Introduction: Embracing a Fresh Beginning
When I sat down to record “Where to Begin”, Episode 112 of my podcast, I realized something powerful: most of us hesitate to open the Bible because we feel unsure, intimidated, or distant. Whether you’re brand new to faith or simply wanting to renew your spiritual journey, the most important first step is simple: start.
Declaring “I’m going to begin reading the Bible,” radical as it sounds in a busy world, is stepping into a relationship with our Savior. This post is an invitation—to help you take that first step, build sustainable rhythms, and embrace the grace that sees every new start.
1. Why It’s More Important to Begin Than to Know the Whole Plan
Too many feel pressure to have a perfect plan before opening God’s Word—when actually, God desires presence and humility more than perfection.
Starting—even in small doses—creates momentum. Reading one passage with prayer opens space for revelation. Consistency matters more than speed. As one guide encouragingly said, starting with 10–15 minutes a day builds spiritual stamina and helps you engage relationally, not just informationally Open the Biblekeithferrin.com.
2. Choose a Starting Point That Anchors You in Jesus
Begin with the Gospels
If you’re new, start with the Gospels—John, Matthew, Mark, Luke—in that order or sequence you prefer. They intimately introduce Jesus—His life, teachings, character, and love for humanity Reddit.
Why John first?
John presents Jesus as Savior and Son of God with rich, relational language. Then dive into the others for historical depth and narrative breadth.
Consider Acts Next
After a Gospel or two, turn to Acts, which picks up after Jesus, revealing how the early church responded to Jesus’ mission and moves forward with Spirit-led life Open the Bible+2keithferrin.com+2Reddit+2.
3. Practical Habits for Beginners and Those Restarting
🕰️ Set a Daily Time and Place
Pick a consistent window—early morning or evening—that you can honor. Keep it simple: a comfortable chair, Bible, journal, pen, maybe a cup of coffee. Even 10 minutes is powerful when repeated daily shiningeverbrighter.com+6Ascension Press Media+6keithferrin.com+6.
🙏 Start with Prayer and an Open Heart
Invite the Holy Spirit: “Father, speak to me. Open my eyes.” Don’t skip this step—God’s Word meets you where you are spiritually, but the Spirit makes it alive and applicable Reddit+2Open the Bible+2Ascension Press Media+2.
📖 Read Relationally, Not Rigorously
Avoid making every reading feel like homework. Track themes, not just every lesson. Let the story draw you in. As one guide explained: reading relationally helps you feast with God, not just study Him keithferrin.com.
📓 Journal Thoughts, Themes, or Questions
Write down what surprised you, what comforted you, or what challenged you. This helps you internalize and reflect later.
👥 Invite a Companion or Community
If possible, partner with one or two people reading the same passage—or join a small group. It fosters accountability and shared discovery keithferrin.comFaithGateway.
4. Tackling Overwhelm—Strategies to Sustain Momentum
✅ Use a Reading Rhythm
Begin with 10–15 minutes per day or select a portion (a chapter, narrative section). If that feels light, extend to 20–30 minutes. The aim is consistency, not intensity Open the Biblekeithferrin.com.
🧭 The “New Disciple Challenge” Approach
Spend two weeks in each Gospel and Acts; repeat Acts between each Gospel. In 10‑week cycles, you revisit foundational themes and grow familiarity across the life of Jesus and early church keithferrin.com.
🔄 Mix Genres for Engagement
If the Gospels feel too straightforward after a while, add in Psalms for prayer-rich engagement or Proverbs for bite‑size wisdom. This keeps the journey fresh and multidimensional FaithGatewayshiningeverbrighter.com.
5. Cultivating Relationship Over Religion
🤝 See Jesus in Every Page
Beyond theology, see Jesus in the people He healed, taught, and loved. From Mark or Luke, visualize His compassion. From John, sense His intimate presence. Let His humanity and divinity draw you deeper.
💡 Reflect and Respond in Prayer
Close your reading time by asking: “How did You speak today? What are You leading me toward?” A relational rhythm helps you respond rather than just observe.
🎯 Small Goals Grow Big Faith
A chapter a day lays over time into completion. Two months in, you’ll know the Gospels intimately. Six months in, you’ll have a foundation you can build on.
6. Addressing Common Concerns
“I feel lost—too much to understand.”
Be patient. The Bible is not meant to be mastered at once. Read trustingly—God’s Spirit will teach you over time. Don’t compare yourself to others’ pace or style.
“I’m restarting—is it too late or too hard?”
Starting over is brave. Approach with fresh expectancy. The same discipline you develop will feel familiar after a few weeks, renewing your relationship with God.
“I don’t know what Bible version to use.”
Pick a readable translation (e.g., NIV, ESV, NLT). The best Bible is the one you’ll actually open and hold. If one version feels dry, try another until something clicks Ascension Press MediaSara Laughed.
7. The Transformative Power of Simply Beginning
The greatest spiritual growth often comes from the smallest steps forward. When I began consistently reading Scripture—even when I felt dry, tired, or distracted—I started noticing God’s voice in new ways. My faith got anchored in narrative, not novelty.
I discovered hope in Jesus’ teachings, conviction in His commands, peace in the Psalms, and direction in Acts. I found joy not in finishing books—but in meeting Him there each day.
To someone new: your first verse may feel insignificant. But it’s not just ink—it’s life. When you open your heart to Him, He meets you. Over time, casual reading becomes spiritual formation.
8. Invitation: Begin Today
Here’s your personal invitation:
- Pick where to start: John or Matthew, then Acts.
- Choose your time and spot: 10–15 minutes today.
- Pray first: Ask God to open and meet you.
- Journal a reflection: One insight or question.
- Connect weekly: With someone or a group, if you can.
Don’t worry if it’s imperfect. Just begin. Each morning you open your Bible can become an invitation into deeper relationship—with Jesus, more understanding, and greater spiritual momentum.
Conclusion: A First Step Toward Lifelong Relationship
The Bible is not only God’s Word—it’s His invitation. It speaks beauty, truth, hope, and redemption. The most important thing isn’t how fast you read or how well you understand—it’s the posture of your heart. Begin. Continue. Trust. Believe that Jesus walks with you.
Just start. And watch how He meets you in each chapter, verse, or line. Over time, those small steps become a journey of faith that transforms your heart—because God is faithful to reveal Himself to those who seek intentionally.
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