The Bible
At Gold Hill, one of our core values is being Bible-Saturated. But what does that really mean—and how can we all live it out?
What is the Bible?
It might look like one big book, but the Bible is actually a whole library—66 books written over many centuries. It starts with the first five books, known as the Torah, which tell the story of the Jewish people and how they came to live in the eastern Mediterranean.
From there, you’ll find all kinds of writing: history, poetry, prophecy, wise sayings and more. The first 39 books—written before Jesus was born—are called the Old Testament.
Then there’s the New Testament—27 books written after Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. These include four biographies of Jesus (known as the Gospels) and letters written to some of the first Christian communities.
Christians believe the Bible isn’t just an old collection of writings—it’s inspired by God. That means God worked through human authors, speaking into real situations in history, to reveal his truth. Because of this, we treat the Bible as our ultimate guide for what we believe and how we live. It doesn’t just pass on information—it helps us understand who God is, what he’s done, and how we can respond.
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, but for the last 500 years it’s been available in English—and there are now lots of different translations to choose from.
How should I read the Bible?
Since the Bible is a library, not a single book, it’s not the kind of thing you’d usually read cover to cover. Starting at page one and working through to the end can be confusing (and a bit overwhelming).
If you’re just starting out, we recommend beginning with the Gospel of Mark—it’s short and tells the story of Jesus’s life in a really direct way. After that, try John’s Gospel, which digs a bit deeper into who Jesus is and why he came. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything straight away—just enjoy the bits that speak to you.
Next, try the Acts of the Apostles—the exciting story of how the early church got going after Jesus rose from the dead. You might also want to start dipping into the Psalms (songs and prayers) and Proverbs (short, punchy wisdom) from the Old Testament.
The Bible tells an epic story of how God interacts with people and ultimately points us to Jesus. It would really help you if you got to grips with the big storyline—especially key themes in the Old Testament like creation, Passover, the Exodus , the wilderness years, the promised land, King David, exile , and return. These threads all lead into the New Testament and give richer meaning to what you read there.
One way to get your head around the big story is through this New Easy Read Bible. It gives an overview of the Bible message retold in contemporary English for teens and adults.
Which Bible translation should I use?
There are lots of English translations, and they each have a slightly different flavour. Here are a few you might like to consider:
- NIV (New International Version) – This is what we use most often at church. It’s a solid balance of accuracy and readability.
- NLT (New Living Translation) – Very readable and clear. Great for personal reading, especially if you’re new to the Bible.
- KJV (King James Version) – Famous for its beautiful, old-fashioned language. It’s a classic, but the wording can be tricky.
- NKJV (New King James Version) – Keeps the feel of the KJV but updates the language a bit.
- The Message – A paraphrase, not a direct translation. It’s modern and fresh, and great for seeing things in a new light.
It’s often helpful to compare different versions of the same passage. You’ll spot new things and get a fuller picture.
Tips for getting into the Bible
- Read regularly – Even just a little each day. Lots of people set aside time each morning or evening to spend with God through prayer and the Bible.
- Switch it up – Sometimes read big chunks, like a story. Other times, slow down and savour every word—like sipping a fine whisky!
- Read with others – Join a Life Group or find someone to read with. You’ll learn so much by sharing thoughts and questions. The Bible Study Fellowship is another option
- Use a paper Bible – Apps are handy, but reading on paper can help you see how everything fits together. You can underline things and scribble notes too.
- Memorise verses – Having parts of the Bible in your memory helps it shape how you think and live.
- Pay attention on Sundays – Sermons are based on Scripture, and making notes can help you reflect on it through the week.
- Be wise online – There’s great stuff out there, but also a lot of unhelpful or misleading content. Stick to trusted sources.
Online help and resources
- YouVersion Bible App – Free, and packed with features like reading plans and audio Bibles. Great for keeping you on track when you choose to read systematically through the whole Bible.
- The Bible Project – Animated videos that explain biblical themes and books. Clear, creative, and rooted in solid theology.
- RightNow Media – As part of Gold Hill, you get free access to loads of brilliant Bible-based video content. Contact the church office to get your personal login.
- Bible Gateway – Compare translations, search verses, and read online.
- Blue Letter Bible – Dive deeper into the original Hebrew and Greek behind the English text.
Final word
Getting into the Bible isn’t about ticking a box—it’s about getting to know God better. Take your time, ask questions, and let Scripture shape your life.
We want to be a church that doesn’t just know the Bible, but is saturated and changed by it.
