kshelf. Open it up first to the first gospel of the New Testament, St. Matthew. Though it is not necessary to read the first 3 gospels in order that they are written, it is best. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the "Synoptic Gospels", meaning that they are virtually the exact same in layout and content. The Gospel of John is far more distinct and somewhat difficult. Make a Bible reading outline in your daily schedule. Set aside as much time as you can each day to read the Bible, even if it is only 5 minutes; you can usually read a chapter in 5 minutes. Don't restrict yourself to just reading the Word; pray on the Word. The Bible is not only the blueprints of the Church, but also the blueprints of our faith. Take a little extra time to pray and meditate on what God has revealed in the Scriptures as you read. Say a rosary, read a hymn or devotional, or just sit back and let God talk to you. Each of these brings you closer to God, and to his Church. Once you have finished with the Gospels, you reach the book of Acts, which is the sequal to the Gospels. While each Gospel ends at the Resurrection of Christ, the Acts of the Apostles picks up where the Gospels left off. You read of the first Pentecost, the first sight of St. Peter as the leader of the church, and the most climatic moment in Acts: the first mass. After Acts comes the Epistles and Letters, such as Romans, Hebrews, the epistles of Peter and Paul, and then James. You eventually reach Revelation, but don't be in a huge rush to get there. If possible, re-read each book when you have completed it. Take the Bible slowly. If you feel the need to rush, go to God in prayer and ask for patience. You will only do yourself more harm if you rush into apologetics without taking it slowly, because if you do have the chance to evangelize, and put your own ambition over patience, you will find yourself searching for answers, and will make your position for the Church useless.So now you have...
