Through The Bible in 2025 with BCBC
For those who are committing to read the Bible daily and through the Bible in one year, it's going to be an exciting journey!
January 1-4: Starting at the beginning, read Genesis 1-23
Identify the first sign of redemption (Hint: animal sacrifice). Make a note of new beginnings.
January 5-11: Genesis 24-41
List at least 5 ways Joseph is a "picture" of Jesus (e.g. both were shepherds - Gen. 37:2, Jn. 10:11-14).
A good application for you would be to consider at least one way Joseph handled temptation that you could ask God to build more strongly into your life in 2025.
January 12-18: Genesis 42 - Exodus 15
In what ways do you see the deliverance in Exodus 1-14 foreshadowing the great deliverance of Christ on the Cross for us?
Application: What does it mean to you to have Jesus as your Passover Lamb (see John 1:29; 1Cor 5:7).
January 19-24: Exodus. 16-35.
Note some of the ways God shows His provision and protection over His people.
Application: What does this say to you about "resting in God" as He leads you in 2024?
January 26 – February 1: Exodus 36 - Lev 14
Leviticus can be divided up into two categories: 1) the way to God; and 2) the walk with God.
So, what are some pictures that emerge from all the sacrifices and the Day of Atonement that point you to Christ?
Application: What does "atonement" mean to you?
February 2-8: Leviticus 15 - Numbers 5
The walk with God is characterized by holiness. Note the emphasis on a holy people, holy priests, holy feasts, and a holy land in these chapters.
What does the call to holiness in this section say to you (see 1Corinthians 6:18-20)?
February 9-15: Numbers 6 - 24
Numbers gets its name from the Greek name “Arithmai.” The Hebrew name “In the Wilderness” and is taken from Num 1:1. Actually, both terms occur in the first two verses of the book and essentially tell the story of the book: “Numbers in the Wilderness.”
As you read through this book, observe these two: numberings, journeys, instructions, and most importantly, the two generations.
Finally, by way of application, one of the great benedictions in all the Word of God is found in Num 6:22-27. Why not pray this for yourself, BCBC, and for others God has brought into your life throughout this week. Make this week a week filled with “intentional blessing!”
February 16-22: Numbers 25 - Deuteronomy 5
As you are finishing out Numbers, note some of the "Christ pointers" in this book. In chapters 16-18, how does the budding of the rod speak of Christ as your high priest? Look up Hebrews 4:14, 5:4-10.
Also, note the prophetic reference to the Star in Numbers 24. Look up Matthew 2.
Finally, zero in on Num 21:8-9. What does this story teach you about Jesus on the cross? Read John 3:16! Take some time to meditate on the prophetic revelation of Jesus given to us here.
February 23 – March 1: Deuteronomy 6–28
This week should take us almost entirely through the final book of Moses, Deuteronomy
As you are reading, note how Deuteronomy is a book of "transitions" with regard to generation, possession, experience, and revelation from God. This book is built around one basic truth and action. The "Truth" is in Deut. 6:4–5. It was, is and forever will be the greatest commandment (see Matthew 22:35–39). How is that speaking to you today?
Also, note this "action" in Deuteronomy 6:23. Where do you see the power of God, the grace of God, and the faithfulness of God on display here? How can you better apply that in your own walk with God today?
March 2-8: Deuteronomy 29 – Joshua 14
You will immediately recognize that Joshua is a continuation of Deuteronomy. Moses led the people up to Canaan and Joshua led them into Canaan. The remainder of the historical books (Joshua – Esther) cover Israel's history inside the land.
There is a remarkable parallel between the book of Joshua and Ephesians. In Joshua we see Israel entering and possessing the earthly inheritance given to Abraham. In Ephesians we see the church entering and possessing the heavenly inheritance given to us in Christ. Spend time thinking about this as you read through this exciting book!
March 9-15: Joshua 15 – Judges 9
From Joshua to judges we go from the mountaintop of promise and blessing to the pit of bondage and sin because “every man did what was right in his own eyes” -- the tragic theme of the book. This book is a cycle of “sin – suffering - supplication – salvation”, repeated six times in this book. So, as you journey through this book, meditate on both the constant failure of men and the constant mercy of God.
