The Bible is certainly a book that deserves to be read in its entirety since it is the only completely reliable account of who God is and what His plan is for human beings. It is possible, however, to get a helpful overview of its contents by reading selected portions. The following selected readings will help you understand the true significance of Jesus Christ and the meaning of the Christian Faith. These readings cover about 70 of the 1,189 chapters of the Bible and deal with some of the most crucial elements of the great story of creation, sin, judgment and salvation. Most readings form entire chapters. At times specific portions of chapters are indicated by giving verse numbers (for example, Deuteronomy 4:1-40). Those readings prefaced by a bold number deal mostly pointedly with the heart of Christianity. Please read with a prayerful attitude, keeping the following verses in mind.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)
Anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:16)
Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself. (Luke 24:27)
1. Reading: Genesis 1-15
The Bible begins with creation and shows that God made all things and created
human beings to know, love and obey Him. The account moves quickly to man’s
rebellion and judgment for sin. But even in the midst of judgment the first hint
of Jesus the Savior is presented (see Genesis 3:14-15). In this section God
begins to prepare the way for Christ by choosing Abraham to be the father of the
nation of Israel. Through his descendants would come the twelve tribes of
Israel. Israel was to be God’s chosen people and the people through whom Jesus
would come. (Abraham lived about 2100 years before Christ).
2. Reading: Exodus 1-20
This section shows the nation of Israel being set free from Egypt where they had
been enslaved for about 400 years. God shows Himself to be One who saves His
people by His own goodness and power. After releasing them from bondage He
enters into a covenant with Israel which gives them a special relationship to
Him. He gives His law to them to make His standards and their obligations plain.
This serves two purposes. First to give them righteous standards to seek to live
by, for the good of the nation. Second, to clearly demonstrate the need for
Jesus the Savior since no one is able to perfectly live up to these standards of
the holy God. (The events described here occurred about 1440 years before
Christ.)
3. Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-40
In this section Israel is about to enter the land promised to Abraham. God
reminds them of their obligation to live for Him and predicts what will happen
to them if they choose to be unfaithful. This section makes plain that people
are not really free to think about God or worship Him any way they please. God
determines how He is to be worshipped and obeyed. Jesus would later call people
to realize this truth. (This event occurred about 1400 years before Christ.)
4. Reading: Jeremiah 1-5
By this time (about 600 years before Christ) Israel has had a long history of
unfaithfulness. As predicted in Deuteronomy 4, God is going to use other nations
to judge Israel and take most off into exile. Jeremiah is just one of the
prophets used by God to rebuke Israel. Eventually God brings a remnant back to
the land. The people through whom the Savior would come are judged but not
destroyed. This period clearly demonstrates that God is both righteous and
merciful.
5. Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7; 11:1-16; 12; 52:13; 53; 61:1-3; Micah 5:1-5
Even when the message of judgment was being given by the prophets, God was also
using them to call Israel to look forward to the Savior to come. These are just
a few of the prophecies, which describe Christ the Messiah hundreds of years
before He was born. Among other things, the prophecies describe the Savior to
come as the King who will sit on David’s throne. David was the greatest of the
kings of Israel and God promised to raise up one of his descendants to be ruler
over all people. This promise will be fulfilled in Jesus. (Isaiah and Micah both
lived about 700 years before the birth of Jesus.)
6. Reading: Matthew 1; Luke 1:26-55; 2:1-20
The promised Savior, Jesus, is born in fulfillment of all the prophecies about
Him. He is not just another religious leader, but is God Himself coming to earth
as a human being. (Jesus was born about 2,000 years ago.)
7. Reading: Luke 3:21-38; 4:14-32
Because Jesus looked like an ordinary human being other things showed that He
was the one and only Savior. God declared Him to be Savior publicly and set Him
apart from other leaders by giving Him special power through the Holy Spirit.
(These events took place about 30 years after Christ’s birth.)
8. Reading: John 10, 14
Jesus describes His unique role as Savior.
9. Reading: Matthew 26-28
While all of the teaching and miracles done by Jesus were important, these
events described in this reading are the very core of why He came to our world.
Here we see His last hours and His death for our sins. The story culminates in
His resurrection. (These events occurred about 33 years after His birth.)
10. Reading: Acts 1-2; 13:13-52
The church begins to spread the news of the Savior and His victory over sin and
death. (These events occurred shortly after the resurrection of Christ.)
11. Reading: Romans 1-6
This section presents an explanation of the Gospel (which means "Good News
about the Savior") which the church proclaims. It teaches that no one is
righteous by keeping the Law. The Law only proves our failure and our need of a
Savior. Righteousness only comes from God as a gift to those who trust in the
Savior. Notice especially Romans 3:22-24.
12. Reading: Ephesians 2
Another example showing that there is only one way of salvation for all people
– total reliance on Christ, not our "good" works. A good life only
follows salvation, it never earns or produces salvation.
13. Reading: Ephesians 4-6
This section gives a good idea of what a life already changed by the Savior’s
grace is supposed to be like in attitude and action.
14. Reading: I Corinthians 15; I Thessalonians 4:1-5, 11
These passages present the hope of future resurrection Christians, thanks to
Christ’s resurrection.
15. Reading: Revelation 19-22
The concluding three-chapter portion of the Bible describes the culmination of
history showing the condemnation of sinners and the blessings of those saved by
grace. Notice how many of the features of Genesis 1-3 reappear here as the curse
is removed and a new order of things made by God is introduced to stand forever.
The work of the Savior has now reached perfect fulfillment and God’s people
will worship Him with gratitude forever for His righteousness and mercy.
If you wish to discuss the content of these readings or need counsel on how you can receive Christ as Savior, please make an appointment free if charge with one of the pastors today at 610-395-4731 or e-mail us at info@faithefc.com or fill out the Inquiries Form.