I wonder how many of us have really read the Bible.  I am not talking about the little bit we read on Sunday mornings or during a Sunday School class; I mean really read the Bible from front to back.  And then, once we have read it, do we ask the important questions of what is God doing in this text and what might God be saying to me, or us, in this text?  Imagine how we might be blessed and become inspired and equipped for every good work, as Paul tells us, if we begin to read a small portion of God’s inspired word every day.

I realize reading through a book like the Bible can be somewhat daunting, so with this thought in mind, I am challenging every person at Salem to join me in 2010 in reading the New Testament.  If you each read one chapter a day Monday through Friday, by December 31, 2010, you will have read the entire New Testament.  If you get behind during the week, you can use the weekends to “catch up,” but also use the weekends to reflect and pray about what God might be calling you to do. 

The plan is simple. Start on the first Monday of the year, January 4, 2010 by reading the first chapter of the New Testament, Matthew 1. Then read one new chapter every weekday and take the weekends off. Actually, use the weekends to re-read sections you found most interesting or confusing. In addition, if you really want to learn the language of Scripture, here are some tips to help you make this an enjoyable experience:

Throughout the day, try to put into practice what you learned from your readings.  Now, enjoy!

Shalom, Pastor Dave

View/print the reading schedule

Other Resources: 

• Biblical Words Pronounciation Guide
• Essential Questions; Christianity and Lutheranism
• What are the Gospels
• The Pauline Letters