READ THRU the NEW TESTAMENT in 2023

You are invited and encouraged to take part in the “READ THRU THE NT IN 2023” plan.

Bible reading is an essential spiritual discipline, as Henry H. Halley once said: “The Bible is the most priceless possession of the human race… Every Christian ought to be a Bible reader… If any church could get its people as a whole to be devoted readers of God’s word, it would revolutionize the church.”

There are many “Read Thru the Bible in a Year” plans (i.e., read straight through; read through chronologically; read an OT & NT passage each day; etc.), and each has its own advantage.  The advantage of this plan is its simplicity—it involves reading a New Testament chapter a day, Monday through Friday.  The plan will take you through the entire NT in one year. 

Some keys to gaining the most benefit in this:

  1. Read Prayerfully.  It is only by the Spirit of God that we can understand the Word of God as He illuminates the truth to us (John 14:26, 16:14; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 John 2:27).  We should therefore approach the Scriptures with an attitude of humility and prayerful dependence (Psalm 119:18).
  2. Read Purposefully.  The ultimate purpose of Bible reading (and study) is to know Jesus better (John 5:39; Philippians 3:19; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 2:15).  A more thorough knowledge of the Word will also work to protect from sin and error (Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 4:14; 1 John 2:14).  Noteworthy too are the promises to bless those who read and apply the truth to their lives (Revelations 1:3; James 1:22; Psalm 1:1-3).  Read on purpose—that you might grow in your relationship with Jesus and be better equipped to serve Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
  3. Read Responsively.  Ask questions of the Scriptures as you read—what does the passage say about God? Christ? Salvation? The Gospel?  You Walk with Christ?  Look for a particular application: Is there a sin I need to forsake?  A promise to claim?  An example to follow?   A command to obey?  Consider how the passage fits into its context and into the context of the Scriptures as a whole.  Endeavor to take one truth or one application from your reading with you each day.

Some other considerations:

  1. Keep a copy of the reading plan in your Bible.  Mark off each passage as you read it to keep track of your progress.
  2. Consider finding an “accountability partner” that you might mutually encourage each other in your Bible reading.  This is something you could do daily, weekly, or even monthly, by either meeting together or via the phone or internet (email; Facebook, etc.).
  3. Don’t allow a missed day or days to discourage or distract you.  The goal is not your perfection in the discipline, but your spiritual growth in Christ (Proverbs 24:16).  Don’t be discouraged by temporary setbacks—ask God for strength and pick up where you left off.
  4. Feel free to pass on this plan to family members and friends!
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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry Conklin, born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon, served six years in the US Navy Submarine service. After earning a degree in Nuclear Technology, he worked at Trojan Nuclear Plant as a reactor operator. In 1990, after earning a Masters Degree in Theology, he became the senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria for 27 years, also serving as a fire department chaplain and making nine trips to Uganda for ministry work. After his wife’s cancer diagnosis, they moved to Heppner. Since 2021, he has served as the part-time hospice chaplain for Pioneer Hospice. In 2023 he helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter (SMCSM) and now serves at the board chairman. In February 2025 Jerry was honored as Heppner’s Man of the Year. In March 2025 Jerry was honored by US Senator Jeff Merkley for his work with SMCSM. Jerry and Laura have four children and three grandchildren.

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