The Top 10 Bible Study Topics To Enrich Your Faith

If you want to go deeper in your faith and better understand the teachings of the Bible, choosing an impactful Bible study topic is key. But with 66 books and hundreds of potential themes to explore, where should you start?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top 10 Bible study topics to help you get the most out of your study time.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: character studies, specific books of the Bible, Jesus’s life and teachings, moral issues, prophecy, and topics related to Christian living and spiritual growth are all excellent Bible study topics that will enrich your faith.

Character Studies

Adam and Eve

As the first two human beings created by God, Adam and Eve play a pivotal role in the Bible. Their creation and time in the Garden of Eden, described in Genesis chapters 2-3, establishes humanity’s special relationship with God and explains the origin of sin.

Key events include:

God forming Adam from dust and breathing life into him

God creating Eve from Adam’s rib to be his companion
The serpent deceiving Eve into eating the forbidden fruit
Adam and Eve being banished from the garden for disobeying God

The choices of Adam and Eve set in motion humanity’s struggle against sin. Yet through their offspring would come the redeemer Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15).

Abraham

Known as the father of faith, Abraham plays a prominent role in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. His story spans Genesis 12-25.

Key aspects include:

God calling Abram (later Abraham) to leave his homeland and go the promised land of Canaan
God establishing a covenant with Abraham, promising him land and descendants
Abraham demonstrating faith by leaving his homeland and almost sacrificing Isaac

God sparing Isaac and promising Abraham innumerable descendants

Abraham set the pattern of trusting and obeying God despite difficulties, making him the spiritual father of all who share his faith (Romans 4:11,16).

Moses

Revered as the great prophet and lawgiver, Moses led the Israelites out of 400 years of Egyptian slavery, as described in Exodus through Deuteronomy.

Key milestones were:

God appearing to Moses in the burning bush and commissioning him
Inflicting the plagues on Egypt that led to the Israelites’ release

Parting the Red Sea to provide an escape route for the fleeing Israelites
Receiving the Ten Commandments and other laws at Mount Sinai
Leading the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness

God spoke to Moses “face to face” and entrusted him to mediate his covenant with Israel (Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:10-12).

David

Starting out as a shepherd, David became Israel’s model king, brilliant military leader, and the writer of many Psalms. His life is chronicled in 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2.

Major events included:

Anointed by Samuel as Israel’s future king
Slaying Goliath and becoming a national hero
Enduring many trials while being pursued by Saul

Becoming king and capturing Jerusalem as his capital
Committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband killed
Facing revolts by his sons Absalom and Adonijah

Despite his flaws, David was unmatched in power and devotion to God, making his reign the “golden era” of Israel’s history.

Jesus

As God incarnate, Jesus Christ stands at the center of the Bible and human history. The Gospels focus on his birth, 3-year ministry, death by crucifixion, and resurrection.

Key events included:

Born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem
Baptized by John and ministering in the power of the Spirit
Performing miracles like healing the sick and feeding the 5000

Gathering 12 disciples and teaching crowds with authority
Dying on the cross to pay sin’s penalty, then rising from the dead

Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah who would bring salvation. His Gospel continues to spread worldwide and impact hearts (Matthew 28:19-20).

Paul

Originally a zealous persecutor of Christians, the Apostle Paul experienced a dramatic conversion that transformed him into the Greco-Roman world’s foremost missionary. His epistles comprise about half the New Testament.

Highlights included:

Encountering the risen Christ on the road to Damascus

Breaking down cultural barriers between Jews and Gentiles
Establishing churches throughout the Roman empire
Writing letters to guide new believers in living out their faith

Enduring beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks to spread the Gospel
Dying as a martyr in Rome during Nero’s persecution

More than anyone, Paul shaped Christianity into a faith embracing all nations and cultures. His writings continue to mold theology and practice today.

Studying Specific Books of the Bible

Genesis

The book of Genesis provides the foundation for the entire Bible. Studying this book gives insight into God’s character, His relationship with humanity, and His plan for salvation. Genesis covers foundational topics like the creation story, the introduction of sin into the world, God’s covenants with Abraham and others, and the patriarchal histories that set the stage for Exodus.

Exodus

Exodus details Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the establishment of God’s covenant with His chosen people. Key events include the Ten Plagues, the Passover, the parting of the Red Sea, God’s provision of manna and quail, the Ten Commandments, the building of the Tabernacle, and the Golden Calf incident.