March 16-22: Judges 10 – 1Samuel 5
This last section of Judges should always be read with the backdrop of Judges 17:6 and 21:25 in mind. They bracket the depth of sin Israel had sunk into. It’s not a pretty picture at all.
Therefore, the startling contrast is driven home with the Book of Ruth. This book takes place in the same time period of Judges. But here we see a striking foreshadowing of Christ in Boaz (mercy overcoming sin). He is the “Kinsman Redeemer.” Note how Boaz, like Christ, had to meet these requirements:
- He must be willing to redeem space – Galatians 4:4–5.
- He must have the legal right to redeem as a kinsman - Hebrews 2:11.
- He must have the power - John 10:11–18.
Praise God as we move into this Easter season for Jesus, the one who willingly and powerfully paid the price of our redemption.
March 23-29: 1Samuel 6-25
At the completion of this week, you are a fourth of the way through the Bible! 1Samuel heads what some call the "three double books of the Old Testament" - 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, and 1&2 Chronicles. These three books form the record of the rise and fall of the Israelite monarchy.
The book of 1Samuel marks off a definite period - from the birth of Samuel, the last of the judges, to the death of Saul, the first of the kings. It covers about 115 years (1125-1010 BC). The three personalities overlap: Samuel in chapters 1–8, Saul in chapters 9–15, David in chapters 16–31. The ministry of Samuel marks the beginning of the prophetic office. Though David is the rightful anointed king to come, he was to just take his place as a suffering servant.
Obviously, this was a foreshadowing of our Lord. So, read Philippians
2:3-11. Meditate on the beautiful picture presented here!
March 30 - April 5: 1Samuel 26 – 2Samuel 15
The book of 2Samuel is often referred to as the “Book of David’s Reign.” David’s reign covers 40 years (1050-1010 BC) and this book covers this time period. In fact, it is equally divided between his triumphs (2Sam. 1-12) and his troubles (2Sam. 13-24).
At the heart of his triumphs is the gloriously given “Davidic Covenant (2Sam. 7:8-16).” This is one of the supremely great passages of the Bible: the culminating revelation that the Messiah would come through the actual family line of David! In fact, Gabriel points back to this moment when he gives the announcement to Mary concerning Jesus – Luke 1:30-33 (read and meditate on this).
Read the Davidic Covenant slowly and note several significant things for your own life and salvation in this Divine Covenant!
April 6-12: 2Samuel 16 - 1Kings 8
We are moving into the second of the three "double books." 1Kings records the division of the United Kingdom under Saul, David and Solomon into two kingdoms. So a word of explanation is due here. The name Israel, comprising ten of the tribes, becomes the Northern Kingdom with Samaria as capital. The Kingdom of Judah, comprising two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, becomes the Southern Kingdom with Jerusalem as the capital.
First Kings is divided in half. Chapters 1-11 record the great forty year reign of Solomon. Chapters 12-22 record the first eighty years of the two kingdoms. Focus on 1Kings 6-8. Here Solomon builds the Temple and dedicates the Temple in prayer, with God filling the Temple with His presence in a special way.
What lessons of forgiveness, restoration, renewal and blessing can you see flowing from the presence of God here?
April 13-19: 1Kings 9-22
As mentioned last week, 1Kings is evenly divided. 1Kings 1–11 records the forty year reign of Solomon. 1Kings 12–22 records the first eighty years of the two kingdoms.
It is in this section that Elijah is raised up as a prophet of God to the northern Kingdom. Interestingly, the New Testament speaks of him more than any other prophet. It was Elijah who appeared with Moses at our Lord’s transfiguration - see Matthew 17:1–5.
Elijah comes onto the scene during a time of deep religious crisis within the nation and disappears suddenly in a chariot of fire. In between these lies a succession of mighty miracles. Read them slowly and be encouraged as to God’s wondrous acts in challenging times!
