Section 6: Reading God’s Word

The Bible is a collection of writings inspired by God and written through people He chose.

Scripture says:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible is divided into two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.

The Old Testament records creation, the history of God’s people, His laws, His promises, and the words of the prophets. It points forward to the coming of Jesus.

The New Testament begins with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It continues with the beginning of the church and letters written to help believers understand how to follow Him.

Although the Bible contains many books written at different times, they come together to reveal God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

You do not have to begin with the first page and read straight through.

A helpful place for a new believer to begin is the Gospel of John. John will help you learn who Jesus is, what He taught, and what He came to accomplish.

After John, read the book of Acts. Acts shows what happened after Jesus returned to heaven and how the first believers followed the Holy Spirit, shared the gospel, and lived together.

You can also read Psalms as you learn to pray, worship, and trust God through different circumstances.

Choose a Bible translation that you can understand. The goal is not to struggle through unfamiliar language. The goal is to understand God’s truth and allow it to change your life.

The Bible is not merely a book to study with your mind. The Holy Spirit helps you understand and receive what God has written.

Before you read, pause and ask for His help.

You can pray:

“Holy Spirit, help me understand God’s Word. Show me who God is, reveal anything in me that needs to change, and teach me how to obey what I read.”

Read with an open heart. Do not approach Scripture only to confirm what you already believe or find a verse that agrees with what you want to do.

Allow God’s Word to correct your thinking and shape your choices.

Give yourself permission to read slowly.

As you read, ask:

• What is happening in this passage?
• Who is speaking, and who are they speaking to?
• What does this show me about God?
• Is there a truth to believe, an instruction to follow, or a warning to consider?
• How should I respond?

Pay attention to the verses surrounding a passage. Reading a verse by itself can cause you to misunderstand what it means. The sentences and chapters around it help reveal the writer’s intended message.

God’s Word will not contradict itself. If your understanding of one verse seems to disagree with the rest of Scripture, continue studying and ask a mature believer for help.

The purpose of reading the Bible is not simply to gain information. God wants His truth to become part of how you think and live.

Scripture says:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” — James 1:22

When Scripture reveals something that needs to change, respond to God. You may need to repent, forgive someone, change a habit, believe a promise, or obey an instruction.

Knowledge alone will not produce spiritual growth. Growth comes as you receive God’s truth and put it into practice.

Some parts of the Bible will be easy to understand. Other parts may take time, study, and help from others.

Do not become discouraged when you have questions. Write them down and continue reading. Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, speak with a trusted believer, and use reliable study resources when needed.

You will not learn everything at once.

Some passages will also become clearer as you grow and gain a better understanding of the rest of Scripture.

Choose a regular time and place to read the Bible.

If all you read is one verse each day, read it slowly and meditate on it. Think about what it means and carry that truth with you throughout the day. One verse you understand and receive is better than reading nothing at all.

It is also more valuable than rushing through an entire chapter without comprehending what you read.

Consistency matters more than reading a large amount at once.

There may be days when a passage feels deeply personal and speaks directly to what you are facing. Other days may feel quiet. God’s Word is still working in you even when you do not feel an immediate emotional response.

Scripture says:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105

God’s Word will help you recognize truth, make wise choices, and continue walking with Jesus.