Bible Reading Schedule for Beginners

Are you new to the Christian faith or simply looking to reignite your passion for the Word of God? Welcome, friend, to the enriching world of Bible study! As Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4:4, NKJV). As Christians, it’s essential that we nourish our souls by regularly partaking in the rich wisdom and knowledge provided by the Bible. But, with 66 books and over 1,000 chapters, figuring out where to start can be daunting, especially for beginners. Fear not, for we have crafted a Bible reading schedule tailored just for you.

In this easy-to-follow guide, we will help you navigate the Bible, offering a balanced mix of Old and New Testament scriptures, so you can immerse yourself in God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. We’ve also included thoughtful pauses for reflection and prayers to further enhance your spiritual journey. With our conversational approach, we aim to make your Bible reading experience not only informative but also deeply engaging and transformative.

So, grab your Bible, a notebook, and a pen, and join us on this exciting adventure as we explore God’s timeless truths together!

1. An Introduction to Bible Reading Schedules for Beginners

Starting a journey through the Word of God can seem overwhelming, but it’s crucial for spiritual growth, as the Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom, encouragement, and truth. For those who are new to regular Bible reading, it can be helpful to have a structured plan to create consistency and a sense of progress. Delving into this ancient text can be intimidating, but having a Bible reading schedule can simplify the process and enhance your walk with God.

There are numerous plans and approaches to choose from, and it’s a good idea to initially try out a variety of Bible reading schedules in order to find the one that connects best with your spiritual needs. For beginners, consider starting with one of the following:

• 30-Day Reading Plan: This plan covers key chapters of both the Old and New Testaments, ideally suited for those who want a brief overview of the Bible.
• 90-Day Reading Plan: This schedule provides a fast track through the entire Bible, covering larger chunks of Scripture each day.
• One-Year Reading Plan: Arguably the most popular schedule, this plan separates the Bible into daily segments to be completed over the course of a year. This pace allows more time to reflect upon and absorb the Scriptures, as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) affirms, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to engage with the Bible as long as you are approaching it with genuine respect, humility, and a heart open to God’s wisdom.

2. Why Following a Structured Plan is Beneficial for New Bible Readers

Firstly, following a structured plan when reading the Bible helps to prevent feelings of being overwhelmed. As a newcomer to the Bible, the sheer volume and depth of information contained within can be a lot to digest. A structured Bible reading plan helps to break down the content into manageable, digestible pieces, providing a clear direction for your journey through God’s Word. For example, many plans might suggest you to begin with the Gospels such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, where you can read about Jesus’ life and teachings. This allows you to build a solid foundation of understanding and faith before diving into other, more complex books.

Secondly, following a structured plan ensures a balanced and comprehensive exposure to different books and themes of the Bible. The Bible is made up of numerous books, written by various authors and often addressing different topics. A well-thought-out reading plan can ensure that you encounter a variety of styles, messages, and valuable teachings from different parts of the Bible, such as:

• Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Proverbs
• New Testament: Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, Revelation

By systematically moving through these diverse sections over time, you’ll be able to gain a holistic understanding of God’s Word and grow in your spiritual journey. Additionally, a diverse exposure to different areas of the Bible will help to keep your interest and curiosity alive throughout your reading experience.

3. Evaluating Different Types of Bible Reading Schedules

As you delve into the Word of God, it’s essential to find a reading schedule that suits your spiritual needs and availability. There are several options available to foster your growth and build an intimate relationship with the Lord. Let’s explore some popular Bible reading schedules:

• Canonical Plan: Read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a structured and chronological manner. This plan helps you read the entire Bible within a set period, often one year. However, balancing Old and New Testament readings can be a bit challenging for some readers.
• Chronological Plan: This approach arranges the Bible in the order of events as they occurred historically. For instance, you would read Job’s story alongside Abraham’s since both accounts occurred around the same time. This plan helps you better understand the historical context of the scriptures.
• Topical Plan: Focusing on a specific theme, doctrine, or book within the Bible can be highly engaging, and help address specific issues or questions. You can spend a week diving deep into the topic of love, for example, by exploring relevant verses and passages found throughout the Bible.
• Mixture Plan: For variety, combine the Old and New Testaments, providing a balance between the history, poetry, and doctrine. These plans usually have a daily reading schedule that covers a portion of the Old and New Testaments, a Psalm or Proverb, and a few verses from the Gospels.

The best plan for you will depend on your goals, spiritual maturity, and availability. Canonical and chronological plans work well for those who desire a comprehensive understanding of the entire Bible, while topical and mixture plans offer more focused studies that cater to specific interests or needs. As Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Whichever plan you choose, commit to it, and consistently seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding and strengthen your faith.

