Asking where to start reading the Bible is valid. With most books, you start at the beginning. However, the Bible can be an exception to this common practice. The Bible is a single book, yet it is composed of 66 different books, with two major divisions ─ the Old Testament and the New Testament. The correct answer to where to start reading the Bible is open-ended ─ you can start anywhere. Here are some ideas to help you.
The first book of the Bible is Genesis. This book is filled with Bible history and lessons to be learned. It is truly a book of beginnings. This book sets the foundation for the rest of the Bible. The Book of Genesis is a good place to begin reading the Bible, but it is not necessary that you must start your Bible reading from Genesis.
Some people who are not familiar with the Bible like to start with the Book of Psalms. This book contains 150 chapters and is a collection of songs used by the ancient Israelites to praise God. The range of emotions in this book is vast. In the Book of Psalms, you will find verses and Scripture passages ranging from despair, depression, fear, joy, love, excitement, and more. This book mirrors humans interacting with their God.
Another good book to begin your reading in the Bible is the Book of Proverbs. This book has 31 chapters, so you can read a chapter a day for a month. An easy way to remember which chapter of Proverbs to read is to read the chapter that corresponds to the calendar day. For example, on the 15th day of the month, read Proverbs chapter 15. The Book of Proverbs is full of practical wisdom to help you live wisely when interacting with others.
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In the New Testament, the first four books are the Gospels. These books record the life and ministry of Jesus Christ while He was on Earth. The first three Gospels, Matthew. Mark, and Luke are very similar, or synoptic, but the Gospel of John leans more strongly spiritual. Many times, Christian workers will suggest new Christians read the Bible, starting with the Gospel of John. Other books by the Apostle John are his letters, called epistles, and they are 1, 2, and 3 John. The New Testament Book of Romans is also a good book to start your Bible reading at as it relates to all people and their spiritual condition before God.
Some people randomly open the Bible and start reading to whatever place it opens. This is not necessarily an incorrect practice because you are reading the Bible, but it can be considered a lazy practice. It is far better to have a systematic way, which includes starting at a specific beginning and ending when reading the Bible. Another way is to read a part of the Old Testament and New Testament every day.
No matter what your Bible reading preference, don’t allow indecision in where to start reading the Bible hinder you from reading it! Pick a book, any book, and daily read a few verses or a chapter, and make Bible reading a regular part of your day.
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