New Believer - Where To Begin

I am working with someone who as an agnostic but is not examining the claims of Christianity through some apologetic books that I have shared. Now wants to begin reading the Bible. Do you have any suggestions for resources to recommend or study plans? Thanks!

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Mike Binks

I am working with someone who as an agnostic but is not examining the claims of Christianity through some apologetic books that I have shared. Now wants to begin reading the Bible. Do you have any suggestions for resources to recommend or study plans? Thanks!

Choose a 'thought for thought' translation so that the bigger picture can be observed eg New Living Translation or even the Good News Bible.

A good mix of readings can be found in there McCheyne reading plan. Which gets you through the Old Testament once a year and the New Testament and Psalm Twice a year. It takes about 20 minutes for four chapters or so.

Another good idea would be to read Tom Wrights 'New Testament for Everyone' along with the illustrations for each pericope.

EastTN

The Gospel of Mark is often a good place to start. It's short, it's action oriented and it covers the heart of the gospel message. If you think they're up for something a bit longer, Luke/Acts takes the story through the early history of the church. Even that's not a huge time commitment.

Jonathan Bradley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939056#Comment_939056

There is a great devotional like evangelistic tool for going through the Gospel of Mark with someone, but I cannot remember the name of it. It's one that you prepare for but don't use the book with the person. I have a copy at home and I'll link to it later today.

Jonathan Bradley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939185#Comment_939185

I went through my amazon orders. It's called Christianity Explained. https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Explained-Michael-Bennett/dp/0858923947/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511967823&sr=1-1&keywords=christianity+explained

Julian West

He wants to read the Bible. That is the goal. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

The concern is that he'll read it properly (that's a concern for all of us, believers included); this is where you come in with sound biblical hermeneutics to answer his questions and exposit what the Bible teaches and the implications of it.

No one can claim "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible; the Holy Spirit convicts sinners. We don't know the "Good news" if we don't know the bad news first.

Having said all that, I would begin at the beginning: Proverbs 1:7, the Gospel of John, and Genesis and Romans, at least the first 3 chapters.

I would suggest searching for Voddie Baucham's videos (free) for you and for your friend (Expository Apologetics and Why You Can Believe the Bible, to name a couple).

But before all this, pray first and pray continually. God put you in this person's life--be the ambassador of Christ, the herald of the King of Kings he's called you to be!

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

Now wants to begin reading the Bible.

Thread => Can you recommend a reading plan for a brand new believer? has similar discussion.

Greek manuscript shows Ephesians written in top margin with blank line for addressee.

Keep Smiling [:)]

(‾◡◝)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939364#Comment_939364

Don Carson's The God Who Is There in either video or book format simply cannot be beat as an introduction to Christianity and as a fast romp through the Scriptures (14 lectures). I personally like the video series as I find Carson a most engaging speaker.

Available from Logos:

https://www.logos.com/product/41681/baker-da-carson-collection

https://www.logos.com/product/30961/the-god-who-is-there-finding-your-place-in-gods-story

https://www.logos.com/product/41758/da-carson-sermon-archive

The entire video series is available (for free) from the Gospel Coalition:

http://resources.thegospelcoalition.org/library?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=The+God+Who+is+There

Keith Pang

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939410#Comment_939410

The Gospel of John

NB.Mick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939414#Comment_939414

The Gospel of John

I second that.

Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939478#Comment_939478

The Gospel of John

I second that.

I third that. John 20:30-31

Dan Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939495#Comment_939495

John is my choice too but everyone is different, for example Muslims tend to respond best to the Gospel of Luke. I would suggest Jews would usually respond best to Matthew. I can understand the recommendation of Mark being very fast moving it perhaps is more in tune with a twitter generation, but the theology in John is strong and persuasive in my mind.