4. Recommended Beginner-Friendly Bible Reading Schedule

Starting your journey in reading the Bible may seem overwhelming at first. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you with a beginner-friendly Bible reading schedule. Our recommended approach is to break your reading into parts, focusing on specific sections of the Bible. We highly encourage setting aside time daily for your Bible study. Here are two recommended options for your reading schedule:

Option 1: The Gospels and Acts

• Week 1-3: Matthew (28 chapters)
• Week 4-6: Mark (16 chapters)
• Week 7-9: Luke (24 chapters)
• Week 10-12: John (21 chapters)
• Week 13-15: Acts (28 chapters)

Option 2: Old Testament Stories and Psalms

• Week 1-2: Genesis (chapters 1-17)
• Week 3-4: Exodus (chapters 1-20)
• Week 5-6: 1 Samuel (chapters 1-20)
• Week 7-8: 2 Samuel (chapters 1-18)
• Week 9-11: Psalms (chapters 1-72)

By following either of these schedules, you’ll be introduced to some fundamental Bible stories and teachings. These readings will give you a better understanding of Jesus’ life, ministry, and the early Church in Option 1, and an exposure to the foundational stories of the Old Testament along with the heartfelt prayers and songs from Psalms in Option 2.

During your reading, it’s essential to allow the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding. As Jesus said in John 16:13, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” Remember, there’s no rush; take your time in understanding God’s Word. It’s essential to meditate on what you read and to pray for wisdom and revelation. So go ahead, choose a schedule and dive into the wonderful world of God’s Word!

5. Tips for Staying Committed to Your Bible Reading Journey

Setting realistic goals is important when embarking on your Bible reading journey. Begin by aiming to read a few chapters daily or read through a particular book in a certain period of time. Keep in mind what Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Pray and ask God to help you develop the discipline for consistent reading, and don’t forget to also set aside time for reflection and meditation on the Word of God. Some examples of Bible reading goals could be:

• Reading the New Testament in a few months
• Reading the Old Testament in a year
• Studying a particular Bible character weekly

Find an accountability partner or join a Bible study group to help you maintain your commitment to your Bible reading journey. This interaction will help you understand and interpret the Scriptures better, as well as motivate you to read daily. As stated in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Some of the ways to engage with like-minded believers are:

• Join a weekly small group Bible study
• Find an online Bible study group
• Share your insights and learnings with a trusted friend who also reads Scriptures

Conclusion

In conclusion, embarking on a journey to dive into the Bible can be an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience for beginners. By following a well-structured Bible reading schedule, you’re setting yourself up for a greater understanding of the Word in an organized and manageable pace. We hope that these tips and recommended schedules have laid out a helpful path for you to follow, making the potentially daunting task of reading the entire Bible less intimidating.

Remember, everyone’s journey through the Bible is unique, and your pace and understanding will evolve as you progress. Keep in mind that engaging in thoughtful discussions, prayer, and supplementary resources can further enrich your experience. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter obstacles or confusion along the way; the beauty of the Bible is that it continues to reveal itself to us in new and profound ways as we grow.

As you walk forward on your journey with a , may you find not only a deeper understanding of the sacred text but also a connection with the divine wisdom and guidance it offers. Happy reading, and may God bless your pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment!

The Bible is arguably the most important book ever written and many of us often strive to read it more consistently. But, for many of us, it’s difficult when our days are usually filled with a million and one different tasks. Here we’ll provide some suggestions on a Bible reading schedule for beginners, to ensure that you are consistently engaging with the greatest piece of literature that has ever been written.



The first step is to select a regular time for reading the Bible each day. Find a window when you will not be distracted and you can invest your full attention into the reading. It could be during your morning or evening commute to work, a breakfast before work, or right before you sleep. Pick a regular time and commit to it.



Second, find a Bible reading plan. There are several to choose from and you may want to pick one based on your own goals. For instance, if you are looking for an in-depth exploration of the Bible, you may select a plan that takes you all the way from Genesis to Revelation. Or, if your goal is to simply become much more familiar with the Bible, you may want to pick a plan that covers most of the major stories of the Bible.



Third, assign a length for each day’s reading. Make sure to be realistic about the amount of time and effort you can contribute each day. It would be counterproductive to set unrealistic expectations and find yourself never reaching or barely reaching the amount of reading you set for yourself.



Fourth, keep track of your progress. It is important to have an accountability system, whether that means committing to a friend that you read each day, or simply writing check-marks in your Bible to show that you read it each day. By setting this system in place, it will be easier for you to stay consistent with your reading.



Finally, read your Bible with an open mind and heart. The most important thing is that you understand and apply it to your life, so– whenever possible–say a prayer before and after your reading. Look for patterns or lessons that apply to your life today.



By following these steps, you can guarantee that you will be consistently engaging with the Bible whether you are a beginner or an experienced reader. So, give it a try and see the difference it can make in your life!