Studying Exodus helps us understand God’s miraculous power, appreciate His expectations for how we should live, and grasp the seriousness of idolatry and unbelief.

Psalms

The book of Psalms contains prayers, praises, and poetry that express a wide range of human emotions from joy to lament. Studying the Psalms provides comfort, encouragement, and wisdom for daily living.

We learn how to express honesty before God, praise Him wholeheartedly, gain perspective in difficult times, and develop greater trust in God’s sovereignty. Psalms reminds us that God hears our cries.

Proverbs

Proverbs provides practical wisdom for right living through pithy sayings and memorable metaphors. Studying this book imparts prudent principles for work, family, community, speech, self-control, and relating to God wisely.

Proverbs teaches us how to pursue righteousness, avoid folly, and develop discernment. Its truths help us make wise choices that lead to blessing rather than destruction.

Isaiah

The book of Isaiah provides a sweeping overview of God’s judgment and salvation. Isaiah contains prophecies about the coming Messiah including His virgin birth, sacrificial death, and eternal reign. Studying Isaiah gives insight into God’s holiness, the consequences of sin, and the hope found in the Messianic Servant who takes away our sin.

Isaiah provides comfort by reassuring God’s people of His sovereignty and future restoration.

Matthew

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of Israel by highlighting Jesus’ teachings, miracles, fulfillment of prophecy, and offering of salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. Some key themes in Matthew include the Kingdom of Heaven, righteousness that exceeds the Pharisees, the cost of discipleship, forgiveness, and the Great Commission.

Studying this gospel helps us understand who Jesus is and His call to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Mark

Mark emphasizes Jesus’ actions more than His teachings. Key themes include Jesus’ authority and power over demons, sickness, nature, death, and sin. Mark also highlights Jesus’ suffering and willingness to serve even to the point of sacrificial death.

Studying Mark shows us that Jesus came not just to teach but to minister, suffer, conquer death, and ransom sinners. Mark motivates us to take up our cross and follow Him.

Luke

Luke provides the most comprehensive account of Jesus’ life including details about His birth, childhood, genealogy, and ministry. Luke highlights prayer, women, Gentiles, and social outcasts. Prominent themes include God’s mercy to marginalized people, salvation to all mankind, the Holy Spirit, joy, and Jesus’ resurrection appearances.

Studying Luke gives a fuller portrait of Jesus’ humanity and the scope of His earthly ministry.

John

The gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and His unique relationship with God the Father. Prominent themes include Jesus as the Word made flesh, the “I AM” statements, abiding in Christ, and the exclusiveness of Jesus for salvation.

John arranged his material around seven miracles (signs) to help readers believe Jesus is the Christ. Studying John gives clear understanding about Jesus’ divine nature and deepens our faith in Him.

Acts

Acts provides an action-packed history of the early church. Key themes include the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the expansion of the church through preaching the gospel and making disciples, and the conversion of Paul.

Studying Acts increases our understanding of the Spirit’s empowerment,bold evangelism, community within the church, perseverance through persecution, and the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s family.

Romans

Paul’s letter to the Romans carefully articulates core doctrines like original sin, justification by faith alone, election, Israel’s unbelief, practical Christian living, and God’s plan to show mercy to both Jews and Gentiles.

Studying Romans helps establish key theological truths, answers deep questions about God’s dealings with mankind, and provides practical principles for pleasing God through obedient faith.

Revelation

Revelation depicts God’s final intervention in history when Jesus will return to judge evil, destroy Satan, and usher in a new heaven and new earth where God dwells with His people. Studying Revelation gives hope by reminding us that God is sovereign over history.

No matter how desperate circumstances get, God promises ultimate victory, vindication, and eternal life for those who trust in Jesus.

Jesus’s Life and Teachings

Jesus’s Parables

Jesus often taught in parables, which were short stories or analogies to convey profound spiritual truths. Some of Jesus’s most famous parables include The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, and The Sower.

Through these engaging narratives, Christ illustrated complex theological concepts like God’s unconditional love, what it means to be a neighbor, and the nature of faith. Jesus used parables to connect with his audience and communicate God’s message in a compelling, memorable way.

The Sermon on the Mount

Delivered on a mountainside near Capernaum, the Sermon on the Mount contains some of Jesus’s most influential teachings. This famous sermon covers topics like:

The Beatitudes (“Blessed are the peacemakers…”)

Love for enemies (“Turn the other cheek”)
Proper prayer and fasting
Dependence on God (“Look at the birds of the air…”)

The Golden Rule (“Do to others what you would…”)

Through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus established himself as a revolutionary spiritual leader with a radical message that challenged worldly values.

