Why a Reading Plan Matters

Many new believers open their Bible with the best intentions but quickly feel lost. The Bible is not a single book — it is a library of 66 books written across roughly 1,500 years by more than 40 authors. Without a roadmap, it is easy to start in Genesis, get bogged down in Leviticus, and give up entirely.

As Greg Laurie often teaches, the key to spiritual growth is consistent time in God's Word. He emphasizes that reading the Bible is not about checking a box but about building a relationship with the living God. A reading plan provides the structure that turns good intentions into lasting habits.

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." — 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

Where Should a Beginner Start?

The Gospel of John

Most pastors and Bible teachers recommend starting with the Gospel of John. It presents the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a way that is both theologically rich and accessible. John wrote with a clear purpose:

"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." — John 20:31 (NKJV)

Greg Laurie frequently recommends John as the starting point for new believers because it focuses on the identity of Jesus and the meaning of faith. The Gospel of John answers the most fundamental question any person can ask: Who is Jesus?

The Psalms

The Psalms are the prayer book of the Bible. They express every human emotion — joy, sorrow, anger, fear, gratitude, and worship. Reading one Psalm per day alongside your main reading plan adds a devotional rhythm to your study.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." — Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)

The Book of Romans

Once you have read John, the Book of Romans provides the most systematic explanation of the Christian faith in all of Scripture. Paul lays out the problem of sin, the solution in Christ, and the implications for daily living.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." — Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

Five Reading Plans for Beginners

1. Gospels in 30 Days

Read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in one month. This gives you four perspectives on the life of Jesus. You will read approximately three chapters per day, which takes about 15 minutes.

Best for: Brand-new believers who want to know Jesus first.

2. Bible in a Year

Read the entire Bible in 365 days by following a structured daily schedule. Most plans assign about three to four chapters per day, mixing Old and New Testament readings.

Best for: Committed readers who want comprehensive Bible knowledge.

3. Psalms in 30 Days

Read five Psalms per day for 30 days. This plan is excellent for building a prayer life rooted in Scripture.

Best for: Anyone who wants to deepen their prayer and worship life.

4. Topical Plans

Focus on a specific theme — such as anxiety, faith, or forgiveness — and read curated passages related to that topic. These plans typically run 7 to 14 days.

Best for: People dealing with a specific life situation who need biblical guidance.

5. New Testament First

Read the entire New Testament before tackling the Old Testament. This approach ensures you understand the fulfillment of God's promises before studying the promises themselves.

Best for: Readers who want to understand Christianity's core message before exploring its historical roots.

Tips for Staying Consistent

Set a specific time. Whether it is morning, lunch, or before bed, consistency comes from routine. Greg Laurie has often shared that his own daily time in the Word happens first thing in the morning, before the distractions of the day take over.

Start small. Reading one chapter per day is better than reading ten chapters once a month. As Mike Winger teaches, the goal is not to race through the Bible but to let the Bible work through you. He encourages readers to slow down, ask questions, and think carefully about what the text actually says.

Use a study Bible or commentary. When you encounter a difficult passage, do not skip it. Use tools like AI commentary or cross-references to understand the context.

Journal your insights. Writing down what you learn helps you remember and apply it. Even a single sentence per day builds a valuable record of your spiritual growth.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." — James 1:22 (NKJV)

Conclusion

The best Bible reading plan is the one you will actually follow. Start where you are, pick a plan that fits your schedule, and trust that God will meet you in His Word. As C.S. Lewis wrote, "The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are." Surround yourself with Scripture, and wisdom will follow.

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