If you've ever tried to read the Bible, you might have come away feeling more than a little confused, and maybe even discouraged. The Bible is an amazing book, full of beautiful truths - but the reality is that it has many different styles of writing, and was written to cultures and times very different from our own! In order to begin to understand it well, we have to be willing to understand a little about the cultures in which it was written.
Check out this "How to Read the Bible" series from the Bible Project for a great foundation to better understand what the Bible is, how it's organized, and how each style of writing and cultural expression contributes to its overall story and message.
No matter where you are in your faith journey, there's a next step you can take in growing deeper in God’s Word.
The Bible can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re just starting to explore—but it’s also where we begin to discover who God is and what He’s like. As you read, you’ll find stories and teachings that speak to real questions about life, purpose, and what it means to know Him. It’s okay to take it one step at a time, asking questions along the way and letting your understanding grow.
A great place to start is the Book of John, which gives a clear and personal look at who Jesus is. As you read, you’ll see His love, His power, and the invitation He offers to follow Him.
If you’re new to following Jesus, the Bible is where your foundation starts to take shape. As you read, you’ll begin to understand who God is, what Jesus has done for you, and how to live out your faith in everyday life. Building simple habits—like spending a little time in Scripture each day—helps you grow in confidence and stay rooted in truth.
This devotional is a great next step to help you understand what it means to follow Jesus. Each day offers Scripture, simple guidance, and practical ways to live it out as you begin your journey.
As you continue to grow, the Bible becomes more than something you read—it starts shaping how you think, act, and see the world. Spending consistent time in Scripture helps you recognize God’s voice, navigate challenges with wisdom, and live with greater purpose. Over time, you’ll see real change as your life begins to reflect more of Jesus in everyday moments.
Keep it simple and consistent—spend a few minutes each day reading and reflecting on Scripture. Tools like devotionals, reading plans, or a small group can help you stay on track and go deeper with others.
Start your day with a few intentional minutes in God’s Word from Pastor Chuck or Pastor Bobby. This short, 5-minute weekday podcast (Monday–Friday) helps you apply Scripture to your everyday life in a simple, practical way. You can jump into the latest episode, explore past ones, or subscribe on your favorite podcast app to stay consistent.
As your faith grows, it naturally begins to impact others. This stage is about helping people around you understand the Bible, whether that’s through conversations, leading a group, or simply sharing what God is teaching you. When you live it out and invite others in, you help create a ripple effect of faith and growth.
Take your next step by committing to a full Bible reading plan. The Bible App has tons of plans to help you read through the Bible in a year, and resources like The Bible Recap, F260, and The Bible Project provide additional resources to help you stay consistent and understand the bigger story as you go.
