with built in commentaries, articles, and book context summaries. The following are some recommendations from Amazon:
2. THE BIBLE AS A WHOLE
*SPOILER: the whole Bible is about Jesus. The Old Testament tells the beginnings of creation and our imperfect nature. It points to the need and coming of a savior (Jesus). The New Testament is the accounts of Jesus’ life and resurrection and the beginnings of the church. Maybe its the way my brain works, but I found it really helpful to see the bible zoomed out and grouped into its different sections. I also included a document with summaries for the books in the New Testament to better understand context before reading. 
3. START WITH PRAYER
Begin your study with prayer. Ask God for guidance and wisdom as you seek to understand him more through scripture. Prayer is also helpful to set your mind for intentional reading and reflection. The following is what I pray:
4. WHERE TO START
Like I said, the whole Bible is about Jesus so it makes sense to start with his arrival and accounts of life in the 4 Gospels. I also recommend including Book of Psalms and Book of Proverbs in your study. They are extremely insightful in living a wisdom-filled and God-honoring life. I Usually pick one book to study from in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament. There are also many free reading plans available online for more guidance and structure. If you are someone who needs a structured plan, the following are some recommendations:
BIBLE STUDY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
THE BIBLE IN 52 WEEKS FOR WOMEN
5. TAKING NOTES
Keeping a Journal is important to track your progress,understanding, and revelations. The following is helpful as you begin studying and taking notes.
RESEARCH THE BACKGROUND
- Who is the author?
- Who is the audience?
- Why was it written?
- What is the context?
TAKE NOTE OF KEY PHRASES & WORDS THAT STAND OUT
- What words are repeated?
- Highlight themes
- Cross reference different translations
- Look up definitions to words that stand out to you
- Identify metaphors and parables
ASK QUESTIONS AND DIG DEEPER
- As you read, many questions will come up. I recommend to read the entire passage through before going to look up answers. (Many times a question will arise that is later answered at the end of the chapter.)
- Use commentary from trusted sources
- Be curious and interact with the word
6. APPLICATION AND PRAYER
Meditate on scripture and what it is communicating to you.
Some helpful questions:
- What is this showing me about Gods’ character?
- Is there any changes I need to make don't align with Gods truth?
- Is there a truth I need to digest?
- How can I live differently to closer reflect Jesus?
As James points out, don’t just be hearers of the word but be doers (James 1:22). Gods word is a seed that can fall on either good or bad soil. If you want to reap the fruitful harvest God has for you, you must give the seed good soil to take root in. This means meditating on it and applying it in your life. Pray for the strength to apply what you learned in your everyday. Pray for the Holy Spirit to transform your heart and mind.
7. STUDY RESOURCES
BIBLE STUDY VIDEO TEACHINGS
ONE HOUR.ONE BOOK
- Educational hour long classroom lectures taught at Great Commission Bible Institute
- ONE HOUR ONE BOOK YOUTUBE CHANNEL
SPOKEN GOSPEL
- Bible stories summarized in spoken word style.
- SPOKEN GOSPEL YOUTUBE CHANNEL
BIBLE TALK TV
- Bible Study Videos for Beginners
- BIBLE TALK TV YOUTUBE CHANNEL
THE BIBLE PROJECT
- Overview videos of each Bible Book
- BIBLE PROJECT WEBSITE
BIBLE COMMENTARIES
GOT QUESTIONS
- Ask Biblical, doctrine, or practical questions and get answers with tons of links to Bible references. Answers are written in easy to understand language.
- GOTQUESTIONS.ORG
BIBLEHUB
- Looks at Bible commentary notes on specific passages from classic sources like Expositors Bible Commentary and Calvin's Commentary.
- BIBLEHUB.COM
PRECEPT AUSTIN
- List of commentaries and resources for specific passages and books as well as linked sermons for deeper understanding
- PRECEPTAUSTIN.ORG