2023 Bible Reading Plan

Revelation 20-22

December 31, 2023 • Revelation 20—22

What is the message of Revelation? The book of Revelation is not a secret code or puzzle to predict the end of the world. It’s a message to seven ancient churches who were facing persecution. It’s an indictment of earthly kingdoms that makes that point that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted. The book is filled with visions and images that point to Jesus’ return as the ultimate King, where he will restore his people and usher in the new creation. This promise motivates every generation of God's people to remain faithful in the midst of persecution and hardship. God's Rescue Plan The book of Revelation is a letter written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. It uses visions and symbolic imagery to offer a glimpse of God's plan for a new creation. See how the strange visions of Revelation point to the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham and his purpose for humanity.

Revelation 16-19

December 30, 2023 • Revelation 16—19

What is the message of Revelation? The book of Revelation is not a secret code or puzzle to predict the end of the world. It’s a message to seven ancient churches who were facing persecution. It’s an indictment of earthly kingdoms that makes that point that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted. The book is filled with visions and images that point to Jesus’ return as the ultimate King, where he will restore his people and usher in the new creation. This promise motivates every generation of God's people to remain faithful in the midst of persecution and hardship. God's Rescue Plan The book of Revelation is a letter written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. It uses visions and symbolic imagery to offer a glimpse of God's plan for a new creation. See how the strange visions of Revelation point to the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham and his purpose for humanity.

Revelation 12-15

December 29, 2023 • Revelation 12—15

What is the message of Revelation? The book of Revelation is not a secret code or puzzle to predict the end of the world. It’s a message to seven ancient churches who were facing persecution. It’s an indictment of earthly kingdoms that makes that point that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted. The book is filled with visions and images that point to Jesus’ return as the ultimate King, where he will restore his people and usher in the new creation. This promise motivates every generation of God's people to remain faithful in the midst of persecution and hardship. God's Rescue Plan The book of Revelation is a letter written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. It uses visions and symbolic imagery to offer a glimpse of God's plan for a new creation. See how the strange visions of Revelation point to the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham and his purpose for humanity.

Revelation 9-11

December 28, 2023 • Revelation 9—11

What is the message of Revelation? The book of Revelation is not a secret code or puzzle to predict the end of the world. It’s a message to seven ancient churches who were facing persecution. It’s an indictment of earthly kingdoms that makes that point that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted. The book is filled with visions and images that point to Jesus’ return as the ultimate King, where he will restore his people and usher in the new creation. This promise motivates every generation of God's people to remain faithful in the midst of persecution and hardship. God's Rescue Plan The book of Revelation is a letter written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. It uses visions and symbolic imagery to offer a glimpse of God's plan for a new creation. See how the strange visions of Revelation point to the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham and his purpose for humanity.

Revelation 4-8

December 27, 2023 • Revelation 4—8

What is the message of Revelation? The book of Revelation is not a secret code or puzzle to predict the end of the world. It’s a message to seven ancient churches who were facing persecution. It’s an indictment of earthly kingdoms that makes that point that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted. The book is filled with visions and images that point to Jesus’ return as the ultimate King, where he will restore his people and usher in the new creation. This promise motivates every generation of God's people to remain faithful in the midst of persecution and hardship. God's Rescue Plan The book of Revelation is a letter written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. It uses visions and symbolic imagery to offer a glimpse of God's plan for a new creation. See how the strange visions of Revelation point to the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham and his purpose for humanity.

Revelation 1-3

December 26, 2023 • Revelation 1—3

What is the message of Revelation? The book of Revelation is not a secret code or puzzle to predict the end of the world. It’s a message to seven ancient churches who were facing persecution. It’s an indictment of earthly kingdoms that makes that point that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted. The book is filled with visions and images that point to Jesus’ return as the ultimate King, where he will restore his people and usher in the new creation. This promise motivates every generation of God's people to remain faithful in the midst of persecution and hardship. God's Rescue Plan The book of Revelation is a letter written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. It uses visions and symbolic imagery to offer a glimpse of God's plan for a new creation. See how the strange visions of Revelation point to the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham and his purpose for humanity.

2 John- Jude

December 25, 2023 • 2 John, 3 John, Jude

Jude confronts corrupt teachers who distort the message about his brother Jesus and lead others astray. The book of Judah illustrates God's judgment on rebellion, while warning against the rebels who are corrupting other people. Judah then challenges the church to contend for the faith and stay faithful to God. As God's new temple, believers must build their lives on the core message of Jesus and then pray, love, and obey. Their lives must reflect their faith because God's grace through Jesus demands a whole-life response that includes moral living. The way they live is the most reliable indicator of what they actually believe. A Call to Live By Example Written by one of Jesus’ half brothers Judah, the book of Just is a message to Jesus’ Jewish followers. Judah assumes a deep familiarity with the Hebrew Bible and Jewish literature, and he uses these texts to refute corrupt teachers who lived immoral lives.

1 John 1-5

December 24, 2023 • 1 John

John calls followers of Jesus to share in God's own life and love by devoting themselves to loving one another. Each book also addresses deceivers and teachers who no longer acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah or Son of God. They are instead spreading fear and division among Jesus’ followers. John says that all legitimate teachers will share the truth about Jesus and the cross, love others sacrificially, and spread love and light rather than fear. He also reminds believers to welcome true missionaries who teach the message of the cross and love others. They should not welcome deceivers or make idols of anything that exalts itself in God's place. A Series of Letters Written by John the elder to early Christians attending house churches, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John echo the Gospel of John. They emphasize that every true believer will demonstrate God's light and love.