April 20-26: 2Kings 1-19
2Kings is often called the Book of Captivities. In chapter 17, the Northern Kingdom (Israel) goes into the Assyrian captivity (722 BC), from which they do not return. In chapter 25, the Southern Kingdom (Judah) goes into Babylonian captivity (586 BC), from which only a remnant would return (536 BC).
Your reading will be predominantly focused on the Northern Kingdom. It is during this time that Elisha's ministry takes center stage. No prophet has more recorded miracles in the Old Testament than Elisha. As you read, pick out the miracle you like best and ask yourself: In what ways is God speaking to me about His character, nature or power?
April 27 – May 3: 2Kings 20 – 1Chronicles 14
The last section of 2Kings (18:25) addresses the Southern Kingdom of Judah and its impending captivity in Babylon. Last week’s reading and this week take us through all 19 kings of Israel and all 20 kings of Judah. It’s important to note that the 19 kings of Israel came from 7 different families, while the 20 kings of Judah were from one and the same family – that of David. One of the ruling purposes of scripture history is to show the faithfulness of God to the Davidic Covenant (2Sam 7:8-17) in the preservation of the line of David – 2Kgs 8:19 and 2Chron 21:7.
So, meditate on God’s faithfulness to establish the Lord Jesus Christ on the Throne of David at His Second Coming in fulfillment of the Scriptures (cf. Psalm 89:30-37; Lk 1:30-33; and Acts 2:29-31).
May 4-10: 2Kings 20 – 1Chron 15 – 2Chron 9
1Chronicles features the reign of King David, whereas 2Chronicles focuses on Solomon’s forty-year reign (1-9) and the rest of Judah’s kings leading up to the Captivity (10-36). So, this week’s reading takes us into the heart of both David’s and Solomon’s reign.
Notice how the Ark of the Lord (1Chron 13-16), the Covenant of the Lord (1Chron 17-21), and the Temple of the Lord (1Chron 22-29) were all designed to teach, demonstrate, and motivate the people of God through the “Mercy of God!” The Mercy Seat is where God would dwell. The Covenant he would enact would be merciful in nature. The House He would establish would send forth the message of Mercy to the nations.
So, meditate this week on the gloriously divine mercy of God!
May 11-17: 2Chron 10–33
This last section of 2Chronicles highlights why the fall of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon was necessary. The one Temple and the Ark of the Lord were to witness to the nations that God was one, God was present in a personal way, and God sought to meet us in our need with mercy. They had polluted that message by the worship of idols and establishment of other temples to other gods. Therefore, God had to “purify the land.”
In all this, we should reflect on the truth of Proverbs 14:34 - “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
May 18-24: 2Chron 34 – Nehemiah 8
Ezra and Nehemiah pick up where 2Chronicles ends. These two books deal with the return of the “remnant” from Babylon to Jerusalem. This subject is one of the most important, both from the standpoint of history and prophecy in all the Bible. It foreshadows the regathering of Israel in preparation for the Lord’s return to Israel. I believe that this was fulfilled 75 years ago when, on May 14, 1948, Israel became a nation again! As Isaiah the prophet said nearly 3,000 years ago: “Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons!” (Isa 66:8).
Meditate on the prophetic significance for your life as you read through this section!
May 25-31: Nehemiah 9 – Job 11
Within this week’s reading is the book of Esther. There is so much of Esther that points to Jesus and His work. I call Esther a “powerful prophetic book in type.” Haman prefigures “the man of sin” in his name, in his power, in his arrogance, in his hatred of God’s people, and in his doom - hallelujah! Esther prefigures the people of God in her beauty, exultation, and intercession. Mordecai is a type of Christ in his adoption of Esther as his own, in his protection of the king and the people of God, and in his elevation to the glorious position over the land. Enjoy meditating on these truths as you read through the book.
June 1-7: Job 12-42
This week’s reading is Job. You have covered the first of three sections in the Hebrew Bible so far. It comprises the “historical section” and consists of seventeen books. You are now going to read the five Poetic Books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
The central message of Job is a sovereign God who turns evil to good. In that regard, Job is a perfect illustration of Romans 8:28. Meditate on this as you make your way through Job this week!
