At FBCO, we encouraged the people in our church to read the entire New Testament this calendar year. Hundreds of people committed to do that. Here are some lessons we’ve learned along the way..
Surprising numbers of Christians have never read the entire New Testament for themselves. Not only have many new believers not read the entire NT for themselves, many long time believers have never done so. More surprising still is that some of those who are in church almost every Sunday have never completed this task. As I’ve emphasized this over the years, many have told me that they have completed reading the NT for the first time. While delighted that they did, I’m often amazed that it has taken them so long to do so.
People who read the New Testament are often surprised by what they didn’t know and understand. People who have joined us in our NT reading challenge often note that they didn’t understand the bible as well as they thought. They are surprised to see what they have missed. They thought they knew more about the bible than they really did. Like kindergarteners who thought they knew almost everything there was to know, first time readers of the NT begin to see that there is a lot they didn’t know about Jesus and doctrine and spiritual expectations. They frequently find themselves challenged in unexpected ways.
Once people begin to read the New Testament for themselves, they begin to want more. One of the most frequent responses I hear from those who have finished reading the NT for the first time is that they have already begun reading it the second time. Reading the NT a few times tends to lead people to want to finish the entire bible. The more we read the bible, the more we see the value and the benefit. The spiritual discipline of bible reading seems to get easier over time. And it seems that most find their small groups and the sermons more meaningful. A desire for continued deeper spiritual growth often follows.
I encourage you to read every chapter of the New Testament for yourself. If you read just two chapters a day, five days a week, you will finish it in its entirety in just six months. I suggest you read an entire book (perhaps start with the gospel of John) before moving to another of the 27 NT books. Maybe put a dot at the end of each chapter that you complete to remind yourself where you are and what you have completed. As you read, underline any verses or phrases that especially stand out to you. This will help to keep you focused. And, don’t give up if you miss a day. Get back on track as soon as you can and keep going.
If you haven’t read the NT yet, start today. This will be the beginning of a great adventure learning what God wants for you!
Doug Munton 