Where is a Good Place to Start?

[zombieharlot]

For a new Christian it may seem overwhelming as where to start reading the Bible when it's such a massively massive book. So I ask, what are good books in the Bible for a new believer to read? How about for someone who was an old believer, turned away for years and has now come back around full-circle?

 

[Katzpur]

For a new Christian it may seem overwhelming as where to start reading the Bible when it's such a massively massive book. So I ask, what are good books in the Bible for a new believer to read? How about for someone who was an old believer, turned away for years and has now come back around full-circle?

Well, the New Testament would probably be easier to read than the Old, and is probably a little more pertinent to Christians. It's also shorter by far, so it would seem to be a little less daunting a goal. Why not just start with the four gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

Well, the New Testament would probably be easier to read than the Old, and is probably a little more pertinent to Christians. It's also shorter by far, so it would seem to be a little less daunting a goal. Why not just start with the four gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

I agree with that 100% Even a slow reader can get through that in a few weeks.

The usual Anglican way is Just to attend church for a bit, Our faith is very much based around worship. That way you would hear most of the Bible over a three year period.
All the Bible lesson readings are worked around a three year cycle. You get one Old Testament reading and one from the Gospel each service.... sort of learning with out knowing it. The sermon is usually based around the readings in one way or another... so you get to learn what they mean as well.

 

[lunamoth]

I would start with one of the four gospels as well. John if you love high Christology (Jesus is God), Mark for the earliest Gospel account. Matthew and Luke each have more details and a different 'spin.' Matthew for the Sermon on the Mount.

 

[ChristineES]

I would too go with the New Testament, particularly Matthew and John. Don't start with Revelation, even scholars have trouble with that one. I wouldn't start with the 2nd-5th books of the Old Testament, as they are filled with The Law, the Old Covenant. A lot of that was fulfilled with the death and resurrection of Y'shua.

 

[Aqualung]

I would start with one of the gospels (my personal favourite is John, but Luke might actually be a better one to start with) and then move on to some of Paul's stuff (I'm especially fond of 1, 2 Chorinthians). I rpobably wouldn't recommend reading all four gospels if you're just wanting to know where to start, as many of them overlap a lot.

 

[Smoke]

Mark. Psalms.

 

[zombieharlot]

I would start with one of the gospels (my personal favourite is John, but Luke might actually be a better one to start with) and then move on to some of Paul's stuff (I'm especially fond of 1, 2 Chorinthians). I rpobably wouldn't recommend reading all four gospels if you're just wanting to know where to start, as many of them overlap a lot.

Which one's did Paul write?

 

[Aqualung]

Which one's did Paul write?

Sorry, I should have specified.

In the New Testament, there is Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and then Acts. All the books after Acts until Hebrews were written by Paul. Some say that Paul also wrote Hebrews, but that's not known for sure.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

I rpobably wouldn't recommend reading all four gospels if you're just wanting to know where to start, as many of them overlap a lot.

Actually reading all four quickly shows you the trap that some fundamentalists fall into. and not to believe every thing you read literally.
All the Gospels are written from a different perspective and with slightly differing knowledge base. Reading the four Gives you a strong feeling for What Jesus taught and thought.

Reading Paul Gives you a strong feeling for what Paul wrote and taught.
As he never learnt directly from Jesus it is perhaps not the best starting point.
What Paul shows us very well, is the difficulty he had keeping the rapidly spreading Church on track. from his writings you can see the confusion in the minds of newly converted Christians and his answers to them.

 

[hannahrose1209]

I found a daily bible/scriptual reading works best...it gives me scripture to read daily without over whelming me. With a daily scripture book they usually have good stories that go along with them too!!

 

[FFH]

For a new Christian it may seem overwhelming as where to start reading the Bible when it's such a massively massive book. So I ask, what are good books in the Bible for a new believer to read? How about for someone who was an old believer, turned away for years and has now come back around full-circle?

Great to see you again !!!

Reading the Bible is a daunting task, especially when the King Jemes has errors which confuse the reader in certain places.

I go with the Joseph Smith Inspired version, it reads much much smoother and has a better spirit about it..

I Can give you links to read it online or why not listen to the audio Bible online.

Here's a link: LDS audio scriptures, including the King James, no full Joseph Smith inspired version here though

I go here when I don't feel like reading....it frees your mind so you can visualize what's actually happening...

 

[Buttons*]

King James isn't exactly an easy read for a beginner. I'd start with NLV ... i believe it stands for "new living translation" it's what a lot of kids at my old HS would read. Anyway, I agree that gospels are probably the best way to go as far as learning about Yeshua. However, if you want poetry - Psalms would be a good section

Just dont begin with Revelations. It'll make you go, "Mythology?"

 

[joeboonda]

Just read it. The NT doesn't take long and then hit the OT. Or read a bit of each per day. Note how many time the word "believe in or on" is repeated in John. Remember Acts is transitional, and the epistles teach us how to live our Christian lives. Proverbs are wise sayings--you can read a chapter a day each month as there are 31 chapters. A psalm or two a day keeps the devil away . Just read it and believe it, cuz its the truth! i would find a good Bible-believing church and Bible study group and any other resources you can. Fellowship and study with other Christians is essential. I enjoy Our Daily Bread which is a daily devotional with a Bible verse, story and teaching and a short hymn or poem and a prayer at the end. Takes a minute to read and can be very insightful. Its by RBC Ministries and is free. There are some good teachers on the radio, too. Also, I would highly recommend browsing at your local Christian Bookstore and buying books that capture your interest or address things you are trying to understand. Proverbs says to buy wisdom and understanding and knowledge. I took this 'advice' years ago and it has helped me immensly. Read the Bible, and read other books, too. Just read a lot and study and compare and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

[ayani]

i'd say to start with the Gospels and Psalms, then Acts and the letters of Paul. as far as reading.... i prefer the NIV.

 

[ChristineES]

Proverbs has a lot of good teachings in it (after you finish the 4 gospels). Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. If you want to read about praises, the Psalm would be good for you. I would go with the teachings first, though. Maybe instead of reading just one chapter from a teaching book, maybe you ought to read one teaching chapter, and then go to Psalm for the praises. I think that would make your reading more well rounded. But whatever is right for you.
My favorite Old Testament book is Ruth. It is a lovely story about King David's great-grandmother, Ruth and her mother in law, Naomi.