“Read the Bible through this year”

How many of you would say that you want to engage more deeply with the Bible this coming year? I think many of us have that desire—but it’s not always easy to know how to stay consistent or how to approach the Bible in a way that feels approachable and transformative. Today, I want to encourage each of you to commit to reading through the entire Bible in one year—and I’ll show you why this can be a powerful and life-changing journey.

The Bible is so much more than just a book. It’s a living, breathing story of God’s love, redemption, and purpose for humanity. It’s not just a collection of ancient texts but the foundation for knowing God, knowing ourselves, and understanding our place in His story. And when we make the commitment to read the Bible consistently, we open our hearts to encounter God daily.

So, let’s talk about why we should read through the Bible in one year and what transformation can come from making this a priority.

Why Should We Read Through the Bible in One Year?

Let’s start by answering the why. Why should we commit to reading through the entire Bible in one year?

A. To Grow Closer to God – Hebrews 4:12

Imagine a married couple who only talk once a week. How well would they get to know each other? How would they handle conflicts, celebrate victories, or share dreams for the future? Communication is vital for intimacy.

When we read the Bible regularly, we allow God’s voice to shape us. It’s how we get to know His heart, His promises, and His character.

B. To Understand the Full Story of Redemption

Think about watching a TV series from the middle of the season without the full context. You’d miss major plot points, character development, and relationships that tie everything together. For example, if you started watching Game of Thrones in season 5 without context, you’d feel lost, right?

The Bible is one unified story—from Genesis to Revelation—of God’s redemptive plan for creation. When we just pick and choose verses or favorite passages, we miss the full context of God’s plan. Reading the Bible in its entirety allows us to see the narrative arc: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.

Think about it this way: Imagine reading only a few chapters of a novel and trying to figure out the whole story. It wouldn’t make sense, would it? The same is true with the Bible. Reading it cover to cover allows us to experience the full sweep of God’s work and promises.

C. To Equip Ourselves Spiritually – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Think about preparing for a marathon. If you were planning to run 26.2 miles but never trained, would you be ready on race day? Of course not. You’d need to prepare through consistent training, planning, and equipping.

The Bible equips us for life. Every chapter, every verse has purpose—teaching us, correcting us, guiding us, and preparing us to live in alignment with God’s will.

D. To Experience Consistency and Transformation – James 1:22

Think about a river carving through rock. A single drop of water might seem insignificant, but over time, consistent streams of water can shape rock and create breathtaking landscapes. Similarly, when we spend time in Scripture each day, even just a small amount, the steady flow of God’s Word can shape our hearts over time.

When we commit to a goal like reading through the Bible in one year, it builds discipline. And consistent time in the Word has the power to change our hearts.

The Bible is meant to be applied to our lives. When we read it daily, we give God the opportunity to reveal how it applies to our decisions, our attitudes, and our relationships.

What Transformation Can We Expect?

When you commit to reading through the Bible in one year, what changes can you expect? Here are three things that can happen:

A. You’ll Discover God’s Character

Think of seeing someone in different situations. If you only see them once at a wedding or once when they’re angry, you’d only know part of their story. Reading through the Bible is like seeing God in every circumstance and moment of history—His compassion, justice, mercy, and sovereignty.

As you read, you’ll begin to see God’s faithfulness, mercy, love, and justice in every page. The more you learn about who God is, the deeper your trust in Him can grow.

B. You’ll Experience Personal Growth

Think about a gardener. Every season, they plant seeds, pull weeds, water the soil, and wait for growth. It’s not instant, but over time, those seeds produce fruit.

Scripture has a way of convicting us and renewing our hearts. As you read, you’ll uncover areas of your life where God wants to bring healing, freedom, and growth. You’ll come to know yourself better as you see yourself through the lens of His truth.

I hope you will take the challenge and read the Bible through this year. It will be a blessing to you.