New Christians are handed the Bible and told to “read it.” But the Bible is a huge book with complex narratives, voices, and genres across 1,500 years, three different original languages, and more than 60 authors.
Also, the Bible is organized by genre; it is not chronological, so a prophet isn’t easy to connect with the historical context without research.
Fifty to a hundred years ago, there was a certain amount of cultural understanding about the Bible, and most people had been raised in church. With more and more unchurched people in the Western Culture than ever before, most new Christians are overwhelmed by the idea.
What does it mean to read the Bible? Where should they begin?
Here are the major themes and narratives to begin when new Christians read the Bible.
1. The Creation Story
The biblical story of Creation and the Fall of Man is a pivotal narrative found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in chapters 1-3. It is a foundational account in Judeo-Christian beliefs that explains the origins of the universe, humanity, and the introduction of sin into the world.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The story unfolds over six days, each marked by God's creative acts (Genesis 1-2). For six days, God creates all that we see in the sky and universe, from the smallest to the greatest.
On day six, God creates land animals and, ultimately, forms humanity from dust, breathing life into Adam, the first man. God creates Eve, the first woman, from Adam’s rib. God blesses them, and they live in harmony in the Garden of Eden.
Despite the idyllic setting, humanity's disobedience leads to the Fall. The serpent, representing evil, tempts Eve and Adam to eat from the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil. Disobeying God’s command, they eat the fruit, gaining knowledge but also becoming aware of their own sin.
As a consequence of their disobedience, God pronounces judgment: the serpent is cursed, Eve will experience pain in childbirth, and Adam will toil for his sustenance from the earth.
Most significantly, Adam and Eve are banished from the Garden of Eden to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life, thus ensuring they will experience physical death.
The biblical story of creation sets the stage for the need for redemption. Sin and corruption entered and twisted God’s perfect creation, through humanity. Therefore, through humanity, the solution must come again. That solution was God in humanity, his Son, Jesus.
2. The Story of Abraham
The biblical story of Abraham, found in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 11:26-25:11), is one of the most significant narratives in the Bible and a foundational tale in both Judaism and Christianity.
Abraham, originally named Abram, lived in Ur of the Chaldeans, a city in ancient Mesopotamia. God spoke to Abraham, telling him to leave his homeland, his family, and his father's house and go to a land that God would show him. In return, God promised to make him into a great nation, bless him, and make his name renowned.
God established a covenant with Abraham, making several significant promises. He assured Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
To seal this covenant, God instructed Abraham to sacrifice various animals, and a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between the divided pieces, symbolizing God's commitment.
One of the most remarkable events in Abraham's life was the birth of his son Isaac. Sarah, his wife, was initially barren, but God miraculously enabled her to conceive in her old age. Isaac's birth was the fulfillment of God's promise that Abraham's descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
Perhaps the most challenging episode in Abraham's life was the test of faith. God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac as a burnt offering.
In an incredible display of trust, Abraham obeyed God's command. However, at the last moment, an angel intervened and provided a ram for the sacrifice, sparing Isaac's life.
Abraham's unwavering faith in God, even in the face of seemingly impossible tasks, is a central theme, and his obedience and trust earned him the title “Father in the Faith.” God’s promise and covenant with Abraham are central to the New Testament fulfillment of Christ, as well.
3. The Story of Jacob/Israel
The biblical story of Jacob, also known as Israel, is primarily in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 25-36). Jacob’s life is marked by a series of significant events.
Jacob and his twin brother, Esau, were born to Isaac and Rebekah. Even from their birth, they exhibited contrasting characteristics.
Esau, the elder, was a skilled hunter and Isaac’s favorite, while Jacob was more cunning and favored by Rebekah. Jacob's name, which means “supplanter,” foreshadowed his future actions.
Jacob deceived his brother Esau and father to obtain his birthright Isaac’s spiritual blessing handed down from Abraham. After deceiving Esau, Jacob fled to his uncle Laban’s household to escape Esau’s anger.
On his journey, he had a life-altering encounter with God at Bethel. There, he had a dream of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. God reaffirmed the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac, promising to bless Jacob and his descendants.
Jacob worked for Laban, eventually marrying Leah and Rachel, Laban’s daughters, and fathering 12 sons, who would become the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel.
After many years, Jacob returned to his homeland, where he reconciled with Esau and had a significant wrestling match with a mysterious figure, often interpreted as a divine being or angel. Jacob received a new name, Israel, meaning “one who wrestles with God.”
Jacob’s story ends with his favorite son, Joseph, being taken from him and enslaved in Egypt. God used Joseph’s enslavement to prepare an escape from the famine in the land and brought the whole family of Jacob/Israel to Egypt.
