Resources to help you
understand the Bible
If you live in Southampton and would like a copy of the Bible, click on the email button. Let us know if you need a standard, LARGE PRINT or dyslexia-friendly copy.
The Bible is the world’s best-selling and most translated book for good reason: millions of people have found it makes sense of life, and through its message have discovered the hope, peace, love and joy that God brings.
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Where do I start?
Let’s face it: the Bible is daunting because it’s such a big book.
In fact, it’s a library of books - written by over 40 different authors in several different languages over a period of more than 1500 years. The books within the Bible aren’t all arranged in time-order, either. So reading it from beginning to end isn’t the best way to read the Bible.
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We suggest you start with one of the ‘gospels’ - the biographies about Jesus. Try Mark or Luke. Then you could read Acts (the story of the first churches). After that, you could try Colossians or Philippians (short letters written to some of the first Christians).
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There are lots of different styles of writing: you could dip into some of the Psalms (a songbook which covers lots of human emotions) or Proverbs (short sayings giving wisdom for life).
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How do I start?
Come with an open heart and mind. If you’ve never read the Bible or about Jesus as an adult, be prepared to have some of your assumptions challenged.
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Before you start reading, say in your heart a prayer like, “God, if you’re real, please show me” or “God, I’d like to get to know you. Please show me who you are as I read.”
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Some resources to help you
Includes many different translations and languages - we suggest (if English is your first language) the New International Version (NIVUK) or New Living Translation (NLT). This app includes a verse for the day, and short series of guided meditations on different topics and themes. You can listen to many of the translations as well as reading them.
Filmed 5-10 years ago, these help viewers visualise the events recorded in the Gospels and Acts, alongside a standard translation narration
The Bible with Nicky & Pippa Gumbel
Includes narrated passages and a short comment from pastors of one of the UK's largest church networks about each passage’s relevance to life today. You can choose a youth, express or classic version.
Also available as an app. Excellent animated videos explaining different books and themes within the Bible. Start with their series ‘How to read the Bible’. Plus a variety of articles and podcasts.
The Bible Society
An organisation devoted to helping people read and understand the Bible. See their ‘New to the Bible?’ and ‘Curious about the Bible?’ resources