Where do I start?
The Bible is a big book, but you don’t have to read it all at once or understand everything right away. Digging in means opening it regularly, asking God to help you understand, and letting it shape how you think and live. Anyone can start; kids, parents, and new believers. The goal is not to finish quickly. The goal is to know God better through His Word.
Simple Ways to Begin
- Start small. Read a few verses or one short chapter a day. Consistency matters more than length.
- Pray first. Ask God to help you understand and show you something true about Him.
- Read with others when you can. Parents can read with kids. Friends or a church group can talk about what they read.
- Ask simple questions. What does this show about God? What does it show about people? Is there something to thank God for, confess, or do?
- Keep going even when it’s hard. Some parts are easier than others. It’s okay to look up a word, ask a question, or come back later.
Suggested Reading Order
Here is one clear path for beginners. It starts with Jesus, moves through key stories, and builds understanding step by step.
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The Gospel of John
John shows who Jesus is and why He came. It is full of clear statements about believing in Him and receiving new life. Many people start here because it introduces the heart of the Christian message right away. -
The Gospel of Luke
Luke tells the story of Jesus’ life in an orderly way and includes many details about people who met Him. It helps you see Jesus caring for the sick, welcoming outsiders, and teaching about God’s kingdom. -
Genesis 1–11
These chapters cover creation, Adam and Eve, the entrance of sin, Noah and the flood, and the tower of Babel. They explain how the world began and why it is both good and broken. They also set the stage for the rest of the Bible’s story. -
The Book of Acts
Acts shows what happened after Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven. You see the Holy Spirit at work, the first Christians sharing the good news, and the church beginning to grow. It connects the story of Jesus to the life of His followers. -
The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King and often points back to Old Testament promises. It includes the Sermon on the Mount and many of Jesus’ teachings about how His people should live. -
Psalms (a few at a time)
The Psalms are songs and prayers. They show people talking honestly to God about joy, fear, thanks, and trouble. Reading a psalm a day (or a few verses) teaches you how to pray and reminds you that God hears His people. -
Genesis 12–50
These chapters follow Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. God makes promises to a family, and those promises point forward to Jesus. The stories show both faith and failure, and God’s faithfulness through it all. -
Exodus 1–20
Exodus tells how God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt and gave them His law at Mount Sinai. It shows God’s power to save and His desire for His people to know Him and live His way. -
Romans 1–8
Romans explains the gospel clearly: everyone has sinned, Jesus died and rose to save those who believe, and the Holy Spirit helps believers live a new life. It is a strong next step once you know the basic story of Jesus. -
The Gospel of Mark
Mark is the shortest Gospel and moves quickly through Jesus’ actions and teachings. It is a good review of who Jesus is and what He did, especially His authority and His willingness to suffer for others.
After these, you can continue with more of the Old Testament stories (such as Ruth, 1 Samuel, or selected prophets), other New Testament letters (such as Ephesians or Philippians), or simply keep reading through another Gospel. Many people return to the Gospels often because they keep revealing more about Jesus.
Keep Going
Digging into the Bible is a lifelong habit, not a one-time project. Some days the words will feel especially clear. Other days you may need to re-read or ask for help. Both are normal. God uses His Word to teach, correct, encourage, and point people to Jesus. Start where you are, read a little at a time, and trust that He will meet you there.
There are many great resources for becoming Biblically literate.
Here's a few ministries and educators we found helpful when we started out.
Video Content
Still one of the best starting points. Their short animated videos explain every book of the Bible, major themes, and how the whole story fits together. Highly recommended for both adults and older kids.
Adventure-style animated Bible stories aimed at kids (roughly ages 7–13). Children travel through biblical events, which makes the stories feel immediate and memorable.
A Christian kids’ streaming library with Bible-based shows, songs, and series. Best option for smaller kids.
Reading/Study apps
Free, widely used, and beginner-friendly. It includes dozens of translations, audio Bibles, thousands of reading plans (including family and chronological options), notes, highlights, and the ability to read with friends or a group.
Free and excellent for going deeper. It offers multiple translations, original-language tools (Greek/Hebrew), cross-references, and a large library of commentaries. Good once someone is ready to move beyond basic reading.
Chapter-by-chapter audio guides (often around 10 minutes). Helpful for staying oriented while reading any book of the Bible.
Podcasts/YouTube for teens/adults
Longer conversations that dig into biblical themes, books, and how to read Scripture well. Complements their videos.
America's YouTube pastor. Mike covers thousands of Questions and Answers, deep water Biblical synthesis and calls out false prophets and enemies of God's truths. If you like listening while you work, give his channel a try.
You can also just contact us!
We love to Dig In The Bible, we'd love to assist in any way we can!