When someone first begins reading the Bible, it can seem overwhelming. It is a large book containing 66 individual books written over many centuries. You may open it, read a few verses, and wonder what they mean or what you should read next.

Do not let that discourage you. No one understands everything in the Bible when they begin. In fact, no one understands everything in the Bible after studying it for a lifetime. We continue learning because God’s Word contains more truth than we could ever discover in one reading.

Begin by asking God to help you understand what you are about to read. The writer of Psalms prayed, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your Law” (Psalm 119:18).

Prayer does not have to be long or formal. You might simply pray, “Lord, help me understand Your Word and show me what You want me to learn today.”

A new believer does not have to begin with Genesis and read straight through to Revelation. That can be done later, but it is often better to begin with one of the Gospels.

The Gospel of John is a good place to start because it clearly shows who Jesus is, why He came, what He did, and why we must believe in Him.

Read one chapter each day if you can. If a whole chapter seems like too much, read a few verses. This is not a race. It is better to understand and think about a few verses than to rush through several chapters and remember nothing.

After reading John, you might read the other Gospels, Acts, Romans, and then the rest of the New Testament. Do not neglect the Old Testament. It teaches us about God, creation, sin, judgment, faith, obedience, and God’s plan of salvation. Much of the New Testament will become clearer as you understand the Old Testament.

Every verse is part of a larger passage. Before deciding what a verse means, read what comes before it and what comes after it. Ask who is speaking, who is being addressed, what is happening, and why it was said.

A verse can be made to appear to say almost anything when it is removed from its setting. Reading the surrounding verses helps protect us from misunderstanding God’s Word.

The Bible does not contradict itself. When a verse is difficult to understand, look for other passages that speak about the same subject. Clear passages can help explain the more difficult ones.

A study Bible, concordance, or list of cross-references can help you find related verses. These tools can be useful, but always remember that people write study notes. The words of Scripture are inspired by God; the notes at the bottom of the page are not.

Do not accept something merely because a preacher, teacher, author, or website says it is true. Compare every teaching with Scripture. The people in Berea were praised because “they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

There is nothing wrong with highlighting or underlining your Bible. Marking important verses can help you remember them and find them again.

You might underline a verse that answers a question, convicts you of sin, gives you comfort, or teaches you something important about God. When I find one of God’s promises, I often write a small “P” beside the verse. That simple mark reminds me that I have found a promise worth remembering.

You can also write short notes in the margin or record the location of another verse that speaks about the same subject. A well-used Bible may become filled with marks and notes. Those markings tell the story of someone who has spent time listening to God’s Word.

However, do not become so busy marking your Bible that you forget to consider what it says. The purpose is not to cover the pages with ink. The purpose is to place God’s truth in your heart.

You will come across names that are difficult to pronounce, customs you do not recognize, and passages you do not understand. That is normal. Do not quit. Write down your question and continue reading. The answer may become clear later as you learn more.

Be careful when searching for answers online. Not everyone who talks about the Bible teaches the truth. Test every answer by the Bible itself.

The Bible was not given merely to provide information. God gave His Word to change us. James wrote, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).

When you read, ask what the passage teaches you about God. Does it reveal a sin you need to confess? Is there a command you need to obey, a promise you should remember, or an example you should follow or avoid? How should this truth change the way you live?

Knowing what the Bible says is important, but knowledge without obedience can lead to pride and self-deception. God does not want us merely to collect facts about Him. He wants us to know Him, trust Him, and obey Him.

Choose a time and place where you can read without unnecessary distractions. If you miss a day, do not give up or feel that you must earn your way back to God. Begin again. Bible reading is not a burden God places upon you. It is a privilege. The Creator of heaven and earth has spoken, and you have His words before you.

You will not understand everything at once. Keep reading. Keep praying. Keep asking questions. Keep obeying what you understand. Do not read the Bible merely to finish a chapter. Read it to hear from God, know Christ, and be changed.

If you have any questions, no matter how small they may seem, feel free to email me at dean.butler1950@gmail.com.