June 8-14: Psalms 1-40
The next four weeks we will be in Psalms. This collection of Psalms was the inspired prayer and praise book of the nation Israel in their temple worship and have been prompting the praises of God's people for over 3,000 years!
As you read, note the many different themes covered by these "Psalms of Praise." They are: History, Instruction, Praise, Confession, Supplication, Thanksgiving, and Messianic. In this week's reading you will see the complete portrait of the Messiah's work unfold in Ps. 22-24, written 1,000 years before Christ came. Ps. 22 presents His past work of suffering on the cross. Ps. 23 presents His present work as the good Shepherd in Heaven. Ps. 24 presents His future work as the returning reigning King!
June 15-21: Psalms 41-78
As you read this week, you will notice that most Bibles will note before Psalm 42, it will say “Book Two” and before Psalm 73 “Book Three.” Actually, the Psalms are divided into five books with each book, concluding with a doxology. They are designed to be the counterpart to Moses in the Pentateuch. Just as God gave the fivefold Book of the Law, He also gave the five old Book of Worship. The Law presents God’s creation and coming to His people to shepherd and care for them. The Psalms presents God’s people responding with coming before Him in worship that is ceaseless and heartfelt. So, as you read, note, the heart attitude of worship reflected throughout.
June 22-28: Psalms 79-116
When you complete your reading this week, you will be halfway through the Bible. Awesome! Keep it up. So, note the parallels between the five Books of the Law and the five Books of the Psalms. Book One is about Origins: origins of creation and origins of praise. Book Two is about Deliverance: deliverance from bondage and deliverance to praise. Book Three is about a Calling:
calling out a people to holiness and calling out a people in holiness. Book Four is about Submission: submission in discipline and submission in worship. And finally, Book Five is about Entrance: entrance into the land and entrance into worship.
As your reading takes you through most of Book Three, all of Book Four, and the beginning section of Book Five, highlight verses, that reflect each book.
June 29- July 5: Psalms 117 - Proverbs 6
During the course of this week, we will make our way through the longest chapter in the Bible – Ps. 119. I read a blog recently that posed 10 questions for Ps. 119. I offer them to you:
- Does God’s Word motivate me to worship? - Ps. 119:7
- Do I admit when I am wrong? – Ps. 119:29
- Do I know my limitations? – Ps. 119:73
- Do I believe God can change me? – Ps. 119:33
- Do I know the love of my Instructor? – Ps. 119:64
- Do I trust the goodness of my Instructor? – Ps. 119:68
- Do I value the Word of God as the ultimate source of wisdom? – Ps. 119:99
- Do I ask God questions? – Ps. 119:82
- What have I learned from my previous life lessons? – Ps. 119:71
- Am I a servant? – Ps. 119:124
There is a remarkable connection in His Word between our ability to humbly be taught and His ability to shape our understanding of who we are as children of God. So, let’s carefully hear from Him this week – Ps. 119:102!
July 6-12: Proverbs 7-31
Proverbs is meant to be to our practical life what the Book of Psalms is to our devotional life. This is a book of divine wisdom applied to earthly conditions. I find that a great benefit of reading Proverbs is how it keeps me oriented to living life by God’s priorities and not by manmade wisdom or thoughts. So, as you make your way through this Book, ask God to use it to reshape how you approach dealing with life on a daily basis.
July 13-19: Ecclesiastes 1 - Isaiah 10
This week we make our way through Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and into Isiah. Ecclesiastes has one key word: Vanity. It is used 37 times (out of only 73 total times in the Bible). The central message should resonate in our world today; namely, a life lived without God is going to leave you empty - no matter who you are or what you do. So, as you make your way through this book, meditate on how Christ alone can satisfy your heart!
July 20-26: Isaiah 11-36
Isaiah has been called the "evangelical prophet" because he says so much about the redemptive work of Christ. We will look at chapter 53 in detail next week, but just consider all the passages that point to Jesus as you work your way through this book. Remember that Isaiah wrote these prophecies 700-750 years before Jesus came.
