Thoughts

Chris outlines his rationale for doing 12 month-long challenges this year as well as the types of challenges he will use. His first challenge is reading the entire Bible in seven days. (Related post.) My Thought I’ve often thought that using month-long challenges or sprints would be good as a congregation as it would give focus and still feels manageable.

In this video, Dr. Donald Whitney gives reasons why one should use a Bible reading plan. In addition, he shares his preferred plan which starts in Genesis, Joshua, Job, Isaiah, and Matthew. He also affirms the wisdom behind a plan that has days off each month. Here is how Dr. Whitney describes this plan in his book “Spiritual disciples for the Christian Life”: “My favorite plan involves reading in five places each day....

Questions Helpful questions to consider in choosing a Bible reading plan: What are you looking for? (Biblical knowledge or connection with God?) How long do you want to read? Ask God. My Thoughts Good overview and examples of the different types of plans. I appreciate his own personal emphasis on the Gospels. Wisely warns about reading straight through the Bible. (I agree.) I look forward to his forth-coming plan!...

There seem to be five basic Bible reading plans: Through the Bible – Classic and straightforward, but not without challenges. Daily office lectionary – Based on, for example, The Book of Common Prayer (2019) of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). (Fascinating article and resources on the ACNA 2019 Daily Office.) Thematic – Such as those found at Bible.com. Customized – Like Tim Chester’s three year plan or Professor Horner’s plan which has 10 chapters per day....

The classic and most common approach to a Bible reading plan is to read straight through – often starting in January. While convenient, it keeps the reader outside of the New Testament until very late in the year. In addition, working through Leviticus in the dead of winter (at least in the northern hemisphere) is a double whammy that stifles many a good intention. Guardrails That said, any plan and any Scripture intake is better that no plan and no Scripture intake!...

After years of being involved in preparing a Bible reading plan for our church, the following are my currently desired “core characteristics” for a plan. 5 days a week (Weekdays) – This allows catch-up on the weekends. 2 chapters a day – Feels manageable, but provides space for a daily psalm or proverb (see below). Through books of the Bible – Read books as they were intended. Follows church calendar (esp....