The Bible is a collection of documents, letters, and poetry that we believe God divinely inspired and that contains his instructions and teaching for living as he envisions (2 Timothy 3:16-17). For this reason, as disciples of Jesus, we believe reading and studying the Bible consistently will help us experience the life that God created us to live (Joshua 1:8).
The following First-Steps Reading Plan (below) will help you explore faith, discover who Jesus is, and why a relationship with him is essential. The reading plan is meant to be read over sixty days, one chapter a day, but you can go at your own pace and check off each day as you complete the reading.
Getting Started
The best way to use this plan is to make an appointment with yourself and set aside 20 minutes at the same time each day. Use a modern-language, easy-to-read Bible translation. We suggest reading from the New Living Translation 2nd Edition or the New International Version. A great way to use this reading plan is with the YouVersion Bible App.
Before you begin reading the Bible, find a place where you can be free from distractions and alone with God. If this is a new experience for you, set aside 15-20 minutes; if you are more experienced, set aside 30-45 minutes. As you start your time, say a quick sentence prayer asking God to help you understand what you are going to read. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who will help us. All you have to say is, “God, please help me to understand what I’m reading. Amen.” The Bible promises that God generously gives wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).
Three Questions to Ask
As you read, ask three questions about the chapter:
Ask as you read
- What does this chapter tell me about God or Jesus?
- What does this chapter say about humans (me)?
- What do I need to do in response to what I’ve read?
You may want to write down the thoughts that come to your mind as you read the chapter. The goal in reading the passage and considering these questions is to come to the place where you can form an “I will” statement; a statement that expresses what you will do in response to what you have read. If you want to explore and grow your faith, then it’s important to come to a place where what you read informs and shapes your actions (James 1:22). After you’ve crafted an “I will” statement, share it with a friend and what you learned. Faith grows best in community, so sharing what you’ve learned will help you grow and apply what you’ve read.
First-Steps Reading Plan
Sixty days, one chapter a day.
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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Day 21
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Day 22
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Day 23
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Day 24
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Day 25
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Day 26
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Day 27
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Day 28
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Day 29
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Day 30
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Day 31
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Day 32
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Day 33
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Day 34
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Day 35
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Day 36
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Day 37
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Day 38
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Day 39
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Day 40
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Day 41
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Day 42
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Day 43
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Day 44
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Day 45
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Day 46
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Day 47
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Day 48
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Day 49
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Day 50
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Day 51
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Day 52
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Day 53
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Day 54
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Day 55
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Day 56
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Day 57
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Day 58
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Day 59
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Day 60
What’s Next?
When you’ve finished the reading plan above, why not join us in the church-wide reading plan.