New Testament Bible Reading Challenge Week 52

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge 4 March 2013 to 28th February 2014 Week 52: Bible Reading Plan and Discussion Starters

Welcome to The Salvation Army's Challenge to read the New Testament from beginning to end within one year,

reading just 5 chapters per week.

It’s the final week of our New Testament Bible Challenge...
...having read 27 books (260 chapters) in 52 weeks!

***Please let me know how you have managed with this challenge over the past year - it would be lovely to collate some real mini-testimonies or even just statements providing us with a realistic glimpse of the joys and difficulties you have faced - thank you! ***


Dear friends,

Well, we have finally reached the end of our 52-week long journey through the New Testament, and it has been a real joy and blessing for me personally to read through Scripture so methodically once again, this time with my kids, but it has also been fantastic to hear the wonderful testimonies from many of the folk who have joined in.

Please, if for any reason you have fallen behind the schedule, I just want to encourage you to carry on at your own pace and to get through to the end.

As we continue reading through the marvellous last book of the Bible, Revelation, you may notice some wonderful parallels to the first book of the Bible, Genesis:

 -       Genesis saw the creation of humankind within the perfect paradise of Eden
-       Revelation depicts the eternal paradise to come

-       Genesis tells us about how humankind was prohibited from eating from the tree of life (3:22-24)
-       Revelation describes how in our future that tree of life will be accessible to all of us in heaven (22:2)

-       Genesis introduces the devil, and how he tempts us into disobeying God (3:1-18)
-       Revelation describes the devil’s ultimate defeat and eternal punishment (20:10)

-       Genesis records the first sin, and all the sorrow, pain, and death that came as a result (ch3 – 4)
-       Revelation promises that in our heavenly and eternal future there will no longer be death, pain, or sorrow (21:4)


The Bible, from beginning to end, is one continuous story or salvation and redemption – God’s love for humankind and desire for us to be in an eternal relationship with Him.

As we read through even the more horrific parts of Revelation let us remember that God’s will is perfect, His judgements are just, His plan is being wonderfully fulfilled, and His promise is for sure. Trust in God, for the best is yet to come.

Monday, February 24, 2014 --- Revelation 18 --- The judgement of God finally falls upon Babylon and destroys it- Having read chapter 17 and now this chapter 18, are we any closer to identifying who or what Babylon is?

- Some have suggested Babylon is a person, or a kingdom, or a religion, or a centre of commerce...do we know for sure?

- If this prophecy is of a future event, is it possible that a future generation will know exactly what/who Babylon is and be able to identify it?

- What use is this chapter to us today?....Is there something which reminds/comforts/challenges you regarding God's character and sovereignty?


Tuesday, February 25, 2014 --- Revelation 19 --- Jesus Christ defeats the forces of evil at the battle of Armageddon

- v7, who is the bride of the Lamb?

- v9, if the Church (Christians taken in the Rapture prior to the tribulation) are the bride (see Ephesians 5:32 for example) then who are the guests being invited to the wedding supper?...those who place their faith in Jesus after the Rapture?

- v10, how important is this verse for those who would consider praying to angels?...what does this verse tell us about the deity of Jesus?

- v19&20, is the beast described as a person?...does the beast appear to have a significant influence?....how effective is his battle against the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?


Wednesday, February 26, 2014 --- Revelation 20 --- The millennial Kingdom is followed by the great white throne judgment.- v1-6, some people suggest that there will not be a literal future thousand year reign of Jesus Christ. What do you think?

- v10, some people suggest there is no literal devil. What do you think?

- v11, some people suggest that there is no literal God, and therefore no personal judgement by Him that affects our place for eternity. What do you think?


Thursday, February 27, 2014 --- Revelation 21 --- Heaven is for those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life- v1-5, some people suggest that through our own belief in action, social justice, and a spiritual evolution humankind will better itself and become ready for Jesus to return to rule and set up heaven on earth. Having read the book of Revelation up to this point, would you agree, or would you say that life will become harder, with more persecution and greater intolerance of Christianity until Jesus intervenes, rules for 1,000 years, and then after the final judgement a totally new heaven and earth replaces this one?

- v27, is your name written in the Lamb's book of life?
Friday, February 28, 2014 --- Revelation 22 --- “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”- v1-5, these verses give us a glimpse of the perfection of heaven...is it possible to know all that God has in store for us?....do you believe that the best is yet to come?

- v13, what impact does it have on our lives and perspectives today, to know that God is the beginning and the end of all things?

- v17, entry to heaven and access to the water of life and the tree of life is a free gift, bought by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) as He died for us. If we place our faith in Him for the forgiveness of our sins and trust Him for our resurrection, our place in heaven is assured. Why do you think this free gift is so difficult for some to accept?

- v20, Are you ready for Jesus to come for His bride and for the events in Revelation to unfold?.....If you knew He were to come back sometime this year, how would your priorities change?

Hallelujah! - I hope you have enjoyed the journey - may God bless you as you spend time with Him and in Scripture.

Captain Phil Layton