Make 2020 the year you read through the Bible

A common New Year’s resolution amongst people of faith is to read through the entire Bible in the coming year. Unfortunately, this resolution like so many others, is not fulfilled. Understanding the message of the Bible is the most important goal you can have. The Bible contains the truth about God and the truth that God wants to share with His creation. I would like to offer you three resources to help you be successful with keeping your resolution in 2020.

First, I recommend you use the reading plan and resources found of The Bible Project (www.thebibleproject.org). The Bible Project is an animation studio that produces animated videos about the Bible and what it teaches. They have made videos that give an overview of each book of the Bible. Viewing these as you start each book is a valuable way to gain understanding and get the “big picture” about each book. These are especially helpful for the books that deal with the law, prophecy and for books that you may not already be familiar. There are also a number of videos about how to read and understand the Bible as well as topical videos that they use throughout the year.

Second, each Sunday I will publish in the Frontiersman a summary about the reading for the coming week. The article will preview the content and highlight important themes and ideas that you will encounter. The goal is to provide a context for the reading and encourage you by stimulating your curiosity.

Finally, you are encouraged to listen to Body and Soul each Sunday morning. Body and Soul is a Bible teaching program that is on KJLP 88.9 FM at 8:00 AM and on KATB 89.3 FM at 9:30 AM. This program will teach about the readings for the coming week and assist with understanding the passages within the broader context of the Bible as a whole. My hope is that by using these three resources you will be encouraged to read though the Bible and apply what you learn to your life.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” I encourage you to obtain this knowledge for yourself. The Bible is available in multiple translations at Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com) for you to read online, your cell phone or tablet device. Several of the translations are available in an audio format for you to listen to or read along with as you listen.

I hope you will join us on this journey throughout 2020 and that you will make this the year you successfully keep your resolution to read through and understand the Bible.

Dr. Samuel Abbate is a local physician practicing in Wasilla.