-dan

David Thomas

Gospel of John - greatest need of an unbeliever is to believe and John said

John 20:31 (CSB:2017)

³¹But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,^, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Matthew

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939538#Comment_939538

I would go the opposite route being suggested so far. We don't start a book, story, movie, play, song, etc. two-thirds the way through it, so why do we advise folks to do that with God's story of redemption? Have him start with Genesis 1:1 where the story starts, "In the beginning..." Jesus is a Jew, his disciples and followers were Jews, their Scriptures were the Hebrew Bible, and they worshipped at the Temple and at synagogues. The arguments they made for the Messiahship of Jesus were straight from the Hebrew Bible and it was expected that the hearer/reader knew the Hebrew Bible (whether it be in Hebrew or translated into Greek or Aramaic). I think it's fair to say that one of the reasons that the Apostolic Writings are so often misunderstood is that many lack the proper foundation of the Hebrew Bible (so-called Old Testament). Let's encourage folks to start "in the beginning" of the book so that they have a clue about what's going when they get to the Gospels. Just my opinion.

Dan Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939550#Comment_939550

We don't start a book, story, movie, play, song, etc. two-thirds the way through it, so why do we advise folks to do that with God's story of redemption?

The Bible is not a book, it's a library it is not wrong to start in Genesis but it is equally not wrong to start in a Gospel. If the Bible were a CD it would be a compilation of Songs telling the story of God's people and singing praises to God by numerous artists. I do respect and understand your opinion but wished to respond to it.

-dan

Matthew

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939562#Comment_939562

We don't start a book, story, movie, play, song, etc. two-thirds the way through it, so why do we advise folks to do that with God's story of redemption?

The Bible is not a book, it's a library it is not wrong to start in Genesis but it is equally not wrong to start in a Gospel. If the Bible were a CD it would be a compilation of Songs telling the story of God's people and singing praises to God by numerous artists. I do respect and understand your opinion but wished to respond to it.

-dan

Hi Dan,

All good brother, I'm not saying it's wrong to start in the Gospels, I'm just sating it makes more sense to start in the beginning of the story. Even if I bought a CD with a compilation of songs on it, I'd still start with the first song.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939550#Comment_939550

We don't start a book, story, movie, play, song, etc. two-thirds the way through it, so why do we advise folks to do that with God's story of redemption?

War Room DVD has special feature: War Room in 60 seconds with essential story overview, which provides important points to ponder plus play attention when viewing whole movie.

Thread => Can you recommend a reading plan for a brand new believer? includes:

My strategy would be a little different. I have been deeply shaped by the method found in Mastering the English Bible. I would have her read through Ephesians once a day (about a twenty minute commitment) for 6 weeks. I would study one chapter with her in depth each week. By the end of it, she will have been exposed to every major doctrine, lots of practical application and "accidentally" committed lots of Scripture to memory, just from exposure. When I have done this, I have printed out the book with wide margins and triple spaced, so they could annotate it. I give little assignments like "highlight every time the phrase 'in Christ' or its equivalent is used," to help guide their natural discovery.

Another little assignment is highlighting every time "pray" or equivalent is used, which should fuel desire to read/search entire Bible looking for God's Love and redemption along with praying for spiritual understanding/growth (practical application of Ephesians 3:14-21). Thankful for Ephesians having who we believers are in God plus how to live (also worthwhile to revisit Ephesians periodically).

Learning/mastering Biblical Languages with cultural insights can also be practical application of Ephesians 3:14-21

Thankful for Visual Filter Highlighting so can "see" range of Greek verbal expression in many languages. Logos wiki has => Examples of visual filters

Bit off topic: Greek Trivia question is shortest numbered verse ? (two words)

Thankful for this friendly discussion albeit wonder if Christian Discourse would have been better (since primary forum focus is using applications and apps by Faithlife).

Keep Smiling [:)]

Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939574#Comment_939574

I'm just sating it makes more sense to start in the beginning of the story

This is a good point. Many today lack the Christian world view and context. So there is merit in this idea. Depending on the person, this can be useful. But the greatest lesson I have learned in life is the power of the Word of God. It is a living book, and the Holy Spirit is able to touch a life when it comes into interaction with the Word of God. The Gospel of John is still my first choice. But I agree with the notion that it helps to have a context.

