Every year I encourage the people of Malvern Hill and other Christians to read through the Bible. I have made it a goal for many years to read through the entire Bible and have normally finished. As I have pointed out here, you can read the Bible. It takes effort and discipline, but only about 15 minutes per day.
This year, I want you to read the Bible. But, I want to come along side you. This year, I want you to really grasp the The Whole Story of God’s word, but you won’t be alone. I will be preaching through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. We will also be providing weekly discussion questions and LifeGroup curriculum so that you can work through the Bible together with you family and your LifeGroup.
There is a richness to all parts of God’s word. But there is a particular wealth that is found in familiarizing yourself with The Whole Story. Reading the whole Bible is no easy task, but it is possible. And, we will be here to help you. To hold you accountable, and even to struggle with you in the hard days.
2020 has been a challenge and we are praying that 2021 is better. We can’t control all that will happen in the new year, but I can promise that time in God’s word will be a blessing.
Join with me this year. You can find more information and some great study helps on The Whole Story tab on our church website. The reading plan we will follow is here.
If you have never read through the whole Bible, here are a few tips to help you complete your goal this year:
- Set aside a particular time and place to read each day. I find that it is much easier for me to get my reading done if it is the first thing I do each day.
- Enlist an accountability partner. Just like a fitness plan, knowing you have someone else with you will help you to push through the hard days.
- Choose a readable translation and a good study Bible so that you can understand what you are reading. I recommend the ESV or the CSB translation. There is a list of good options here.
- Keep a printed Bible reading guide handy to track your progress. I like to strike through the completed sections. It just feels good to see the progress every day.
- Talk about your reading with someone. It will help you to remember what you have read.
- Consider audio Bibles if you drive a lot or are a slow reader (the YouVersion app is a great option).
- Don’t get behind. Reading 10-15 minutes per day isn’t too hard. But, if you get 3 or 4 days behind, you may need an hour to make it up. Try to keep up.
- Don’t get discouraged. You can read the whole Bible in 2021. But, what if you get behind and it takes you until sometime in 2022 to finish. You will still have read the entire Bible.
2020 has been a challenge. 2021 is going to start off in the darkness of a pandemic surge. But, the light of the gospel is bright even in our darkest days. God has revealed himself in his word and he invites us to know him through it. Join with me in 2021 and get better acquainted with The Whole Story. And invite someone to join you in the journey.