Jesus’s Miracles

In the Gospels, Jesus performs approximately 40 miracles, demonstrating his divine power over nature, spirits, sickness, and death. Some of the most iconic miracles include:

Turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana
Feeding the 5000 with only 5 loaves and 2 fish
Walking on water and calming a storm at sea

Healing a paralytic, a woman afflicted for 12 years, and a man born blind
Raising Lazarus from the dead

Christ’s miracles revealed his divinity and inspired many to believe in him. They also displayed God’s compassion and salvation.

Events of Passion Week

The final week of Christ’s earthly life, known as Passion Week, included:

Palm Sunday – Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem
Holy Monday – Cleansing the temple of money changers

Holy Tuesday – Debates with Pharisees and the Olivet Discourse
Holy Wednesday – Day of rest
Maundy Thursday – The Last Supper and Gethsemane prayers

Good Friday – Jesus’s trial, crucifixion, and burial
Holy Saturday – The day between Christ’s death and Resurrection

Passion Week highlights Christ’s sacrifice for the sins of the world.

Jesus’s Leadership Principles

Jesus exemplified servant leadership throughout his ministry:

He led by example, modeling sacrificial love through foot washing.
He empowered others to carry on his work, entrusting them with the Great Commission.

He taught leadership is not about power or position but humility and service to others.
He spent time mentoring his 12 disciples to equip them for ministry.
He prioritized relationships and people over rules and rituals.

Christ’s leadership perfectly blended grace with truth, compassion with conviction. His principles revolutionized thinking about authority, greatness, and influence.

Christian Living and Spiritual Growth Topics

Prayer

Prayer is vital for connecting with God and nurturing a healthy spiritual life. Through prayer we communicate our praise, thanks, petitions, and confession to the Lord. The Bible encourages believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Some important aspects of prayer include perseverance, listening, journaling prayers, and praying Scripture.

Fruit of the Spirit

As Christ-followers, we are called to exhibit godly virtues empowered by the Holy Spirit such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These traits allow us to live righteously and point others toward Jesus.

We can explore each fruit individually through Scripture study, assess our lives, and ask God to cultivate them in us.

Christian Ethics

Christian ethics provide moral guidance rooted in biblical values. Key topics include sanctity of life ethics, sexual ethics centered on marriage between a man and woman, social ethics focused on the poor and marginalized, forgiveness, stewardship of resources, and more.

We must develop Christ-centered virtues and learn to navigate complex ethical issues in a broken world.

Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, Scripture memorization, fasting, service, simplicity, solitude, submission, and more can powerfully transform our walk with Jesus. By prioritizing these habits, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

Authors like Richard Foster and Donald Whitney provide wonderful insights into practicing disciplines unto greater godliness.

Spiritual Gifts

God has blessed each follower of Christ with spiritual gifts for building up the church like teaching, encouragement, generosity, leadership, mercy, evangelism, and more (Romans 12:6-8). Through assessment tools and exploration of strengths and passions, we can discover our giftings.

When believers serve in their sweet spots, the body of Christ functions optimally to make disciples.

Prophecy

Prophecies About Jesus’s Birth

Some of the most remarkable prophecies in the Bible surround the birth of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 7:14 foretold that a virgin would give birth to a son named Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This was fulfilled centuries later with the virgin birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18-25).

Micah 5:2 predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which also came to pass (Luke 2:4-7). These and other prophecies made hundreds of years earlier were miraculously fulfilled in Jesus’s life, confirming that he was the promised Messiah.

End Times Prophecy

Several Old and New Testament books, such as Daniel, Ezekiel, Matthew 24, and Revelation, contain end times prophecies about the return of Jesus Christ and the end of the age. While varied interpretations exist about the meaning of these prophecies, most evangelical Christians believe Christ will come back to earth one day and believers will be united with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Key events prophesied include the Rapture, the rise of the Antichrist, a period of great tribulation on the earth, the Battle of Armageddon, Christ’s return, his 1,000 year reign, final judgment, and the creation of new heavens and a new earth.

Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature

Interpreting biblical prophecy, especially apocalyptic literature like Daniel and Revelation, can be challenging. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

– Study the context and genre – Apocalyptic writing uses vivid symbolism and numbers to convey spiritual truths.

