Project 356...

Purpose…

The purpose of Project 356 is for you to get a feel for the Word of God, for example, to know what is written, how it's written, and to whom it’s addressed. To have a hands-on feel for His Word. To do this we recommend you use a real Bible, not a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. But a real living book that you can handle and get a real feel for who God is and who you are as a Christian according to the scriptures.

When you first meet someone, it takes time to get to know them. That process is what the essence of Project 356 is all about. You cannot trust anybody until you get to know them, and the important thing is that it takes time.

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. Pro 3:5,6 [KJV]

To trust God is to know God through His word…

A few simple rules...

This is a reading plan with a difference...
We will take you on a journey for 40 days. But before we do there are a few basic things you have to do to prepare you for this journey, this adventure into God’s Word.

Learning the books of the Bible will sound like an unfamiliar place to start. But as a mechanic needs to know his car manual, we need to know the Bible. As a mechanic knows his engine through his workbook, we will begin to know God through His Bible workbook. Just so you know there are 66 books in the Bible.

So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Rom 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. Heb 11:6 [KJV]

A large part of the Bible is easy to understand but there are a few things you must be aware of as you begin to sit down and read.

Chapters and verses were added purely for reference purposes.

Add these simple rules to that and the Bible starts to open for you.

The Bible explains itself, in the verse and in the context.

Don’t add words or take away words as you read the Bible slowly with understanding. Don’t come to read the Word of God with your theology or agenda or that of anybody else. Read the Word of God for what it is. Think about what you have read in context with what has gone before.

I can do all things through a verse taken out of context?

Also, understand Bible words and how they are used in the Bible and not in the world today. Some words used when the Bible was translated have different meanings than they do in today’s usage. Get to know your Bible...

See the word prosper in 3 John 1:2 - Hint: it is not talking about money...

I know that these simple rules are just that simple, but they are a platform a foundation a start for those beginning their Christian journey, or for those rebuilding their Christian faith. The Bible is the most intellectualized book in the world. The world is simply filled with books trying to explain what the Bible means. All you need are these simple rules. Then confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour be born again filled with the Holy Spirit and you are set free 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. Rom 10:9-11 [KJV]

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Rom 10:13 [KJV]

What you will read...

You will start with the Gospels, to learn about Jesus Christ his life, and ministry. The Book of Acts is an overview of the acts of the apostles and more...The seven Church Epistles which were written by Paul the Apostle, which is the meat of the New Testament. Followed by the remaining books that make up the New Testament, which is no less important.

Remember the New Testament was written for those of us who have made Jesus Christ our Lord. We who confess to be Christian today are filled with His Spirit and endeavor 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 because Jesus Christ is our Saviour, our Lord, our King, and the Head of the Church.

Remember your journey...

As you read through the chapters each day put pen to paper and remember your journey. Write a journal, spend time in prayer and think about what you are reading. Doing these basic things daily will build in you a discipline you will need to live a 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, Eph 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, Eph 1:18 [KJV]

Answer these three questions after you have read your daily chapters.

Did you understand what you've just read and not add your own theology or agenda?

Did you read it in the context of the previous books, chapters, and verses?

Are you able to apply and put into practice that which you have just read?

A warning...

Beware of some versions of the Bible, not all Bible versions are the same, and some need to be avoided. Start with the King James Version, [KJV], and use wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to look at other interpretations in the future which may help you with 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. 2Co 11:3 [KJV]

The future...

The reason for not reading Revelation is complicated and needs a rich understanding of the Old Testament especially the books of Daniel, Isaiah, and more…

We live in the present and although the future is important to us, we need to live our best Christian life NOW!

Your future planning for study and reading, keep this habit going, don’t stop enjoying reading the scriptures, continue reading daily, start to study those areas that you don’t quite comprehend or those which are of more interest to you as you continue your journey with Him...

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psa 119:16 [KJV]

What books to buy in the future to help you study the beauty of God’s word? Online software, study books, and research books are endless, but you and the Bible with the Holy Spirit are still the best tools you need to understand the Word of God. This will lead you to trusting in Him and to living with Him according to His Holy Scriptures, The Word of God – Amen!

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Jas 1:22 [KJV]

Back to basics...

To recap we have a purpose to get a feel for the Word of God, for example, to know what is written, how it's written, and to whom it’s addressed. To know the Bible the Word of God.

There are a few simple rules to remember, simple Bible interpretation, a basic understanding of reading the Bible scriptures must be recognized and applied. It’s a slight learning curve but one which will hold you in good stead as you get to know your Bible.

You will read from the Book of Matthew the first Book of the Gospels all the way through to the Book of Jude. Each day is approximately five to six chapters a day sometimes less sometimes more. Each chapter varies in the number of verses it has and therefore some days it will take longer to read the allotted chapters for that day. Be patient and remember to always read slowly and with understanding.

Remembering your journey through journaling and after each ten-day period recap what you have written. You’ll be amazed! Keep asking those three questions to yourself after each reading session it will help you in your understanding.

Be aware of different Bible translations which are not as accurate as you may think. The King James Version is a great place to start, don’t be put off by the old English phrasing.

Now you are in a habit of reading the Bible daily, don't stop, keep going...

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. Pro 3:5-6 [KJV]

The Reading Plan...

Note: all numbers in the Today's Reading section refer to chapters to read for that day... God Bless enjoy!