2014 Bible Reading plan

Every year we have a Bible reading and memorization plan where we read through the entire Bible during the year.  Last year we did a chronological reading so that we read the events in historical order as much as possible.  This year we will do something different.

 I don't know about you, but I have often found that my mind and attention can wander while reading.  Reading out loud helps because it involves speaking and hearing and makes me slow down, but even better is taking notes as I go.  That really makes me engage the text!  Thus, the basic layout for this year is one New Testament (NT) chapter each day, Monday – Friday, along with several Old Testament (OT) chapters each day, Monday – Sunday.  During the week when we have our NT chapter, I would encourage you to not just read, or read out loud, but take some notes or outline the NT chapter as you go.  That will significantly slow you down and make you think about the text.

We will move through the Books of the OT in the order they appear in the Bible.  For the NT though, we will jump around some.  I have grouped the NT books so that we will basically do one of the Gospels each quarter.  Along with each Gospel will be some NT Epistles.  For instance, with Mark will be 1 & 2 Peter since Mark (the person) spent a lot of time with Peter.  Luke will have all of Paul’s epistles with it since Luke and Paul where often traveling companions.  Something else I am interested to see myself, is how the OT and NT readings will match up.   For example, the Passover in Exodus 12 falls the same day as Jesus’ sacrifice in Mark 15.  There will be other connections too, such as reading Leviticus and Hebrews at the same time.

There are many ways to do this NT study, from a simple outline to detailed exegesis.  This Wednesday (1/8114) we will talk about some ways of doing this and then you can decide what the Lord wants for you to do.  I will also post some of that on this blog next week.
 
This reading plan gives us a chance to read the OT and NT all year, and the Gospels throughout the year as well.  It also gives us a chance to see how the OT and NT go together.  The schedule for the first three months is listed in the archives on the blog under "Bible Reading Plan for January-March 2014."

I will list the week's Bible memory verse on the blog as well.

If you've missed the start, that's okay, just jump in wherever we are in the schedule.  Don't let that hinder you!