First Baptist taking new approach to reading through the entire Bible

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
Many people make a New Year's resolution to read through the entire Bible in one year.
But, as they read through the Old Testament and some of the language begins to be hard to understand they slowly stop reading and never finish it.
That has led to First Baptist Church in Russellville's adoption of a program which will help members read through the Bible in that one year time frame.
The program began as an idea in a ladies' Sunday School class taught by Doris Johnson, who also serves as the church librarian. The plan has now gone church-wide.
The church began with the New Testament on Oct. 1 and will be through on Dec. 30. Johnson said the church is using an "Anytime Read Me Guide" which helps keep up with what verses need to be read on what day. Most of the readings are relatively short, calling for just a chapter or so per day.
After completing the New Testament, they will then begin reading the Old Testament on Jan. 1 and complete the entire Bible by Sept. 30, 2005.
By telling people that they can read through the new Testament in 91 days it seems more achievable, Johnson said.
Johnson said that one reason she wanted to take the program to the entire church was her concern for the number of people who have read the entire Bible.
When reading something that is as lengthy as the Bible, it is often difficult to maintain a steady daily schedule of reading.
The church library is furnishing the guides and promoting the program. If anyone is interested, they may call the church library for a free guide and information.