First and foremost, we should read the Bible to know God. Through reading the whole Bible, we see the big picture narrative of Scripture. Regularly and consistently reading has many benefits to us. Firstly, we get to know God’s character – faithful, good, Holy, gracious and loving. Scripture says that the Bible is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” – 2 Timothy 3:16, and, from the following verse, that this equips is “for every good work” – 2 Timothy 3:17. And thirdly. it helps believers to grow in maturity (Ephesians 4:14-16; Romans 12:1-2).
Good news is meant to be shared, would you agree? The Gospels, (Gospel literally means ‘Good News’), are where we find the accounts of Jesus’ life and Ministry. Well, how can we share if we do not know the Word for ourselves? I love this passage from Romans 10:13-17:
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
I truly believe in the value of reading through the whole Bible, and the easiest way to do this is through following a plan. That way we can keep track of what we have read, and work our way through it in ways that are helpful. I have read through the Bible in a year many times already, but the first time I tried was just by starting at Genesis and reading from the beginning to the end. While there is nothing wrong in doing it this way, it is really easy to be discouraged when we come to difficult passages. Also, we don’t get to the Gospels until the autumn! So, I thought it might be helpful to share some Bible Reading Plans with you.
I have used this plan three times, I think. This special plan allows you to read the whole Bible in one year, while only reading five times a week. The Old Testament Readings are placed as chronologically as possible, and the New Testament readings space the Gospels out throughout the year, to keep the reader constantly coming back to the life and teachings of Jesus.
This plan offers special features that will assist you in your journey through the Bible. Each day there are readings from four separate places in the Scripture, so that you should be able to better grasp the unity of the Scriptures, as well as enjoy the variety of seeing four different viewpoints.
It is undated, so you can begin at any point of the year.
Each month of the plan has 25 readings, which gives you several “free days”, so you could set aside one day as a day not to read, or you can catch up on any of the readings you might have missed that month.
If you are new to reading the Bible, or reading the whole Bible in a year seems too daunting, Navigators offer a New Testament Reading Plan, where you will read through the whole New Testament 5 days a week, 5 minutes a day.
5x5x5
5 minutes a day – This plan takes you through all 260 chapters of the New Testament, one chapter a day, with the Gospels read throughout the year to weave in the story of Christ all year long.
5 days a week – Determine a set time and place where you can commit to spend 5 minutes a day, 5 times a week. It’s best to have a consistent time and place to regularly plan to meet with the Lord.
5 ways to dig deeper – Pause in your reading to dig deeper into the Bible. The plan helpfully offers 5 different ways you might like to do this. Try each different method for a week until you find ways that work best for you.
This plan is neatly set out one one sheet of paper, and offers seven weekly readings. Each week you will cover Epistles (letters) on Sunday, The Law on Monday, History on Tuesday, Psalms on Wednesday, Poetry on Thursday, Prophecy on Friday, and Gospels on Saturday.
This 1-Year Plan has its readings compiled according to recent historical research, taking into account the order in which the recorded events actually occurred. This is a fantastic plan to follow if you wish to add historical context to your reading of the Bible.
There are so many other Reading Plans available to choose from, but I’ve just selected a few for you! There are also Bible in a Year plans you can follow on the Bible app, and Bible in a Year physical Bibles you can use.
Whichever plan you decide to choose, the most important thing is that you begin to make a habit of reading the Bible regularly. I guarantee you will come to know and love God more, as you read through the entire Bible. You will find a God who loves His people, and desires relationship with us all. I have found reading the Bible particularly helpful during difficult times.
God wants to speak to us, and He speaks to us primarily, these days, through His Word – the Bible – His personal love letter.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.”
Jeremiah 15:16
Have you read through the whole Bible? Which way/plan did you choose?
Will you make probably the best decision you could make this year, to get to know God more through reading His Word?
Do let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to know your thoughts!
Drawing Closer 
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