There are lots of ways to begin. Here are just a few:
Start with a modern translation. The New International or New Revised Standard Versions are good “in between versions” that balance accuracy and readability.
I like to read the Message version, also, but not as my primary version. It’s not as scholastically accurate, but it is very readable and helps me see the text with new eyes.
Start by spending 5 minutes every day reading the Bible. Try spending just a few minutes a day at first. See below for some great advice on where to start. Get lost?
Use the Table of Contents to find the book you’re looking for. Don’t run to Bible
reference guides, but pray first, simply, asking God to speak to you through the
words on the page. Ask the Holy Spirit to make them alive for you. That’s His job,
and he can hardly wait for you to ask.
Write down the things you’re learning as you read the Bible, listen to a sermon, or
discuss the Bible with others. You might want to keep it all in a journal. It won’t look
geeky if you take notes during one of Jeff’s sermons or a Sunday school class. Who
knows, you might start a fad!
I like to underline verses in my Bible. Not only does this personalize my Bible, it helps
me find verses later.
Join a group that is studying the Bible, too. This can be a lecture format, or a group
discussion of the same book of the Bible. Over the years I have experienced such
richness in these group Bible studies. There are some forming during Lent, there
are also some going on right now. Call, email the church office, or check our church
calendar for more information.
Begin in the New Testament. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are where
we live as Christians – around the story of Jesus. The epistles (books) of James, 1 Peter
and 1 John and the letters of Paul are also helpful early reading.
In the Old Testament, the books of Psalms, Ruth and 1 Samuel will get your feet wet.
