Extra Help
Helpful Resources for New Believers
Online
- The Bible App (YouVersion) – Offers free reading plans, devotionals, and different Bible translations.
- BibleProject.com – Great videos explaining biblical themes and books of the Bible.
- Desiring God (John Piper) – DesiringGod.org
- The Gospel Coalition – TheGospelCoalition.org
- GotQuestions.org – Answers to common Christian questions.
Worship & Christian Music:
Hillsong, Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music, and Bethel Music are great places to start.
Reading the Word
you may be asking, "How do I read the Bible, and where should I start?"
1. Start with the Right Mindset
- Approach the Bible as God’s living Word (Hebrews 4:12), not just a book.
- Pray before you read—ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding (James 1:5).
- Be patient; spiritual growth takes time!
2. Choose a Good Starting Point
- The Gospel of John – A great place to learn about Jesus.
- Psalms – Full of prayers and encouragement.
- Proverbs – Practical wisdom for daily life.
- Genesis – Helps you understand God’s story from the beginning.
- Avoid starting in complex books (like Leviticus or Revelation) until you have more biblical foundation.
3. Use a Bible Translation You Understand
- NIV (New International Version) – Easy to read and balanced.
- ESV (English Standard Version) – A great word-for-word translation.
- NLT (New Living Translation) – Very readable and great for beginners.
4. Have a Reading Plan
- The Bible App (YouVersion) has great plans based on topics and books.
- Have a Goal, such as reading a chapter a day from a Gospel and reflect on it.
- or, you could follow a one-year Bible plan to go through Scripture systematically.
5. Take Notes & Ask Questions
- Write down key verses and thoughts in a journal.
- Ask: What does this teach me about God? About myself? How can I apply this?
- Underline or highlight verses that stand out.
6. Read with Context in Mind
- Don’t just pick random verses; read chapters to understand the full meaning.
- Consider who wrote it, when, and why to grasp deeper understanding.
- Cross-reference with other passages for clarity.
7. Meditate & Apply What You Learn
- Think about a verse throughout your day (Psalm 1:2).
- Pray about how to apply what you read (James 1:22).
- Discuss Scripture with others—it strengthens understanding.
8. Stay Consistent
- Set a daily time—morning, lunch, or bedtime.
- Even 5-10 minutes a day can make a difference!
- The more you read, the more natural it becomes.