Starting your journey with God is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. But let’s be real: picking up the Bible for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. It’s a big book with a lot of history, strange names, and deep concepts. If you’ve ever opened it to a random page in the middle of Leviticus and thought, "I have no idea what’s going on," you aren't alone!
At 1Love Christian Church, we believe the Bible isn't just an ancient history book, it’s a living word meant to guide us today. As a Bible teaching church in Boise, we want to make sure you feel confident and excited every time you open those pages. Whether you are joining us for Treasure Valley Christian worship on a Sunday morning or sitting on your porch with a cup of coffee, reading the Bible is how you get to know the heart of God.
Here are five simple steps to help you start reading the Bible and growing your faith today.
1. Choose a Translation You Can Actually Read
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Unless you’re a scholar in ancient languages, you’re going to need a translation. The "best" translation is the one you will actually read and understand.
For new believers, we often recommend modern, "thought-for-thought" translations. These are designed to be easy to read while staying true to the original meaning.
- NIV (New International Version): Great balance between word-for-word and thought-for-thought.
- NLT (New Living Translation): Very easy to read, uses modern language that flows like a story.
- ESV (English Standard Version): A bit more literal, great for deep study.
Don't feel like you need a $100 leather-bound Bible to start. You can download the YouVersion Bible App for free, which lets you swap between versions instantly. However, there is something special about having a physical Bible you can highlight and write in. If you're looking for recommendations, feel free to ask anyone at 1Love Christian Church, we’d love to help you find the right fit.
2. Set a Time and a Quiet Space
Growth happens through consistency, not intensity. You don’t need to spend two hours a day reading to grow your faith; you just need to show up regularly.
Think of it like a coffee date with a friend. You wouldn't just show up whenever you felt like it; you’d set a time and a place. Try to pick a window, maybe 15 minutes before work or right before bed, where you can be consistent.
Find a "quiet spot." It doesn't have to be a mountain top; it just needs to be somewhere you won't be distracted by your phone or the laundry pile. When you treat your Bible reading as a priority, you’ll find that God meets you in that space.
3. Don’t Start at the Beginning (Start with Jesus)
Most people start a book on page one. But the Bible is more like a library than a single novel. If you start at Genesis, you’ll have a great time for a while, but by the time you hit the detailed laws of the Old Testament, you might lose steam.
For new believers, we always suggest starting with the Gospels, the books about the life and teachings of Jesus.
- Start with Mark: It’s the shortest Gospel and moves very fast. You’ll get a quick, powerful look at what Jesus did.
- Move to John: This book focuses more on who Jesus is and His heart for you.
- Then check out Philippians: This is a short letter in the New Testament about finding joy and peace in every circumstance.
Starting with Jesus ensures that everything else you read later (like the Old Testament) makes sense through the lens of His love and sacrifice. This is the foundation of our Boise sermons, keeping the focus on the grace found in Christ.
4. Pray Before You Turn the Page
Reading the Bible is different from reading a textbook. Because the Holy Spirit is the one who inspired these words, He is also the one who helps us understand them.
Before you read, take 30 seconds to pray a simple "invitation prayer." It doesn't have to be fancy. Just say:
"God, thank You for Your Word. Please open my eyes and my heart today. Show me what You want me to see and help me live it out. Amen."
When you pray first, you stop looking for "information" and start looking for "transformation." You’ll be surprised how often a single verse seems to speak exactly to what you are going through that day.
5. Use the SOAP Method
If you’ve ever read a chapter and immediately forgotten what you just read, you need a system. At 1Love Christian Church, we love the SOAP method because it’s simple and effective for anyone.
- S – Scripture: Read a small section and write down one verse that stood out to you.
- O – Observation: What is happening in this verse? What is it saying about God or people?
- A – Application: How does this apply to my life today? Is there a promise to believe or a command to follow?
- P – Prayer: Write a one-sentence prayer asking God to help you apply what you just learned.
Using a journal helps you see your progress over time. You’ll look back in six months and see how much your faith has grown!
Growing Together in the Treasure Valley
Reading the Bible on your own is vital, but we weren't meant to do it alone. God designed us for community. That’s why we invite you to be part of what’s happening at 1Love Christian Church. We are a small, tight-knit group of about 50 to 70 people who are all just trying to follow Jesus better.
If you’re a man looking for a group of brothers to grow with, check out our Man Up Men’s Ministry. We also have a great Bible Study & Discipleship program where you can ask the hard questions in a safe, casual environment.
Whether you've been a Christian for five minutes or fifty years, there is always something new to discover in God's Word. We’d love to see you this Sunday!
Join Us This Sunday
- 9:30 AM: Bible Study
- 10:30 AM: Worship
- 11:00 AM: Sermon
We meet right here in Boise, and we’d love to welcome you into our family. Come as you are: we're not perfect, just willing!
Bible Study