Last year, we had passive Bible reading challenges posted on our website and at the bottom of some of our email alerts. This year, we want to be more overt with these invitations. After all, the Bible is foundational to our Christian faith, as it helps us understand the perfect will of God and gain a deeper understanding of His plan while bolstering our faith.
Too many Christians are only somewhat familiar with the Word of God. This is unacceptable. After all, the Bible teaches us:
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. ~Hebrews 4:12~
According to a 2021 Statista report, only 11 percent percent of Americans read the Bible daily, while 50 percent read it on their own at least three or four times a year.
According to a Barna survey,
As of January 2021, the proportion of American adults who never use the Bible has fallen to 29 percent, its lowest point since 2016.
More recently, a 2024 “State of the Bible” report by the American Bible Society found that
More than half of American adults (53%) say yes, they do wish they read the Bible more. Even among those who don’t qualify as Bible Users, people who don’t interact with the Bible even three times a year, more than a third of them wish they did.
This, in addition to the recent news that Bible sales were “skyrocketing” in 2024, suggests that Americans (and mankind in general) understand the need to turn to God for direction and understanding. We want to reinforce this trend by encouraging our fellow citizens to read the Bible daily, when possible.
This will not only greatly benefit the reader and his/her family, but our society as well.
Moreover, reading the Bible is essential if we hope to develop (for ourselves and our family members) a comprehensive Christian worldview. Bible reading provides the foundational truths and principles that shape a believer’s understanding of reality and guide his or her actions.
Reading the Bible enables us to make informed decisions and form appropriate responses to the spiritual battles of the day, including the sanctity of life (abortion & euthanasia), sexual morality, gambling, and drug use. By diligently studying and applying biblical principles, we will develop a deep, comprehensive faith that stands against the godless philosophies and “empty deceit” prevalent in society. (Col. 2:8)
Where to start
For those who commit to read the Bible daily going forward, some of the pastors on the IFI Advisory Board suggest beginning with the Gospel of John, followed by Proverbs, Psalms, and then Ephesians.
If you prefer an audio version, I recommend the Daily Audio Bible podcast. For a few years in a row, my family and I took time in the morning to listen to Brian Hardin or his daughter read passages. Another audio option is the YouVersion Bible App, in which you can pick from many versions and plans and it will “read” it to you on your cellphone while you listen.
Mark Johnson, a Christian Counselor and Elder in the local church we attend, recently published the following encouragement in our weekly bulletin,
One of the three commands given to us to walk as Christians is in Ephesians 4:22-24, specifically verse 23 “… be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” This command is repeated in Romans 12:1-2.
Let me encourage you to continue reading God’s Word in 2025. Reading your Bible is essential to praying, discovering His will, worshiping Him, and obeying Him.
There are several ways to exercise this spiritual discipline of reading God’s Word. Of course, one way is to start at Genesis, reading along at your own pace. However, many find it helpful to use a specific reading plan – let me recommend three such plans.
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The Robert Murray M’Cheyne (pronounced McShane), a Scottish pastor from the 19th century, is a classic. The link to the plan is here.
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The 5-Day Bible Reading program is very popular. The goal here is to read five days a week, which builds in some slack time if you get a little behind. The link to the plan is here (regular size) and here (large print).
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In addition to the 5-Day Bible Reading program, consider reading Proverbs in a year. That may sound underwhelming, but reading Proverbs in this way allows you to meditate on each idea throughout the day. You can see a copy of that plan here.
Christian believers throughout the ages have found that beginning your day with Bible reading and meditation fuels your prayer life and fellowship with God. Why not give it a try this year?
“Your word I have treasured in my heart,
that I may not sin against You.”
~Psalm 119:11~
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God
as a workman who does not need to be ashamed,
accurately handling the word of truth.
~2 Timothy 2:15~
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Rev. Billy Graham on how to read the Bible (VIDEO)
American Bible Society daily reading plan
The Moody Church Bible reading list of plans
Dr. Del Tackett’s Bible Study Together
Chronological Bible Reading Plan
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
~Psalm 1:1-2~
