Bible 3-year Reading Plan

Path 1: New Testament and Psalms

Romans 1–3: Paul begins by showing that both Gentiles and Jews stand guilty before God. Creation reveals God’s power, the law exposes sin, and no one can claim righteousness by works. The section culminates in the good news that God justifies sinners through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the law.

No One Is Righteous: Romans 1–3 steadily removes every basis for human boasting. Pagan idolatry, moral self-confidence, and possession of God’s law cannot make anyone righteous. Paul’s conclusion is universal: all have sinned and stand accountable before God. The gospel begins with this shared guilt because only those who need righteousness can receive it as a gift.

Path 2: Old Testament Pentateuch/History

1 Samuel 7–9: Samuel leads Israel in repentance, and God delivers them from the Philistines. Yet as Samuel grows old, Israel demands a king “like all the nations.” God permits their…

Path 1: New Testament and Psalms

Acts 26–28: Paul defends the gospel before Agrippa, recounting his conversion and Christ’s commission to carry light to the Gentiles. After a dangerous voyage and shipwreck, Paul reaches Rome. Acts closes with him preaching the kingdom of God openly, showing that imprisonment cannot stop the advance of Christ’s Word.

Path 2: Old Testament Pentateuch/History

1 Samuel 4–6: Israel treats the ark of the covenant as a weapon that can guarantee victory, but the Philistines capture it and Eli’s household falls under judgment. Yet God needs no human army to defend His glory. He humiliates Dagon, afflicts the Philistines, and brings the ark back to Israel.

The Ark Is Not a Talisman: Israel assumes that possessing the ark guarantees God’s favor, even while the nation remains spiritually corrupt. God refuses to be controlled through sacred objects, rituals, or religious language. His presence is not a tool for…

Path 1: New Testament and Psalms

Acts 23–25: Paul remains in Roman custody while Jewish leaders repeatedly seek his death. God preserves him through political intrigue, assassination plots, and changing governors. Paul uses his legal rights, appeals to Caesar, and continues bearing witness before rulers, moving steadily toward the mission God promised him in Rome.

Providence Through Lawful Means: God protects Paul through Roman citizenship, soldiers, courts, governors, and legal appeals. These institutions are imperfect, yet God still uses them to preserve His servant and advance the gospel. Providence does not usually bypass ordinary means. God can work through lawful authorities, procedures, and even unbelieving rulers to accomplish His purposes.

Path 2: Old Testament Pentateuch/History

1 Samuel 1–3: Samuel’s story begins with Hannah’s faithful prayer and God’s gracious answer. Dedicated to the Lord, Samuel grows up serving under Eli while Eli’s sons corrupt the priesthood. God calls Samuel as His prophet and…

Path 1: New Testament and Psalms

Acts 20–22: Paul completes his third missionary journey and prepares for suffering in Jerusalem. His farewell to the Ephesian elders emphasizes faithful teaching, vigilant shepherding, and perseverance. In Jerusalem he is arrested, yet uses the opportunity to testify publicly about Christ and recount his own conversion and calling.

Shepherding the Church: Paul’s charge to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 shows that church leadership is fundamentally pastoral and doctrinal. Elders must guard themselves, care for the flock, teach the whole counsel of God, and watch for false teachers. Faithful leadership requires both courage and vigilance because Christ purchased the church with His own blood.

Path 2: Old Testament Pentateuch/History

Ruth 1–4: Against the dark background of Judges, Ruth presents covenant faithfulness, providence, and redemption. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi leads her to Boaz, a faithful kinsman-redeemer. Their marriage preserves the family line and ultimately leads to David,…