How to Get the Bible Into Your Life

Of all the reasons people mention for not reading the Bible, simple discouragement ranks highest. The Bible's length alone, about 1,000 pages, is imposing. More like a self-contained library than a book, it includes 66 different books by several dozen authors. It is little wonder that people become confused and discouraged. Below you will find a three-track reading plan that we think will helop you break the Bible into more manageable portions and help you suceed in getting into the Bible. If you're new to the Bible, begin with Track 1, then proceed to Track 2, and finally-if you're ambitious-tackle Track 3. Your understanding and appreciation for the Bible should gradually increase. All three tracks share one thing in common: they assign about one chapter a day. The average Bible chapter should take only 5 to 10 minutes to read. Note that the three-track plan for each book is included within the introduction to the book.

Good Advice

1. Make daily reading a habit.
2. You should be reading the Bible with one purpose in mind: to understand the will of God for your life.
3. Study as you read. Take notes. Put what you read into practice.
4. Pray before and after you read.
5. Find a partner to read along with you.

Track 1: Introduction to Bible Reading

Track 1 is a place to begin reading the Bible. Three two-week reading courses take you quickly into passages of the Bible that every Christian should know. These were selected with two things in mind. First, they are often referred to and are frequently quoted. And second, they are relatively easy to read and understand. Track 1 is a sampler, designed to whet your appetite for more.

Download the Introduction to the Bible Reading Plan here.

Track 2: Every Book in the Bible

Track 2 includes 186 of the 1,189 chapters in the Bible. Many well-known parts of the Bible are not represented, and in some books (Leviticus, for example), you will read only a single chapter. These 186 chapters have been selected because they are easy for the average reader to understand without commentary. Taken together, they provide a good foundation of Bible understanding. If you miss a few days, don't worry. Just resume reading when you can, about a chapter a day. In 180 total days, you will get an overview that includes something from every book in the Bible. Track 2 recommends reading the introduction to each book. You may also find it helpful to read the insights that appear next to the assigned chapters.

Download the Every Book in the Bible Reading Plan here.