Q: How Can I Become More Systematic In My Study of The New Testamant?
Q: I’ve heard you say during one of your pulpit teaching series on the Bible, that Christians need to be more “systematic” in their New Testament studying of the Word of God. Instead of just reading a few verses each night out of the Old and New Testaments, how can I become more ‘systematic’ in my studying?
A: I remember the few services that I did say that Christians need to be ‘systematic’ in studying the Old and New Testaments. Here’s the ‘systematic’ way of studying the New Testament, for a better rounded understanding of the 27 books that make-up the New Testament:
Start out reading one Gospel: John
Read 3 or more chapters per night until YOU complete the book;
Then read the historical church Book of Acts of the Apostles
Read 3 or more chapters per night until YOU complete the book;
Then Read ALL the Epistles, starting with Romans through Jude [Skipping Revelation]
Read 3 or more chapters per night until YOU complete the books;
Then go back and read another Gospel: Mark
Read 3 or more chapters per night until YOU complete the book;
This time, SKIP the Book of Acts: Because Acts is actually included in the summation of ALL the Epistles ;
Then Read ALL the Epistles, again
Read 3 or more chapters per night until YOU complete the books;
Then go back and read another Gospel: Luke
Read 3 or more chapters per night until YOU complete the book;
Then Read ALL the Epistles, again
Read 3 or more chapters per night until YOU complete the books;
Last but not least, read the 1st Gospel: Matthew
Read 3 or more chapters per night until YOU complete the book.
Note: You certainly can read more than 3 chapters per night, but for consistency, it’s a good start.Remember to complete the book you’re reading before going to the next one.Doing it this systematic way gives the student a great appreciation of the entire New Testament.In your spare time, then you can attack the Book of Revelation for end-time events. There are some good study notes out there on the web, or you can purchase my verse-by-verse commentary on Revelation.