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Advanced Bible Reading Plans

We recommend undertaking these advanced plans only after reading through the entire Bible at least twice.

There are many good methods when approaching advanced Bible reading, so in this chapter, we’ll offer a couple of plans that you may customize for your own needs.  We also welcome comments and suggestions if you have a plan that you’d like to share.

Advanced Reading Plan Suggestions:

For those at the advanced level, we recommend continuing to read thru the entire Bible utilizing the 365 Day Reading Plan or similar, but add some of the supplemental readings listed below (or develop your own).  For example, you might follow your “thru the Bible” plan for one month, then read the Book of James thru each day for a week, then continue your “thru the Bible” where you left off.  We recommend dividing your time between a “thru the Bible” plan and any supplemental readings that time allows, but also ensure that every book of the Bible is read at least once every two years.

An easy alternate is to follow our Two Year Reading Plan.  This plan allows the reader to cover the entire Old Testament once, and the New Testament plus the OT books of Psalms and Proverbs twice over a two year period.  Since this takes less time per day as the one year plan, you should be able to add supplemental readings without breaking from your daily plan.

Examples of Supplemental Bible Readings:

1 John Read thru each day for one week.  Great book on the love of God, assurance of salvation and spiritual growth.
James Read thru each day for one week.  Practical book with emphasis on ethics, obedience, and works as "evidence" of our salvation
Gospel of Mark Read twice (1-2 chapters a day) Gospel book provides the "Readers Digest" version of the life and teachings of Jesus
Gospel of John Read twice (1-2 chapters a day) Gospel with emphasis on the deity of Christ and his mission on earth.  Read chapters 14-17 several times.
Shorter Epistles of Paul Read each in one or two days Paul’s letters to various churches or fellow Christians.  Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2Thessalonians, 1&2Timothy, Titus and Philemon
Paul’s Prison Letters Read two chapters a day (one week) Condensed book of Paul’s Theology.
Hebrews Read once, a few chapters a day Main theme is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.  Contrasts old and new covenants.
Gospel of Luke Read a few chapters a day The most detailed of the Gospels, emphasizing the humanity of Jesus.
Acts Read once, a few chapters a day Pentecost and the History of the Early Church
2 Peter Read each day for 7 days Letter to stimulate Christian growth, combat false teachings, and how to live in view of Christ’s certain return.
Romans Read 3 chapters a day The most detailed book of Paul’s theology.  A great book for study.  Read chapters 5-8 several times.
Proverbs Read one chapter a day for a month OT wisdom book.
Psalms Read a chapter a day OT wisdom book.  I usually read a chapter prior to my other readings.
Gospel of Matthew Read a few chapters a day Gospel written to the Jews to prove that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Jewish Scriptures (OT)
Selected Epistles Read entire book every day for two to four weeks A great way to develop a thorough knowledge of a certain book.  I recommend trying this with Ephesians (Paul’s condensed theology), Philippians (epistle of joy written from prison), Colossians, James, 1John, 2 Peter and others.
Gospel of Luke Read once, a few chapters a day The most detailed of the Gospels, emphasizing the humanity of Jesus.

Suggested Extra-Biblical Readings:

Creeds & Confessions Varies We believe the Creeds, Confessions and Catechisms are some of the most important texts that you can study, other than the Bible Itself.
Bible Study Tools As Required We suggest consulting Bible Commentaries, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, etc, as needed. 
Christian Literature Varies We suggest reading Christian Classics along with scholarly books on Theology, Apologetics, Bible Doctrine, and Christian History as well as Christian living. 

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