Read the Bible in One Year

If you are thinking about a New Year's Resolution or something spiritually challenging, read on.

To read the Bible all the way through, from Genesis to Revelation, is a task that requires planning and commitment. You might call this a long obedience in the same direction, to coin a phrase.

First, you should analyze the situation. How many books and how many chapters are involved in this endeavor? With the help of a few web sites, it turned out that there are 929 chapters in the 39 books of the Old Testament and 260 chapters in the 27 books of the New Testament. That adds up to a whopping total of 1,189 chapters. Wow!

With 365 days in the year, this means you need to read 3.25 chapters a day to keep on track. Now three to four chapters a day sound a little more doable. One method may be to read two chapters in the morning before or during breakfast, and two more chapters at night before you go to bed.

Use a Handy, Dandy Checklist

Next, you need a way to keep track of your progress. That's where this handy
Read the Bible Checklist becomes, well, handy. It was created several years ago and is still useful.

This two-page checklist is designed to help you stay on track and see your progress on a daily basis. Some days you can read three chapters, some days you can go for four. When you reach Psalm 117 (the 595th chapter), you are at the halfway point. Hopefully that will happen at the six month mark.

The checklist is only a click away. Print it out, fold it, and keep it in your Bible for instant use. A pen or pencil is also recommended.

 

Resources in the Hillside Library

Hillside has a Library Room on the lower level of the church. This library offers a wide variety of printed materials free for the lending.

Before you visit, check the Online Library Catalog to see if we have an item you might be interested in.

The library offers Bible study guides for both individuals and groups, Bibles in a variety of versions, Biblical reference books (like Strong's Concordance and Bible dictionaries), teaching materials, inspirational books of poetry, sayings, and Scriptures, uplifting testimonies, books for spiritual improvement, novels, teen books, children's books, videos, and music. There are even coloring books for the kiddies!

There is plenty of shelf space to expand, so keep bringing in those donations. We are especially in need of more materials (like books and magazines) for teens. When you come in, sit back, relax, and spend some time with God and a good book!

There are also resources on the church web site and on the web to encourage and enlighten believers and seekers.

 

Resources from the Southern Baptist Convention

The following resources are available regarding the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), Christianity, and various ministries.

Southern Baptist Convention

The Southern Baptist Convention web site is home for the worldwide Southern Baptist church, a network of autonomous churches voluntarily banded together to engage in missions enterprises and ministry activities designed to fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord.

Baptist Press

Baptist Press (BP) is the official news service of the Southern Baptist Convention and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Baptist Press is responsible for providing regular news releases about Southern Baptists, serving as the Convention's press representative, and coordinating news operations for annual meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Disaster Relief and the Local Church

Involve the Church in Disaster Relief. The mission of a Southern Baptist Disaster Ready Church is to be prepared in the event of a disaster, connect with resources and potential disaster response partners, and respond when disaster strikes.

The Send Network for North America

Throughout the Bible we see a clear pattern of God calling and sending His followers, in this case across North America. As believers, we are a people sent by God to carry the message of God's love, mercy, and redemption through His son Jesus Christ.

BCNE New Hampshire

BCNE New Hampshire is a local association of New Hampshire Southern Baptist churches working together. It is now part of the Baptist Churches of New England. Its purpose is to make a difference in our state and around the world with the redemptive message of Jesus Christ.

Baptist Churches of New England (BCNE)

Ministry in New England can be difficult and discouraging. The Baptist Convention of New England is here for you. Its experienced staff is ready to walk alongside you by partnering with you, equipping you, and encouraging you.

Lifeway Christian Resources

Lifeway is one of the world's largest providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, Bible studies, Sunday School materials, Vacation Bible School resources, church supplies, church music, hymnals, and digital services.

North American Mission Board, SBC

The NAMB is a Southern Baptist ministry that has missionaries at work across North America who crave your prayer. Their mission is to share the gospel and bring compassion to hurting people in North America. A major source of funding is through gifts received during the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

International Mission Board, SBC

The IMB is a Southern Baptist ministry whose mission is to send and support missionaries who share the gospel and make disciples among the nations of the world. A major source of funding is through gifts received durting the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

 

Other Web Resources

Web: Historical Resources

Ancient Evidence for a Historical Jesus

This lengthy, scholarly, and footnoted article is based on non-Christian ancient sources that support the reliability of the New Testament. Sources include the Roman historian Tacitus, Pliny the Younger (the Roman governor of Bithynia in Asia Minor), Jewish historian Josephus, the Babylonian Talmud, and Greek satirist Lucian of Samosata.

