Discipleship Formation
One of the most common questions new believers ask is:
“Where should I start reading the Bible?”
My answer may be a little different than what you’ve heard before.
I recommend starting with:
Genesis, the Gospels, and Revelation.
Why?
Because together they tell the story of God’s design, God’s solution, and God’s restoration.
Start with Genesis
Genesis answers some of life’s biggest questions:
- Who is God?
- Who am I?
- Why is the world broken?
- What was God’s original design for humanity?
Before we can understand redemption, we must understand what was lost.
Genesis introduces us to creation, identity, purpose, sin, and God’s covenant relationship with humanity.
Genesis Reading Plan
Read:
Genesis 1–3
As you read, pay close attention to:
- God’s original design
- Humanity’s purpose
- The introduction of sin
- The consequences of disobedience
- God’s promise of redemption
After reading:
📖 Complete the Genesis 3 Worksheet
📖 Read the Reflection:
Understanding Genesis, Revelation & the Restoration of God’s Original Design
Read the Gospels
The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—introduce us to Jesus.
Here we learn:
- Who Jesus is
- What He taught
- How He lived
- What discipleship looks like
The goal of Christianity is not merely learning information about Jesus but learning to follow Him.
The Gospels show us what that looks like.
📖 Read the Reflection: The Cost of the Cross: Why Transformation Isn’t Easy
Read Revelation
Many people avoid Revelation because it seems complicated.
But Revelation reveals something important:
God wins.
The Bible begins in a garden and ends with restoration.
Revelation gives believers hope by showing us where the story is ultimately going.
Revelation Reading Plan
Read:
Revelation 1–3
- The revelation of Jesus Christ
- The seven churches
- Spiritual readiness
Revelation 4–5
- The throne room of God
- Worship in heaven
- The Lamb who is worthy
Revelation 21–22
- The New Heaven and New Earth
- The restoration of all things
- God’s dwelling with His people
After each section:
📖 Complete the accompanying worksheet for that chapter reading.
What The Book of Revelation Is Not
Revelation Chapters 1-3, Revelation Chapter 4 (more worksheets available soon, email support@inspiredbygodvisions.org for additional reading plan worksheets if not available on the site.)
Read the Bible Through the Lens of Formation
As you read, remember that the goal is not simply gaining information.
The goal is formation.
Information asks:
What do I know?
Formation asks:
Who am I becoming?
The Formation Pathway looks like this:
Awareness → Learn God’s truth.
Examine → Compare your beliefs with Scripture.
Renew → Allow God’s truth to reshape your thinking.
Respond → Practice what God reveals.
Transform → Become more like Christ.
The Bible is not merely a book to be studied.
It is God’s invitation into relationship, discipleship, and transformation.
Read slowly.
Ask questions.
Pray often.
And remember:
The goal is not simply to finish the Bible.
The goal is to allow God’s Word to transform your life.
Explore the Discipleship Hub for more foundational insights.
Leave a Reply