HOW TO READ AND REFERNECE THE BIBLE
Don't be confused or feel like you can't attend a Bible study because you are a beginner. It sounds simple enough: to read a book you open it up and read left to right. The Holy Bible is a unique book, though; in fact God's word is living, so therefore the scriptures apply as much today as they did thousands of years ago. The bible is organized in a unique way to make referencing verses in the future easy. The first step is opening your Bible, so please do so and follow along. In just a short time, you will feel confident and will understand how the Bible is organized and how to find what you want to study.
READING & REFERENCING MADE EASY
Open your Bible to the front. Within the first few pages you should find the Table of Contents. The Bible is divided into two main parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word Testament comes from the Latin and means "covenant" or a contract agreement between two or more people. The Old Testament is the "Old Agreement" and the New Testament is the "New Agreement" between God and His people. Within each Testament you will notice that there are many books listed. These books contain the holy scriptures, God's word. The Old Testament and New Testament are equally important and will help you discover the very nature of God and man. The New Testament offers us a new hope, since we all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son; that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Let's Begin:
How do you find John 3:16 in your Bible?
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Start with the Table of Contents. Look under the New Testament section. Scrolling down the page you will see Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and additional books.
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Turn to the page number listed next to "John." You will note on that page a large number "1" at the top of the page. The large number "1" is the Chapter.
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Now turn the page and look for Chapter "3", you are looking for the big "3." As you begin to read John Chapter 3, you will notice smaller numbers at the head of the verses. You want to scroll down to the small number "16" that is the verse number.
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You will read the following "16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." 
Did you see the extra verse listed here? It's verse 17, denoted by a small number 17.
You have now located and read John (3:16), or another way to say it is, "The book of John, Chapter 3, verse 16. John (3:16)
You did it!
Congratulations on locating and reading this bible verse! As you read the Bible every day, keep a notepad and jot down Book, Chapter, and Verse of anything that catches your eye and touches your heart. These are the verses that God is using to speak into your life right where you are. Jesus Christ always meets us just where we are in life even though we are imperfect. Seeking God is the first step to discovering that God has been right there all the time knocking at the door of your heart. It is your free will to open up the door and let him in. He loves us that much, he gives us the right to make our own decisions. Matthew 6:33a tells us this: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness."
Go to the Table of Contents and find the New Testiment Book of Revelation, which is the last book fo the Bible. Revelation written by John who Jesus loved so very much. John's love for Jesus was so very special that Jesus appreared to John later in John's life, after Jesus had ascended into heaven. The book of Revelation foretells the future, and everyone who reads it is blessed. Here are the verses in Revelation 3:20-22: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, Just as I overcame and sat with my Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches." There are many versions of The Bible and the Holy Spirit will guide you on which one is best for you. The most sophisticated version is the King James Version and a highly recommended version is the NIV meaning "New International Version." Many versions highlight Jesus' words in red. Enjoy and get started with the greatest book ever written, In the Hebrew language, The Holy Bible means "The Holy Book."