"...And the two shall become one flesh'; so
then they are no longer two, but one flesh." {Mark 10:8} My husband and I were extraordinarily blessed to be married as two bible believing, born again Christians. I continually thank God for this, knowing that not every believer has this privelage. But even though we went to church together and agreed on the finer points of Christian theology, we were operating as two single people in the area of spiritual growth. Bible reading was something we did as individuals, not something we were committed to as a unified couple in pursuit of the "oneness" that the Bible speaks about.
Until we started {and completed!- by the grace of God} a year through the bible reading plan together. This was the single most significant thing we've done as a couple to grow into a deeper understanding of our Creator God & Savior Jesus and His perfect truth. Praise Jesus for His words: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." {John 8:31b-32} What better way to pursue the promise of intimacy with Jesus and the freedom of knowing the truth than in a unfied effort with your husband or wife? Of course there's more to growing spiritually together than just reading. Regular church attendance, participating in bible studies, prayer, and fellowship with other believers is also crucial. (And generally commanded for all believers.) But diving into the Bible played an invaluable part in our growing relationship with Christ and with each other.
So if you and your spouse have never done something like this, it's absolutely worth a try! I'm so thankful that God motivated us to do this together as husband and wife and gave us the grace to complete it. I can't stress enough how every measure of spiritual growth in our lives is an act of total, undeserved grace from Him: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and
that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." {Ephesians 2:8-9} I praise Him that He saves not by our good works {of which we have none of in our own strength}, but to good works for His glory {Ephesians 2:10}.
But back to the reading the bible together- I know it's not always easy to take on such an endeavor. Our first son Asher was born towards the end of our year through the plan, and although I did complete it, Thane and I definitely didn't have the same kind of time and leisure for discussion. But if you're busy with full time work or young kids at home, even just a chapter {or less} a day is invaluable!
The Method.
We chose a chronological reading plan, but there are so many good ones out there to pick from! Each month I typed up a small guide for each of us that we could tuck into our bibles to stay on track {pictured above}. We did the daily reading separately, and then talked about whatever stood out to us at our leisure. I have to admit that it was pretty fun to egg each other on about who was ahead of who. It wasn't always easy too keep on track {but the little bit of competitive fun between the two of us kept us accountable and made it fun!}
Assortment of plans {from esv.org}
Chronological plan {Great for getting a perspective on what happened when in biblical history- for example, Job, which alludes to dinosaurs and describes a lot of creation, took place around the time of Noah.}
How to Enjoy the Bible- An encouraging article by theologian John MacArthur.My prayers are with you and thanks for reading!
