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Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church


CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLE-IN-A-YEAR READING PLAN
Begins January 1, 2025
What better way to glorify God than by committing to spend more time in His Word!
Things to Remember:
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This reading plan presents the Bible in a One-Year Chronological Format, but the primary goal is to spend more time in God’s Word.
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If you miss a day, don’t worry—just jump back in when you can. The focus is not on perfection but on consistently engaging with Scripture.


December 6
2 Corinthians 10-13 (biblegateway.com) Strength Made Perfect in Weakness After urging the church toward holiness, reconciliation, and generous grace, Paul shifts to confront a growing challenge within the Corinthian congregation. Certain teachers have questioned his authority and motives, attempting to undermine the message he preached. Paul recognizes that this is more than a personal attack; if the Corinthians reject his ministry, they risk rejecting the gospel itself. 2 Co


December 5
2 Corinthians 5-9 (biblegateway.com) A New Creation With a New Mission After describing the suffering and glory of ministry, Paul now turns to the hope that sustains believers, the message that defines their mission, and the grace that fuels generosity within the body of Christ. Chapters 5–9 deepen Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians by reminding them of their identity in Christ, their calling to the ministry of reconciliation, and their privilege of displaying God’s grac


December 4
2 Corinthians 1-4 (biblegateway.com) Strength in Weakness and Glory in the Gospel After sending his first letter and hearing both sorrow and repentance from the Corinthian believers, Paul writes again to comfort, strengthen, and clarify his ministry. These chapters reveal the heart of an apostle shaped by suffering, grace, and unwavering hope. 2 Corinthians 1–4 opens Paul’s most personal and emotional letter, written to a church he loves deeply. Introduction to 2 Corinthians


December 3
1 Corinthians 15-16 (biblegateway.com) The Triumph of the Resurrection After teaching the church about spiritual gifts and the supremacy of love, Paul now turns to the foundation of the Christian faith. 1 Corinthians 15–16 concludes Paul’s letter by grounding the entire Christian life in the truth of Christ’s resurrection and by calling believers to steadfast service. In chapter 15, Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of the gospel he preached: that Christ died for our s


December 2
1 Corinthians 12-14 (biblegateway.com) Gifts of Grace and the More Excellent Way 1 Corinthians 12–14 is one of the most important sections of Paul’s letter, dealing with spiritual gifts and their proper use within the body of Christ. In chapter 12, Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit gives a variety of gifts for the common good. No believer is without purpose, and no gift is greater than another; all are necessary for the health of the body. Chapter 13 stands as one of the most


December 1
1 Corinthians 9-11 (biblegateway.com) Living for God’s Glory After addressing matters related to personal holiness, relationships, and the proper use of Christian liberty, Paul turns to a concrete example from his own ministry. Some in Corinth have questioned his apostleship and misunderstood the nature of freedom in Christ. Paul responds by demonstrating that Christian liberty is not a license to pursue personal advantage, but an opportunity to serve others. He shows that lo


November 30
1 Corinthians 5-8 (biblegateway.com) Holiness, Wisdom, and Love in the Church After addressing divisions and pride in the church, Paul now turns to issues of moral purity, discipline, relationships, and Christian liberty. His goal is to guide believers toward holiness and love that reflect their new life in Christ. 1 Corinthians 5–8 shows Paul addressing practical issues within the Corinthian church that threaten both its testimony and its unity. 1 Corinthians 5 — Purity in t


November 29
1 Corinthians 1-4 (biblegateway.com) Christ Our Foundation After ministering in Ephesus and hearing troubling reports from the church in Corinth, Paul writes to address their divisions and spiritual immaturity. His letter calls believers back to unity, humility, and a Christ-centered faith. 1 Corinthians 1–4 opens Paul’s heartfelt and corrective letter to the church at Corinth, a gifted yet divided congregation struggling to live out the gospel in a worldly culture. Introduct


November 28
Acts 18:19-28; Acts 19:1-41 (biblegateway.com) The Gospel’s Power in Ephesus After encouraging the young churches and writing letters to strengthen their faith, Paul continues his ministry, returning to Asia Minor where God powerfully works in Ephesus, establishing a strong church and spreading the gospel across the region. Acts 18:19–28 — The Gospel Strengthened and Expanded As Paul continues his journey from Corinth, he travels with Priscilla and Aquila and arrives at Ephes


