If you've ever opened the Bible, hit a page of names you couldn't pronounce, and closed it again, you're not alone.
Here's a simple way in. Start with the Gospel of Mark. Read for about 10 minutes a day. Then talk to God about what you read. You can grow from there.
Starting With Scripture
The Bible isn't just an old book. It's God speaking, and He still speaks through it today. When you open it, you're not only reading history. You're finding out where your own story fits in His.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105). A lamp doesn't light up the whole road. It shows you the next step. You don't have to understand everything before you start. You just have to open it and ask God to speak to you.
It's like learning a language. Nobody's fluent in the first week.
Finding Your Reading Rhythm
A little every day does more than a lot once in a while. Try 10 minutes in the morning. Some days one verse will be enough to think about all day, and that's fine. The goal isn't to check a box. The goal is to know Jesus.
Mark is a great place to begin. It's short, it moves fast, and it puts you right next to Jesus from the first chapter.
If you'd like a plan, follow our church's Bible reading plan and read along with the rest of our church family. Apps like YouVersion have reading plans too.
Making the Words Come Alive
Reading goes deeper when you slow down and respond. One simple way to do that is the SOAP method:
- Scripture. Write down a verse that stands out to you.
- Observation. What does it say? Who's speaking, and to whom?
- Application. What does it mean for your life today?
- Prayer. Talk to God about it.
"For the word of God is alive and active" (Hebrews 4:12). Read it this way and you'll find it speaking into your real life. A tired parent finds wisdom for the kids. Someone stressed about work finds peace for the week ahead. Someone full of doubts finds a God who isn't afraid of their questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible version should I choose?
Pick a translation that's accurate and easy to read, like the NIV, NKJV, or ESV. The best version is the one you'll actually read.
How much should I read each day?
Less than you think. Five focused minutes will do more for you than an hour of skimming while you check your phone.
What if I don't understand what I'm reading?
Everybody hits confusing passages. A study Bible with notes helps. So does reading with other people, which is one reason we have small groups. And ask God to help you understand. Understanding grows with time.
How do I stay consistent?
Tie it to something you already do every day, like your morning coffee. Leave your Bible where you'll see it. And tell a friend what you're reading so they can ask you about it.
Your Next Step
You don't have to be a Bible expert. Reading the Bible is about getting to know God, not about becoming religious. Open to Mark 1 tomorrow morning, read for 10 minutes, and ask God to speak to you.
And you don't have to do it alone. Read along with our church, or come on a Sunday at 10am and open the Bible with us. Plan your visit here.