Keith Pang

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939550#Comment_939550

I would go the opposite route being suggested so far. We don't start a book, story, movie, play, song, etc. two-thirds the way through it, so why do we advise folks to do that with God's story of redemption? Have him start with Genesis 1:1 where the story starts, "In the beginning..." Jesus is a Jew, his disciples and followers were Jews, their Scriptures were the Hebrew Bible, and they worshipped at the Temple and at synagogues. The arguments they made for the Messiahship of Jesus were straight from the Hebrew Bible and it was expected that the hearer/reader knew the Hebrew Bible (whether it be in Hebrew or translated into Greek or Aramaic). I think it's fair to say that one of the reasons that the Apostolic Writings are so often misunderstood is that many lack the proper foundation of the Hebrew Bible (so-called Old Testament). Let's encourage folks to start "in the beginning" of the book so that they have a clue about what's going when they get to the Gospels. Just my opinion.

Matthew, that is why the gospel of John is a great place to start because it does include the origin and summary of the metanarrative story of the Bible. Ultimately bringing it to how it all points to Jesus Christ. Also, the Gospels do not neglect the Old Testament but rather build on it, so going through the Gospels gives us a chance to reflect on how it all weaves into one grand redemptive story. Anyways there is not a one answer fits all sort of deal in my opinion, but the crucial question for a person is; who is Jesus Christ? The Gospel of John addresses that extensively and deals with the most important aspect of it all, will you believe in Jesus Christ? If not, then they are without any hope of salvation, that is what matters for each and every person.

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939550#Comment_939550

Have him start with Genesis 1:1 where the story starts, "In the beginning..."

That's generally a good idea, but needs a lot of guidance, lest he gets stuck in Leviticus or Numbers due to boredom, or receives a massive overdose of OT Law.

Matthew

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939611#Comment_939611

Have him start with Genesis 1:1 where the story starts, "In the beginning..."

That's generally a good idea, but needs a lot of guidance, lest he gets stuck in Leviticus or Numbers due to boredom, or receives a massive overdose of OT Law.

As Leviticus, Numbers, and the rest of the Hebrew Bible are the inspired, eternal word of the Lord, the only Bible that existed for Jesus and the disciples, and what Paul is referring to when he says that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work," it would have never had occurred to me to think anyone would get stuck in it or overdose on it. I agree with the Psalmist's view of the Law:

      The law of the Lord is perfect,
      reviving the soul;
      the testimony of the Lord is sure,
      making wise the simple;
      8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
      rejoicing the heart;
      the commandment of the Lord is pure,
      enlightening the eyes;
      9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
      enduring forever;
      the rules of the Lord are true,
      and righteous altogether.
      10 More to be desired are they than gold,
      even much fine gold;
      sweeter also than honey
      and drippings of the honeycomb. Psalm 19-7-10 ESV

Leviticus is one of my favorite books of the Bible, not at all boring, and what Jesus is quoting when he answers what the two greatest commandments are. I don't have the time or the desire to go back and forth in this thread, that was not my intention at all, I was simply giving my honest advice to the question. I'll just say again that much confusion and bad interpretation and theology comes from not knowing the first two-thirds of the story. Almost the entirety of the New Testament assumes that one is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew Bible.

Keith Pang

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939618#Comment_939618

Leviticus is one of my favorite books of the Bible, not at all boring, and what Jesus is quoting when he answers what the two greatest commandments are. I don't have the time or the desire to go back and forth in this thread, that was not my intention at all, I was simply giving my honest advice to the question. I'll just say again that much confusion and bad interpretation and theology comes from not knowing the first two-thirds of the story. Almost the entirety of the New Testament assumes that one is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew Bible.

Actually Jesus’ response comes from Deuteronomy as well, not just Leviticus

Matthew

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939623#Comment_939623

Leviticus is one of my favorite books of the Bible, not at all boring, and what Jesus is quoting when he answers what the two greatest commandments are. I don't have the time or the desire to go back and forth in this thread, that was not my intention at all, I was simply giving my honest advice to the question. I'll just say again that much confusion and bad interpretation and theology comes from not knowing the first two-thirds of the story. Almost the entirety of the New Testament assumes that one is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew Bible.

Actually Jesus’ response comes from Deuteronomy as welll, not just Leviticus

Yes, of course it does, the Shema is in Deuteronomy 6:4ff. Good catch Keith!

Keith Pang

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939624#Comment_939624

Yes, of course it does, the Shema is in Deuteronomy 6:4ff. Good catch Keith!

Of course brother!