November 27
1 Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3 (biblegateway.com) Faithful, Watchful, and Steadfast After preaching in Thessalonica and then ministering in Corinth, Paul writes two letters to the Thessalonian believers. Though they are young in faith, their steadfastness under persecution and their eager hope for Christ’s return encourage the whole church. Both 1 and 2 Thessalonians are letters of encouragement, correction, and hope written to believers facing persecution and confu


November 26
Acts 17; Acts 18:1-18 (biblegateway.com) The Gospel Confronts Culture After writing to the Galatian churches to defend the gospel of grace, Paul continues his missionary journey, preaching Christ throughout Macedonia and Greece. His message meets both eager belief and fierce opposition, yet the gospel continues to take root and spread. Acts 17 records Paul’s ministry in three major cities, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, each revealing how the gospel engages different audien


November 25
Galatians 4-6 (biblegateway.com) Walking in Freedom by the Spirit After establishing that believers are justified by faith alone and not by works of the law, Paul continues his letter by explaining what it means to live as children of God—free from bondage, filled with the Spirit, and walking in newness of life. Galatians 4–6 completes Paul’s passionate defense of Christian liberty and the life of grace. Galatians 4 — From Slavery to Sonship: Heirs of God Through Christ Paul


November 24
Galatians 1-3 (biblegateway.com) Grace, Not Law: The True Gospel of Freedom After the Jerusalem Council affirmed that salvation comes by grace through faith alone, Paul writes to the Galatian churches to defend the true gospel against false teachers who sought to mix law with grace. His message calls believers back to the freedom found only in Christ. Galatians 1–3 form Paul’s passionate defense of the gospel of grace. Galatians 1 — The Divine Gospel of Grace Defended Paul wr


November 23
Acts 15-16 (biblegateway.com) Guarding the Gospel and Advancing the Mission While scattered believers received practical instruction for living out genuine faith, the early church also faced a major doctrinal question about salvation and life in Christ, leading to a crucial gathering in Jerusalem and the continuation of missionary work for the sake of the gospel. Acts 15–16 mark an important moment in the early church as leaders clarify the message of salvation and continue s


November 22
James 1-5 (biblegateway.com) Faith That Lives What It Believes The book of James stands as one of the most practical and penetrating writings in the New Testament. James writes not as a distant theologian but as a pastor with a shepherd’s heart. He addresses believers scattered across the Roman world, calling them to a living faith, one that is tested, purified, obedient, and active. His words cut through empty profession and call God’s people to authentic discipleship. James


November 21
Acts 13-14 (biblegateway.com) The Gospel to the Nations Begins As the church in Antioch grows and is strengthened through teaching and prayer, the Holy Spirit begins to send out missionaries to take the gospel beyond Judea and Samaria into the Gentile world, fulfilling Christ’s command to reach the nations. Acts 13–14 record the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey, marking a new chapter in the spread of the gospel. Acts 13 — The First Missionary Journey Begins, the G


November 20
Acts 11-12 (biblegateway.com) The Church Strengthened and Delivered After Saul’s conversion and the gospel's opening to the Gentiles through Cornelius, the church now faces both growth and persecution. God continues to expand the reach of the gospel, even as opposition intensifies. In Acts 11, the apostles and believers in Jerusalem learn that Gentiles have received the Word of God and the Holy Spirit just as they did. As persecution scatters believers beyond Judea, the gospe


November 19
Acts 9-10 (biblegateway.com) Salvation for All People As the gospel spreads through persecution and reaches Samaria and beyond, God now works powerfully in two life-changing events—calling a fierce persecutor to salvation and opening the door of the gospel to the Gentiles, revealing that Christ came for all people. Acts 9 — The Conversion of Saul, the Growth of the Church, and the Ministry of Peter As the gospel continues spreading from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria, Saul


November 18
Acts 7-8 (biblegateway.com) The Gospel Advances Through Trial As the early church grows in number and influence, opposition intensifies. The courage of one Spirit-filled believer will help ignite a wave of persecution that ultimately spreads the gospel beyond Jerusalem, just as Jesus said it would. Acts 7 — Stephen’s Spirit-Filled Defense and Vision of the Exalted Christ As Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin, he is accused of speaking against the temple and the law (6:13–14)


