READING PLAN: BEGINNER
A note from Pastor Jordan:
I still vividly remember what it felt like to open a bible for myself for the first time about 20 years ago. Up to that point, the only time I ever read any scripture was when I was at church. When I first started to read the Bible for myself, I didn't know where to begin, so I prayed and dropped my bible on the bed to see where it would open. I had some exciting times reading, but I wouldn't recommend that as a formula for hearing from God!
Before you dig in to this plan, please make sure you watch our How to Read the Bible Class. I can't emphasize enough how helpful this will be for you.
This plan is intended to help you understand the overarching story of scripture and where you fit in.
Is there a special Bible or version I should read?
I recommend reading from a study bible, which will have really helpful introductions to the books in the Bible and provide specific notes about certain scriptures that you'll read. Below are two study bibles I recommend:
In the meantime, I recommend reading the CSB, ESV or NIV versions of the Bible on Bible.com or the Bible App in your App Store. They're all free to download.
Last tip: set a reminder or calendar entry in your phone that includes what you'll read that day. Sometimes we all need a good reminder.
This plan is 21 days and if you miss a day (or two, or three!) no worries. Pick up where you left off. The goal is to finish over the next 30 days. Before then, we'll have other plans posted for you to follow.
As you read each day, ask yourself these questions:
Reading Plan Goals:
With everything, remember the goal of Bible reading is intimacy, not information. Equally importantly, please know that not every day will "wow" you. No real relationship is full of mountaintop experiences. But don't forget that God is forming you even in (and especially in!) the mundane moments.
Before you dig in to this plan, please make sure you watch our How to Read the Bible Class. I can't emphasize enough how helpful this will be for you.
This plan is intended to help you understand the overarching story of scripture and where you fit in.
Is there a special Bible or version I should read?
I recommend reading from a study bible, which will have really helpful introductions to the books in the Bible and provide specific notes about certain scriptures that you'll read. Below are two study bibles I recommend:
In the meantime, I recommend reading the CSB, ESV or NIV versions of the Bible on Bible.com or the Bible App in your App Store. They're all free to download.
Last tip: set a reminder or calendar entry in your phone that includes what you'll read that day. Sometimes we all need a good reminder.
This plan is 21 days and if you miss a day (or two, or three!) no worries. Pick up where you left off. The goal is to finish over the next 30 days. Before then, we'll have other plans posted for you to follow.
As you read each day, ask yourself these questions:
- Adoration – What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches me?
- Confession – What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me?
- Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what Jesus has done?
- Supplication – What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light of this?
Reading Plan Goals:
- Days 1-5: Read Romans 8 and follow along with this five-day Bible Study
- Day 6-21: Read the book of Mark. You can break it up into one chapter per day, or read a few chapters at a time -- the pace is your choice. Read this intro before digging into the book.
With everything, remember the goal of Bible reading is intimacy, not information. Equally importantly, please know that not every day will "wow" you. No real relationship is full of mountaintop experiences. But don't forget that God is forming you even in (and especially in!) the mundane moments.