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. This plan involves reading through John, Acts, and the “birth of Jesus” chapters in Matthew and Luke. Unlike previous plans, you will read through the same chapter for five days straight, which will help to gain better familiarity and heart retention of God’s truth.
Some keys to gaining the most benefit in this:
- 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).
- 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). Purposefully read, so that you can grow in your relationship with Jesus and become better equipped to serve Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- 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:
- Keep a copy of the reading plan in your Bible. Mark off each passage as you read it to keep track of your progress.
- 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.).
- 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.
- Feel free to pass on this plan to family members and friends.
| 2024 BIBLE READING PLAN | |||
| DATES | CHAPTER | DATES | CHAPTER |
| JAN 1-5 | John 1 | JULY 1-5 | Acts 6 |
| JAN 8-12 | John 2 | JULY 8-12 | Acts 7 |
| JAN 15-19 | John 3 | JULY 15-19 | Acts 8 |
| JAN 22-26 | John 4 | JULY 22-26 | Acts 9 |
| JAN 29-FEB2 | John 5 | JULY 29-AUG 2 | Acts 10 |
| FEB 5-9 | John 6 | AUG 5-9 | Acts 11 |
| FEB 12-16 | John 7 | AUG 12-16 | Acts 12 |
| FEB 19-23 | John 8 | AUG 19-23 | Acts 13 |
| FEB 26-MAR 1 | John 9 | AUG 26-30 | Acts 14 |
| MAR 4-8 | John 10 | SEPT 2-6 | Acts 15 |
| MAR 11-15 | John 11 | SEPT 9-13 | Acts 16 |
| MAR 18-22 | John 12 | SEPT 16-20 | Acts 17 |
| MAR 25-29 | John 13 | SEPT 23-27 | Acts 18 |
| APR 1-5 | John 14 | SEPT 30-OCT 4 | Acts 19 |
| APR 8-12 | John 15 | OCT 7-11 | Acts 20 |
| APR 15-19 | John 16 | OCT 14-18 | Acts 21 |
| APR 22-26 | John 17 | OCT 21-25 | Acts 22 |
| APR 29-MAY 3 | John 18 | OCT 28-NOV 1 | Acts 23 |
| MAY 6-10 | John 19 | NOV 4-8 | Acts 24 |
| MAY 13-17 | John 20 | NOV 11-15 | Acts 25 |
| MAY 20-24 | John 21 | NOV 18-22 | Acts 26 |
| MAY 27-31 | Acts 1 | NOV 25-29 | Acts 27 |
| JUNE 3-7 | Acts 2 | DEC 2-6 | Acts 28 |
| JUNE 10-14 | Acts 3 | DEC 9-13 | Matt 1 |
| JUNE 17-21 | Acts 4 | DEC 16-20 | Matt 2 |
| JUNE 24-28 | Acts 5 | DEC 23-27 | Luke 2 |
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