Read the Bible
The Bible is a collection of writings that reveal who God is and how He has interacted with humanity throughout history.
For many people, the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin.
If you are exploring Scripture, the sections below offer several natural places to start.
You can also explore reflections on many of these passages throughout the Norville Lane Insights library, including the Biblical Reflections collection category.
The sections below highlight several important moments and people in the Bible to help you begin exploring the Bible.
The Beginning – God and the First Humans
Genesis opens the story of creation, the fall of humanity, and the early history of God’s relationship with the world.
Many of the central themes of the Bible begin here.
God Gives Israel the Ten Commandments
After bringing the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, God gave them laws to guide how they should live.
The most well-known of these laws are the Ten Commandments, which describe how people should honor God and treat one another.
They are recorded in Exodus 20.
Meet Israel’s First King — Saul
Israel’s first king was Saul.
His story reveals both the promise of leadership and the danger of a heart that slowly turns away from God.
Begin with 1 Samuel 8, where Israel asks for a king even though God had not intended for them to be ruled that way. Saul himself is first introduced in 1 Samuel 9.
Meet the Shepherd Who Became King — David
David, the shepherd who became king, is one of the most significant figures in the Bible.
His life reveals courage, repentance, worship, and deep trust in God.
David is first introduced in 1 Samuel 16.
Meet King Solomon
Solomon, the son of David, became king after his father and is known for the wisdom God granted him.
His story begins in 1 Kings 1, and his famous request for wisdom appears in 1 Kings 3.
Read Job’s Story
The book of Job wrestles with suffering, faith, and the mystery of God’s wisdom.
It is one of the most profound reflections on suffering found in Scripture. God begins speaking to Job in Job 38, revealing His power and wisdom.
Pray Through Scripture
The book of Psalms contains prayers and songs that express sorrow, joy, trust, repentance, and praise.
Many readers return to Psalms again and again as a guide for prayer. Psalm 23 and Psalm 139 are two of the most well-known and frequently read passages.
Wisdom from Solomon
When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom.
God granted his request, and Solomon’s wisdom is reflected in the book of Proverbs.
Poetry About Love
The Song of Solomon is a poetic book celebrating married love and the beauty of human relationships.
It stands as one of the most unique and lyrical books in the Bible.
The Birth of Jesus
The New Testament reveals the life of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Luke begins with the story of His birth and the early events of His life. It introduces the arrival of Jesus into the world and the hope that Christians believe He brings.
Many readers begin here to see how the story of Jesus begins.
Meet the First Disciples
The disciples were the men who followed Jesus during His ministry. They listened to His teaching, witnessed His miracles, and were sent to share His message with others.
Their lives show how ordinary people slowly came to understand who Jesus truly was.
Several of the first disciples are introduced when they begin following Jesus in John 1:35–51.
The Final Vision of Revelation
The final book of the Bible, Revelation, describes the ultimate victory of Christ and the restoration of creation.
It offers a vision of hope and the promise that evil and suffering will not have the final word.
A Final Thought
The pathway above highlights only a few moments from the Bible. Many other events, people, and teachings appear throughout its pages.
As you continue reading, you will discover how these writings unfold across centuries of human history.
Christians believe that the entire Bible ultimately points to Jesus Christ.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for humanity to be reconciled to God.
As you read Scripture, consider the person of Jesus and the invitation He offers to all who believe in Him.
You can also explore reflections on many of these passages throughout the Norville Lane Insights library, including the Biblical Reflections collection category.