Set A Goal: Read Through The Entire Bible with Your Kids

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There are 929 chapters in the Old Testament. At the pace of 2 chapters each week day, it would take 3.5 years to get through the Old Testament. I've previously told you that you can read one chapter each week day to read the New Testament in one year. Double up and you can make it through the New Testament's 260 chapters in 6 months.

You could read the entire Bible in 90 days or a year. But, the speed at which you reach the finish line is not really important. The point is to just start reading. The point is reading the whole book.

The Whole Bible Before High School

I set a goal at the beginning of the year. I want to read through the entire Bible with each of my boys before they leave my home, and if possible before they reach high school. Why? Because I want them to know the big picture of the Bible. I want my kids to understand the broader context. I want them to know where to find important stories and teachings on their own. When they encounter things on their own in the world, I want them to be prepared with an answer. They won't have those answers if they haven't read the Bible for themselves.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not expecting an elementary aged child to understand everything that he reads. Even adults still have questions. The point is to be able to see how God has woven an incredible storyline through the whole Bible, from Genesis all the way to Revelation. An elementary aged child can start putting events in order and see how those events connect together.

I created the Bible Reading Journal for Jonathan. He was 6, going on 7, when we started this journey. I wanted him to have a place that he could return to over and over again. To read his notes. To review the answers to his questions. To add more notes as he grows older. I also want it to serve as a reminder that I spent the time to walk him through the entire Bible.

How We're Reading

Jonathan is now 7 years old and he uses a simple ESV version of the Bible. Each week day, we read 2 chapters of the Bible. Sure, we miss a day here and there, but in general, one of the first things we do after breakfast each morning is read our 2 chapters. We don't read out loud. We don't always sit down to read it together. Sometimes it is a little later in the morning before I'm able to sit down and read for myself. After he reads a chapter, he makes a note in his journal. Usually that note is a question, a statement of something he learned, or copying a verse. When he has a question, we talk through it and research it as needed. The rest of the day, as we think about what we read, we'll apply the truths or talk about the stories.

It's that simple. We read. We talk.

Jacob is now 4 and starting to read. In a year or two when his reading skills are a little stronger, I'll bring him in and have him start reading along with us wherever we are in the Bible. Then my youngest, Josiah, who is currently 18 months, will be brought in the same way, wherever we are, when he starts reading. And if God blesses us with more children down the road, each one will join in reading through the Bible with us.

The Bible Reading Journal

The New Testament Bible Reading Journal has been available here at Kids in the Word and I'm excited that the Old Testament Bible Reading Journal is now available. It's perfect for your kids to draw and write in as they read through the entire Bible. It's great for moms and dads too! At Kids in the Word, we want you to be equipped. This Bible Reading Journal is a simple guide to help you stay on track with your reading goal. You'll be able to go back through this journal and your notes again and again over the years.