9 Best Bible Study Books and Guides For Beginners and Young Adults in 2023

by Sister McCook
Young Adults in Bible Study

If you’re just starting out on your journey to learn more about the Bible and its teachings, then it’s important to start with a reliable source.

Fortunately, there are a number of great Bible study books available today that are specifically designed for beginners and young adults.

These titles provide helpful guidance in grasping the fundamentals of faith as well as interesting perspectives on modern-day issues.

From daily devotions to deeper dives into scriptural teachings and discussions about real-world topics, these books are excellent resources if you’re looking to expand your spirituality.

Here are some of the best Bible study books that I think are great for beginners and young adults.

1. The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women by Dr. Kimberly D. Moore

The Bible in 52 Weeks book is a great way for young adults who are new to the Bible to read and learn because it offers easily manageable sections to read each day.

With helpful illustrations, questions, and writing exercises, it guides readers through God’s Word with the aim of completing it in a year or less.

Perfect for personal study, it can help deepen understanding of the Bible and helps in developing a consistent quiet time routine.

2. What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?: An Interactive Bible Study by Amanda Jenkins

This book is an interactive Bible study by Amanda Jenkins that helps readers explore Isaiah 43 and its fulfillment in Jesus.

It includes script excerpts, quotes, and illustrations from the show as well as guiding questions for groups or individuals.

Through this study, readers can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be chosen by Jesus and the implications of being part of God’s family.

3. Bible Study Guide for Beginners: Each of the 66 Books Explained for Getting Started (The Bible Study Book) by Brian Gugas

This book serves as a road map for the beginner to appreciate and make part of their daily living with the 66 books of the Bible.

It provides you with key themes, summaries, and devotions for each book to help you gain a deeper understanding of God and Jesus Christ.

It is an inspirational guide for those looking to strengthen their connection with the Word of God.

4. 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, 30th Anniversary: Unlock the Scriptures in 15 minutes a day by  Max E. Anders

30 Days to Understanding the Bible is a classic, simple-to-use guide to unlocking the treasures of God’s Word in just 15 minutes a day.

It features the “Arc of Bible History,” the “Story of the Bible,” core beliefs, a 13-week plan, and bonus content.

Perfect for young adults who want to get more out of Scripture.

5. NKJV Study Bible, Hardcover, Burgundy, Full-Color, Comfort Print: The Complete Resource for Studying God’s Word by Thomas Nelson

The NKJV Study Bible is perfect for engaging and understanding Scripture, featuring;

  • Full-color illustrations
  • Photos
  • Book introductions
  • Outlines
  • Timelines
  • Bottom-of-page study notes
  • Word-studies
  • Bible Times and Cultural Notes, articles, and indexes to help readers get the most out of their Bible study.

Along with this, it offers tables, maps, and charts, 32,000 references, and an easy-to-read 9-pt print size.

There is plenty of material in this book that makes it the perfect resource for studying God’s Word!

6. Self-Study Bible Course (Expanded) by Derek Prince

This book provides an updated and expanded guide to help readers better understand the Bible.

It answers questions such as how to have victory over sin, how to receive answers to prayer, and what God’s plan for prosperity and healing is.

It helps you gain intimacy with God and experience how being close to God can create important changes in your life.

7. Beginner’s Bible Study Guide: An Introduction to All 66 Books of the Bible by  Rev. Cameron Trimble

Rev. Cameron Trimble’s Beginner’s Bible Study Guide provides an informative introduction to all 66 books of the Bible with tools like synopses, key verses, and reflection questions to help readers understand the context of each book.

It is an inclusive guide that allows all Christians, beginners or experienced, to connect with God’s Word and deepen their understanding and faith.

8. The NIV Action Study Bible (Action Bible Series) by  Sergio Cariello

This NIV Action Study Bible is a full-text study Bible for preteens that helps them build a strong foundation of faith.

It includes insights to tough questions, Who did what, when and where and why it matters?, Guess It? sections with five clues, Activate Reflection for Bible themes and how they apply to life, Ancient Archives for the cultural history of ancient times, and comic-book-style illustrations by Sergio Cariello.

This is a great book for beginners, young adults, and teens to get a better understanding of the scriptures and a stronger connection with God.

9. 16 Bible Studies for Your Small Group by Ryan Lokkesmoe

This book provides all the resources necessary for facilitating 16 small-group meetings, including icebreaker questions, Scripture passages, discussion questions, and prayer guides.

It’s an ideal resource for both new and experienced small-group leaders, allowing them to draw closer to God and each other as they explore the biblical community.

What is the best way to study the Bible for beginners?

The best way for beginners to study the Bible is to use a combination of reading, reflecting, and discussing.

Start by reading slowly through the Bible, taking time to reflect on the passages, and writing down any questions or insights that come up.

Then, find a Bible study guide/book and group, either online or in-person, to help you gain more understanding and discuss the material with others.

Finally, take time for daily devotionals, prayer, and journaling to help you deepen your relationship with God and gain practical tools for applying the Bible’s teachings in your life.

All of these together will help you gain a better understanding of the Bible, build a stronger foundation in your faith, and learn how to apply its teachings to your daily life.

What are the Easiest Bible study Guides for beginners?

Some of the easiest Bible study guides are the ones that I have mentioned above. Look through the list and see which ones you like most.

These are also great beginner Bible study books for adults as well.

4 Bible Study Audiobooks for Beginners

If you would like to get the audio version of some beginner-friendly study guides, you can listen to any of these for free with a 30-day free trial on Audible.

  1. Bible Study Guide for Beginners: Each of the 66 Books Explained for Getting Started by Brian Gugas
  1. Bible Workbook and Guide: Study and Understand Book by Book by Brian Gugas
  1. How to Study the Bible for Beginners: Study Guide on How and Where to Start Learning the Bible by Brian Gugas
  1. 16 Bible Studies for Your Small Group – Ryan Lokkesmoe

Having A Bible Study Guide Makes Understanding The Bible Easier

Bible study books for beginners and young adults can be an invaluable resource in exploring the pages of scripture.

Perfect for those just beginning their exploration, they provide an excellent guide on how to understand the foundational teachings of Christianity.

With sections devoted to particular topics, such as prayer, salvation, and discipleship, as well as commentary from scriptural experts, these books can help readers gain a better comprehension of Biblical concepts without needing to navigate through complex theological literature.

Suitable for individual or group study settings, these titles provide useful resources with illuminating insights using practical examples that readers can easily relate to.

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