Version 1 - I know nothing about the Bible
At this level, I would suggest reading the following books of the Bible:
- Gospel of John - This is the best book to get to know who Jesus is.
- Gospel of Luke - This is the more detailed history of Jesus
- Romans - written by the Apostle Paul, and details who we are in light of the work of Christ
- More gospels - Mark and Matthew
- Acts - to see the workings of the early Church, and what the Holy Spirit does
- Galatians, Ephesian, Philippians, Colossians - the main "church" epistles
Version 2 - I want a general plan to learn the Bible
At this level, I would suggest a three phased plan (all 3 are simultaneous):
- Read through the entire Bible in a year. Do this as casual reading, to get the big picture of the entire Bible. There are many plans and apps available to help with this.
- Study one Book of the Bible in depth (more on that later). Typically this is good to do in a group, where you can discuss it.
- Meditate on 1 verse every day. A different one each day. This should be a "promise" verse, or a verse that encourages you. Memorize it if you can.
Version 3 - I am disenchanted, and really need to see God
At this level, I would suggest a very focused encouragement. Every day alternate reading the following 2 passages:
- John 15-17
- Romans 6-8
Version 4 - I want to really dig in deep to study the Bible
At this level, I would suggest the following tools:
- Multiple translations/versions of the Bible (NIV, KJV, ESV, etc). There are lots of arguments over which is the best translation. Just read the one you like, and when you study, see what the other versions are saying. Sometimes one version really captures a passage in way that others don't
- An interlinear bible (it has the original Greek with English translations of each word, and then a regular translation (NIV, etc) on the opposite page)
- Strongs Concordance (or the internet)
Summary
In all cases,