Here are a few verses to meditate on: Isaiah 1:18; 2:4; 6:3-8; 7:14; 9:6-7; 11:9; 26:3; 35:1; 40:3; 48:16; 52:13-53:12; 55:1; 57:15-19; 59:1, 16-17; 60:6,11,16,19-22; 61:1-3; 62:10-12.
Without a doubt, there is more about the person and work of Christ found in this book than in any other book of the Old Testament.
July 27 - August 2: Isaiah 37-58
Of the many messianic passages in Isaiah, we only have time for a treatment of one - Isaiah 53. This chapter was written about 750 years before our Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection.
This chapter fits only one figure in all of human history – Jesus of Nazareth. He came in lowliness and was despised and rejected. He suffered for us. God placed on Him the iniquity of us all. He was afflicted and yet did not open his mouth. He died in judgment. He was guiltless. Through his work, He justified many. He poured out his soul in death. He was numbered with the transgressors. He made intercession for the transgressors.
There is so much more, but these are wonderful truths to meditate on throughout this week.
August 3-9: Isaiah 59 - Jeremiah 10
As we wrap up Isaiah and enter into Jeremiah, it is important to grasp the powerful role Isaiah played in shaping the understanding of the New Testament writers. Psalms is the most quoted book in the NT (68 times). However, Isaiah is second (55 times). These are actual quotes and not mere allusions.
So you may want to check out a few: Matthew - Mt 4:14-16; 8:17; John the Baptist - Jn 1:23; the Apostle John - Jn 12:38-41; Jesus - Lk 4:16-21; Ethiopian - Acts 8:28; and Paul - Acts 28:25-27; Rom 9:27, 29; Rom 10:16, 20; 15:12. No wonder Isaiah has been called the fifth gospel!
August 10-16: Jeremiah 11-31
The book of Jeremiah does not follow a topical or chronological order, so concentrate on the matters Jeremiah presents in each chapter.
The ministry of Jeremiah includes some wonderful prophecies concerning Christ. Look at Jer. 23:3-6. Notice a righteous "Branch", "A King", "The Lord our Righteousness." All these names are Messianic and are reflected in Gabriel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:30-33.
August 17-23: Jeremiah 23-51
This last section lays out, among other things, the New Covenant. Jeremiah saw that if there was to be any hope for his people, it would encompass more than a "return!” It would require a new covenant, a covenant of grace, not law; not an outward command demanding obedience, - but an inward renewal, causing them to have a holy desire and motive. It would be a covenant inaugurated by the Messiah and his work.
Look up Hebrews 8:6–12; 9:14–15 and spend some time meditating on the glorious work of our Savior on the Cross!
August 24-30: Jeremiah 52 – Ezekiel 13
Your reading this week takes you through Lamentations. This book, written by Jeremiah, describes the fall of Jerusalem in detail. It is a book of mourning. It’s really a set of poems. These are five poems/elegies. The chapters have the same number of verses – 22. These correspond to the letters in the Hebrew alphabet. The middle chapter (chapter 3) is three times the number of the others = 66 verses. It also runs in triplets, with the first three verses beginning with the first letter of the alphabet, etc. Chapter 5, though containing 22 verses, deviates slightly from the pattern. As you read through the pain and lament, focus on the promise of a future hope embedded in the very heart of this book found in Lamentations 3:21–32 and at the very end - Lamentations 5:21.
August 31 – September 6: Ezekiel 14-32
Some life lessons that jump out to me in this section are: 1) God's desire for the wicked to come to Him (Ezek 18:23); 2) God's desire for His people to prayerfully intercede for others (Ezek 22:30).
I encourage you to meditate on these two great lessons as you read this week and ask God if there is someone He would want you to purposefully and powerfully bring before His throne!
September 7-13: Ezekiel 32 – Daniel 4
This section takes us through the end of Ezekiel and one of the most amazing prophecies in all the Word of God – Israel’s return to the land and resurrection to life. Ezekiel 36–39 passages are known as “the vision of the Dry Bones!” Here they are promised that, though totally undeserved, they will be brought back into the land as a nation from the four corners of the world. Then, at a critical moment in time, God will breathe life back into the “reassembled” dry bones!
