Let’s Read the Bible!

The five steps in this guide will help you learn how to read and understand the Bible better so that you can grow as a follower of Jesus.

1. Find a translation you understand.

The Bible was written in three ancient languages. Each translation to your language represents years of work to help you process the Bible in a way that makes sense. We recommend starting with either the NLT, NIV, GNT, or MSG translations.

2. Pick a time,
place, and plan.

Are you a morning person or night owl? Do you like quiet places or bustling coffee shops? Do you learn by watching, listening, or reading? Do you sometimes read paper and other times digital?

Once you decide on a routine that works for you, start one of these Bible Plans or consider finding a paper Study Bible.

3. Uncover the Context.

Think like a detective and discover the story behind the story.

The Bible is a collection of 66 different books, written in three languages, across three continents, over a 1,500-year period by 40 different authors. Use tools like these to learn who the text was written to, when, where, and why.

4. Read slowly and
ask questions.

There’s no need to rush. Take your time and get curious.

After studying the context, what questions do you still have? Use your questions as tools to help you dig deeper through prayer, study, and conversations with friends.

Groups are a great place to make friends who'll help you process your questions about the Bible.

5. Pray and apply
what you learn.

The Bible is meant to transform us, not just inform us. The more we apply what we learn from the Bible, the more we become like Jesus. 

Ask God what He wants you to learn about Him and yourself.

Watch one of these Series
about the Bible

Most of us know some Bible stories, but very few of us know the story of the Bible. And you may be surprised to discover it’s a story that doesn’t actually begin in the beginning. It begins with the accounts of a few men who sat down to record the death and resurrection of Jesus. It begins with the words of his followers who were compelled to document the events that had changed everything for them—because they knew it could change everything for us.

Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding it's another. When you can do both, it's truly life changing. God speaks to us through it, so let’s learn How to Study the Bible together.