Historical Jesus: Birth, Ministry, and Death of Jesus of Nazareth

This article on the web site of New Testament Scholar Bart Ehrman, delves into the Jesus of faith and tradition and the Historical Jesus. Author Marko Marina includes numerous references from the Old and New Testament, and a wide range of other sources.

The Historical Jesus

The Biblical Archaeology Society selected several articles that "grappled with the critical archaeological and Biblical issues that surround the search for the Historical Jesus.

The Three "Quests" for the Historical Jesus

Initial "quests" were intended to prove that the gospels could not be trusted and to explain away Christ's divinity. This essay from Zondervan Academic examines Three Quests starting from the 19th century to the present. It ends with a discussion of six criteria for examining historical events and teachings.

Web: Bible Resources

Answers in Genesis

Answers in Genesis is an apologetics (i.e., Christianity-defending) ministry dedicated to enabling Christians to defend their faith and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively.

Bible Gateway to over 200 versions

The Bible Gateway is a searchable online Bible tool hosting more than 200 versions of the Bible in over 70 languages that you can freely read, research, and reference anywhere. By including a library of audio Bibles, mobile apps, devotionals, email newsletters, and other free resources, Bible Gateway equips you not only to read the Bible, but to understand it.

John Wycliffe Bible (Late), c.1395

The first complete translation of the Bible into Middle English was completed in the 1380s by John Wycliffe. Chuirch authorities officially condemned the translators of the Bible into vernacular languages but it remained in use for about 100 years. Here is the first verse of Genesis. Can you read it?

"In the bigynnyng God made of nouyt heuene and erthe."

1536 Tyndale New Testament Facsimile

William Tyndale holds the honor of being the first person to publish a printed version of the New Testament. This site offers a PDF version of that work reproduced from a copy in the British Library. The opening page contains this introduction.

"The Newe Testament yet once agayne corrected by Willyam Tindale: where vnto is added a necessarye table: wherin easely and lightelye maye be fou[n]de any storye contaynd in the foure Euangelistes and in the Actes of the Apostles."

The Impact Of The Bible On History And Culture

This article, published on March 27, 2024, explores the enduring significance of the Bible, revealing its impact on history and culture, and how it continues to shape our world today.

Web: Christian Ministries

American Family Association

This Christian ministry is "a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 1977 by Donald E. Wildmon, who was the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Southaven, Mississippi, at the time. Since 1977, AFA has been on the front lines of America's culture war. It continues as one of the largest and most effective pro-family organizations in the country with hundreds of thousands of supporters."

Samaritan's Purse

This Christian ministry is "a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."

"The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) gives a clear picture of God's desire for us to help those in desperate need wherever we find them."

Focus on the Family

The focus or "primary reason for this ministry's existence is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a practical outreach to homes and families. This ministry is therefore based upon six guiding principles that are apparent at every level throughout the organization. These "pillars" are drawn from the wisdom of the Bible and the Judeo-Christian ethic, rather than from the humanistic notions of today's theorists. Outreach is through daily radio broadcasts, newsletters, podcasts, and online articles.

Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk

"The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development." This ministry reaches millions through its radio broadcasts, blogs, newsletters, and other resources.

Our Daily Bread Daily Devotions

Our Daily Bread Ministries provides resources to help you experience the life-changing story of the Bible every day. The Daily Devotionals are presented as a list going backward by date. The Filter link at top left allows you to pick one or more dates in the past to view older devotionals.

Alistair Begg Sermons - Truth For Life Radio

Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. Truth For Life distributes his unique, expositional Bible teaching. Studying God's Word each day, verse by verse, is the hallmark of this ministry.

Dr. David Jeremiah

God has given David Jeremiah and his Turning Point ministry one of the largest delivery systems of the Gospel in the world. A delivery system of radio, television, print, and digital media, which he believes comes with a great deal of responsibility.

Christian Answers

Christian Answers is a worldwide evangelism, education, and discipleship ministry of "Films for Christ." Its primary goal is to provide accurate, biblical answers on a wide variety of questions asked by Christians and non-Christians.

Web: Books About the Biblical Text

"The Text of the New Testament, 3rd edition 1992" by Bruce Metzger

For many decades, "this text" has been the standard account of the compilation and transmission of the New Testament. Here you will find a comprehensive survey of ancient and newly-discovered manuscripts, and both the science and art of textual criticism as applied to the interpretation of manuscripts. You will also learn some Greek. αμεν = amen

"How We Got the Bible" by Neil Lightfoot, 1986

This book provides well-researched, accessible answers to many topics like the materials used to write the scriptures, archaeological discoveries like Sinaitic Manuscript, and the origin, transmission, and translation of the Bible.