I believe the first part took place in May of 1948. The latter awaits the fulfillment when their eyes are opened, and they realize that Jesus is their Messiah, and they “look upon him whom they have pierced” coming to their rescue! Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come!
September 14-20: Daniel 4 – Hosea 14
Daniel is the O.T. “Apocalypse” while Revelation is the N.T. “Apocalypse.” The word “apocalypse” means “an unveiling of the hidden purposes of God.” Those purposes cannot be known until Go chooses to reveal them. The manner in which the events are unveiled in Daniel is mainly by visions. In the book of Daniel, the word “vision/visions” appears thirty-two times!
The themes emerging in Daniel are the same themes of N.T prophecy: the manifestation of the man of sin, the great tribulation, the return of the Lord, the resurrections, and the judgments.
Daniel himself is distinctively the prophet of “the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24). His vision sweeps the entire course of Gentile rule to its end and on to the messianic Kingdom of our Lord.
Sep 21-27: Joel 1 – Nahum 3
These next two weeks we are wrapping up the O.T. section by reading through the “minor prophets” (Hosea – Malachi). The name “minor prophets” is because they are comparatively short, not because they are of lesser importance. Note, much of their prophecies are dual, with an initial fulfillment and also end-time fulfillment. In fact, five of the 12 prophets make direct and powerful pronouncements about the Day of the Lord - which doesn’t seem that far away in our world today! This is precisely why we should pay close attention to their message. As Paul reminds us: These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (1Cor 10:11)".
I will have more to say on these 12 minor prophets next week.
Sep 28 – Oct 4: Habakkuk 1 to Malachi 4
Congratulations! After forty weeks, you have made it through the Old Testament. What an awesome accomplishment! I want to offer you the major message of each “Minor Prophet.”
Hosea: Unfaithfulness of God’s people in contrast to the unfailing love of God.
Joel: The Day of the Lord and the Coming of God’s Spirit.
Amos: The Call to Return in the prophetic day.
Obadiah: The Righteous Judgment in the Day of the Lord. Jonah: God’s grace extending to all people.
Micah: Divine judgment and the Promise of Messiah’s birth.
Nahum: Comfort in the Day of the Lord.
Habakkuk: Submission to God’s plan and timing.
Zephaniah: Restoration of the Remnant in the Day of the Lord.
Haggai: Rebuilding the Temple and its future glory.
Zechariah: God’s Glorious Deliverance in the Day of the Lord.
Malachi: The Ultimate Purification to come.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” [Phil 1:6 NIV]
October 5-11: Matthew 1-20
You are finally in the New Testament. You have read through the Old Testament. You read of Temple sacrifices that pointed to a greater fulfillment. You read of God's covenants pointing to a new covenant to come. You read the prophets speak of promises and purposes yet to be fulfilled. It all focused on Someone is coming who is not yet here. Malachi 3:1 sums it up nicely: "The Lord whom you seek, shall come!" But the Old Testament closes with that unfulfilled. The New Testament opens up with an immediate: "He's here!" Matthew 1:1 declares "the record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the Son of Abraham." In fact, note how Matthew reports the phrase: "that it might be fulfilled" twelve times (Mt. 1:22; 2:15, 17,23; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 13:35; 21:4; 26:56; 27:9, 35).
As you read through Matthew (and the NT), never forget that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that the prophets saw, the psalmists sang, and the hearts of the faithful hoped for!
October 12-18: Matthew 21 - Mark 9
The four gospels deal with different facets of Jesus' life and ministry. Matthew is often depicted as a Lion because it focuses on Christ as the Promised King. The picture used by Mark is an Ox to emphasize the servant ministry of our Lord. Interestingly, Mark omits much of what Jesus said as he presents Jesus at work. In fact, Mark records twenty miracles in detail. You will notice a key word, "immediately". You encounter this word eight times in chapter one alone. Mark uses it forty-two times (compared to seven times in Matthew and once in Luke). Mark actually sums up the thrust of his gospel nicely in Mark 10:45: "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many."