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939618#Comment_939618

Leviticus is one of my favorite books of the Bible, not at all boring, and what Jesus is quoting when he answers what the two greatest commandments are. I don't have the time or the desire to go back and forth in this thread, that was not my intention at all, I was simply giving my honest advice to the question. I'll just say again that much confusion and bad interpretation and theology comes from not knowing the first two-thirds of the story. Almost the entirety of the New Testament assumes that one is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew Bible.

Actually Jesus’ response comes from Deuteronomy as well, not just Leviticus

Thankful for Bible Search that finds verses with Love and (God or neighbor):

Love (God,neighbor)

Shema is Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Searching for Shema included results in

The Person and Work of Jesus Christ in Each Book of the Old Testament Seen in Its New Testament Fulfillment: An Emmaus Walk

The Shema: Spirituality and Law in Judaism includes

The Shema">
The fundamental requirement by the Halakha is for the Shema to be recited twice daily, once in the morning and once after dark. Tradition adds two more times for daily reading of the Shema: once before retiring, at bedside, and once in the preliminary devotions before the morning prayer (Shaḥarit).

Lamm, N. (1998). The Shema: Spirituality and Law in Judaism (p. 5). Philadelphia, PA: The Jewish Publication Society.

The New is in the Old concealed. The Old is in the New revealed. Thankful for God's Love being alive in Old and New. Personally appreciate Psalms and Proverbs being part of daily devotions. For Psalms, like five per day: day of the month + 30 (e.g. 30, 60, 90, 120, 150). On the 29th day of the month, if month has 31 days, then do Psalms 119 on 31st day. Proverbs has 31 chapters.

Almost the entirety of the New Testament assumes that one is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew Bible.

An example is the "last day of the feast" in John 7:37

Thankful can use Milestone Search of English Library without Bibles (Lang:English -Type:Bible) to find some conversant insights:

(day,feast) WITHIN {Milestone <Jn7.37>}

Keep Smiling [:)]

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939618#Comment_939618

Without Christ's teaching, he would not know what to do with the Law.

For very good reason Paul didn't write, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, and for salvation".

If the goal of his Bible study is salvation, then this can't be accomplished by reading Genesis through to Deuteronomy.

Again, a reading plan such as "OT for Dummies" would be helpful, just picking the passages relevant for understanding the NT message. I'd be surprised if such reading plan doesn't already exist.

As for the endless list of rules and regulations in the Law - not relevant in a believer's life (except for those explicitly repeated or implicitly alluded to in the NT).

Matthew

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939652#Comment_939652

Without Christ's teaching, he would not know what to do with the Law.

For very good reason Paul didn't write, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, and for salvation".

If the goal of his Bible study is salvation, then this can't be accomplished by reading Genesis through to Deuteronomy.

Again, a reading plan such as "OT for Dummies" would be helpful, just picking the passages relevant for understanding the NT message. I'd be surprised if such reading plan doesn't already exist.

As for the endless list of rules and regulations in the Law - not relevant in a believer's life (except for those explicitly repeated or implicitly alluded to in the NT).

I guess we'll agree to disagree brother. I encourage both you and he to read Psalm 119 in it's entirety and then for you to consider how your view of God's eternal Torah lines up with the Bible's account of it. Peace brother.

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939653#Comment_939653

The answer might include being aware about the culture in which a new convert lives. For example, in a culture such as Cambodia which is predominantly Buddhist their may be no word for "sin" or such a concept, or the meaning may be unlike Western notions. Our Western notion likely follows a thread back to Sinai. Not all cultures have that thread woven into their culture. There may not be one best way for every situation.

Here are resources that might help:

https://www.logos.com/product/52860/mobile-ed-mi102-current-issues-in-missions

https://www.logos.com/product/130853/mobile-ed-mi301-community-analysis-exegeting-culture-for-missions

JohnB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939748#Comment_939748

Not all cultures have that thread woven into their culture. There may not be one best way for every situation.

Absolutely correct.

Also to think that the same culture exists with different sub groups within in the same country (USA and UK included) AND within the same ethnic group is also a big mistake.

David A Egolf

I am working with someone who as an agnostic but is not examining the claims of Christianity through some apologetic books that I have shared. Now wants to begin reading the Bible. Do you have any suggestions for resources to recommend or study plans? Thanks!

