Basics of Faith: How Does the Bible Apply to Me Today?

What do you think about the Bible?

If the idea of a book written thousands of years ago by multiple authors being the authority you build your life on feels a little strange, that makes sense. But the story of the Bible is pretty incredible, and the impact it can have on your life is immeasurable.

Let’s explore what it is and how you can start reading it.

The Bible is a collection of books—some history, some poetry, some letters, and several other genres—all telling the story of God and humanity.

What’s that story?

1. God created humanity.

2. Humanity rebelled against God.

3. God put a plan in motion to heal our relationship with Him.

The books aren’t always organized in chronological order, and the variety of authors and genres can make it feel intimidating at first. But at its core, this is the story the Bible unfolds.

The Old Testament is based primarily on the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible, though different branches of Christianity include additional writings.

The New Testament includes 27 books that were recognized over the first few centuries after Jesus’ time on earth.

Since then, theologians and scholars have spent their lives studying these texts, their languages, and their historical context—helping us learn the best ways to read and understand them.

Who wrote the Bible?

If you want to trust something, it helps to know where it came from. Understanding how the Bible was formed, who wrote it, and the world they lived in helps you:

• Understand what the Bible is communicating

• Build confidence and trust in its words

And why does that trust matter? Because the Bible is something you can build your life on.

Most of us want direction. We want to live meaningful, purposeful lives. We don’t want to reach the end and wonder if we wasted our time.

But knowing who to trust for that kind of direction can be hard.

The Bible rises to that challenge.

When we read the Bible, we find wisdom, we find hope, and we encounter the God who loves us so much He came to earth as a man, gave His life for us on the cross, and saved us.

Following Jesus also gives us purpose. Anyone who chooses to follow Him is called to share His love with others—changing lives in the process. The Bible shows us what that purpose looks like in everyday life.

If you’re ready to begin exploring the Bible for yourself, here are three helpful ways to get started.

There are countless ways people have studied the Bible for thousands of years. This can look like:

• Following a reading plan

• Attending a Bible lecture or class

• Studying commentaries

• Joining an in-person or online Bible study

• Or reading on your own

The more you learn and reflect on Scripture, the more you understand how God thinks and feels—and the more your own thoughts and feelings begin to align with His.

Explore our Beginners Bible Study Guide.

Lectio Divina is a practice that turns Bible reading into a meditative encounter with God.

It usually includes:

1. Selecting a passage of Scripture

2. Reading it slowly

3. Reflecting on what stands out

4. Listening for what God might be saying

This approach helps you move beyond simply gathering information. It engages both your heart and your spirit.

Memorizing Scripture has so many benefits. Like Lectio Divina, it invites you to dwell deeply on a passage.

As the words settle into your heart and mind, you’ll find them returning to you:

• During difficult conversations

• In moments of stress or uncertainty

• When someone needs encouragement

• When you need God's strength

Scripture you’ve planted in your mind becomes Scripture that shapes your life.

There’s no easier way to get to know God and understand His love for you than reading Scripture.

If you’re not sure where to begin, the books of Luke and Acts are a great starting point. Both were written by Luke and tell a continuous story:

• Luke covers the life and teachings of Jesus.

• Acts describes what happened next—the rise of the early church.

Starting there will give you a clear, compelling picture of Jesus and what it means to follow Him.