I get this question in my DMs more than almost any other: “I want to start reading the Bible… but where do I even begin?” If you’re wondering where to start reading the Bible, you’re not alone. This isn’t a test you can fail, and there’s no wrong first step as long as you actually take one. Here’s exactly what I tell people when they ask me this—no fluff, no overwhelm, just a real answer.

The Question Behind the Question

Before I tell you where to start, it helps to answer one thing honestly: where are you in your faith right now? Not where you think you should be. Not where you were ten years ago. Where you actually are today. Because the best starting point genuinely depends on the answer — and there’s no shame in either one.

If You’ve Been a Christian for a While

If you grew up in church, or you’ve walked with God for years and you simply want to read through the entire Bible for the first time (or the first time in a long time) — start at the beginning. Genesis 1:1.

You already have the foundation. You know who Jesus is and why He matters. So there’s no reason to skip around or overthink it. Start where the story starts, and let it unfold in order the way it was written.

If You’re New to Faith, or the Bible Feels Unfamiliar

If you’re newer to Christianity — whether you just started following Jesus or you’re exploring what it even means — don’t start in Genesis. Start in the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Here’s why that matters. The entire Bible exists because of Jesus — His life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. Understanding why the cross matters, and why we needed a Savior in the first place, gives you the foundation everything else in Scripture builds on. Starting with Jesus first means every other book you read after that will make far more sense, because you already know how the story leads there.

Why This Actually Matters More Than “Just Start Anywhere”

A lot of well-meaning advice says “just open your Bible anywhere and start reading.” I understand the sentiment — any reading is better than no reading. But if you land in the middle of Leviticus or Numbers as your very first experience with Scripture, there’s a real chance you close the book and don’t pick it back up. That’s not a reflection of your faith. It’s just a hard place to start cold.

Starting intentionally — Genesis for the seasoned reader, the Gospels for the new or returning reader — sets you up to actually keep going instead of stalling out in week one.

How This Works Inside the Cover to Cover Bible Journal

This exact question is why the Cover to Cover Bible Journal is built the way it is. Right after the pre-work pages, if you’re ready to read the whole Bible in order, you begin in Genesis — no guesswork about what comes next.

But if you’re new to faith or new to reading Scripture altogether, there’s a tab literally labeled “Jesus” that takes you straight to the beginning of the New Testament. No searching, no flipping through pages trying to figure out where the Gospels are. Just turn to the tab that matches where you are, and start.

You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out

You don’t need a theology degree, a perfect routine, or years of church background to open your Bible for the first time. All you need is a starting point that actually fits where you are — and permission to begin without pressure.

Ready to start? Whether this is your first time or your fifth attempt, the Cover to Cover Bible Journal was built to meet you exactly where you are.

→ Preorder yours today — shipping mid-August. No dates, no deadlines, no guilt. Just you and God’s Word, at your pace, for as long as it takes.

Amanda Stores

If this encouraged you, I’d love to have you join me over on Instagram. It’s where I share more of the everyday moments, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes of this Cover to Cover Bible Journey.