November 17
Acts 4-6 (biblegateway.com) Standing Firm in Faith and Filled With the Spirit After the Holy Spirit empowered the church at Pentecost and thousands believed, the apostles immediately faced opposition. Yet through bold preaching, unity, and the Spirit’s power, the early church continued to grow and stand firm in the gospel. In Acts 4–6, the early church experiences both remarkable growth and increasing persecution. Acts 4 — Bold Witness in the Face of Opposition, Spirit-Empowe


November 16
Acts 1-3 (biblegateway.com) Empowered for the Mission The Book of Acts continues the story begun in Luke’s Gospel, recording the risen Christ’s ongoing work through the Holy Spirit and His church. Written by Luke, it serves as both a historical record and a theological bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles. Acts traces how the gospel moved from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, fulfilling Jesus’ commission (Acts 1:8). It highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, the bo


November 15
Luke 24; John 20-21 (biblegateway.com) The Risen Lord Revealed Today, we close the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In our previous reading, Matthew and Mark announced the resurrection and recorded the mission Jesus gave His followers. Luke and John now provide additional details of that glorious morning, revealing the risen Christ’s personal appearances, His peace-giving presence, and His restoration of His disciples. In Luke 24, the women arrive at the empt


November 14
Matthew 28; Mark 16 (biblegateway.com) From Death to Life: The Turning Point of Redemption After witnessing the suffering, death, and burial of Jesus, the story now turns to the dawn of a new day. What appeared to be the darkest defeat becomes the greatest victory. In Matthew 28 and Mark 16, we come to the triumphant center of the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The lifeless body that lay in Joseph’s tomb at the close of Luke 23 now rests no more. The One wh


November 13
Luke 23; John 18-19 (biblegateway.com) The Lamb Slain for Us After witnessing the betrayal, trials, and crucifixion of Christ through Matthew and Mark, Luke and John provide additional details that deepen our understanding of Jesus’ suffering, His sacrificial love, and the fulfillment of Scripture as He goes to the cross. In Luke 23 and John 18–19, the road to the cross continues with solemn detail and sacred purpose. Both Gospels reveal a Savior in full control, laying down


November 12
Matthew 27; Mark 15 (biblegateway.com) The Crucified Savior After comforting His disciples, praying for them, and submitting to the Father’s will, the Gospel record now brings us to the crucifixion of Christ. The betrayal, trials, suffering, and death of Jesus unfold according to God’s redemptive plan, revealing the depth of His love and the cost of our salvation. Matthew 27 — Jesus’ Trial, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial As Matthew 27 begins, morning comes, and the chief prie


November 11
John 14-17 (biblegateway.com) In the Upper Room With Jesus: Comfort, Unity, and the Promise of the Spirit After sharing the Last Supper, washing the disciples’ feet, and revealing that His betrayal is at hand, Jesus spends His final moments in the Upper Room offering comfort, instruction, and a prayer that reveals His heart for His followers. John 14–17 records His final words to the disciples. Jesus comforts them with the promise of His return, declares Himself “the way, the


November 10
Luke 22, John 13 (biblegateway.com) Love, Humility, and Surrender After sharing the Passover meal and revealing His coming betrayal, Jesus gives His disciples final instructions in the Upper Room, showing humble love and preparing them for His road to the cross. In Luke 22 and John 13, Jesus establishes the Lord’s Supper as a lasting reminder of His sacrifice, taking the bread and cup to signify His body given and His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. Even in this sacre


November 9
Matthew 26; Mark 14 (biblegateway.com) The Lamb Prepared for Sacrifice After calling His followers to live ready and faithful for His return, the Gospel record now turns to the night of Jesus’ betrayal and the events leading to the cross. What He foretold begins to unfold as the Lamb of God prepares to offer Himself for the sins of the world. In Matthew 26 and Mark 14, we enter the most solemn and sacred hours of Jesus’ earthly life, the night before the crucifixion. Matthew


November 8
Matthew 25 (biblegateway.com) Ready, Faithful, and True: Living for Christ’s Return After outlining the signs of His return and urging His followers to stay spiritually awake, Jesus continues the Olivet Discourse with parables that show what readiness truly looks like. These teachings reveal that watchfulness is proven through faithful living, wise stewardship, and a heart prepared for His coming. In Matthew 25, Jesus continues His teaching on the Mount of Olives, turning fro