October 19-25: Mark 10 - Luke 7
Matthew is often viewed as writing with a Hebrew mindset, Mark as a Rome mindset, and Luke a Greek mindset. Luke was a physician and can be found adding details to stories that reflect that background. For instance, Luke notes that the leper was “covered with leprosy” (Lk 5:12), and there are other passages such as Lk 4:23, 5:18, 7:2, and 13:11. In this gospel, the miracles often involve more human touch and interaction, as in Lk 5:12-13 and 7:11-17. With this type of compassionate care in mind, it’s not surprising that the heart message of this gospel is “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (Lk 19:10)”.
Oct 26 – Nov 1: Luke 8-24
So, let’s reflect on what is referred to as the Passion Week. The word “passion” comes from the Latin word for suffering. This week comprises anywhere from a fourth to a third of each Gospel (Mt. 21-27; Mark 11-15; Lk. 19-23; and John 12-19). It begins with Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the colt in fulfillment of Zech. 9:9 and concludes with the glory of an empty tomb on the following Sunday! In between we are captivated by one gripping event after another. The fact that so much space is devoted to this one week shows us that this is the heart of the story.
So, as you read this week, make sure you slow down and reflect on this breathtaking truth: In His unfathomable love He suffered for you! In His unfathomable love He suffered for your loved one! In His unfathomable love he suffered for all the lost around you, including your enemy! May this truth drive your heart of evangelism.
November 2-8: John 1-15
Conventional biblical scholarship previously viewed the Gospel of John as coming from a Greek mindset and would interpret the “Logos/Word” accordingly. Thankfully, that changed in the late 1980’s and throughout the 1990’s. We are discovering more and more that this Gospel might be the most Hebraic of them all. We will see that over the next couple of weeks. As you read this week, focus on the seven “I Am’s” and the seven Sign-Miracles embedded by John in his Gospel:
I Am the Bread of Life – Jn 6:35
I Am the Light of the World – Jn 8:12
I Am the Door – Jn 10:7
I Am the Good Shepherd – Jn 10:11
I Am the Resurrection and the Life – Jn 11:25
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life – Jn 14:6
I Am the TRUE VINE – Jn 15:1
These reveal His deity and are powerfully summed up in Jn 8:5-8 – “Before Abraham was, I Am!”
The Seven Sign-Miracles are:
Turning Water into Wine – Jn 2:11
Healing the Royal Official’s son – Jn 4:46-54
Healing the crippled at the pool of Bethesda – Jn 5:1-9
The feeding of the 5,000 – Jn 6:1-14
Walking on the Water – Jn 6:15-21
Sight restored to the blind man at the Temple – Jn 9:1-41
Raising of Lazarus – Jn 11:1-44
These are called “signs/semeion.” This differs from a miracle in that a miracle merely focuses in on the event. A sign is designed to emphasize the spiritual significance it should point us to. In this regard, these are unmistakable road signs that this One is “the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (Jn 20:31).”
November 9-15: John 16 - Acts 12
In this last section of John (really from John 13 on), he focuses in on the events of the Passion week through the resurrection appearances of our Lord. In these chapters, we see Jesus’s servant, heart on full display. His care, comfort, promises, and prayer are so deeply personal. I would encourage you to slow down and truly take to heart His priestly prayer for you here.
November 26-22: Acts 13-28
As a side note, you just finished half of the N.T. - Awesome!!! This week you are finishing up the Book of acts. This book opens with the eleven disciples gathered together in Jerusalem and being given the promise that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem and then to the world! The book ends 30 years later with Paul boldly proclaiming the Gospel testimony in Rome. You should really take in Luke’s divine perspective of the Gospel witness here. Despite chronicling all the ways Satan had attempted to hinder the Gospel over the course of 30 years, Luke still affirms that the Gospel went out “with all openness, unhindered (Acts 28:31)!” How beautiful.
Take this to heart! Sometimes we can get frustrated or disheartened as we share with others.