The story of Jacob gives an important background for the twelve tribes of Israel, the chosen people of God throughout the Old Testament, through whom God brought his promised Son, Jesus.
4. The Deliverance from Egypt
The story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt can be found in the Book of Exodus and begins with the Israelites living as slaves in Egypt, enduring harsh oppression under the rule of Pharaoh.
In this dire situation, Moses, a Hebrew who had been raised in Pharaoh's palace, is chosen by God to lead his people to freedom.
Moses encounters a burning bush that does not consume itself and hears the voice of God. God reveals His name, “I AM WHO I AM,” and instructs Moses to return to Egypt to demand the release of the Israelites.
God sent 10 devastating plagues upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. These plagues include water turning to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn.
To protect the Israelites from the final plague, the death of the firstborn, God institutes the Passover. The Israelites are commanded to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, and the angel of death passes over their homes, sparing their firstborn.
Pharaoh finally relents, and the Israelites embark on their journey to freedom. God leads them through the wilderness, guiding them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
At Mount Sinai, God establishes a covenant with the Israelites through Moses, known as the Mosaic Covenant. This covenant outlines the terms of their relationship with God, including the Ten Commandments and various laws and regulations.
The covenant emphasizes obedience to God’s laws, which will result in blessings and protection for the Israelites.
Israel eventually comes into the Promised Land, through Moses’ secondhand guy Joshua, and there are signs of the coming of Jesus through God’s deliverance, the Passover Jesus celebrated with his disciples the night of his death, and the promise of a new prophet from Moses.
5. The Story of David
David, a young shepherd from Bethlehem, rises from obscurity to become one of Israel’s greatest kings. His journey is marked by faith, courage, and a deep connection with God.
God has Samuel anoint David as Israel’s next king since Saul had failed as the first one. Despite being anointed, David faces numerous trials and tribulations.
Most notably, he confronts the giant Philistine warrior Goliath with just a sling and stones, a remarkable display of his unwavering faith in God's protection.
After Goliath's defeat, David's reputation grows, and he gains favor with King Saul, who initially sees him as an ally. However, Saul’s jealousy and insecurity lead to a tumultuous relationship, with David fleeing for his life as Saul seeks to kill him.
Throughout this period of adversity, David’s trust in God remains unshaken, and he often seeks refuge in caves and wilderness.
Ultimately, David ascends to the throne of Israel. He establishes Jerusalem as the capital and brings the Ark of the Covenant there, making it the spiritual center of the nation.
His reign is marked by military conquests, a flourishing kingdom, and a deep desire to honor God. He is also known for his poetic talents, composing many of the Psalms found in the Bible.
However, David's story is not without its flaws and moral failings. He commits adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrates the death of her husband, Uriah, leading to God's judgment upon his household.
Despite these transgressions, David repents sincerely, illustrating the Bible's themes of forgiveness and redemption.
David's legacy endures through the promise of an eternal throne, as God pledges that the Messiah will come from his lineage. This promise foreshadows the birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of this prophetic lineage.
6. The Gospels of Jesus
The Gospels of Jesus, also known as the Four Gospels, are the first four books of the New Testament in the Christian Bible.
They are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and they are central to Christian faith and theology. These gospels provide accounts of the life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Matthew’s gospel is often seen as the most Jewish account. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus and the story of His birth, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Matthew’s gospel focuses on Jesus as the Messiah and the teacher of ethical and moral principles. It includes the famous Sermon on the Mount, which contains the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer.
Mark's gospel is known for its brevity and immediacy. It portrays Jesus as a dynamic and active figure, emphasizing His deeds and miracles. Mark's account moves quickly, highlighting Jesus’ ministry, healing, and exorcisms. It's often considered the earliest gospel.
Luke's gospel offers a more comprehensive and historically detailed account of Jesus’ life. It includes the story of Jesus’ birth, parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, and a strong focus on social justice and the inclusion of marginalized individuals. Luke’s gospel highlights Jesus as the Savior for all people.
John’s gospel is distinct in its theological depth and emphasis on Jesus as the divine Son of God. It begins with the famous prologue, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John's gospel contains seven “I am” statements by Jesus, emphasizing His divine nature.
Many leaders argue for the Gospel of John as the best book to begin with, to establish the basis of Christ’s mission and divinity.
Does one story seem interesting to you? Begin there. Don’t be overwhelmed by the Bible. Begin somewhere and embark on the lifelong blessing of reading God’s Word.
For further reading:
What Should New Christians Know about the Bible?
Why Does Daniel Have the Most Memorable Bible Stories?
Why Are the Creation Stories in Genesis 1 and 2 Different?
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