Approaching the Bible [Part 1]: Where to Begin

Read Aloud

The Bible is unlike any other book. It has shaped cultures, inspired countless lives, and stood the test of thousands of years. But when you first pick it up, it can feel intimidating. Sixty-six books, hundreds of chapters, and an ocean of history, poetry, law, prophecy, and letters—where do you even begin?

For new believers, opening the Bible for the first time can feel overwhelming. For those who aren’t sure what they believe yet, it can seem confusing, even strange. And for many lifelong Christians, there can still be moments of uncertainty about how to study and apply God’s Word. The truth is, no one has all the answers. The beauty of Scripture is that it meets us where we are.

Here at Amen Today, we want to walk this journey with you. This series—Approaching the Bible—isn’t about lofty theology or complicated study methods. It’s about exploring God’s Word together, step by step, with open hearts and open minds.

Why Reading the Bible Matters

• It introduces us to God’s heart. The Bible reveals God’s character, His love for us, and His plan for humanity.

• It provides guidance. Life is full of questions and uncertainties; Scripture offers direction and wisdom.

• It nurtures spiritual growth. The Bible shapes us, challenges us, and helps us become more like Christ.
  

But we also recognize something important: people interpret the Bible in different ways. Culture, background, life experiences—all of these can influence how we understand Scripture. That’s why we want to be clear: the perspective we share in this series is our interpretation, rooted in prayer and study. We encourage you to read along, reflect, and discover how God speaks to you personally.

How to Approach the Bible

1. Pray First – Ask God to open your heart and mind. Even a simple prayer like, “God, help me understand,” is powerful.

2. Take It Slow – Don’t feel pressured to read large chunks. A few verses thoughtfully considered can be life-changing.

3. Use Tools Wisely – A study Bible, commentary, or journal can help, but the most important voice to listen for is God’s.

4. Be Patient With Yourself – You won’t understand everything right away—and that’s okay. The Bible is meant to be a lifelong journey, not a quick read.

5. Stay Consistent – Five minutes a day is better than none at all. Over time, small habits grow into deep roots.
   

Where to Begin

Some people try to start at Genesis and read straight through—but many find this discouraging. Instead, we encourage beginning with the New Testament, where the life and teachings of Jesus are front and center.

Among the four Gospels, Matthew provides an excellent starting point. It presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, grounding His life and ministry in the Old Testament while offering teachings that are practical and relatable today. From the Sermon on the Mount to the parables, Matthew invites us into the Kingdom of God in a way that speaks to both the heart and mind.

If you’re ready, we encourage you to open your Bible today and begin reading the Gospel of Matthew—start with chapter one and simply take it in at your own pace. Don’t worry about understanding everything at once. Instead, focus on what stands out to you, what encourages you, or even what challenges you.

This is the beginning of a shared journey. In our next article, we’ll walk through Matthew together—unpacking its lessons, reflecting on its meaning, and discovering how its words still speak powerfully into our lives today.

✨ So go ahead—start Matthew now, and let’s explore it side by side in the days ahead.