Before we officially begin Learning the Light: Sunday School, we are starting with a foundation episode: how to choose the right Bible for you.

If you’ve ever opened a Bible app, walked into a bookstore, or looked online and felt overwhelmed by translations like NIV, ESV, NLT, KJV, NKJV, CSB, NASB, or MSG, you are not alone. It can feel confusing fast, especially when you’re wondering which one is easiest to understand, which one is best for study, and where you should even start reading.

In this pre-episode, we break it down in a simple, practical, guilt-free way. We’ll talk about what Bible translations are, why there are so many, the difference between word-for-word and thought-for-thought translations, and how to choose a version that helps you understand God’s Word and actually want to keep reading.

We’ll also talk about why the NLT can be helpful for everyday reading, why translations like the NKJV, CSB, ESV, and NASB can be helpful for deeper study, how the KJV and NKJV fit into the conversation, and why The Message can be useful as a companion.

We’ll also walk through simple reading plan options, where to start if you are brand new to the Bible, and how to come back without shame if you miss a day.

The heart of this episode is simple: the best Bible translation is the one you will actually open, read, understand, and come back to.

This is not about perfection. It is about connection.

Scripture mentioned:
Joshua 1:8
John 8:12

Beginner-friendly places to start reading:
The Gospel of John
The Gospel of Mark
Philippians
James
Psalms

In the next pre-episode, we’ll talk about prayer and praying — what prayer is, why it matters, and how to talk to God honestly, even when you do not know what to say.

Then we’ll officially begin Learning the Light: Sunday School with John 8:12, where Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.”