Thank you for the question on reading the Bible, “What book in the Bible would you recommend to read first if someone is seeking out God or a new believer?”
I would recommend reading the Gospel of John followed by reading the Gospel of Luke.
The reason is that the whole Old Testament and New Testament centers on the person of Jesus Christ. This relates to his deity as the Son of God and to his humanity as the Son of Man.
If one desires to understand what is written, then take a moment to ask God to open your heart and mind to read so as to understand what is being said. The Word of God is more than just words on paper for they have the power to speak to one’s life and to transform one’s life. One can read to criticize while one can read to be enlightened. It is one’s heart and mind that will determine the effect it has on one’s life.
If you make it through the Gospel of John and the Gospel of Luke, then read Genesis, Exodus, (Numbers if one like) and the Psalms. After that read James, Romans and Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians. Those books will help one grow in one’s Christian life.
If you are able to find a good friend who will take time to read and study the Word of God with you, that will be the best thing to do. Finding a good church that preaches the Bible and have good fellowship groups is critical for one’s growth and maturity.
The Christian life is a spiritual journey with many detractions to the Word. Satan doesn’t want the Word to grow in one’s heart so treasuring and meditating on the Word of God will let it become planted deep within one’s heart and soul.
SUMMARY: Take the first step by asking God to show you wonderful things from his Word and he will do so. Seek and you will find.
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