I Am New, So Where Do I Start?

Reading the Bible as a new Christian can feel overwhelming, given its depth and scope. However, approaching it with an intentional order can help you build a solid foundation and gain a meaningful understanding of its teachings. Below is a recommended reading path, with explanations of each section and key passages to illustrate the unique message and purpose of each.

 

1. Begin with the Life and Teachings of Jesus: The Gospels

 

Books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

 

The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament and are dedicated to recounting the life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each Gospel has a unique perspective and emphasis, making them powerful when read together.

 

Suggested Starting Point: Mark

Mark’s Gospel is concise and action-oriented, focusing on what Jesus did rather than elaborate teachings. It’s an excellent starting point because it gives a clear, straightforward account of Jesus’ ministry and miracles, perfect for someone beginning to learn about His life. The first verse of Mark sets the stage:

 

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, ESV)

 

Important Passages:

• John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This verse summarizes Jesus’ mission and the promise of salvation.

• Matthew 5-7: The Sermon on the Mount offers a collection of Jesus’ teachings on topics like love, forgiveness, prayer, and how to live in God’s kingdom.

 

Each Gospel gives a different angle on who Jesus is. Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah, Luke highlights His compassion and ministry to the marginalized, and John explores His divine nature. By starting with the Gospels, you ground yourself in the central figure of Christianity: Jesus Christ.

 

2. Explore the Early Church: The Book of Acts

 

Book: Acts of the Apostles

 

Acts chronicles the birth and expansion of the early Christian church after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Reading Acts after the Gospels shows how the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the Gospel and established communities of believers across the ancient world.

 

Acts opens with Jesus’ instructions to His disciples:

 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, ESV)

 

Key Highlights in Acts:

• Acts 2: The Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fills the disciples, marking the birth of the church.

• Acts 9: The conversion of Saul (later Paul), a powerful transformation that illustrates God’s grace and calling.

 

Acts demonstrates how the early believers lived in unity, shared their resources, and spread the Gospel despite persecution. It shows how God used ordinary people in extraordinary ways and illustrates the power of faith and the Holy Spirit.

 

3. Study Christian Doctrine and Practical Guidance: The Epistles

 

Books: Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians

 

The Epistles are letters written by apostles (primarily Paul) to early Christian communities. They address theological concepts, provide ethical guidance, and offer encouragement. Reading Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians gives new Christians a foundational understanding of Christian beliefs and practices.

 

Starting with Romans: Romans offers a comprehensive look at Christian theology, covering sin, salvation, grace, and the new life in Christ. Paul’s teaching in Romans 8 is a high point:

 

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, ESV)

 

Other Key Passages:

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” These verses affirm that salvation is a gift from God, received by faith, not earned.

• Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” A powerful reminder of God’s strength in our lives.

• Colossians 1:15-20: This passage describes the supremacy of Christ, emphasizing His role in creation and redemption.

 

The Epistles offer both theological depth and practical advice. Through them, Paul and other apostles explain what it means to live as a Christian, encouraging believers to pursue holiness, love one another, and stay grounded in faith.

 

4. Understand Old Testament Foundations: Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Proverbs

 

Books: Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Proverbs

 

After establishing a foundation in the New Testament, it’s helpful to explore key books in the Old Testament. Genesis and Exodus reveal the origins of humanity and God’s covenant relationship with His people, while Psalms and Proverbs provide insights into worship, prayer, and wisdom.

 

Genesis: Genesis starts with the creation of the world and humanity. It introduces fundamental themes, such as God’s sovereignty and humanity’s fall.

 

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, ESV)

 

Exodus: This book recounts Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses. Exodus illustrates God’s power, faithfulness, and desire to be known by His people.

 

“I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 6:6, ESV)

 

Psalms and Proverbs:

• Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalms offers comfort, lament, praise, and a model for how to bring our emotions to God.

• Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs provides wisdom on living a life that honors God.

 

These books give important context for the New Testament, as they reveal God’s covenant relationship with Israel, the promise of a coming Savior, and timeless wisdom for life.

 

5. Read the Prophets and Wisdom Literature: Isaiah, Daniel, and Ecclesiastes

 

Books: Isaiah, Daniel, Ecclesiastes

 

The prophets provide insight into God’s justice, mercy, and promise of redemption. Isaiah and Daniel include prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s kingdom, while 

Ecclesiastes offers reflective wisdom on life’s purpose.

 

Isaiah: This prophet speaks extensively about the future hope of a Savior.

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder.” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)

 

Daniel: Daniel’s visions reveal God’s sovereignty and plan for history, and the story of his faithfulness in Babylon is inspiring.

 

“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3, ESV)

 

Ecclesiastes: This wisdom book reflects on life’s meaning, often pointing out the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits.

 

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, ESV)

 

The Prophets and Wisdom books provide both practical insights and hope for God’s future kingdom, which Jesus fulfilled and the New Testament confirms.

 

6. Conclude with a Vision of the Future: Revelation

 

Book: Revelation

 

Revelation offers a symbolic and visionary look at the end times and the ultimate victory of God over evil. It brings full circle the themes of God’s kingdom, justice, and eternal life in Christ.

 

The opening lines introduce its purpose:

 

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” (Revelation 1:1, ESV)

 

Revelation encourages believers to hold firm in faith and hope, despite hardships, with the assurance of Christ’s return.

 

Conclusion

 

Reading the Bible in this suggested order can help new Christians build a strong foundation in Jesus’ teachings, understand the early church’s formation, explore key doctrines, and connect with the Old Testament’s foundations.