Are you a new Christian just starting to read the Bible? Or are you an established believer trying to get closer to God? Maybe you’re just curious about the Bible and what it is.
If so, this article might be for you.
Many people claim to be Christians yet never read their Bibles. According to various statistics, only approximately 35-60% of Christians read their Bibles even weekly.
So, I’ve put together a shockingly simple reading plan for what I believe are the most important books of the Bible. This isn’t a “Read The Whole Bible In One Year” plan. Instead, it’s a lightly guided tutorial on how to really read your Bible. After finishing the first reading plan, I will provide some reading prompts to help you continue on your own. Additionally, you can go into even greater depth in the book How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth!
Bible Reading Plan: Understanding What the Bible Is
(A) The Bible is God’s Word
The Bible is God’s word and instruction to His children. It contains several commands and blessings for following those commands, including safety, prosperity, and, most notably, eternal life in Heaven. There is no other way to learn about these blessings except through the Bible. While following God isn’t easy, it will bring immense joy and stability to your life. The best way to learn about these blessings is by reading God’s written word.
(B) The Bible is a Problem Solver
Facing difficult decisions, gossip, or peer pressure? The Bible won’t answer every specific question, like “Should I buy a red shirt or a blue shirt?” However, it provides universal principles that can guide you through many aspects of life.
(C) The Bible is a Compilation
The Bible is comprised of 66 smaller books written over several hundred years. It has two main sections:
- The Old Testament: The first 39 books of the Bible.
- The New Testament: The final 27 books, which include the birth of Jesus.
Across these 66 books, you’ll find stories, teachings, poems, sayings, and letters. (Side note: There is a lot of poetry in the Bible!)
A Shockingly Simple Reading Plan
- Start with Prayer
Begin your reading sessions with a short, simple prayer. For example, “God, help me learn and understand your word. Amen.” If you can’t think of a specific prayer, just use this one! - Read Daily
Read 3 chapters a day, starting with Matthew 1 and ending with John 21. - Engage with the Text
Don’t just glance through the pages. Pay close attention and ask yourself these three questions as you read:- How can I apply this?
- When can I apply this?
- Why should I apply this?
- Reflect and Pray
After reading, reflect on what you’ve learned. Repeat the three questions if necessary. End your session with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Repeat this process for 30 days, and you’ll be surprised by how much you’ve learned.
Continue Your Journey
Don’t stop after the 30-day mark! Read the Book of Proverbs—just one chapter a day will teach you a lot. Feel free to explore other books as well; read a random chapter from any book of the Bible if you like. The key is to ensure you are learning while you read.
Related Reading: Starting a Biblical Business