The Chronological Bible Reading Guide by Jane Becker Weathers is a wonderful tool for personal Bible study. The additional insights gleaned from various Bible scholars add depth and meaning to a chronological reading of the scriptures, and enhance the discovery of innumerable treasures in God’s Word. Theologian John Stott said, “We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb us, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.” With this in mind, Hebrews 4:12 takes on even greater significance, “ For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword…” My prayer is that by following this Bible reading guide, you will find that God’s word provides “a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.” (Psalm 119:105)
John G Gage
Former worship pastor-retired
Author: Love, Dad; Character For Kids; Encouragement in Adversity
www.johnggage.com
Why do some events appear to have been completed, but several chapters later – or in another book of the Bible – the same thing is told as though it had not yet happened. Why do we read that some Biblical events happened prior to their historical timeframe?
Except for the Pentateuch, the books of the Bible were not necessarily written sequentially. Even chapters within the books are not necessarily sequential.
That’s why when I read Jane Becker Weathers’ chronological reading guide, I was impressed. As a historian, I believe it’s beneficial to understand Holy Scripture in its proper historical setting, and in light of world events. Jane Weathers’ reading guide is invaluable in this respect.
Chronological Bible Reading Guide – God’s Word, The Word of Light and Life not only lists a weekly-daily reading plan, it also presents historical data relating to that point of Biblical history. In my estimation, that is what sets this guide apart from all others.
Jane doesn’t break the chronology down verse-by-verse (which is very tedious and delicate), but she does present a sequential chapter-by-chapter plan, and I highly endorse this Biblical/historical chronological reading guide. Keep it with your Bible as you read.
S. Eugene Linzey
Former Pastor
Author of Charter of the Christian Faith
Jane Weather’s goal in producing this study tool was to arrange the chapters of the Bible into chronologically ordered groups so that each chapter can serve as “supplementary background commentary” for the other chapters that overlapped from the same general time period. For example, in this work, week 30, Day 2, (p. 70), groups together Isaiah 38, 2 Kings 20, Isaiah 39, and 2nd Chronicles 32. Thus, for these four chapters, the reader has immediately in hand four chapters that overlap temporally. Each of the four, then, might serve as immediate Biblical commentary on the other three. A fuller treatment of Hezekiah’s illness and recovery and his foolish display of wealth is enhanced by dealing with all four chapters.
Further, since the temporal boundaries of the different days readings do not exactly coincide, chapters from both preceding and following days might also provide some commentary value for the readings of any particular day. Thus, Weathers’ study provides a reading guide for using the Bible as its own commentary. I judge that Mrs. Weathers has achieved her goal.
However, the writer does more. She also provides occasional extra observations and comments from other outside studies and personal observations. This material is wisely limited, because if it were too extensive, it would distract attention from her major goal, i.e. to let the Bible speak for itself on these topics. I judge that she has used just enough extra biblical comment to accomplish two good goals. First, to demonstrate her own good judgment in what she selected for additional interesting comment. And, second, at the same time, to vary the routine of comparing passages on the same topic with reasonably limited general comments that bring other ideas into the discussion.
Andrew C. Bowling
Retired Bible Professor and interim Pastor supply
Co-author of Understanding Biblical Hebrew Verb Forms: Distribution and Function Across Genres
Author of “1-2 Chronicles”: in Evangelical Commentary on the Bible
The following are comments regarding the weekly email program:
“THANK YOU for the Bible study. It has changed my life! The scripture now jumps out of the page at me, living and breathing into me more of the Spirit of the Lord! At this day and age, I sure need it!
“You speak as a woman, living life with its trials like everyone else. Yet you see it thru your eyes, and it illuminates us who are blessed by your insights and study. I am a reader; always have been. Some books are well written, with content that has much to be desired; others have wonderful stories but their writing is tasteless. In your case, the subject is awesome; and the way you write (very personally) fascinates me! Keep on, keeping on.”
Coralie Sawyer
Women on Mission President
Second Baptist Church
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
“I have been using the Chronological Bible Reading Guide for six months. I have known the author for many years. The book has very little commentary, but every day provides a reading list. As one reads through the Pentateuch it doesn’t make a lot of difference. I really noticed the difference as I entered into the historical books especially as they relate to David. As you read about an event in the life of David from 2 Samuel or 1 Chronicles you are also reading corresponding chapters from the Psalms. It makes that section come alive. The author also has a web site that can send you a reading list for the week. The email that is sent out does have commentary. Searching with the name of the book and author should provide you information on that email guide as well.
“It is ideal to start in January, but one can start anywhere. Just read for one year and you will have finished reading the Bible chronologically in a year.”
Wayne Penner
Professor, Biblical studies
International College of Bible and Missions
Johannesburg, South Africa
“I am impressed with both the content and the layout of the guide. Its open style helps me to feel “I can do this!”
“The progression through the Bible, but then also the juxtaposition of other passages into the lineup, makes for interesting reading and thought. While there is variety in the sequence of passages, one lives with confidence that by the end of the year I will have read through the entire Bible.
“You have placed a personal vibrancy into the guide by choosing a Scripture for the bottom of each page. It shows that you have read the passages and been spoken to.
“Congratulations on a job well done. May the guide be a blessing to many, many people!”
Palmer Becker, D.Min
Author, Speaker, Retired Pastor
Kitchener, Ontario
I have really enjoyed reading through the Bible this past year. I so appreciate the research and extra notes given throughout as well as the presentation of the scripture in chronological order. It was such a blessing to read the word of God in this manner. Thanks for your investment of time in compiling it and freely offering it for the benefit of others. It was also fun to see some of my old Bible professors quoted in the notes.
This has been such a blessing to me. Thank you for serving others in this way.
I printed out each weeks’ readings and have them in a notebook. So, I am going to unsubscribe to the weekly reading email list as I have the hard copies to do it over again.
Thanks for making it easier to read God’s word consistently.
Heather H., 2018 Subscriber