One week from today, we will begin a yearlong Bible Reading Challenge. One of our 2020 goals is to read the entire New Testament. By reading one chapter a day, five days a week (using the weekends to catch up on any missed readings), we can do this. We are not going to read the New Testament as it is arranged in the Bible. Instead, we are going to read one gospel a quarter and sprinkle the epistles in throughout.
Facts about the New Testament
- It comes from God (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Peter 3:16).
- It was written (over a mere 50 years), copied, and circulated among the early brethren over a relatively short amount of time (Colossians 4:16).
- There are eight (and possibly as many as nine) authors.
- The other “gospels” (ex: the gospel of Philip, the gospel of Thomas) are not inspired and were written several decades after the deaths of the apostles.
What makes up the New Testament?
- The four gospels (Matthew- John). These books are not a biography of Jesus’ life. Instead, they tell us about the last years of Jesus’ time on earth. Their purpose is to provide us with enough evidence to believe that He is the Christ (John 20:30-31).
- The book of Acts. Acts is a book of church history. It talks about the ongoing work of Christ through His people on earth.
- The epistles (Romans -Jude). These books teach us how to handle problems and please God (not only as individuals but also as a local church).
- The book of Revelation (prophecy). Revelation reveals that the Lord and His people are victorious over their enemies.
Why do this Bible reading?
- To Know (Ephesians 4:20-21)
- To Grow (1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 1:5-6; 3:18)
- To Nurture (Revelation 3:20-22)
- To Please the Lord (Colossians 1:9-10)
Conclusion:
Will you take on the challenge of reading the entire New Testament in 2020? Find out more at https://montevistacoc.com/reading/