So, remember: no weapon formed against us will stand. The Gospel is the power of God and at the end of the day, it will crush any obstacle in its way. So, keep trusting God and proclaiming the Gospel!
November 23-29: Romans 1 - 1Cor 11
We now come to the "Letters/Epistles" of the New Testament. Nine of the letters were written by Paul to seven distinct churches - in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, and Thessalonica. The letter to the Romans was written by Paul from Corinth during his third visit to that city. When Paul wrote this letter, the gospel had been preached throughout the Roman world for a quarter of a century. As you would expect, questions concerning God's grace, the gospel, the Law, Israel and the Abrahamic covenant had emerged. So, as you read through this letter, pay attention and enjoy the richness with which these themes are developed.
Nov 30 – Dec 6: 1Cor. 12 – Eph. 6
The first letter to the church at Corinth was written from Ephesus (2Cor 1:8) while the second letter was written from Philippi. Paul shares more of his personal story and feelings in this letter than anywhere else. It shows in the theme of the letter – the comfort of God that comes through Christ (2Cor 1:3; 13:11).
Galatians is often viewed as the Emancipation Proclamation for the child of God. Here we learn what it means and how we can better walk in it!
Finally, we finish with Ephesians. This letter identifies the rich spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ. My breakdown of the book is:
- Our wealth in Christ (Eph 1-3)
- Our walk in Christ (Eph 4-5)
- Our warfare in Christ (Eph 6)
As you do your reading this week, note the comfort, freedom and spiritual blessings that come from our Savior!
December 7-13: Philippians 1– Hebrews 2
If I were to give a three-word title to sum up each of the letters this week, it would be:
- Philippians – Toward the Goal (Phil. 3:14)
- Colossians – All the Fullness (Col. 2:9)
- 1Thess – At the Coming (1Thess. 5:23)
- 2Thess – Grant you Peace (2Thess. 3:16)
- 1Timothy – Fight of Faith (1Tim. 6:12)
- 2Timothy – Preach the Word (2Tim. 4:2)
- Titus - The Blessed Hope (Tit. 2:13)
- Philemon – Refresh My Heart (Phm. 20)
- Hebrews – As Much Better (Heb. 1:14)
December 14-20: Hebrews 3 - 1John 5
We are two weeks away from finishing the entire Bible for 2024. Awesome! Let me focus on Hebrews for you. As mentioned last week, the 3-word theme of Hebrews is "As much better" (Heb. 1:14). The focus is on how much better Jesus is as the final full complete revelation of God to us.
- Jesus is better than the Prophets (Heb. 1:1-3)
- Jesus is better than the Angels (Heb. 1:4-2:18)
- Jesus is better than Moses (Heb. 3)
- Jesus is better than Joshua (Heb. 4)
- Jesus is better than Aaron as Priest (Heb. 5-7)
- Jesus is better than the Old Covenant (Heb. 8)
- Jesus is better than the Tabernacle (Heb. 9:1-15)
- Jesus is better than the Temple Sacrifices (Heb. 9:15-10:18)
Therefore, we are to:
- Walk by this faith (Heb. 10:19-11:40)
- Work by this faith (Heb. 12)
- Worship by this faith (Heb. 13)
The central message can be summed up from Hebrews 10:14, 18 - "For by one offering, He has perfected forever those who are sanctified...Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin."
December 21-31: The final reading for the year is 2John – Revelation 22
John the Apostle wrote the Revelation along with four other New Testament books: The Gospel of John, 1John, 2John, and 3John. The Gospel of John reaches farther back into eternity than any other book written (Jn 1:1-3). In the Revelation, he reaches farther into eternity future than any other writer while adding amazing details designed to deepen “our blessed hope!”
Someone wisely said, “Man writes history while God writes prophecy!” Therefore, it is important to remember that though John records it, it is “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:1).
Lastly, it is the only book which promises a blessing for those who read, hear, and keep “the things which are written in it: the time is near” (Rev. 1:3).
As you finish this book, you will have finished your Bible for 2025. Congratulations! May this be a yearly journey for you. There is no greater discipline you can establish for your life! God bless!