2 Peter

December 23, 2023 • 2 Peter

Peter calls for faithfulness and confronts corrupt teachers who distorted Jesus’ message. Peter issues two warnings against corrupt teachers who are leading the Christian communities astray with their way of life and distorted theology. Peter addresses their objections to the reality of Jesus' resurrection and the final judgment. He reminds Christians that their hope is in God. In his time on the Day of the Lord, he will expose evil and injustice and remove it to make way for a new Heaven and Earth that's permeated with righteousness, God's love, and people who love God and each other. Stay Vigilant 2 Peter is an intense, passionate farewell speech addressed to the same messianic church communities as 1 Peter. In the book, Peter challenges Jesus' followers to continue growing in their faith, love, and service to God and be ready for Jesus' return.

1 Peter 1-5

December 22, 2023 • 1 Peter

Peter offers hope to persecuted Christians and guides them with practical instruction on following Jesus. 1 Peter emphasizes the role of apostles as chosen by God to share his Gospel. Because of this, their persecution can actually be seen as a gift because it offers them a chance to show others the surprising generosity and love of Jesus, which is fueled by hope in his return and victory over evil. Peter is hopeful that their imitation of Jesus and demonstration of his upside-down Kingdom will give power to their words as they bear witness to God's mercy and show people the beautiful truth about Jesus. Hope in Persecution 1 Peter gives persecuted Christians a powerful reminder that they have hope in the midst of their suffering. From the time of Abraham, God's people were a misunderstood minority and should expect to face hostility because they live under King Jesus' rule.

James

December 21, 2023 • James

James combines the wisdom of Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life of devotion to God. The introduction to the book of James summarizes the words and themes found throughout the book, which is filled with short, challenging wisdom speeches that are full of metaphors and easily memorized one-liners. While James doesn't teach new theology, it does challenge believers on how they should live. When believers listen to and obey God's word, they show their love for him and others. Their actions match their words, and their lives are made whole and perfect. Wisdom For the Ages Written by Jesus' half brother Jacob (often translated as James), the book of James shares sage wisdom for all followers of Jesus. The book is heavily influenced by Proverbs and frequently quotes Jesus' famous teaching the Sermon on the Mount.

Hebrews 11-13

December 20, 2023 • Hebrews 11—13

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's love and mercy and is worthy of our trust and devotion. Throughout the book of Hebrews, the audience is challenged to remain faithful to Jesus, who is greater than the heroes of the faith. We should look to the giants of the faith found in the Hebrew Bible as examples for how to live despite hardships and persecution. These challenges will make us uncomfortable, but instead of fearing them, we can remember everything that Jesus has done. To reject him would be foolish when he already fulfilled all that we’ve been waiting for. Jesus Is the Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures The book of Hebrews compares and contrasts Jesus to key historical people and events from the Hebrew Bible. Through these comparisons, we see his superiority. He is greater than the angels, the Torah, Moses, the promised land, earthly priests, sacrifices, and the covenant. He is the hope for a new creation, our eternal priest, and the perfect sacrifice.

Hebrews 7-10

December 19, 2023 • Hebrews 7—10

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's love and mercy and is worthy of our trust and devotion. Throughout the book of Hebrews, the audience is challenged to remain faithful to Jesus, who is greater than the heroes of the faith. We should look to the giants of the faith found in the Hebrew Bible as examples for how to live despite hardships and persecution. These challenges will make us uncomfortable, but instead of fearing them, we can remember everything that Jesus has done. To reject him would be foolish when he already fulfilled all that we’ve been waiting for. Jesus Is the Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures The book of Hebrews compares and contrasts Jesus to key historical people and events from the Hebrew Bible. Through these comparisons, we see his superiority. He is greater than the angels, the Torah, Moses, the promised land, earthly priests, sacrifices, and the covenant. He is the hope for a new creation, our eternal priest, and the perfect sacrifice.

Hebrews 1-6

December 18, 2023 • Hebrews 1—6

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's love and mercy and is worthy of our trust and devotion. Throughout the book of Hebrews, the audience is challenged to remain faithful to Jesus, who is greater than the heroes of the faith. We should look to the giants of the faith found in the Hebrew Bible as examples for how to live despite hardships and persecution. These challenges will make us uncomfortable, but instead of fearing them, we can remember everything that Jesus has done. To reject him would be foolish when he already fulfilled all that we’ve been waiting for. Jesus Is the Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures The book of Hebrews compares and contrasts Jesus to key historical people and events from the Hebrew Bible. Through these comparisons, we see his superiority. He is greater than the angels, the Torah, Moses, the promised land, earthly priests, sacrifices, and the covenant. He is the hope for a new creation, our eternal priest, and the perfect sacrifice.

Titus and Philemon

December 17, 2023 • Titus, Philemon

Paul commissions Titus to show how the good news of Jesus can transform Cretan culture from within. Paul’s letter to Titus urged him to remind Cretan believers that while they live in a sinful culture, they can be transformed into a new humanity by the same grace that Jesus demonstrated when he died to redeem them. As a new humanity, they can reject a lifestyle that is inconsistent with God's generous love. They can show God's salvation message and transform their communities by participating in Cretan culture, rejecting anything corrupt, living and devoting themselves to Jesus, and promoting the common good. Paul's Letter to Titus Paul wrote the book of Titus for his companion, who was tasked with visiting Crete, a place infamous for sin and corruption. Titus was to restore order to house churches in Crete and replace corrupt teachers with godly leaders.

Mountain View Baptist Church - North Carolina

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