Ask you friend whether they learn better by reading or by audio. Even if they do well with reading, they could augment their reading with audio.

If they do well with audio, then see if there is a regular time in their day when they could regularly listen to scripture; i.e., during a work commute.

Others on this forum could chime in with ideas on how to find inexpensive Biblical audio content. The obvious would be to have him download the Logos 7 free package. The Lexham English Bible audio can be downloaded to mobile devices selectively in order to avoid swamping the device storage. This would allow listening when not connected to the internet and/or reduce bandwidth usage for phones. The ESV audio, my choice, is only available online. The ESV is only an additional $10. (You could gift it by talking directly to Logos staff online!)

An earlier post suggested a D.A. Carson series which would take your friend through the Bible on an introductory tour. I cannot recommend a more suitable guide!

When they get their Logos 7 set up, then you can help him get a reading plan set up. I believe reading plans can now be shared(?) If so, then you could read along with him and encourage him.

If you don't mind Reformed theology, then I would recommend the free R.C. Sproul Crucial Questions series. Each topic is dealt with in a short book. It is available on Logos and as pdf's. Monergism.com is also a wealth of audio, video, and written material from a Reformed viewpoint.

Whatever you do, don't throw this stuff over the wall at him. Instead, come alongside and take the opportunity to disciple.

EastTN

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939618#Comment_939618

As Leviticus, Numbers, and the rest of the Hebrew Bible are the inspired, eternal word of the Lord, the only Bible that existed for Jesus and the disciples, and what Paul is referring to when he says that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work," it would have never had occurred to me to think anyone would get stuck in it or overdose on it. ...

...

Leviticus is one of my favorite books of the Bible, not at all boring, and what Jesus is quoting when he answers what the two greatest commandments are. I don't have the time or the desire to go back and forth in this thread, that was not my intention at all, I was simply giving my honest advice to the question. I'll just say again that much confusion and bad interpretation and theology comes from not knowing the first two-thirds of the story. Almost the entirety of the New Testament assumes that one is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew Bible.

The question isn't whether these books are valuable, but what the most effective way is to introduce someone to God's word if they have little or no background with Scripture. The sermons in Acts show that the apostles approached each audience a bit differently, meeting people where they were. Paul introduced the Athenians to the gospel a bit differently than Peter preached it to the Jews in Jerusalem on Pentecost, because they had no background in the Hebrew scriptures. We're talking about doing exactly the same thing - meeting a non-Christian where they are, and feeding them with spiritual milk before asking them to eat meat.

Paul

Although certainly the Bible is the best resource, it can also be an intimidating one and like some have mentioned...a novice can get lost in some of the winding paths (Leviticus for instance). Personally, if I had an agnostic or a seeker or even a new believer, I would start them off in "The Story "https://vyrso.com/product/22017/niv-the-story-ebook (I would buy them a paper version). It summarizes a small portion of the storyline and the rest of the 98% is direct Biblical quotes put into chronological sequence. This is a great introduction to the Bible...in an extremely accessible format for those with no prior exposure. After that I would go with the Gospel of Matthew (great focus on Jesus' teaching) or the Gospel of John. (Actually this isn't just hypothetical advice...I have used the Story with various people with little church background with good effect.)

Rich DeRuiter

I am working with someone who as an agnostic but is not examining the claims of Christianity through some apologetic books that I have shared. Now wants to begin reading the Bible. Do you have any suggestions for resources to recommend or study plans? Thanks!

Where to start depends somewhat on the personality of the inquirer. I would start with one of the gospels. As was mentioned Mark is action oriented and short - great for folks who like to "cut to the chase." (though it lacks a good account of the resurrection). By contrast John is oriented toward a deeper and more spiritual understanding of Jesus. Luke is the careful historian, which also leads naturally into his sequel: the book of Acts. Matthew connects best with those who have something of a Jewish background. For a very logically or philosophically minded person, Romans might be a good first choice, or maybe a second book to read after one of the gospels.

Probably the best thing would be to have him read something and then discuss it with him.

Obviously (I hope!), nothing will work at all without the Holy Spirit, so pray!

Johnnie Kirk

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/939956#Comment_939956

A good readable Bible.