How to Read the Bible for Beginners

How to Read the Bible for Beginners

If you’re just beginning your journey of reading the Bible—congratulations! You’re taking one of the most important steps you can make in growing your relationship with God. Reading the Bible will help you deepen your knowledge and experience of who God is, discover His will for your life, and learn to better discern His voice and leading each day.

At Seek First Resources, we want to come alongside you as you grow in your faith. That’s why we’ve created an entire library of free online tools and teachings to help you engage Scripture with confidence and joy. You can explore them anytime at seekfirstresources.com/resources.

Below are a few practical ways to begin reading the Bible with understanding and consistency:

1. Familiarize Yourself with a Simple Overview of the Bible

Before diving in, it helps to get a big-picture understanding of what the Bible is and how it’s structured. We recommend watching The Bible Project’s short and compelling video series, How to Read the Bible. These videos introduce the different literary styles found in Scripture and explain how each contributes to the unified story of God’s redemption.

2. Select a Bible That Works for You

Choosing the right Bible can make a big difference in how easily you engage with Scripture. Consider starting with a modern, easy-to-read translation such as the New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT), or New American Standard Bible (NASB).

If you’d like extra context and insights as you read, a Study Bible is a great option. Study Bibles include helpful notes, maps, and explanations to guide your understanding and make complex passages more approachable.

3. Start with One of the Gospels

A great place to begin is with one of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John—found in the New Testament. These books tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection, and form the foundation of the Christian faith.

4. Develop a Daily Practice of Reading

  • Consistency is key to growing in your relationship with God through His Word. Try setting aside time every day—morning, lunch, or evening—to read and reflect on Scripture.
  • Start small: Read for 10–15 minutes at a time to keep your routine manageable and enjoyable.
  • Create a plan: Choose a Bible reading plan, especially one designed for beginners, to help guide your progress and keep you focused.

5. Reflect on What You’re Reading

Don’t just read—pause to think, pray, and apply what you’ve learned. Reflection turns information into transformation.

You can try using methods like:

    1. What stands out to me?
    2. What is God showing me about Himself or myself?
    3. How can I apply this truth today?
    4. What will I pray about in response?

6. Use the Seek First Journal

The Seek First Journal was created to help you stay consistent in your daily Bible reading and prayer.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • 90 Daily Reflections to record insights, prayers, and gratitude.
  • Sections for sermon notes and extra journaling pages.
  • Helpful tools to guide you in reading, reflection, and prayer.

It’s the perfect companion to deepen your time with God and cultivate a lifestyle of seeking Him first.

7. Don’t Do It Alone

Spiritual growth is meant to happen in community. Invite a friend or family member to read the Bible with you, or join a small group or church study. Discuss what you’re learning and encourage one another to stay consistent.

And when questions come up—as they naturally will—don’t hesitate to ask your pastor or someone knowledgeable in Scripture.

Beginning to read the Bible may feel new or even intimidating at first, but remember: you’re not doing this to check a box—you’re doing it to know God more deeply. Take it one day at a time, stay consistent, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you through every page.

Seek Him first, and you’ll find that His Word will transform your heart and life.

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