Helpful Bible-Reading Resources for Families

Reading the Bible is a joy that Christians are called to continually, with the Word dwelling in us richly, as Colossians 3:16 states. Although the Word of God is powerful and never returns void, many Christians may feel challenged by not knowing how to read, understand, and apply Scripture with confidence. Continue to discover resources that meet readers where they are, from those opening the Bible for the first time to those seeking deeper study. Each tool is designed to illuminate context, help us see Law and Gospel more clearly, and draw us closer to Christ.

Guiding Word

The Guiding Word series
will provide a structured path through the entire Bible in six volumes, with three volumes already released. Starting with The Books of Moses, this series connects each text of Scripture with study to clarify context, explain cultural background, and point to Christ throughout the Old and New Testaments. With features like “Picture of the Savior” and “Link Between the Testaments,” readers are shown how every part of God’s Word connects to His promise of salvation. Whether used in classrooms, small groups, or personal devotions, Guiding Word helps readers see the grand story of salvation with Christ at its heart.

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible encourages a habit of daily meditation and includes introductions to each book, prayers, diagrams, and nine reading plans. This version helps encourage longer, more reflective reading. It is particularly helpful for family devotions or anyone looking to cultivate a habit of engaging with Scripture as a unified story. The single-column format is an essential feature because it allows for a more natural reading experience, flowing seamlessly across the page like a traditional book.

The Lutheran Study Bible

When deeper explanation and commentary are needed, The Lutheran Study Bible provides the most comprehensive set of study tools available from a Lutheran perspective. Notes on each page explain difficult passages, highlight Law and Gospel, and include cross-references, maps, and Luther’s Small Catechism. With prayers, articles, and reading plans, this resource functions not only as a study Bible but as a companion for a lifetime of learning, teaching, and worship.

For readers who want this same depth in a more portable format, The Lutheran Study Bible App makes these features accessible anywhere. Available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, the app provides the complete ESV text with Lutheran study notes, articles, maps, cross-references, and even an audio narration option. Readers can create custom notes and highlights, track their progress with built-in reading plans, and search the Bible by verse, keyword, or topic.

Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible 

Alongside these editions of the Bible, Andrew R. Jones’s Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible serves as a practical companion for readers at any stage. By framing Scripture study around ten simple yet profound questions, Jones helps readers consider context, perspective, and application. Questions like “How does this passage point me to Christ?” encourage Christians to dig deeper while keeping the Gospel front and center. It is valuable for new Bible readers and for Christians who are already familiar with Scripture but want to read with fresh insight.

Faith Alive Student Bible

Whether a junior high student or adult learner, the Faith Alive Student Bible offers unique features alongside the entire ESV text that explain the people, places, and promises of God’s Word. With tools like “Who, What, When, Where, and Why” fact boxes, “4U” applications that personalize Scripture, and “Cross Connections” that tie every passage back to Jesus, students are equipped to see the relevance of God’s Word in their own lives. Articles, timelines, maps, and introductions provide helpful context while keeping the focus on the story of salvation. This Bible is an excellent choice for home, school, or confirmation class, as it helps equip youth to grow in faith and confidence in God’s promises.

The Story Bible

For younger children, The Story Bible provides an introduction to reading God’s Word. This collection includes 130 stories drawn directly from Scripture and pairs them with lifelike, beautiful illustrations that capture the attention of little ones. Each story keeps Christ at the center, highlighting Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Jesus. This edition also includes prayers, discussion questions, activities, and a user’s guide to help parents and teachers use it effectively at different stages of child development. Its large, readable text and engaging art make it perfect for reading together at home, in school, or in Sunday school. The Story Bible is an excellent step in helping children grow in their understanding of God’s Word and develop into lifelong Bible readers. 

Growing in Biblical Learning

Together, these resources offer multiple entry points into the riches of Scripture—regardless of age—and provide depth, clarity, and doctrinal grounding. Each of these resources reflects the same truth: God’s Word is living and active, always pointing us to Jesus Christ, who saves and sustains us by His grace.

Browse dozens of different Bibles that will encourage all ages to spend more time in God’s Word.