– Compare Scripture with Scripture – Look for parallels within the Bible to understand symbols.

– Be cautious with timelines – Take any dates with humility.

– Keep Christ central – All prophecies ultimately point to Jesus.

– Look for the big picture – Focus on overall themes more than small details.

– Watch for fulfillment – Correlate prophecies to historical events if possible.

– Stay grace-oriented – Do not use prophecy to make bold predictions or attack others.

Rightly dividing God’s Word and staying focused on Jesus helps us gain insight from biblical prophecy.

Moral and Ethical Issues

Sexual Morality

Sexual morality is a hot topic in the Bible that challenges believers to God’s design for healthy and holy sexuality. Sex is a gift from God meant for marriage between a man and woman, but cultural influences pressure followers of Christ to compromise Biblical truth.

Bible studies on sexuality help Christians understand God’s intentions and equip them to make wise choices.

Here are some key points for discussion:

God’s purposes for sex – intimacy, pleasure, procreation – within marriage (Genesis 2:24-25)
Fleeing sexual immorality and pursuing purity (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
Honoring God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Avoiding sexual temptation (Matthew 5:28-30)
Restoration for sexual sin (John 8:1-11)

Focusing on sexual morality in Bible study reinforces God’s design and helps Christ followers navigate cultural pressures with truth and grace.

Social Justice

God calls His followers to seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless and plead the case of the widow (Isaiah 1:17). Christians are commanded to love one another (John 13:34) and called blessed when they hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).

Bible studies on social justice explore God’s heart for the vulnerable and oppressed while challenging believers to action. Discussion topics include:

God’s compassion for the poor and brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)

Loving our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:25-37)
Caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27)
Welcoming the foreigner and stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34)

God’s heart for justice (Psalm 140:12)

Studying social justice inspires Christians to look out for the marginalized and motivates them to help create a more just society.

Money and Possessions

The Bible contains over 2,000 verses about money and possessions. It’s a significant theme as prosperity can compete for our affections and priorities. Bible studies on stewardship challenge believers to align resources with eternal values.

Key stewardship principles include:

God owns everything (Psalm 24:1)
We are managers, not owners, of God’s resources (Matthew 25:14-30)

Wise financial practices honor God (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Generosity reflects God’s heart (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Loving money leads to sin (1 Timothy 6:10)

Examining money and possessions through Scripture helps followers of Jesus gain an eternal perspective and frees them from greed and materialism.

Environmental Stewardship

At creation, God gave mankind dominion over the earth to cultivate and keep it (Genesis 1:28). As conservation and climate change dominate headlines, environmental stewardship is a timely Bible study topic.

Key principles include:

God created the heavens and earth (Genesis 1:1)
All creation belongs to God (Psalm 24:1)
God’s provision meets our needs (Matthew 6:25-34)
We are caretakers of God’s world (Genesis 2:15)
Caring for creation honors God (Colossians 1:16-17)

Studying environmental stewardship develops an eternal perspective that combats consumerism while inspiring sustainable practices that protect our planet.

Major Bible Themes

God’s Attributes

The Bible reveals many incredible attributes about God’s nature and character. He is described as eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, unchanging, wise, sovereign, loving, just, merciful, gracious, and faithful.

Understanding these attributes helps us know God more intimately and fuels our worship of Him.

Sin and Salvation

A major theme woven throughout Scripture is God’s plan of salvation for humankind. The Bible teaches that all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). But God in His love and mercy made a way for people to be restored to a right relationship with Him through the atoning sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ on the cross.

This free gift of salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior (John 3:16).

Covenants in Scripture

The concept of covenants between God and people is central to understanding the Bible’s overall story. Major covenants include:

The Abrahamic Covenant – God promising to bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants.
The Mosaic Covenant – God giving the law and blessings/curses associated with keeping or breaking it.
The Davidic Covenant – God promising an everlasting king from David’s lineage.
The New Covenant – God writing His law on people’s hearts through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Appreciating these divine covenants helps reveal God’s faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemption plan.

The Kingdom of God

The overarching theme of Scripture is the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. Through Jesus, God brings in His messianic Kingdom in a decisive way – though its full consummation is yet to come. Scholars outline the Kingdom in four stages:

Inaugurated at Christ’s first coming
Growing through the church age
Culminating in Christ’s second coming
And the eternal state of a new heaven/earth

So the whole Bible moves toward this glorious Kingdom headed by King Jesus!

