Step 1 – Understanding the bible is a spiritual book.

First things first, the bible is known as, The Word of God. Literally inspired by God Himself. If one writes an essay on a subject matter, using a fine ball point pen, we do not give the credit to the pen, but rather to the one that moved the pen. To whom the inspiration came from.

So it is with the bible, men wrote as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit of God. Men were the pen, God is the Author. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

1- Inspired by God, Literally, God breathed. 2- Profitable for- (a)- doctrine, (b) reproof, (c) correction, (d) instruction in righteousness (that which is right) 3- For the purpose of, being complete and equipped.

“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21

The reason I chose this foundation first is simply because the bible is a “spiritual book” by God. And we need the Spirit of God to understand His Word. The bible says, “But this Jesus spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive” John 7:39 (those truly believing in Jesus, will receive the Holy Spirit) Also, Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans I will come to you.”

John 14:16-18

Here the Holy Spirit is promised to those whom will “believe” in Jesus and call upon Him. (True belief will produce repentance & obedience)
As the Holy Spirit moved on men to write the bible, so He moves on men to discern, or understand the bible in its intended context. The reason we see so many cults and false prophets/teachers is because they utilize the bible with a personal agenda not having the Holy Spirit. They are simply unable to rightly divide the word of truth apart from the Holy Spirit. This is why Paul told Timothy to, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (Keeping it in its intended context) 2 Timothy 2:15

In a nutshell, we need the “Spirit of Truth,” to help us rightly divide (understand) the “Word of Truth.”

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me (Jesus).” John 15:26
Step 2 – Understanding we are separated from Gods Spirit. And that we need Him! (Unless you’ve already been born again) “Converted by His Spirit.”

In Step#1 we learned that we need the Holy Spirit to read Gods Word with understanding. This step will guide you how to get the “Helper, The Spirit of Truth” to guide you. The bible says, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

Don’t be offended learning you’re a sinner, The bible is clear that, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 – (welcome to the club!) Learning that we are separated from God, we learn also that that, “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things” 1 Corinthians 2:14-15
We begin in the natural and need to be converted into the spiritual. So, this problem must be addressed and dealt with!

The “Good News” is that Jesus already took care of it for us on the cross! All we must do is, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10

We do this through repentance and trusting in Jesus that the work He did on the cross for us is surely sufficient! The right motive to read the bible is to 1st, get right with God. 2nd to learn of God and to grow in our knowledge of Him. We know, “that the goodness of God leads us to repentance.” Romans 2:4 For surely, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13
So, let’s begin our journey in getting to know of God! Prayer (calling upon God) is where it all begins. Not telling you how to pray, or what to say. But this is called, “basics for beginners.” I know I had people helping me pray when I first began, so I believe this is perfectly okay as long as it is sincere and from your heart. Its perfectly okay to switch these words up, its best coming from you and your heart. But here is an outline of a prayer of repentance to begin your journey of learning of God.

“Dear Lord, thank you for going to the cross for my sin. I come to You to confess that I am a sinner and I ask You to forgive me of my sin. I make a heartfelt commitment to turn from my sin and to turn to You wholeheartedly! I believe you died for me, and that three days later you were resurrected. I want to walk in obedience to Your Word and to follow You. Please help me understand Your Word as I read it, please wash me clean and send me Your Spirit of Truth to guide me on this journey” I place my life in Your hands Jesus! In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.”
Step 3 – Very basic outline and, “Let’s get to reading!”

The bible is comprised of 66 books, Written by One Author whom used over 40 men (as His pens) over a period of 1500 years. The central message of its entirety is salvation. Gods love for mankind and His desire to reconcile men back to Himself! “that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:19
The bible is broken up into the “Old Testament” and the “New Testament” Another word for testament is also, covenant. The Old Testament is made up of 39 books from Genesis to Malachi. The New Testament is made up of 27 books from Matthew to Revelation. The Old Testament is comprised of, “The Law” the first five books in the bible. “Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.” Then you have the history, kings, the books of the prophets and the poetic books. The Old Testament was the temporal Covenant God made with man until the fulfilled “New Covenant” of the coming Messiah (Jesus) would fulfill the Old Covenant” (Old Testament) the Old Testament prophets prophesied of the Messiah (Jesus) whom would come to make a new covenant. They prophesied of His first coming, which took place over 2ooo years ago. Jesus was born of a virgin in Bethlehem, lived a sinless life, went to the cross for our sin and was resurrected and ascended back to The Father. This has all been fulfilled! The Old Testament also has many prophesies of Jesus’ 2nd coming which has not taken place yet. But that’s a deeper study! Were sticking with the basics here!
I highly recommend new believers in Jesus to begin reading in the New Testament. The New Testament begins with the four gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are four accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Each writer shares it through their lense. Then following is the book of Acts. The book of Acts records the birth of the “Spirit filled” believers (the church) and their mission trips and how they followed Jesus through the leading of the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth. Then you have the epistles (letters) written to the church's for godly instruction on doctrine, right living and full of exhortation to remain in the truth. Ending with the book of Revelation which is a prophetic book that prepares the believer of the coming end time events.
As a new believer in Christ, I and the majority of Christians I know would encourage you to begin your reading in the gospel of John. Johns’ gospel explains the importance of being born again. We learn from all the gospels more and more the heart of God, His passion for us and the importance of following this loving God wholeheartedly! Also, I would pray that The Lord would bless you with “like minded” believers to read and discuss the books together. Be careful however and be watchful to whom you allow you to teach you the bible if you listen to teachers. And always read prayerfully with a humble heart expecting The Lord to guide you, because God is Faithful, and He will guide those whom are sincerely seeking His Truths! Please feel free to reach out with any questions. May The Lord Jesus Christ bless you on your journey and fill you with His Holy Spirit to guide you in all things.

Sincerely, Michael Stokes