Start with the Gospel of John.
It is a clear, personal portrait of who Jesus is. After John, try Mark, then Acts.
Choose a readable translation.
The World English Bible is plain modern English; many people also like the NIV, ESV or NLT on the apps above.
Read a little each day.
One chapter, or even ten minutes, is plenty. Pausing to ask “What does this say about God? About me?” helps it sink in.
Talk to God as you read.
A short, honest prayer before you begin is enough: “God, help me understand.”
Try a plan, or read with someone.
A guided plan keeps you going. YouVersion plans (opens in a new tab) and BibleProject plans (opens in a new tab) are free. Reading with a friend or a church is even better.

Key verses

Nine verses that gather the heart of the Christian message. Quoted from the public-domain King James Version; each links to the passage in modern English (World English Bible).

God’s love
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)
The one way
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)
Salvation in Jesus
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)
Our need
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)
God’s gift
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)
By grace, through faith
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8–9 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)
Believing and confessing
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:9 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)
The good news
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)
An invitation
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 · KJV · Read in modern English (WEB) (opens in a new tab)

Know Jesus

The good news in a nutshell

God made you and loves you.
You matter to Him, and He wants a relationship with you (John 3:16).
Something is broken.
All of us have fallen short of God’s goodness, and that separates us from Him (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
Jesus bridged the gap.
He died for our sins and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). He is the one way back to the Father (John 14:6).
It is a gift.
Forgiveness and new life cannot be earned. They are given by grace, received by trusting Jesus (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9).

If you would like to talk to God

There are no magic words. This is just one way to begin, in your own words if you prefer:

“God, thank You for loving me. I know I have fallen short. I believe Jesus died for me and rose again. Please forgive me and help me follow You. Amen.”

Next steps: read the Gospel of John, tell a trusted friend, and find a church where you can grow. If you want someone to pray with you or point you to a next step, send us a note.