Project 356...
Getting a feel for the Word of God
The purpose of Project 356 is simple. It is for you to get a feel for the Word of God — to know what is written, how it is written, and to whom it is addressed. To get your hands on His words. That's why we recommend a real Bible for this: not a smartphone, not a tablet, not a laptop or a desktop computer, but a real book you can hold, mark and turn the pages of, so you get a true feel for who God is and who you are as a Christian according to the Scriptures.
Think about it. When you first meet someone, it takes time to get to know them, and that is the whole heart of Project 356. You cannot trust anybody until you know them, and knowing them takes time. It's no different with God. You come to trust Him by coming to know Him, and you come to know Him through His Word.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. [Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV]
A few simple rules before you begin
This is a reading plan with a difference. We're going to take you on a journey for 40 days, but before we set off there are a few basic things to put in place. The first will sound like an unusual place to start: learn the books of the Bible. A mechanic needs to know his car manual, and he comes to know his engine through his workbook. In the same way, we come to know God through His workbook, the Bible — all 66 books of it. Faith doesn't grow in a vacuum. It grows by hearing the Word.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [Romans 10:17 KJV]
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. [Hebrews 11:6 KJV]
A large part of the Bible is easy to understand, but there are a few things to be aware of as you sit down to read. Chapters and verses were added purely for reference. The Bible explains itself, in the verse and in the context. So don't add words, and don't take words away. Read slowly and with understanding. Don't come to the Word of God carrying your own doctrine or agenda, or anybody else's — read it for what it is, and think about what you've read in the light of what has gone before. It is all too easy to say "I can do all things through a verse taken out of context…" And learn Bible words the way the Bible uses them, not the way the world uses them today, because some words have shifted in meaning since the Bible was translated. Look at the word prosper in [3 John 1:2 KJV] — it is not talking about money.
These rules really are that simple, but they're a platform, a foundation, a start — for those beginning their Christian walk and for those rebuilding their faith. The Bible is the most intellectualised book in the world, and the shelves are full of books trying to explain what it means. You don't need them to begin. You need these simple rules, and you need to confess Jesus as your Lord, be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. Then you're set to learn all about God and His Son Jesus Christ.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [Romans 10:9-11 KJV]
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. [Romans 10:13 KJV]
What you will read, and how to remember it
You'll start with the Gospels, to learn about Jesus Christ, his life and his ministry. Then the Book of Acts, an overview of the acts of the apostles and more. Then the seven church epistles written by Paul the Apostle, which are the meat of the New Testament, followed by the remaining books of the New Testament, which are no less important. You'll read from Matthew all the way through to Jude — roughly five or six chapters a day, sometimes fewer, sometimes more. Some chapters are longer than others, so some days will take longer. Be patient, and always read slowly and with understanding. And remember who the New Testament is written to: those of us who have made Jesus Christ our Lord. We are filled with His Spirit, and we endeavour to walk as he walked, in the power of the Holy Spirit, delivering people from the darkness of this world by declaring the truth of God's Word. We don't live as the Old Testament believers did, because Jesus Christ is our Saviour, our Lord, our King and the Head of the church.
As you read each day, put pen to paper and remember your journey. Keep a journal, spend time in prayer, and think about what you're reading. After every ten days, look back over what you've written — you'll be amazed. Doing these basic things daily builds the discipline you'll need to live the Christian life.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [Ephesians 1:13 KJV]
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [Ephesians 1:18 KJV]
Ask yourself three questions after each day's reading:
• Did I understand what I've just read, without adding my own doctrine or agenda?
• Did I read it in the context of the books, chapters and verses that came before it?
• Can I apply and put into practice what I've just read?
