Let’s face it: most of us have a complicated relationship with the Bible. We’ve heard it’s the Word of God, we’ve seen the verse tattoos, and we’ve maybe even had one handed down to us from a family member—yet somehow it still feels like the world’s best-selling book that nobody actually reads. You sit down with good intentions, coffee in hand, open to Genesis, and three chapters later, you’re wondering why the universe was created twice and who exactly all these “begats” are.
So, this article isn’t a pep talk to make you feel bad about your reading habits. It’s a field guide for the curious and the overwhelmed.
There are tons of online resources to help you understand the bible. You can join a group to study it with others. But when it comes down to it, you need to get a bible and start reading. This is the most direct and simple way I can help you start reading the Bible.
Get a Bible
When you go to purchase your own Bible, you will quickly face a decision. What version should I buy?
Here’s our answer: Mosaic uses the NLT (New Living Translation) on the weekend—get that one.
For those who care: There are two types of translations.
- Word-for-word: Each word is translated to the most accurate English word, no matter how complicated it structures the sentence.
- Thought-for-thought: Prioritizes the meaning of sentences and paragraphs from the original language into modern, easy-to-understand English.
The NLT is a thought-for-thought translation. If you want to get a word-for-word translation, get the ESV (English Standard Version).
Read a Chapter
I want you to have a reading plan that is direct and gets you to simply read the BIble. Here are three books to read if you don’t know where to start.
- Psalms. These are a collection of songs and poems from a man desperate to describe who God is. This book speaks to the heart and helps give language to what it’s like to long to know God. You can read these in any order. Start with Psalm 23, Psalm 131, and Psalm 93.
- Luke & Acts. This is the most comprehensive biography of the life of Jesus and the start of the Church. It’s written by a doctor who dedicated his life to confirming the stories of Jesus with integrity so they can be preserved across history.
- Romans. At the time, Romans knew of Jesus but were disconnected from the Jewish traditions that Jesus spoke to. This is a letter from Paul to “a church for people who don’t go to church.” It’s Paul’s magnum opus for people he desperately wants to know Jesus.
Don’t overthink it. Pick one of these books and read one chapter at a time.
Think About What You Read
After reading a chapter, use these two questions to guide you:
- What did you notice? Were there any repeated words or themes? Did something stick out, and you’re not sure why?
- What does it say about God? Turns out, you’re not the main character in the story. The main thing the Bible does is teach you about God.
If you are willing to start here and add a little curiosity, you can build an understanding of who God is through the scripture and be transformed in your everyday life.