Adapted from Craig Curtis’s message “The Bible: What Is It?” Watch the full message.
“Enjoy reading, not out of shame or guilt! Be free!”
How Do I Start Craving God’s Word?
Somewhere along the way, we’ve developed an unhealthy habit in the church. We let the pastor study the Bible, and then we show up on Sunday to hear what he learned. If you’ve wanted to read the Bible for yourself but weren’t sure where to start, this post is for you.
Here’s what I want you to understand: God didn’t just give His Word to pastors. He gave it to you!
Imagine receiving a personal letter from someone you love, but instead of reading it, you hand it to someone else and ask them to tell you what it says. No one does that. You’d miss something! That’s your love letter; you don’t just want it, you crave it! You read it again and again.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2–3, NIV)
Peter says the Word of God is like milk for a newborn. It gives us what we need, essential nourishment. It is what helps us grow up in our salvation. Following Jesus isn’t just about the day we give our lives to Him. It’s about becoming more like Him every day. And God’s Word helps us do that.
So let me model for you what learning God’s Word can look like in your life.
Choose a Bible Reading Plan You Can Stick With
Now, I use the Venture Bible Reading Plan. We have two plans: Bible in a Year and New Testament in a Year. Explore the Venture Bible Reading Plans. I am doing the New Testament. It’s Monday through Friday, a chapter a day. Sometimes I miss a day. If you have a plan like this and you miss a day, it’s okay.
Be free! Some of you are rule followers, and you’ve got like 40 chapters to make up. You get so discouraged that you give up, or you try to read it all in one day. No—just take that day’s reading, and you will catch up next year when you are doing your plan again. And enjoy reading, not out of shame or guilt! Be free!
Which Bible Translation Should I Read?
The Bible was originally written in three different languages—Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. None of which was English! And as you can imagine, a lot has changed in the way we communicate since then. That’s why we have different translations of the Bible.
Some of you may have grown up reading the King James Version. For generations, it’s been the Bible people have loved and learned from. But as you know, the English language has changed quite a bit in the centuries since. And thankfully, today we have several translations that use language we’re more familiar with.
For me, I enjoy reading the NIV, the New International Version, or more recently, I’ve been reading the NLT, the New Living Translation.
But here’s my point: Don’t get so caught up in which translation you should read that you miss the opportunity to actually read it! Pick which one fits for you. Want to know why translations differ? Read Why Are Bible Translations Different?
The SOAP Method: A Simple Way to Study the Bible
The first thing I do when I sit down is look up the passage. I open up my Bible, and then I listen to the passage for that day and read it all at the same time. That’s just me, but it helps me. I use the Bible app, and I play that day’s chapter, so I am listening and reading at the same time.
Next, I journal. I use the SOAP method to journal what I’ve read.
S—Scripture: Focus on One Verse
Here is what I’m looking for—one verse from that day’s reading. I want to focus on one thing from that reading to hold on to.
O—Observations: Get the Context
The Bible is a library, not just a book. So, each book may have a different overarching story or background. There are many tools to help you with this. I love to use the Read Scripture App for a 5-minute background on the book I am reading. Venture also offers videos of the books of the Bible.
A—Application: Apply to Your Life
I’m working to make the reading from that day personal to me. I want to work on this… or I want to try this… or I feel God impressing this on my heart. But I’m applying the Word of God to my life in just a few sentences.
P—Prayer: Pray Scripture 
My prayer for that day comes back around that verse. It’s powerful to pray God’s Word back to Him.
This isn’t complicated. It doesn’t take long—just 15 minutes. But it’s how I am learning: meditating on God’s Word. This is a commitment; it’s a choice. Relationships work that way. Remember what Paul wrote to Timothy:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV)
A Final Word: Live What You Read
God gave you His Word. Open it, learn it, and start living it every day.
Craig Curtis is the Lead Pastor of Venture Church in South Mississippi. He and his family are partners at the Lincoln Road Campus in Hattiesburg.
Next Steps: Build a Daily Bible Habit in South Mississippi
God gave you His Word, and He wants you to know it for yourself. You don’t need a seminary degree or a perfect streak. You need a plan, a few quiet minutes, and someone to walk with you. Here are three ways to take your next step.
Related Reading
Overwhelmed by all the Bible translations? Read Why Are Bible Translations Different?
Looking for a new Bible for you and your family? Read The Best Bible for Every Stage of Life