November 7
Matthew 24 (biblegateway.com) Signs of the Times and the Call to Endure After teaching His disciples on the Mount of Olives about future events and the need for spiritual watchfulness, Matthew provides a fuller account of Jesus’ prophetic teaching, offering clear signs, warnings, and encouragement for believers as they await His return. In Matthew 24, Jesus delivers a detailed and solemn message concerning the future as He sits with His disciples on the Mount of Olives. After


November 6
Mark 13 (biblegateway.com) Watchful and Faithful Until He Comes After warning the religious leaders and teaching His disciples about the coming judgment upon Jerusalem, Jesus continues on the Mount of Olives and gives a fuller teaching about future events and His return. In Mark 13, often called the Olivet Discourse, Jesus prepares His disciples for the trials and events that will unfold after His departure. Mark 13 — Jesus’ Teaching on the End of the Age and the Call to Watc


November 5
Matthew 23; Luke 20-21 (biblegateway.com) Truth in the Temple: Warnings, Wisdom, and the Coming Kingdom After entering Jerusalem as the promised King and revealing the true nature of His mission, Jesus continues teaching in the temple. In these final public messages before the cross, He exposes religious hypocrisy, affirms His authority, and prepares His followers for the future. Matthew 23 — Woe to Hypocrisy and the Call to True Righteousness As Matthew 23 opens, Jesus is de


November 4
Matthew 22; Mark 12 (biblegateway.com) Wisdom from the Cornerstone In Matthew 22 and Mark 12, Jesus teaches in the temple during His final week before the cross. These chapters contain some of His most profound parables and decisive encounters with the religious leaders of Israel. The Parable of the Wedding Feast portrays the kingdom of heaven as a gracious invitation from a king, refused by some and accepted by others. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes attempt to trap Je


November 3
Mark 11; John 12 (biblegateway.com) Behold the Lamb and the King In Mark 11 and John 12, we enter the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the week that leads to the cross. Mark 11 opens with the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy of the humble King who brings salvation (Zechariah 9:9). Upon entering the temple, Jesus confronts the corruption that has turned a house of prayer into a marketplace. The cursing o


November 2
Luke 18:15-43; Luke 19 (biblegateway.com) The Heart of Faith and the Mission of the King In Luke 18:15-43 and Luke 19, Jesus continues to reveal what it means to live by faith and follow Him with a sincere heart. When parents bring their children to Him, the disciples try to turn them away, but Jesus welcomes them, teaching that the kingdom of God belongs to those with childlike trust and humility. Soon after, a rich ruler asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Though


November 1
Matthew 20-21 (biblegateway.com) The Servant King and the Coming Kingdom After teaching about humility, faith, and the cost of following Him, Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem. As He nears the cross, He reveals more about the nature of true greatness, servant leadership, and the coming of His kingdom. In Matthew 20–21, Jesus moves closer to the culmination of His earthly ministry. He teaches His disciples that the kingdom of God operates by different values than th


October 31
Matthew 19; Mark 10 (biblegateway.com) Following Jesus Without Reservation In Matthew 19 and Mark 10, Jesus’ teachings grow increasingly personal and challenging. The Pharisees test Him with a question about divorce, hoping to trap Him in controversy. Jesus responds by pointing back to God’s original design for marriage in Genesis. Parents then bring their children to Jesus, and while the disciples try to turn them away, Jesus welcomes them, saying, “Let the little children c


October 30
Luke 17:11-37; Luke 18:1-14 (biblegateway.com) Faith That Responds, Prays, and Humbles Itself After revealing His power over death by raising Lazarus, Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem. Along the way, He performs miracles, teaches about gratitude, faith, and humility, and prepares His followers to live in anticipation of His return. In Luke 17:11-37 and Luke 18:1-14, Jesus continues teaching about what it means to live faithfully in a world that often forgets God.


