Reading the Bible - where to start?!

[Shining_Star]

I have been a Christian for a few years, but have been really struggling over the last year or so - particularly when it comes to praying and reading the Bible. I am trying to get into a good routine of doing this again, but find myself at a loss when it comes to the Bible... where exactly is a good place to start? I pretty much need to reacquaint myself with the whole thing... learn about Jesus again... and have heard many people suggest to start in the Gospels.

Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this, anything that has helped them in their Bible reading?

[HisLeast]

I have been a Christian for a few years, but have been really struggling over the last year or so - particularly when it comes to praying and reading the Bible. I am trying to get into a good routine of doing this again, but find myself at a loss when it comes to the Bible... where exactly is a good place to start? I pretty much need to reacquaint myself with the whole thing... learn about Jesus again... and have heard many people suggest to start in the Gospels.

Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this, anything that has helped them in their Bible reading?

I was in the same spot a few years back. I decided I'd read the entire New Testament start to finish, but broken into smaller "chunks". First the gospels, then the letters. So it winds up being "front to back" but felt much more digestible. I read the Old Testament in 2008 the same way.

[Buck shot]

First we want to welcome you to our little online family

I would suggest starting in John. John gives us a good understanding of the Love of Christ.

Then read through the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). All four books will give you a pretty rounded understanding of what happened in Jesus' life and what He has done for us because they are written from different perspectives.

[BrckBrln]

I would start with Matthew. Then you can go to John or, if you want, some of Paul's letters. Then Acts. Then go back to the Gospels, either Mark or Luke. Then John's letters. Then whatever else in the NT. Then the OT.

[Shining_Star]

Thanks for the welcome, and the responses so far!

I think I will start with John and then take it from there - in the past, I have set myself reading plans that I've simply never managed! From now on, I'm going to take it book by book - or even chapter by chapter, to start with!

[crossnote]

I would have started in Romans. It is the gospel and the bible in a nutshell.

[TrustGzus]

For me, Bible reading plans that have me read 3-5 chapters every day work best. Here's a website that I would recommend to help you formulate a plan.

[Shining_Star]

I would have started in Romans. It is the gospel and the bible in a nutshell.

I just recently read through Romans with the bible study group I'm in. I found it a difficult book to go through, so will come back to it again after I've gone through a couple of the gospels.

TrustGzus - thanks for that website, it is helpful!

The danger is I could spend more time figuring out how and where to read the Bible than actually reading it... so I started with John last night, and am looking forward to going through that to start with.

[TrustGzus]

The danger is I could spend more time figuring out how and where to read the Bible than actually reading it... so I started with John last night, and am looking forward to going through that to start with.

That's awesome, Shining Star,

I'm glad you're reading. Often people get stuck and don't know what to read. That's why I like reading plans. They keep me reading 3-5 chapters every day and I also read the whole Bible every year and don't just read and re-read my personal favorite portions.

The Bible compares itself to food often and I like that comparison. When it comes to food, I could eat pizza every day for the rest of my life (and I do eat it too often). But a balanced diet requires other things. Same with the Bible. Reading plans get me through the Pentateuch and the prophets and poetry books and every thing else that wouldn't be my first pick and it gets me through them every year.

Grace & peace,

Joe

[SweetEnigma]

I never read the bible in my life up until a month ago. I started with Matthew and I couldn't put it down. I read all 4 gospels, then I decided I wanted the bigger picture, so now I'm reading the Old Testament- cover to cover... then I will read the gospels and the rest of the new Testament. I confess though, I have to read a little of John everyday. It's my favorite book by far, and it makes me feel really close to Christ. I'll read my OT for about an hour before bed (Go Moses!), and then for a few minutes I'll read John, and I just feel a warmth and happiness come over me.

Good luck to you!

[TrustGzus]

That's great, SweetEnigma. If you need encouragement to carry on (it gets tough at points) or some tips, let me know. I've been reading through the Bible every year since 1987. I've learned from both success and failure.

[Bob Carabbio]

WHen I was faced last with that challenge - I started at the beginning, and read through to the end, and then did it over a couple of times more in different translations.

PERSONALLY I enjoyed the OLD Testament quite a bit, and while the "prophets" and the "Psalms" can get "tedious" I see no reason to do anything OTHER that "just read it", and the beginning is a GOOD place to start.

[OutDoorsGal27]

Ive struggled in the past, tried starting in the beginning But until I read the gospels and knew Jesus, I dont think my heart was open to the words.

I actually have begun listening to them on CD after reading them (I have a long commute). And Im always catching things I missed or understanding something a little better than before. (so far
The CDs are called "The Bible Experience", and its the NIV word for word, but it has different voices for each part and appropriate background noises and music (like ocean waves when they are fishing...ets). It brings the word of the living God to life in a way I feel is accessible even to ME! And I love listening to it!!! Its by a group called "inspired by...." if you havent heard of it. I cant wait for my morning commutes to listen to Gods Word. And it uses famous voices like Denzel Washington, Samual L Jackson, Angela Bassett, Etc... So if any of you have teenagers this might be a great gift.