Session 13: How Do I Actually Start Reading the Bible?

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're going to talk about something that sounds simple but can actually be intimidating: How do you start reading the Bible? Maybe you own one or have a Bible app. Maybe you've even decided a few times that you were finally going to read it, started on page one, became confused or bored, and eventually stopped. If that's happened to you, you're not alone. Here's the first thing to know: you don't have to read the Bible from beginning to end like a normal book. It's actually a collection of books containing history, poetry, wisdom, letters, prophecy, prayers, and accounts of Jesus' life.

WATCH VIDEO (coming soon)

So where should you begin? Start with Jesus. The New Testament contains four accounts of His life called the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. If you're new to the Bible, I'd suggest beginning with the Gospel of Mark. It's relatively short, moves quickly, and introduces you directly to what Jesus said and did. And don't try to read fifty pages at once. Read one chapter a day. It will probably take only a few minutes—less time than most of us spend scrolling through our phones without even realizing it.

As you read, ask three simple questions: What does this tell me about God? What does this tell me about myself? And what should I do differently because of it? Maybe you read Jesus teaching about forgiveness and realize there's someone you need to forgive. Maybe you read what He says about worry and realize there's something you need to give to God. The Bible says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105. A lamp doesn't necessarily show you the entire road ahead. Sometimes it simply gives you enough light to take the next step.

So here's your challenge today: open the Gospel of Mark and read one chapter. Before you begin, say, “God, if this really is Your Word, help me understand what You want me to see.” Then choose one verse that stands out, think about what it means for your life, and try to put it into action. Don't worry about becoming a Bible expert. Just begin. The goal isn't simply to say you've read the Bible. It's to allow God's Word to gradually change how you think, how you live, and who you're becoming. Next time, we're going to talk about a question almost everyone eventually asks: What happens when we die?