I used to open my Bible and have no idea where to start out! It got to the point where I'd only open it at church. I always felt confused when reading the scriptures, and I felt overwhelmed. I always treated reading the Bible, like reading any kind of book (reading it start to finish). But I've learned that all I need to do is find a book that mentions my problem. I've still been struggling with picking up my Bible, but it's something I've been working on and getting better at :)
If you have a story like mine, then this guide might help you!
isnpo from Lo (she has a really helpful account! Go check out her account!)
... Read moreHey everyone! I totally get it if you've ever felt overwhelmed by the Bible. For so long, I'd open it up and just feel lost, almost like I needed a secret map to navigate its pages! It wasn't until I started looking at it differently that I found my way, and I want to share some tips that helped me, especially since many of you ask 'what Bible should I read as a Christian?' and 'how do I even begin reading the Bible in order?'
First off, choosing a Bible translation can feel like a big decision, but honestly, the best one is the one you'll actually read and understand. Many Christians start with the NIV (New International Version) or NLT (New Living Translation) because they're very readable. If you prefer something closer to the original text, the ESV (English Standard Version) or NASB (New American Standard Bible) are popular. My personal tip? Grab a few different translations, read a familiar passage like Psalm 23 in each, and see which one resonates most with you!
Now, about 'how to read the Bible in order' – this was a huge hang-up for me! I used to think I had to read it cover-to-cover, like any other book. But the Bible isn't just one book; it's a library of 66 books, each with its own story and purpose. While reading chronologically can be interesting (there are chronological Bibles available!), it's not the only way. For someone just starting, I found it incredibly helpful to jump around. For instance, if you're feeling anxious, the Book of Philippians is a great place to start. If you want to learn about Jesus' life, dive into one of The Gospels like John or Matthew.
The image in this post, which gives a fantastic 'BOOKS OF THE BIBLE' overview, really breaks down how the Bible is structured, and it's a game-changer for understanding its flow. Knowing these categories makes it so much easier to find what you're looking for. You'll see sections like the Books of the Law (Genesis, Exodus, etc.) which lay the foundation, then the Historical Books that tell the story of Israel. For wisdom and comfort, I often turn to the Poetic Books like Psalms or Proverbs. And if you're curious about prophecy, you have the Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah) and Minor Prophets sections.
The New Testament starts with The Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – which are essential for understanding Jesus' ministry. Then comes The Historical Book of Acts, detailing the early church. The Epistles are letters from apostles like Paul, Peter, and John, offering guidance to early Christian communities, and they're full of practical advice for us today. Finally, we have The Book of Vision, Revelation, which is often a challenging but deeply symbolic read about the end times.
Instead of trying to read it all at once, try focusing on a particular category or even just one book that speaks to your current life situation. Maybe you want to understand more about faith, so you read Hebrews. Or you're looking for guidance on relationships, so you explore Ephesians. Having a 'bible index list' in mind, or even a visual guide like the one here, truly simplifies the process. My journey with the Bible has transformed from a chore into a source of daily strength, and I truly believe yours can too! Let's keep encouraging each other on this beautiful path. You've got this!