Is it important to read the Bible?
What a privilege you and I have to hear God speak to us every time we read the Bible! Those who love to spend time in God's Word fellowshipping with Him know this statement to be true. But, sadly, many miss out on this wonderful privilege of reading the Bible by faith. Some miss out due to the busyness of life, others profess to love God yet ignore His Word, and still, others doubt God and the Bible. Whether you have enjoyed the privilege of Bible reading for years or have never even thought about it, use one of the Bible reading plans linked below in 2022. Stick with one of the reading plans for at least three weeks before you decide to quit.
When the Creator, Ruler, and Sustainer of all things speaks, it is always wise to listen! (Genesis 1:1; Daniel 4:17; 1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Colossians 1:15-20)
While you and I talk to God through prayer, God speaks to humanity through His general and special revelation. The Bible declares in Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." The Triune-God's handiwork is known by everyone, not only those who have repented of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. God says that every person knows He exists no matter how hard they try to deny this reality.
Romans 1:18-23, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."
Though someone may strive hard to deny the truth, creation reveals that God exists. But you need more than the knowledge of God's existence. Along with God's general revelation of creation, the Lord speaks to humanity through His Word, the Bible. The Old and New Testament Scriptures are the very Word of God. As 2 Peter 1:21 says, "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." The Spirit inspired the authors of the Bible to write God's Word to benefit God's people. This benefit and the ultimate authorship of the Bible is evident in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Where can I get a free Bible in Knoxville?
So, grab your Bible and read! If you don't have a Bible and live in the Knoxville area, we will give you one. Click HERE to request a Bible. You may also read the Bible for free at www.esv.org. The ESV Bible website also gives you links to their Bible app, which you can read or listen to on your smartphone at no charge. Finally, if listening to the Bible interests you, check out the Dwell app at www.dwellapp.io. Dwell is only for iPhones and has a subscription fee, but it has many features that may be worth the price for you.
Here are a few Bible reading plans to help you get started. Print the pages and cut out the bookmarks to use in your physical Bible.
Chapter a Day Bible Reading Plan
This plan takes five to ten minutes a day and will take you through the entire Bible in about three years and three months.
Aggressive Bible Reading Plan
This plan is a commitment of time but will quickly take you through the entire Bible. It takes an hour and a half to three hours a day. Therefore, the Aggressive Plan may be best broken up into several reading sessions throughout the day and most likely is not a constantly repeated plan.
Abbreviated Bible Reading Plan
This plan takes twenty-five to fifty minutes a day and will take you through most of the Bible at least one and a half times a year. The reading plan has five lists. Read one chapter from each list until you complete the list, then start over.
Comprehensive Bible Reading Plan
This plan takes forty-five minutes to an hour and a half each day and guides you through the Books of the Bible from one and a half to twelve times each year. The reading plan has ten lists. Read one chapter from each list. Read one chapter from each list until you complete the list, then start over.
If none of these plans work for you, visit www.ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans for more options. So, pick a plan, read/listen by faith, repeat, and enjoy your time with the Lord!
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