Somebody recently asked me how to start reading the bible. They were just kicking off their journey and were looking for handles that made sense. In the moment, I didn't know how to answer them. There's so many good places to start. I didn't know how to prioritize, categorize or communicate where to begin.
I could Google all the best Christian advice on the subject or ask some reputable pastors I know, but I felt compelled to make it more personal. I remember how frustrating it was when I was the one looking for help getting started. I didn't have the same filter as a Bible scholar or even a regular "seasoned church person" and was desperately looking for someone to answer my question in plain English and help me relate it to my life.
After giving this question some thought and reflecting on my own journey, I made this list. For me, these books were the most relatable, practical places for me to get a grip when I was introducing the Bible into my life. In no particular order...
- John ... to learn about Jesus
- Acts ... to learn about the Church
- James ... essential wisdom for daily living
- Ecclesiastes ... an expose of the arrogant and ignorant expectations we fall victim to
- Proverbs ... practical quotes, sayings and images for the here and now
* This list includes my personal recommendations and does not reflect the views of any recognized seminary, theologian or tract authors.
Oh - I so agree with John and James. John is such a beautiful picture of Jesus - all four gospels when read together are so beautiful and really great for anyone new to the Bible or wanting to know who Jesus is!
James - what a GOOD book. Full of GOOD teaching!
I would have to add Genesis and Exodus to make yours a Top 7 list. After you see Jesus living - to go back and read about the "where it all began" can be really educational! Love those books!
Posted by: Debbie | Oct 01, 2009 at 03:43 PM
i saw a tweet last week of someone quoting @prodigaljohn about using Proverbs to deal with evil commentors
Posted by: Jim | Sep 14, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I heartily concur, Kem...great post!
Posted by: Joe Ely | Sep 11, 2009 at 04:21 PM
Kem, seriously! No tract authors??? AWWW MAN! I was really hoping for some smokin hot tract authors!
Posted by: Frank Chiapperino | Sep 10, 2009 at 10:49 PM
I still haven't forgiven my youth pastor for suggesting my first book of the Bible to read be Numbers.
Probably any of the gospels would be a good place to start. I would also recommend a book that goes along with Mark's account; look up Mark As Story.
I think you'll appreciate it. Stay blessed...john
Posted by: John | Sep 10, 2009 at 05:08 PM
Galatians ... to learn about grace
Posted by: Khad Young | Sep 10, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Great post. I might just add that a new Christ follower might gain great practical insight by reading Ephesians (or Eph i sians) after Acts to make sure this is the road they want to commit to. I've heard it said that if we had to choose only one book that 'summed up' the whole cannon, Ephesians would be the one...
Posted by: Fletch | Sep 10, 2009 at 01:35 PM
"* This list includes my personal recommendations and does not reflect the views of any recognized seminary, theologian or tract authors."
you're a nut!
great post, though. ;)
Posted by: Chelle | Sep 10, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Fantastic post, Kem! I get asked this question dozens of times a year. I've never thought to recommend Ecclesiastes...good choice :)
Posted by: Mike Gothard | Sep 10, 2009 at 01:07 PM
1 John....to learn about love.
Posted by: Jeremy Scheller | Sep 10, 2009 at 12:51 PM