Where would you start reading in the Bible?

[blobtobetter]

Would you start at the beginning and read right through or start with a certain book?

I haven't read all the Bible (embarrassed) but I want to start and I want to get the most out of it.

In the beginning...

I wouldn't start at the beginning, Genesis is interesting but you'll soon get terribly bogged down in Leviticus and Numbers etc with chronologies and smitings galore. I always say it's best to start with a gospel, I often suggest Mark as it's fairly succint. Matthew is also a good one to start with if you want to relate the NT to the OT - Matthew does a lot of referring back to OT prophecy etc as being about Jesus. I'd start at one of these and then go on to Acts to read about the early church then the letters, also I'd suggest using some guides (the Tom Wright For Everyone series is really good for this eg this one ) to help you through in order to get some context and more understanding.

Hope this helps a bit - feel free to ask questions here too, and others may have better suggestions [busmile]

Genesis, because it will very quickly make you realise that you do not know what you think you know.

I thought about maybe proverbs as I like those but it doesn't seem like a "proper" book.

Maybe John or Ephesians.

Worldgonecrazy - I don't understand?!

I too would say start with a Gospel. New Testament is easier reading than some of the old testament books .
Have you thought about using 'The Message' or even 'Word on the Street' for a more modern look at it ?

I have an NLT Study Bible which is interesting and I like all the extra explanations for some verses.

I think Mark's Gospel is a good place to start..not over-long and easy to 'stand alone' without too much knowledge of the Old Testament..though the more OT you have, the more resonances you pick up (like Toy Story 3 is a fab standalone film but is more 'meaningful if you have seen the first 2 iyswim)

John's Gospel is my favourite, so that's also a good place to start!

In the Old Testament, you could look at Nehemiah which picks up the history of God's people halfway through, but has some pretty common-but-important themes like faithfulness, how God is trustworthy, life's not without it's difficulties etc etc in it

If you're not familiar with the Bible generally, I would think about using a modern, clear translation such as the New International or Good News version, or BforG's recommendations.

blobtobetter because "everyone knows" that God created Adam and then created Eve, don't they? Until you read Genesis 1 that is :)

I much prefer the Old Testament but as a non-Christian I'm probably getting different messages from the stories. I tend to view it as a contemporary historical document which offers a fascinating insight into humanity and religion, not as the "Word of God".

I'd start with the gospels - they outline the life of Jesus and what he said and did. Then maybe read Acts and Romans to see what happened next and what the early church was like.

I like John. It starts with my favourite version of the creation story.

I prefer to do a book at a time, not in the right order. Job is good if you're in the right frame of mind. Luke is also a nice read.

The Song of Solomon. Just beautiful.

x-post..I also like NLT version

A section of Psalms regularly eg one a day will take 2-3 mins for most of them and you will soon discover the whole range of people's responses to God in all situations, good and bad. It can really help some people realise it's 'OK' to question God /feel let down/angry/ disillusioned etc.

Have you thought of some Bible Reading notes to help you understand the background of what you're reading a bit better?

I am also a big fan of Tom Wright, but also, have a look on the Scripture Union website which is a fantastic resource online, or for buying their reading guides.

Here is a great resource for different translations of the Bible, plus links to other early Christian writings and apocryphal texts, that is those texts that didn't make it into the modern Bible.

Proverbs are great too, little nuggets of wisdom!

Am loving TimetoSmile's comparison of the Gospels with Toy Story 3

I thought about having a little note book / ring binder to make notes in as I am reading. Organised in book order ..... I worry that I will miss the important meanings though!

Reading the Bible daily (mostly) is my aim.

I like Proverbs. They cheer me up

I think Mark is good to start with if you're reading the New Testament.

Mark's gospel is a good starting point.

If you really want to read the bible all the way through, I recommend the Lion Children's Bible. It is aimed at about 10 year olds. You can read it quickly to get an idea of where the various parts of history fit together, yet with satisfying detail.

After that, I would recommend that you follow some kind of Bible reading guide. The Alpha/HTB "Bible in 30 Days" is excellent. It guides you through 30 very useful pieces of scripture, expounding on them and explaining their relevance to us today. If you follow this, you are well equipped to study the bible on your own, or to contribute to a discussion group.

Proverbs are great for when you don't know what to read. There are 31 chapters, so you just pick the one that corresponds to the day of the month. A perfect way of listening to God. :)

For a quick overview you could try the 100 Minute Bible. Not a substitute for the real thing but quite a good way to begin. Can be found on Amazon for abot £3.

Matthew22. 34-40. For me this is the essence of Christianity and takes about 30 seconds to read. After that, gospels and then whatever, whenever.

The bible comprises a lot of books written over hundreds of years. It has been edited and translated many times. It is not a novel or even a single text. Given this complexity, I would recommend you read it at a pace and in a way that feels comfortable to you as ultimately it is about developing a personal relationship with god, although you may find it helpful to discuss your thoughts with others.

Hope you find your reading worthwhile Blobtobetter

The psalms. I just love the psalms. I'm an Old Testament girl too, new testament is a bit like hard work, apart from the gospels. I find the beginning of the bible (genesis etc) rivetting - drama!

Hmm, wouldn't consider the Psalms, collectively, to be beginners' material. Great for building faith, though.

Genesis
Exodus

Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs
Wisdom
Sirach
(Last two not in protestant versions iirc)

Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Baruch (not in protestant versions iirc)
Ezekiel
Daniel

Gospels in the order Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Acts of the Apostles
Pauline epistles