Bible Study Methods

Inductive Bible Study

Inductive Bible study is a method that involves carefully observing the text, interpreting what it means, and then applying the lessons learned. It encourages you to dig deep into Scripture by asking questions like who, what, where, when, why, and how.

The goal is to uncover the author’s original meaning and how it applies to your life today. Some key steps include:

Thoroughly read and re-read the passage.
Make observations about what stands out.
Ask interpretive questions about the meaning.
Find cross references to let Scripture interpret Scripture.
Summarize the main points and write down key applications.

Inductive study allows God’s Word to speak for itself and leads you into rich discoveries and life change. It’s a rewarding way to go deep with the Lord!

Bible Journaling

Bible journaling combines Scripture reading and meditation with creative expression through art, drawing, or hand-lettering. It involves taking time to prayerfully reflect on a passage while visually capturing thoughts and revelations through journaling on the Bible page itself.

This helps God’s Word come alive in a fresh way. Steps include:

Choose a Bible passage to focus on.
Slowly read and meditate on the verses multiple times.
Prayerfully consider key words, emotions, or lessons that stand out.
Use colored pencils, markers, paint pens, etc. to artistically highlight verses or add images that illustrate insights gained.
Write out meaningful prayers or reflections inspired by the passage.

Bible journaling is a creative way to solidify God’s Word in your heart. It’s also a wonderful record of how He has spoken to you over time. Dive in – no artistic skill required!

Memorizing Scripture

Scripture memorization involves carefully reading a Bible passage and then systematically reviewing it until you can recite it by heart. It is a powerful spiritual discipline with many benefits:

The Word becomes hidden in your heart (Psalm 119:11).
It renews your mind and transforms your thinking (Romans 12:2).
The Holy Spirit can bring verses to mind when you need them most.
You have strength and wisdom for challenging situations (Psalm 119:105).
It fuels meditation on God’s truth (Psalm 1:2).

Tips for memorizing Scripture include: Focus on 1 verse or short passage at a time. Break it into smaller phrases and repeat over and over. Write it out multiple times. Recite it consistently and test yourself often. Playing related Scripture songs also helps solidify God’s Word in your mind and heart!

Lectio Divina

Lectio divina is a meditative approach to Bible reading that dates back to early Christian monastic communities. It involves slowly savoring small portions of Scripture in silence and solitude. Steps include:

Lectio – Carefully read the passage multiple times, listening for words or phrases that stand out.
Meditatio – Reflect deeply on the meaning as you ruminate on it.
Oratio – Pray spontaneously about what touches your heart.
Contemplatio – Rest silently in God’s presence as you ponder spiritual insights.

This contemplative, thoughtful approach allows Scripture to penetrate your heart and open you to God’s voice in profound ways. Try taking a single verse or short passage and devoting 15-20 minutes to be still before the Lord with it. His Word will come alive to you like never before!

Church History

Early Church History

The early church refers to the first few centuries after Jesus’ death and resurrection. This was an important time of growth and persecution for believers. Here are some key aspects of early church history:

Jesus ascended into heaven around 33 AD after his death and resurrection. His disciples spread his teachings and established churches, starting in Jerusalem.
Key church leaders included Peter, Paul, James and John. Paul’s missionary journeys helped grow the church throughout the Roman Empire.
Persecution of Christians began under Roman leaders like Nero. Many believers were martyred for their faith in the first few centuries AD.
Early church fathers like Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp wrote letters that encourage unity and right doctrine.
The Didache provided early church order and practice for baptism and communion. Justin Martyr and Irenaeus defended Christian beliefs against heresies.
In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan which legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.

The devotion and sacrifice of early believers laid a strong foundation for Christianity in spite of severe persecution. Their writings and practices continue to influence the church today.

Reformation Leaders

The 16th century Protestant Reformation was led by several key figures who challenged church practices and doctrine. They worked to reform the Catholic church and revive biblical faith. Major leaders included:

Martin Luther (1483-1546): A German monk and professor who sparked the Reformation when he posted 95 Theses criticizing indulgences. He argued salvation is by faith alone.
John Calvin (1509-1564): A prominent French theologian who stressed the sovereignty of God and authority of Scripture. He founded Calvinism.
John Knox (c.1510-1572): A Scottish clergyman who established Presbyterianism in Scotland after being influenced by Calvin’s teachings.
Menno Simons (1496-1561): A Catholic priest in the Netherlands who became an Anabaptist leader and founded the Mennonites.
William Tyndale (c.1494-1536): Translated the Bible into English, helping make Scripture accessible to ordinary people.

