How Do I Read the Bible?
The Bible is a large book; it can be intimidating if you're new to the faith or have tried and failed. However, as Christians, knowing and treasuring the Word of God is paramount to developing our faith and drawing closer to Him. In this blog, we outline seven accessible Bible reading methods.
Why should you read the Bible?
If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus or not, it's essential to understand what people believe about Christ and God. Christianity is the world's largest religion, and it should be explored firsthand to see what Christians believe.
If you are a follower of Jesus, then the words of Christ in the Gospels and the words of God that revealed Himself in both the Old and New Testaments provide our way of relational communion and comfort of God's mercy. In addition, there are countless reminders of God's past actions to offer reassurances of how He's with us now, where the story is going, and the future. Finally, all of it culminates with instructions on how to live and order our lives if we're in a relationship with Him.
The deeper you go you'll discover there's always more to dive into. When we reread the Bible, we are continually meeting God in the words of the texts, which is ultimately the goal of reading. It isn't for the sake of checking a box; instead, you're seeking to encounter God through His Word.
[MORE: Why Should I Read the Bible]
How to Start Reading the Bible
First of all, you're not alone. Within this conversation, I think many people approach reading the Bible from the mindset that they're the only ones who struggle with reading it. You're not alone if you've struggled, gotten confused, stopped reading, or never read it.
The Bible comprises 66 books written in different languages and contexts over thousands of years. The beauty of it is that it's simple enough a child can understand it yet complex enough that people can spend a lifetime diving into its riches.
I always encourage people to start with some intentionality. Someone once said we don't stumble into holiness. That's so true when it comes to reading Scripture.
Start with picking a time, place, and plan to read. Nothing in our lives that we don't do without those three things. When we approach reading the Bible through consistency, our mindset is we're intentionally choosing a time, place, and plan. Let that be the framework to start.
Bible Reading as a Spiritual Discipline
Many, especially Millennials and Gen-Z, grew up afraid of being legalistic or inauthentic. However, to understand the aspect of discipline is a good thing. Such as, if we're describing someone who is very disciplined about exercising or eating healthy, we would describe that positively. So discipline for reading Scripture should also be seen positively.
The goal of having a time, place, and plan isn't to give you a rigid box that you have to force yourself into. Instead, it's more like latticework so the plan can grow in the healthiest way. The plant isn't confined but has a structure for it to grow in the best way.
Where Should I Start Reading the Bible?
With most books, you start with page one. However, if you do that with the Bible, that's not necessarily the best approach for everyone. Bible teacher Jen Wilkins tells us that there are a lot of wrong ways to approach Scripture, such as:
Picking a verse to meet your current need
Flipping the Bible open at random.
Selecting a singular subject to study
For some starting in Genesis and reading chronologically may be the right place; however, it can be difficult. So, I recommend that once you've selected a time and place, start looking for a plan that begins with one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). These four books are different accounts of Jesus' life that tell an overarching story. Teachers have compared them to stained glass windows highlighting different areas of His life and ministry. Rebecca McLaughlin compared the Gospels to a quartet of instruments. Each sounds incredible, but when you put them together, you get an entirely new and beautiful sound.
The benefit of starting with a Gospel is that Jesus is the centerpiece of our faith and starting here allows your plan to begin with Jesus at the center.
How Do I Read the Bible In A Year?
I don't want to discourage anyone from trying it, but it's something to build towards. If you're intimidated by Scripture, think of it as something you're disciplining yourself to work towards instead of jumping into the deep end.
Think of it like running a marathon. Sure, it's physically possible you can get off the couch and run 26 miles, but your body will likely suffer because of it. Almost every person in a marathon has undergone multiple training regimens before crossing the starting line, and all of them slowly built themself up over time.
Potential Couch to Marathon Schedule
Start reading one chapter a day, three days a week.
Add a chapter a day, and slowly build up your habit.
Once you've read the Gospels and move through the New Testament.
Finally, read the Old Testament [MORE: How to Read the Old Testament]
Once you've finished reading this way, select a plan to read the Bible in a year.
Overcoming the Probability of Failing
When we're approaching reading Scripture as: I'm reading the Bible to encounter God, we have to give ourselves grace because there will be days when we don't read, and that's okay.
The God of the Bible that desires to encounter you already knows all of your failures, nor is he shocked by your mistakes. He doesn't grow so frustrated that He draws away from you because you skipped a day or accidentally forgot. God desires a relationship with you more than anything.
When we approach reading Scripture daily with a grace mindset, it should fuel our obedience down the road to better this relationship.
Everyone has seasons where Bible reading can be difficult, or life becomes busy. The goal is that you're continually seeking after Christ amid the chaos, not by giving yourself impossible expectations to meet. Instead of viewing reading the Bible as a duty, remember that, ultimately, it's about delighting in Christ. It's not about religion; it's about relationships.
How Can I Experience God When I Miss A Day?
1) God Is With You
Remember the encouragement that Christ is with and within you during trials, busyness, and overwhelming days. But, unfortunately, what can make that difficult is that we add the weight of our circumstances to missing a day. When the trials of life build up, skipping our time with God feels multiplied. It's a sense of guilt and shame act we've let God down. But He is with you and sees the day you're having.
2) Pick Back Up Tomorrow
If you missed a day, start again tomorrow. Give yourself the grace to begin again. Not to mention, there are other methods of digesting the Bible. For example, you can listen to the Bible via audiobook on your drive to work. Instead of scrolling your phone during a break, you can read the Bible via a smartphone app.
Be reminded that having a time, place, and plan isn't to box you in but a framework to help you grow and allows you to pivot if needed. Sometimes we can get so tightly wound in doing things the "right way" that we miss God. [MORE: God Wants To Do Something New In You] Reading Scripture is about growth, enjoyment, and flourishing in God. Having flexibility will alleviate the legalistic mindset of duty and rigidness.
Invite Others Into Your Reading
As with most challenges, don't go at this alone. It's so helpful to read your Bible with others, and sometimes the others in investing is a good study Bible.
When reading the Bible, there will be things you have questions about or don't understand. [MORE: How To Read Difficult Scripture] This is why you want to approach this project with some guidance and support. You can also access other resources online, like Got Questions or Bible Project.
Reading in a community is also beneficial because we're not called to a solitary life in Christianity. We're to be a church by forming small groups, Sunday school classes, and discipleship bands. The goal is to be in relationship with other Christians to encourage each other in spiritual growth and keep accountability
TL;DR
The first step is to understand why you want to read the Bible.
To start reading the Bible, begin by picking a time, place, and plan to read.
View reading Scripture as a spiritual discipline that will grow your faith.
Start reading in the Gospels.
While reading the Bible in a year is admirable, start slow and build your endurance.
When we approach reading Scripture daily with a grace mindset, it will fuel our obedience.
Invite others to share in your journey for growth and accountability.
Related Reading
How to Understand the Old Testament by Grant Caldwell
How to Read Difficult Scripture by Brad Bogue
How To Help Your Child Read the Bible by Brad Bogue
Why Should I Read the Bible by Bro. Chris Carter