Each year, our Christian Education Ministry and the pastoral staff define an annual goal for the congregation to gain biblical knowledge and spiritual growth. Many plans for reading through the Bible have been initiated over the years to incorporate God’s Word into our everyday lives. In 2020, the congregation was encouraged to read through the entire Bible as advocated in daily readings from the Pray for America Bible.

This year, First Church is committed to discovering an even deeper love for God’s Word. We invite you to embark on the faith adventure found in the New Testament and discover for yourself why it is truly the world’s greatest book.

“There is no book ever written and printed that has had the impact of the New Testament,” Pastor Doug Pratt said. In his sermon on the last Sunday of 2020, he explained why we should take up the challenge of reading through it in 2021. This may not be as difficult as it sounds. According to Pastor Doug, the average length of a New Testament translation is fewer than 300 pages—that’s shorter than an average novel. And it covers a time span of only about 50 years—compact compared to the Old Testament.

“The New Testament is a fascinating book,” said Pastor Doug, “…built upon the foundation of the Old [Testament]…But [it] is where the message, completely consistent with the Old Testament, is fulfilled and driven home and applied to life in an incredible way… I am convinced that no one can claim to be a well-educated and well-read individual in the western world if they have not read the New Testament. It is that foundational.”

The monthly reading schedule created by our pastors studies the books in order. You can read daily, chapter by chapter, or in larger segments—whatever works for you. Before you begin the month’s readings, be sure to visit our online Life Academy. You will find a new introductory video for each month where one of our pastors provides helpful background and insight on various aspects of the book(s) being covered.

We are confident that during the Year of the New Testament you will be inspired in your daily walk of faith, fortified with God’s Spirit, and gain a higher understanding of Scripture’s authority and truthfulness.

Here is a final thought from Pastor Doug:
“We are inviting you to take this journey through the New Testament and allow it to become real to you as we walk through it. The Holy Spirit shines a divine light on a part of Scripture, and we can suddenly see and understand it in a new way. That is my hope for each of you if you undertake the holy challenge to read the New Testament: that in reading it, God will illuminate or enlighten your mind and your emotions—so that you will see things from a new perspective.”