These courageous reformers translated the Bible, wrote influential theological works, and preached sermons that turned the church upside down. They laid key theological groundwork that still shapes Protestant faith today.

Revivals and Awakenings

Throughout history, there have been seasons of renewal and awakening where the Holy Spirit moved powerfully to revive the church and reach the lost. Here are some major revivals:

The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) featured preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield sparking revival in the American colonies.
The Second Great Awakening (early 1800s) arose under leaders like Charles Finney and resulted in numerous conversions.
The 1857-1858 Prayer Revival began among colleges and spread across America, emphasizing prayer and missions.
The Azusa Street Revival (1906-1915) led by William Seymour was an interracial Pentecostal revival that emphasized Spirit baptism.
The Jesus Movement (late 1960s-1970s) brought youth to Christ through coffeehouses and contemporary Christian music.

These awakenings ignited believers’ passion for God and helped the church rediscover vital truths. Seasons of renewal continue to this day through events like revival conferences, prayer movements, and outpourings of the Holy Spirit.

Bible Reading Plans

Reading the Bible regularly can greatly enrich and strengthen your faith. Following a Bible reading plan can help guide you through key passages and themes. Here are some top types of plans to consider:

Read the Bible in a Year

One of the most popular approaches is to read the entire Bible in a year. This involves reading around 3-4 chapters per day. Popular Bible in a Year plans include the following:

The Discipleship Journal Plan – Reads four different parts of the Bible each day to provide variety.
The M’Cheyne Plan – More rigorous with four chapters from different parts daily plus Psalms.
The 5x5x5 Plan – Reads 5 chapters from 5 Old Testament books and 5 New Testament books each day.

The key benefit of the one year Bible plans is completing the entire Bible in 12 months. This provides helpful structure and keeps you engaged day-to-day. But the reading load can feel heavy at times.

Chronological Bible Reading

Chronological plans rearrange events recorded in Scripture into the order they occurred historically. This helps you gain clarity on the unified story arch of the Bible. Popular chronological plans include:

The One Year Chronological Plan – Takes you through the Bible in the order things happened in one year.
The 90 Day Chronological Plan – Covers the New Testament chronologically in 90 days.
The 30 Day Chronological Plan – Provides a brisk 30 day overview of key Bible events in chronological sequence.

Chronological plans provide helpful context around when various Biblical writings and prophecies took place relative to major historical events. But some familiar passages may show up in unfamiliar places.

Old and New Testament Together

Some plans alternate back and forth daily between Old Testament and New Testament readings to highlight connections between the two halves of the Bible. Examples include:

Professor Grant Horner’s Bible Reading System – Reads 10 chapters a day from various OT and NT books.
The Legacy Reading Plan – Reads OT chapters focused on Israel’s history alongside NT chapters recounting Jesus’s ministry.
The Basic 2-Year Plan – Simply alternates OT and NT books to complete in 2 years.

The OT and NT pairing shows the unified narrative and themes across both testaments. But it can make it harder to dive deep on any individual book.

Gospels and Acts Plan

For new believers or those seeking to strengthen their evangelism skills, plans centered on the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and the book of Acts can be impactful. For example:

The 90 Day Gospels Bible Plan – Reads key passages from the Gospels chronologically over a 90 day period.
The 30 Day Crash Course: Acts – Provides a 30 day overview of the early church in the book of Acts.
The 7 Day Jesus Plan – Focuses solely on highlight passages centered on Jesus Christ over 7 days.

Targeting the Gospels and Acts is helpful for getting grounded in Jesus’s ministry, message, miracles, and interactions with followers. But it misses a large portion of Scripture outside the New Testament.

Conclusion

With this wide variety of impactful Bible study topics, you’re sure to find several that will help you grow closer to God and mature in your faith. Focus on a topic that aligns with your current spiritual needs or an area where you want to grow.

Approach your study with an open mind and heart, asking God to reveal Himself to you in new ways through His Word. As you dive into Scripture, don’t just aim to gain more knowledge – let the transformative power of the Bible reshape your thinking, beliefs, and actions.

With consistent time spent in the Word, your life and faith will never be the same.