You do not need to begin at page one and read straight through. The Bible is a collection of different books, written in different settings and styles. A good place to start is Mark or Luke, two accounts of Jesus’ life. Read a short section at a time and ask: What does this show me about Jesus, and how might I respond?
Choose a modern translation you can understand. If a sentence is confusing, try another translation. Chapter and verse numbers were added later to help us find things, so do not be afraid to read across those breaks and follow the writer’s whole train of thought.
A small habit is better than an ambitious plan you abandon. Try ten minutes, several times a week. Ask God to help you understand, write down questions, and notice anything that surprises or challenges you. Reading with another person or a church community also helps, because none of us sees everything on our own.
At The Lakes Church we read the Bible to know God, not simply to collect information. The goal is not to finish pages or sound knowledgeable. Keep coming back to Jesus, put what you understand into practice, and let the questions you cannot yet answer invite you to keep going.
If you have questions, you can ask us anything at https://thelakes.org.au/contact-us/