
A Year of Spiritual Growth: A Comprehensive New Testament Reading Plan
As we embark on a new year, many of us seek to deepen our faith and understanding of the New Testament. A year-long New Testament reading plan is an excellent way to achieve this goal, providing a structured approach to exploring the life of Jesus, the early Christian church, and the letters of the apostles. In this blog post, we’ll outline a comprehensive plan that will guide you through the entire New Testament in just 12 months.
Plan Overview
Our plan is divided into four main sections:
- The Life of Jesus (January-March): We’ll start with the Gospels, covering the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- The Early Christian Church (April-June): Next, we’ll delve into the book of Acts, exploring the spread of Christianity and the early church.
- The Letters of Paul (July-September): We’ll then focus on the letters of Paul, including Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
- The General Epistles and Revelation (October-December): Finally, we’ll read the general epistles, including Hebrews, James, Peter, John, and Jude, and conclude with the book of Revelation.
Monthly Breakdown
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect to read each month:
- January: Matthew 1-28 – The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- February: Mark 1-16, Luke 1-24 – The life of Jesus from different perspectives.
- March: John 1-21 – The life of Jesus, with a focus on his divinity and mission.
- April: Acts 1-28 – The spread of Christianity and the early church.
- May: Romans 1-16, 1 Corinthians 1-16 – The letters of Paul, covering topics such as salvation, faith, and the church.
- June: 2 Corinthians 1-13, Galatians 1-6, Ephesians 1-6 – The letters of Paul, covering topics such as the church, faith, and the Christian life.
- July: Philippians 1-4, Colossians 1-4, 1 Thessalonians 1-5 – The letters of Paul, covering topics such as joy, faith, and the second coming.
- August: 2 Thessalonians 1-3, 1 Timothy 1-6, 2 Timothy 1-4 – The letters of Paul, covering topics such as the church, faith, and leadership.
- September: Titus 1-3, Philemon 1, Hebrews 1-13 – The letters of Paul, covering topics such as faith, leadership, and the superiority of Christ.
- October: James 1-5, 1 Peter 1-5, 2 Peter 1-3 – The general epistles, covering topics such as faith, works, and the Christian life.
- November: 1 John 1-5, 2 John 1, 3 John 1, Jude 1 – The general epistles, covering topics such as love, faith, and the Christian life.
- December: Revelation 1-22 – The book of Revelation, covering topics such as the end times, judgment, and the return of Christ.
Tips for Success
- Set aside a daily time to read and reflect on the scriptures.
- Use a study Bible or commentary to help with interpretation and context.
- Join a community or find an accountability partner to discuss your progress and insights.
- Be flexible – don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or two, but instead, adjust your schedule as needed.
Embarking on a year-long New Testament reading plan can be a transformative experience, deepening your understanding of God’s Word and enriching your spiritual life. We hope this plan provides a helpful structure for your journey, and we pray that you’ll be blessed by the wisdom, comfort, and guidance found in the scriptures.
Sources:
- The New Testament (various translations)
- “The New Testament Reading Plan” by YouVersion
- “The One Year New Testament” by Tyndale House Publishers
Remember, the goal is not to simply check off a box each day, but to engage with the scriptures, allowing God’s Word to shape and transform your life. Happy reading!