Have you ever had a desire to read the Bible from cover to cover but also wanted to learn additional context and geographical information as it relates to God’s word? That is precisely why I developed this study. I homeschool my kids and I have spent quite some time trying to find a Bible Study curriculum that married context, geographical information, timing of events, along with covering 100% of what is in the God’s Word. I couldn’t find anything!
There are loads of studies out there. Believe me, I have looked and completed several. Many of them have blessed me and helped me grow in my faith. Some of my favorites studies have been based on reading God’s Word and then spending time reflecting on it. That reflection time may result in me creating art in my Bible. Other times, I have journal specifically about what God was saying to me. And other times I record how God is working in my life.
Why I Created the NOW Bible Study
Because my search was coming up empty, I prayed heavily as to how to proceed. One thing’s for sure, I felt the Lord leading me to have my kids read the Bible in its entirety. But equally, I felt the Lord leading me to teach my kids how to listen to Him too. Listening is a funny thing, isn’t it? It means I must be silent so that I can hear what God has to say. And how will I know what God has to say if I don’t read all that God gave me to read? Specifically, the message God has been giving me is that He is relevant right NOW! Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” We can know Him and know His Word if we are committed to reading it, researching it, and reflecting on it.
Here is What the NOW Bible Study is All About
My hope is that anyone who decides to embrace this study will gain a greater passion for the Lord and His Word.
First, I organized this study into a reading plan where you will read the entire Bible with respect to the timing of events coupled with the purpose of the books written. For example, I aligned the readings of each prophet with the king they were sent to minister to. However, 1 & 2 Chronicles along with the book of Psalms cover much of that same time period but these books were written as a reflection from the Jews. Rather than lining all of these books up purely based on chronologically, I placed 1 & 2 Chronicles and Psalms at the end of the reading of the Old Testament to support their intended purpose.
Second, I tried to provide opportunities for context. Bible Project has many free videos online that anyone can access on YouTube. I have included links to several of their videos scattered throughout this study. Those videos will provide context and historical information that you may not get from just reading the Bible itself.
And thirdly, I have included reading the book, The Holman Bible Atlas. This book gives extensive geographical information, which is especially helpful considering that many of these places show up in the Bible time and time again. If we can see these places in 3D, it helps to bring scripture alive. Seeing it makes it more meaningful as we read through God’s word.
A 100 Week Commitment
That’s right, it takes 100 weeks to complete! While I am a homeschool mom, and while I did create this Bible study out of a need for me and kids, this Bible study truly is for anyone. Don’t let 100 weeks scare you. I tried to make the study thorough but extremely doable. You will complete the study over 5 days per week. This provides margin if you get behind and gives you the option of not completing the study on days that you attend church.