read the bible

Everything that Christians believe and think can be found in the pages of the Holy Bible, (sometimes referred to as Scripture or The Word). Christians believe that the greatest & reliable way to know Jesus, is to to read the Bible. 
This is because the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, (what Christians call the Gospels) could best be described as Jesus’ autobiographies, pieces of writing from real life people who either knew Jesus personally, or directly spoke to people that did. 
Not only is Jesus found in the Gospels, but in every page of scripture. It is for this reason that the Bible is the foundational text of the Christian faith.

2 Timothy 3:16 

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Psalm 119:105 

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
The Bible doesn’t just teach us about Jesus, it is the very words of God Himself, written by human authors, but inspired by God through His Holy Spirit. When we read the Bible it also reads us, it wants to shape us and mold us to look more like Jesus. The Bible will transform us, not just be teaching us what to do and what not to do, but by giving us a whole new way of seeing ourselves, seeing the world, and seeing God 
We pray that as you begin to read the Bible you will feel closer to God and equipped to live a life that honors Him.

Getting started 

The best way to start reading the Bible is just to start! We recommend starting with the Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Generally it helps to have a set time everyday to read the Bible, as you start your day, before you go to bed, or both. 
You will find big numbers and little numbers; the big numbers are called chapters, the little numbers are called verses. These numbers are merely reference numbers that Chrisitans have added to help us navigate our way around the text. Try reading one chapter a day, pray to God that He would speak to you through His word, and then make sure you ask any questions about what you read to your connect group leader/Pastor. 
Helpful resources 
  • The YouVersion Bible App 
This App has the entire Bible in multiple languages and translations. It also has reading plans, videos and lots of other great content to help you read the Bible, and best of all it means you can carry your Bible in your phone and have it with you wherever you go

  • Bible Project YouTube channel 
A great channel on YouTube to subscribe to for amazing visually well created videos that explain the Bible and how to read it

  • C3 courses and Connect Groups  
C3 Invercargill runs a number of courses throughout the year to help you discover more about the Bible. We also have a number of different connect groups you can join where people from the church regularly gather to discuss the Bible and how to follow the way of Jesus. For more information on our courses or connect groups go to our website  

  • Free Bibles
If you do not own a copy of the Bible our church would love to gift you one. Just email us