Pastor Robert Hammond, Long Hill Baptist Church
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
I'm writing to challenge members and friends of Long Hill Baptist Church to join me in reading through the entire King James Bible this year. If you start now, you may complete the entire Bible this year by reading just three and one-half chapters daily! A variety of reading plans are available. One plan involves reading portions of the Old Testament and New Testament each day (click to see plan). The simplest plan is to begin at Genesis 1:1 and read straight through to Revelation. The important thing is to get started to ask the LORD to help you remain faithful. And, if you miss a day, just get back on track the next day!
The idea of reading through the Old Testament can seem daunting. Often, that's because we fail to see how the entire Old Testament relates to Christ. Recall that, in Luke 24:44, Jesus taught that the Old Testament was about him. In Luke Luke 24:44, Jesus says "... all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." This verse provides the lens through which we may understand the entire Old Testament. In order to apply this "lens," simply keep asking, "How does this passage picture Christ?" For example, in Genesis, consider how Noah's Ark pictures Christ. In Exodus, consider how the design of the tabernacle and the bloody sacrifices picture Christ. In Leviticus, consider how the various elements of the Levitical law picture Christ. When you understand that every detail of Leviticus points to Christ, those details become far less tedious!
Also consider some good tools:
1. I strongly encourage you to get a good reference book that introduces and outlines each book of the Bible. One such book is Geisler's A Popular Survey of the Old Testament. This book is easy-to-read and inexpensive. Importantly, it focuses on how each book relates to Christ. Order from Amazon.
2. Get a good Bible dictionary such as the Concise King James Bible Dictionary from Way of Life Literature ($4.95) Order here
3. Take care to learn some very basic principals for interpreting the Bible. See an introduction here.
4. For deeper study, consider purchasing Bible software such as Swordsearcher ($59.95) Learn more.
5. One completely free tool is an "accountability partner." Ask someone to partner with you to keep you accountable to your Bible reading schedule.
Thankfully, the only tool that's required to begin is a King James Bible! Again, the important thing is to get started and to ask the LORD to help you remain faithful.