A few weeks ago, I read an article noting that Patricia Heaton, Emmy Award-winning actress and “Everybody Loves Raymond” star accomplished her goal of reading through the Bible in 2022. To be honest, I am not the most starstruck person in the world (an understatement to say the least) and I most likely could not name some of the most popular entertainers of today, but I do appreciate it when someone from Hollywood has something positive to say about their Christian faith journey. Heaton noted that she followed an annual Bible reading plan from The Gospel Coalition, and that although at times it was not easy, she stated “It’s a great way to start your day,” (The Christian Post, 12-9-2022, https://www.christianpost.com/news/patricia-heaton-reads-the-entire-bible.html). Her intention is to develop a new plan for 2023 to read through the Bible. I want to be clear here in noting that reading through the Bible by itself does not make one more of a Christian, but it is a reasonable place to start in one’s spiritual journey or search for life’s meaning.
So, last week I suggested to consider setting a goal of reading through the Bible in 2023 and today I would like to discuss more about this subject. Although I am not recommending Scott Postman as a source for Biblical truth, His article “Ten Reasons to Read the Bible, Even if You’re Not Religious (6-27-2014, https://www.scottpostma.net/2014/06/27/ten-reasons-read-bible-religious/) included some persuasive arguments, such as “It will make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, It offers a high moral standard that although unachievable becomes the basis for redemption” and “You have probably never read it cover to cover”. Postman makes two other compelling points by noting that “Everything you read shapes you” and “Who knows what may happen in your life if you gave the text a chance”. These are certainly good reasons to read through the Bible, however, know that reading the Bible provides you an opportunity to encounter God, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, ESV).
Unfortunately, you may find yourself in the majority here as ninety percent of Americans do not read the Bible daily and only about forty percent report that they only read the Bible three or four times a year (Christianity Today, 4-20-2022, https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/april/state-of-bible-reading-decline-report-26-million.html). Although those numbers may not be surprising given the fact that we live in a pluralistic society, even when looking at Protestant churchgoers, the numbers are somewhat disappointing as only sixty-five percent state that they “intentionally spend time alone with God at least daily” (The Roys Report, 1-4-2023, https://julieroys.com/survey-churchgoers-value-time-alone-god-practice-varies/). However, according to the study, the majority of those churchgoers spend that alone time praying and about forty percent may also read a devotional, but less than twenty percent include reading the Bible in that time. I do not necessarily want to discourage praying or using devotionals as part of spending time with God, but devotional reading and praying is not the same as immersing yourself in reading the scripture. And if we really want to know God we need to spend more time listening through reading the Bible rather than talking through prayer.
If by chance you decide to read through the Bible in 2023 and you do not know where to start, here are some thoughts. First, if you do not know what version of the Bible to read, I would encourage choosing the English Standard Version (ESV), as it is a reliable translation and it may be easier to understand than other versions. Additionally, there is no right format for accomplishing this goal, but there are some resources that provide some guidance such as the following link from Bible Study Tools (https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/). Although there are 1,189 chapters in the Bible with a total of 31,102 verses, the task becomes more achievable knowing that if you average a little more than three chapters or a few more than eighty-five verses each day you can read through the Bible in a year. Developing a specific time each day to read and finding a quiet time away from distractions is also helpful. Additionally, I find keeping track of my reading is useful, so I check the pages I read in the Bible each day. I also highlight passages or underline verses that I want to concentrate on, but I understand that not everyone feels comfortable writing in their Bible (and it is not practical if you use an online Bible), so keeping a notebook is a good idea.
For anyone who wants to supplement their readings to better understand scripture, I would encourage utilizing a Bible commentary in addition to reading the Bible, as the commentary will provide insight into what you are reading. I have found John MacArthur’s Complete New and Old Testament Commentaries very useful, but I also utilize Matthew Henry’s commentary, which is available online for free (https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/mhc/). MacArthur’s commentary is based on his over fifty years of preaching and therefore you can access his sermons on specific verses and passages on the “Grace to You” website (https://www.gty.org/library/resources/sermons-library/scripture/1?book=1&chapter=0). There are other resources (beyond the obvious of attending a local Bible believing church) in understanding the Bible that can be helpful as you develop your scripture reading plan, including listening regularly to an online sermon. James White is a professor of Apologetics and Church History and his sermons and lectures can be helpful in providing a context for specific verses or issues, and many of his sermons can be found through the Sermon Audio (https://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Dr._James_White) or Apologia Church website (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzOJll8dItg6JUR1zZfa4h5cvhZB_cGVg). I would also recommend Voddie Baucham’s sermons (https://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Voddie_Baucham).
I pray that you will take seriously the challenge to read through the Bible in 2023, or at a minimum to read the Bible daily. Here is a final thought on the matter- “For this reason you also must be ready: for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will” (Matthew 24:44, NASB).