Basic Elements of the Bible and How to Get Started Reading It

So, you finally reached a point where you are ready to get serious about reading your bible, that's amazing news and I am so proud of you! When I first came to Christ, I didn't read the bible right away. Instead, I read bible plans in the app and other devotionals. As I grew in my faith, I started to crave more word and that's what kick started my bible reading journey. I believe that if you are here, curious about reading your word, God is calling you to go deeper in him, and I love that for you!

In a not too complicated explanation, the bible is a historical book that was written by the Holy Spirit to be a foundation of life with Christ. It is a collection of writings that tell the story of God's relationship with humanity. My personal explanation is that it is a history book that documents God's love. A lot of people think the book is one big party of judgment, but once you read it you realize the bible is a beautiful love story. That talks about how messed up we are as humans, and the amazing God that loves us IN and THROUGH our mess. 

Why is the Bible Important?

For believers, the Bible is God's word, a guide for life. By studying it, we gain a deeper understanding of God's character, our purpose, and his plan for us. As we grow familiar with God's voice, we begin to start to hear it as we communicate with him.

The Old Testament and the New Testament

The Bible is divided into two main parts:

• The Old Testament set up the foundation of people and God. This segment of the bible tells the story of God creation and the story of the Israelites. It gives us all the history and context that leads us into the New Testament.

•  The New Testament tells the story of Jesus Christ, his ministry, his resurrection, the importance of it all, and lastly should we choose to believe, how we can accept Jesus Christ as our lord and savior and pick up our cross and walk with him. 

Getting Started: Where to Begin?

Dont hate me for this answer but, the beauty of the Bible is you can start anywhere! Some prefer a chronological approach, reading from the very beginning. Others might be drawn to a specific book or passage related to a personal question they have. One thing that shocks me, is that the bible has everything that you will be possibly go through in it, from betrayal to falling in love, to hope and hurt. So where you start is between you and God.

My Journey:

I personally started in the New Testament, eager to understand Jesus' story firsthand. This approach helped me connect with him on a deeper level. All my life I tried to read the Old Testament first and I could never make it past the book of Genesis. When I later rededicated, I decided to start in the New Testament because I needed to know more about Jesus. When I had a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, I was hungry to know the full and real story of Jesus, not just what I read in my children's bible, or what I got from sermons, I needed to read the story of Jesus and understand what he did for me, because I desperately needed to understand the encounter I had that brought me to my knees and told me things would be okay that night when I wasn't even looking for him. Remember, there's no right or wrong place to begin.

Understanding the Parts: Verses and Scriptures

The Bible is further divided into smaller sections for easier navigation:

• Verse: The smallest unit, a single line or sentence within a chapter. For instance, John 3:16 is a famous verse. So every book has a certain amount of chapters, and each “line” is a verse, those are the small numbers you see as you read. 

• Scripture: This term can refer to a single verse, a passage of several verses, or the entire Bible itself.

Ready to Dive In?

Now that you have a basic understanding of the Bible's structure, you're equipped to begin your reading journey! Take your time, there's no rush. Don't be discouraged if you encounter passages that are difficult to grasp. Seek clarification through prayer and ask questions. Remember, God wants you to understand His word. I found myself stuck on a chapter for a whole month once, honestly, probably longer. Keep seeking, and the revelation will come. I will soon come out with a more in-depth guide to help on your bible reading journey but for now, give yourself grace, time, and pray for an open heart! I love you and I hope you know how much God loves you too.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below! Let's start exploring the Bible together!

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