The 40-day reading plan
Matthew to Jude is 238 chapters, around six a day. Tick each day off as you go, and every ten days stop and look back over your journal before you carry on.
| Day | Reading | Chapters | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 1–4 | 4 | ☐ |
| 2 | Matthew 5–9 | 5 | ☐ |
| 3 | Matthew 10–15 | 6 | ☐ |
| 4 | Matthew 16–21 | 6 | ☐ |
| 5 | Matthew 22–28 | 7 | ☐ |
| 6 | Mark 1–5 | 5 | ☐ |
| 7 | Mark 6–10 | 5 | ☐ |
| 8 | Mark 11–16 | 6 | ☐ |
| 9 | Luke 1–6 | 6 | ☐ |
| 10 | Luke 7–12 | 6 | ☐ |
| 📝 | Look back over your journal — Days 1 to 10 | ☐ | |
| 11 | Luke 13–18 | 6 | ☐ |
| 12 | Luke 19–24 | 6 | ☐ |
| 13 | John 1–5 | 5 | ☐ |
| 14 | John 6–10 | 5 | ☐ |
| 15 | John 11–16 | 6 | ☐ |
| 16 | John 17–21 | 5 | ☐ |
| 17 | Acts 1–5 | 5 | ☐ |
| 18 | Acts 6–11 | 6 | ☐ |
| 19 | Acts 12–17 | 6 | ☐ |
| 20 | Acts 18–22 | 5 | ☐ |
| 📝 | Look back over your journal — Days 11 to 20 | ☐ | |
| 21 | Acts 23–28 | 6 | ☐ |
| 22 | Romans 1–5 | 5 | ☐ |
| 23 | Romans 6–11 | 6 | ☐ |
| 24 | Romans 12–16 | 5 | ☐ |
| 25 | 1 Corinthians 1–6 | 6 | ☐ |
| 26 | 1 Corinthians 7–11 | 5 | ☐ |
| 27 | 1 Corinthians 12–16 | 5 | ☐ |
| 28 | 2 Corinthians 1–6 | 6 | ☐ |
| 29 | 2 Corinthians 7–13 | 7 | ☐ |
| 30 | Galatians 1–6 | 6 | ☐ |
| 📝 | Look back over your journal — Days 21 to 30 | ☐ | |
| 31 | Ephesians 1–6 | 6 | ☐ |
| 32 | Philippians 1–4 · Colossians 1–4 | 8 | ☐ |
| 33 | 1 Thessalonians 1–5 · 2 Thessalonians 1–3 | 8 | ☐ |
| 34 | 1 Timothy 1–6 | 6 | ☐ |
| 35 | 2 Timothy 1–4 · Titus 1–3 · Philemon | 8 | ☐ |
| 36 | Hebrews 1–6 | 6 | ☐ |
| 37 | Hebrews 7–13 | 7 | ☐ |
| 38 | James 1–5 | 5 | ☐ |
| 39 | 1 Peter 1–5 · 2 Peter 1–3 | 8 | ☐ |
| 40 | 1 John 1–5 · 2 John · 3 John · Jude | 8 | ☐ |
| 📝 | Look back over your journal — Days 31 to 40 | ☐ |
A word of warning, and the road ahead
Beware of some versions of the Bible. Not all versions are the same, and some need to be avoided. Start with the King James Version, and don't be put off by the old English phrasing. Later on, use wisdom, knowledge and understanding if you look at other translations to help your understanding of Scripture — but beware.
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV]
You'll notice we don't read Revelation in this plan. That's because it needs a rich understanding of the Old Testament, especially the books of Daniel and Isaiah and more. The future matters to us, but we live in the present, and we need to live our best Christian life now. So when the 40 days are done, keep the habit going. Don't stop enjoying the Scriptures. Keep reading daily, and start to study the areas you don't quite grasp yet, or the ones that draw you in as you carry on your walk with Him. There are endless study books, research books and pieces of software out there, but you, your Bible and the Holy Spirit are still the best tools you need to understand the Word of God. That is what leads you to trust Him and to live with Him according to His Holy Scriptures.
I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. [Psalm 119:16 KJV]
Now you're in the habit of reading the Bible daily — don't stop. Keep going.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. [James 1:22 KJV]
Finding this a lot to take on? The 31-Day Christian Living Reading Plan gives you one short passage, one honest "Walk it out" question and one small step of obedience every day. It's built for ordinary, busy life.
📖 Start the 31-Day Reading Plan here 👉
David Waterhouse
📖 Or see both reading plans here 👉
David Waterhouse