Read through the Bible in 2025

 I want to invite you to read through the Bible with me in 2025. Some years I do this as part of my devotional reading each morning. Most Christians have never read through the Bible in a year and don't believe it is possible. I've done it dozens of times. All a person has to do is read three chapters a day, and by the end of the year you will have read through the entire Bible. I realize that some chapters are rather lengthy, such as Psalm 119, and you may not even read through that chapter in one sitting. But, others Psalms are short, and I will read more than three chapters when I get to them.

One thing I do is to buy a new version of the Bible when I read through the Bible in a year. This has resulted in me having quite a few versions of the Bible in my library, but it gives me a fresh perspective on the Bible as I read through it. I just ordered my new Bible this morning to be sure I have it when January 1 rolls around.

The version I ordered is the ESV which is one of the few newer translations I do not already have in my library. It comes highly recommended by pastors and scholars. Some years I have chosen to not read a translation but a paraphrase simply to read the Scriptures in a different format. One time I chose The Message which was an interesting read that year. I do not study from paraphrases, that is done with translations of the Bible, but occasionally reading paraphrases will give the reader new insights into what the passage is saying.

Some find reading difficult. For those individuals I recommend getting an audio version of the Bible you can listen to. There are many Bible apps available at no cost for your smartphone or iPad you can get and listen to the Scriptures.

This does not take the place of Bible study. You are not engaging in an in-depth study of the Bible; you are reading it. Chances are, you will read passages you've never read before. God may be disturbing. One lady who accepted the challenge told me she wasn't sure she could finish it because of God's actions in some sections of the Old Testament. I encouraged her to continue reading. Other passages you may have read before will give you new insights as you read them again. God will begin to show you things you had never seen before in your previous readings.

I hope you will join me in reading through the Bible in 2025. I believe doing so will help anyone grow in their faith.