Previously I explained two different types of personal Bible study: sequential and topical. In this blog I’m going to write about where you might want to start your personal Bible study.
If you are doing a topical study I recommend starting with a study about God’s Word. Start by searching for scriptures about what God’s Word is and does. A study of the Word of God will be a great foundation for any further study you may do of the Bible. I strongly suggest using a concordance to help you find verses. This shortcut will save you a lot of time. Some keywords to look up include the following: word(s), scripture(s), commandment(s), law(s), and testament(s).
If you are doing a sequential study there are a few different places you could begin your study. One obvious place would be starting with a study of Genesis. It is not uncommon for some to want to shy away from a study of the Old Testament; however, I think it is important to remember that Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Studying the Old Testament is necessary to fully understand the things written in the New Testament.
Another obvious place to start your study is with the Book of Matthew. A study of the Book of Matthew will take you through the virgin birth of Jesus through His crucifixion and His resurrection. If you are interested in studying about the early church I suggest starting with a study of the Book of Luke followed by a study of the Book of Acts. Both books are written by the physician Luke and are similar to reading part one and part two of a story. The Book of Acts picks up where the Book of Luke ends with the ascension of Jesus. The Book of Acts then continues with the formation and activity of the church.
These are just a few suggestions of where to start your Bible study. There are many other places you could start your study such as the Book of Psalms or with a study of Biblical faith. Remember Psalm 119:160: “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”