October 29
John 11 (biblegateway.com) The Resurrection and the Life After teaching His followers about stewardship, humility, and forgiveness, Jesus now demonstrates the ultimate display of divine power: His authority over death itself. What follows is one of the most personal and powerful miracles in His earthly ministry. News comes that His dear friend Lazarus of Bethany is gravely ill. Yet, rather than rushing to heal him, Jesus delays, explaining that this sickness “is for God’s glo


October 28
Luke 16; Luke 17:1-10 (biblegateway.com) Faithful Stewardship and Humble Service As Jesus continues toward Jerusalem, He teaches vital lessons about stewardship, compassion, and humility. In the Parable of the Unjust Steward, a dishonest manager uses foresight to secure his future. Jesus does not commend his deceit but his wisdom, urging believers to use earthly resources with eternal purpose. No one can serve two masters, “You cannot serve God and money.” The Parable of the


October 27
Luke 14-15 (biblegateway.com) The Call to Humility and the Joy of the Father I n Luke 14–15, Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem, using parables and personal encounters to teach the heart of true discipleship and the nature of God’s mercy. At a meal in the home of a Pharisee, He confronts the pride and self-promotion of the guests, teaching that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Through the Parable of the Gre


October 26
Luke 12-13 (biblegateway.com) Living Ready and Bearing Fruit After teaching about prayer, compassion, and His role as the Good Shepherd, Jesus turns to instruct His followers on faithfulness, readiness, and repentance, calling them to live in light of eternity and the coming judgment. In Luke 12–13, Jesus gives a series of teachings that prepare His followers for faithful living in uncertain times. Speaking to crowds that had grown large, He warns against hypocrisy and mispla


October 25
Luke 10-11; John 10: 22-42 (biblegateway.com) The Good Shepherd and the Heart of True Discipleship In Luke 10–11 and John 10:22–42, Jesus deepens His teaching on what it means to walk with God and live as His follower. Luke 10 opens with Jesus sending out seventy disciples to proclaim the kingdom, heal the sick, and depend fully on God’s provision. Their successful return fills them with joy, but Jesus reminds them that the greater joy is not in power or results, but in knowi


October 24
John 9; John 10:1-21 (biblegateway.com) The True Light and the Good Shepherd In John 9 and John 10:1-21, Jesus reveals Himself as both the Light of the world and the Good Shepherd who tenderly cares for His flock. In John 9, He heals a man who had been blind from birth, performing a miracle that not only restores sight but also exposes the blindness of the religious leaders. The man’s physical healing becomes a powerful picture of spiritual awakening. Those who recognize thei


October 23
John 7-8 (biblegateway.com) The Light of Truth in a World of Unbelief In John 7–8, Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, where His presence sparks division among the people. Some believe He is the promised Messiah, while others question His origins and authority. Despite threats from the religious leaders, Jesus teaches boldly, proclaiming that His message and mission come directly from the Father. On the final day of the feast, He calls out, “If anyone thirsts


October 22
Matthew 18 (biblegateway.com) Kingdom Greatness Through Humility and Forgiveness In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches what life in the community of believers should look like. When His disciples ask who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus responds by placing a child in their midst, declaring that true greatness begins with humility and a childlike heart of faith. He warns against causing others, especially “little ones” who believe in Him, to stumble, emphasizing the seriousn


October 21
Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62 (biblegateway.com) From Glory to the Cross After revealing to His disciples that He is the Christ and that following Him requires taking up the cross, Jesus now strengthens their faith with a glimpse of His glory and continues teaching about humility, faith, and true discipleship. In Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9:28-62, Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a mountain where He is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His


October 20
Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27 (biblegateway.com) The Christ and the Cost In Matthew 16, Mark 8, and Luke 9:18-27, Jesus leads His disciples into a pivotal moment of understanding. As they travel near Caesarea Philippi, He asks the question that every heart must answer: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” marks a turning point in their faith. Jesus affirms Peter’s declaration but also begins to reveal that His mis


October 19
Matthew 15; Mark 7 (biblegateway.com) Pure Hearts and Persistent Faith After Jesus declares Himself the Bread of Life and many turn away from following Him, He continues His ministry by confronting the emptiness of human tradition and extending God’s mercy beyond Israel’s borders. In Matthew 15 and Mark 7, Jesus confronts the religious leaders about the difference between outward ritual and inward devotion. The Pharisees criticize His disciples for eating without performing c


October 18
John 6 (biblegateway.com) The Bread of Life After Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand, the crowds continued to follow Him, seeking more signs and provision. Yet in what follows, Jesus shifts their focus from physical bread to the true Bread from heaven—Himself.” John 6 is one of the most profound chapters in the Gospel, revealing both Jesus’ compassion and His identity as the source of eternal life. It opens with the feeding of the five thousand, a miracle of abundance t
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