The First 5 Books of Your Bible Reading Plan
“I want to read my Bible. Where should I start?”
I often get asked this question. If you ask ten people which Bible books you should read first, you would get ten different answers.
I have a standard answer. Its the same answer I have been giving for the last 20 years or so.
I recommend reading these Bible books in this order: John, Acts, Romans, Galatians, and Genesis.
And here's why.
1. The Gospel According to St. John gives a historical and a conceptual overview of the life of Jesus Christ. Matthew, Mark or Luke would work equally as well. Matthew seems to be directed more toward the Jewish people. Mark is the shortest and provides a newspaper sort of review, “just the facts, ma'am.” Luke was a physician and he focuses on the physical realities of being Jesus Christ. When He heals and drives out demons. His suffering at the crucifixion.
But for my money, John is the way to start. Plenty to think about for everyone.
2. The Acts of the Apostles reveals how the early followers of Jesus Christ responded to His life and influence. It provides a less culturally influenced form of Christianity than I see today. I see a need for more Christ and less church culture in the Christianity we practice today. Acts helps me see a purer influence of Christianity.
3. The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans explains the importance of the work Jesus Christ did for all of mankind. It provides a through explanation of the good news about Jesus Christ. Reading Romans helps me understand the gospel for my own life. It helps me understand how to share the good news with other people.
4. The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians might not be everyone's next choice. I like it because Paul explains how we are all children of the Old Testament promise given in Genesis. It makes the entire Old Testament relevant for my life. Galatians reinforces my place in the kingdom and plan of God.
5. The First Book of Moses called Genesis is just that, the first book. It explains the beginning of everything. Genesis opens up a whole new understanding of who God is and what He does. It opened my eyes to the elegance of God's plan for the generations!
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Posted on November 15, 2008
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