I’m a New Christian, Where Do I Even Start with the Bible?

First off, congratulations! Stepping into a new journey with Jesus is the most exciting adventure there is.

You’ve probably been told that reading the Bible is one of the most important things you can do to grow in your faith. So you’ve picked one up, or opened an app… and now you're looking at all 66 books, the thousands of pages, and thinking: 'Where on earth do I begin?'

If you’re feeling a little lost or overwhelmed, please know you are not alone.

It's a huge book, and nearly every Christian has felt that way at the start!

The great news is, you don't have to have it all figured out.

This isn't a test you can fail. Think of us as a friendly guide who can hand you a simple map for the first steps of your journey.

Let's break it down into three easy parts:

• Where to start
• What to look for
• How to read.

Step 1: WHERE to Start Reading (Don't Start at Page One!)

This might be the single most helpful piece of advice for a new reader: please don't feel you have to start at Genesis and read straight through.

While the whole Bible is God's Word, starting at the beginning can sometimes get you bogged down in ancient laws and long genealogies before you even get to the heart of the story.

Instead, we recommend starting where the action is!

• Our #1 Recommendation: The Gospel of John. If you read only one book to start, make it this one. John’s Gospel is written for one clear purpose: to introduce you to Jesus Christ and to show you who He is, why He came, and how much He loves you. It’s a beautiful and powerful place to begin.
• Other Great Starting Points:
  • The Gospel of Mark: This is the shortest and most action-packed of the four gospels. It moves quickly and gives you a brilliant overview of Jesus’ life and ministry.
  • Philippians or 1 John: These are shorter letters in the New Testament that are full of encouragement, joy, and foundational truths about living the Christian life.

For new Christians, the best place to start reading the Bible is the Gospel of John. It clearly explains who Jesus is and the core message of the Christian faith. Other good starting points include the Gospel of Mark and the book of Philippians.

Step 2: WHAT to Look For (An Easy-to-Read Translation)

Imagine trying to read a book in a language you only half understand—it would be frustrating!

The same can be true for the Bible.

The words on the page matter, and choosing a modern, easy-to-understand translation will make your reading experience enjoyable instead of a chore.

• The New Living Translation (NLT): Perfect for new readers, the NLT focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in clear, natural English. It reads like a good book, helping you follow the story and understand the heart behind the words.
• The New International Version (NIV): The NIV is a fantastic balance of readability and accuracy. It’s one of the most popular translations in the world and is used in many churches, so it's great for following along on Sundays.

Investing in a Bible in the NLT or NIV is one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success.

Step 3: HOW to Read (A Simple Daily Habit)

Now that you know where to start and what version to use, here are a few practical tips for the act of reading itself:

• Pray First: Before you open the page, say a simple prayer. Something like, "God, thank you for your Word. Please help me to understand what I'm about to read and what it means for my life."
• Read a Small Portion: You don't need to read for an hour. A single chapter, or even just a few verses, is a great start. Consistency is more important than quantity.
• Ask Simple Questions: As you read, ask yourself:
  1. What does this passage teach me about God (or Jesus)?
  2. What does it teach me about people?
  3. Is there an example to follow, a command to obey, or a promise to hold on to?

Don't Worry if It's Confusing:

You won't understand everything at first, and that is completely okay! The goal isn't perfect knowledge; it's a growing relationship.

Don't be afraid to ask a Church leader or a Christian friend about passages you find difficult.

Your Adventure Awaits!

Feeling more confident?

We hope so!

The next step is simply getting a Bible that you'll love to open each day. We’ve put together a special collection to make finding your first Bible easy and exciting.

• Explore our curated selection of Bibles for New Believers.
• For more detailed recommendations, check out our helpful guide: What is the Best Bible for New Believers?.
• Or, let our Bible Finder tool help you find the perfect match based on translation and features.

Welcome to the adventure of reading God's Word. We're so glad you're here, and we're cheering you on every step of the way!