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4 Year Focus
Introducing the Holy Bible
For those new to the Holy Bible, there are 66 books in all. Each book has a name. For ease of reference, each book is divided by chapters and chapters are broken down into verses. A reference to Genesis 1:1, for example, would signify the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 1. Genesis 1:1 reads "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Verse 2, which naturally follows verse 1, reads "Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters." As is the case with Genesis 1:2, a single verse may contain several sentences. However, you will also find the case where a single verse is actually a part of a much larger sentence. In this bible study, we will read one entire chapter or more each day. Therefore, you will be reading all the verses contained in that chapter.
Furthermore, a few books are referenced with a number before a name, such as 1 Peter. In such instances, there is a second book with the same name, 2 Peter. When the bible study plan designates 1 Peter 1 for the daily reading, be sure to read the first chapter of first Peter (1 Peter 1), not the first chapter of second Peter (2 Peter 1).
Studying the Holy Bible
Use different versions of the Holy Bible and different study notes to ascertain the instructions contained in God's Word. We also encourage you to use other sources to complement your readings. For instance, church libraries typically have some material. Also, you can visit your local Christian bookstore (e.g. Lifeway) for a Holy Bible with helpful study notes. Or contact the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for several helpful guides. We also encourage you to listen to your local Christian radio station, such as the Bible Broadcasting Network radio station (you can also listen over the Internet and you can choose from several different languages!).
As you complete the readings for each day, mark the checkboxes provided on your printed copy of the online lists of chapter readings. In addition, you can download an ASCII-formatted printable version (filename = Godsword.txt) of the entire set of reading lists which includes the one-year reading, the four-year study, and the four-year focus. Now, let us get started.
Getting Started
For 30 days, read the given selection each day. Commit the readings to memory. By the end of the 30 days, you will remember every word. Over a period of 360 days, you will have memorized several books of the New Testament. Over the course of 4 years, you will have committed to memory the entire New Testament!
Spend the last 5 or 6 days of each year reviewing what you have learned. You should be able to recall some New Testament scripture upon request. And, you should be able to recall lessons learned from specific parts of the New Testament. Of course, if you have been using a printed version of the New Testament, you can certainly find New Testament chapters and topics much faster.
In the first year, you will read the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Then, in the second year, you will read John, Acts, and Romans. Continuing into the third year, you will read 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and 1 Timothy. Finally, in the fourth year, you will wrap up by reading 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Revelation. So, go ahead and read, then test yourself.
- First Year Redings
- Second Year Redings
- Third Year Redings
- Fourth Year Redings
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