Let’s start with acknowledging what a lot of people may be thinking:
“I know what the Bible is… but I’ve never really read it.”
“I don’t even know how to find my way through it — books? chapters? verses?”
“Isn’t it just a book about how sinful we are?”
“Which Bible is even the right one or original?”
“Which version is the right one? King James? NASB? NLT?”
If you’ve ever felt confused, intimidated, or even skeptical about the Bible, you're not alone. Many of us grew up hearing that it was important, but no one ever explained what it really was — or how to approach it without fear or shame.
Maybe you’ve been told not to read other versions. Maybe you’ve been warned that it’s full of judgment. Or maybe it just feels like a heavy book that’s hard to connect with.
But here’s the truth:
The Bible is NOT just a rulebook. It is a love story.
A story of God who sees a hurting world — and comes close to us.
Bible At First Glance
The Bible is not just one book — is a collection of 66 books written by different people over a thousand of years, all telling one unified story:
God’s pursuit of a relationship with us.
It is divided into two parts:
The Old Testament — before Jesus walked this earth; stories of creation, human struggle, God’s promises, and prophecies. And embedded in these stories, if you pay close attention you can find Jesus in them.
The New Testament — after Jesus came; His life, teachings, death, resurrection, and what it means for us.
Each book is made up of chapters and verses to help us find the way around. For example: John 3:16 means the book of John, chapter 3, verse 16.
Bible Versions
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
In order for people around the world to read and understand it, scholars have translated it into hundreds of languages — including many different English versions.
But why are there so many English translations?
Each version has a slightly different purpose:
Word-for-word translations aim to stay as close to the original Hebrew or Greek as possible. Examples: ESV, KJV, and NASB (1995) & NASB (2020)
NASB 1995 — A faithful, widely trusted version known for its word-for-word accuracy. Many believers prefer this edition for its clarity and reverence.
Here, we use the NASB 1995 — not because it’s better, but because it communicates truth with tenderness and remains close to the original wording.
NASB 2020 — A newer update that maintains accuracy but includes more contemporary language and phrasing.
Thought-for-thought translations focus more on clarity and readability, even if the wording changes slightly. Examples: NIV, NLT
Paraphrase versions are more like summaries — they aren’t direct translations, but they help explain the meaning in modern, casual language. Example: The Message (MSG)
Which one is the “Right” one for you?
The best one is the one that is going to get you to open your Bible.
The most important thing is that you’re reading the Word of God in a version that is faithful to the original meaning and understandable to you.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17
You don’t have to understand it all.
You don’t need to take notes or study like a theologian.
Just open the Bible — and read.
No pressure.
No expectations.
Just read it cover to cover, slowly, letting the words sink in.
Let the truth speak to your heart in its time.
Because God speaks — and His Word has the power to change everything.
Start with the Gospels — Matthew or John.
Maybe with Psalms — for comfort.
Or start at the beginning — just start. He’ll meet you there
