Week 1: 29 October – 4 November

OT – Isaiah 55 – Jeremiah 9

The final chapters of Isaiah, though addressing idolatry, religious hypocrisy, and sin, are largely filled with hope and promise. They reveal God’s deep desire to bless not only his people but all nations, coming personally to redeem and restore sinners. These chapters present an inspiring vision of the future restoration of Jerusalem, symbolising the future glory of the church. Among God’s righteous judgments, there is an enduring promise of his grace and covenant love. Transitioning to Jeremiah, the theme of judgment continues. Called as a prophet to the nations, Jeremiah’s message begins with a warning to Israel and Judah. Their idolatry, spiritual adultery, and corruption have even reached the kings, priests, and prophets. Jeremiah’s heart is heavy as he weeps for the inevitable judgement coming upon his people.

There is an introduction to the book of Jeremiah here.

Oct. 29: Isaiah 55-58; Oct. 30: Isaiah 59-62; Oct. 31: Isaiah 63-65; Nov. 1: Isaiah 66-Jer. 2; Nov. 2: Jer. 3-4; Nov. 3: Jer. 5-6; Nov. 4: Jer. 7-9

NT – 1 Timothy 6 – Philemon 1

1 Timothy concludes with Paul’s final instructions to Timothy, focusing on teaching about money, wealth, and contentment. In contrast, 2 Timothy is more personal, filled with exhortations and encouragement for Timothy to remain faithful, especially in the face of increasing spiritual and social decline in the last days. Paul emphasises the critical need for sound teaching to preserve the church’s health. Similarly, in Titus, Paul underscores the importance of sound doctrine, appointing elders to model and uphold this teaching in a morally corrupt culture. The letter also offers rich insights into the grace and glory of the gospel. Finally, Philemon stands as a powerful example of Christian love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, as Paul urges Philemon to forgive and accept back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ.

There is an introduction to 2 Timothy here, to Titus here, and to Philemon here.

Oct. 29: 1 Tim 6; Oct. 30: 2 Tim 1; Oct. 31: 2 Tim 2; Nov. 1: 2 Tim 3-4; Nov. 2: Titus 1-2; Nov. 3: Titus 3; Nov. 4: Philemon 1

Week 2: 5 – 11 November

OT – Jeremiah 10 – 30

In the book of Jeremiah, we witness a prophet deeply involved in delivering God’s message to his people, often torn between his desire for divine justice and his deep compassion for the people. At times, Jeremiah calls for punishment, while at others, he weeps over their coming fate. The core of God’s judgement is their breaking of the covenant through idol worship, with stern warnings especially for the false prophets and unfaithful priests. God promises to eventually restore faithful leadership, but he also cautions the people against relying on the mere presence of the Temple for protection, as it will be destroyed and they will face exile. Despite the harsh judgements that dominate Jeremiah’s prophecies, there are glimmers of hope, as God assures the people that they will one day return and be restored. Jeremiah’s vivid imagery — such as good and bad fruit, trees planted by water, the potter and clay, the Word as fire, and the yoke on the people’s necks — adds a rich layer of symbolism to his message of both judgement and hope.

Nov. 5: Jer 10-12; Nov. 6: Jer 13-15; Nov. 7: Jer 16-17; Nov. 8: Jer 18-21; Nov. 9: Jer 22-24; Nov. 10: Jer 25-27; Nov. 11: Jer 28-30

NT – Hebrews 1 – 7

This week, we begin reading Hebrews, a powerful letter that emphasises Jesus as the ultimate and final revelation of God. Unlike the angels who delivered the Law to Moses, Jesus is far greater, having come in human flesh to defeat death and bring us salvation. We are urged to hold firmly to the gospel and recognise Christ’s supremacy, even over Moses, to avoid the mistakes of the Israelites who, through unbelief, failed to enter their promised inheritance. Jesus is also our High Priest, fully able to sympathise with our weaknesses, but his priesthood surpasses that of Aaron. He is a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek—eternal, based on resurrection life, and offering an everlasting covenant through a single, perfect sacrifice. Thus, Jesus is the mediator of a new and far better covenant.

There is an introduction to Hebrews here.

Nov. 5: Heb 1; Nov. 6: Heb 2; Nov. 7: Heb 3; Nov. 8: Heb 4; Nov. 9: Heb 5; Nov. 10: Heb 6; Nov. 11: Heb 7

Week 3: 12 – 18 November

OT – Jeremiah 31 – 48

This week’s readings in Jeremiah begin with a final message of hope for the restoration of Israel, despite the looming judgement. God promises a new covenant, one that will not be based on external laws but on an inward transformation by the Spirit of God, the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of a new heart. This prophecy points to its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ and the everlasting covenant he establishes. Additionally, God reaffirms his commitment to preserve the royal line of David, a promise realised in Christ, the Son of David. Despite being persecuted and imprisoned, Jeremiah is protected by God as Jerusalem is destroyed by the Babylonians, and most of the people are taken into exile. This exile serves as the means of God’s discipline for his wayward people. Those who remain in Judah suffer further tragedy as they continue to disobey God, fleeing to Egypt and seeking worldly solutions. God also pronounces judgement on the nations he used as instruments of discipline.

Nov. 12: Jer 31-32; Nov. 13: Jer 33-34; Nov. 14: Jer 35-36; Nov. 15: Jer 37-39; Nov. 16: Jer 40-42; Nov. 17: Jer 43-45; Nov. 18: Jer 46-48

NT – Hebrews 8 – 13

As we continue reading Hebrews this week, we explore the superiority of Jesus’ sacrifice in the heavenly sanctuary over the sacrifices of the old covenant. While the old covenant addressed only external rituals, Christ’s sacrifice purifies the heart, offering one perfect and eternal atonement for all time. On the foundation of this truth, we are urged to draw near to God, persevering in faith and community, with a warning not to shrink back, as this would displease God. We are called to follow the example of the great heroes of faith who achieved mighty acts by believing in God’s promises. Christ is our ultimate model, having endured the cross and now seated at God’s right hand. In this life of faith, we must realise that God’s discipline, far from something to fear, is an expression of his love. We should not be afraid of God as they were at Mount Sinai, which represents the old covenant. But there is a rightful fear of God as we come near to worship him under the new covenant, represented by Mount Zion, because we receive an unshakable Kingdom. These truths should transform our everyday lives, shaping our attitudes in practical ways toward things like marriage, money, and leadership.

Nov. 12: Heb 8; Nov. 13: Heb 9; Nov. 14: Heb 10:1-18; Nov. 15: Heb 10:19-39; Nov. 16: Heb 11; Nov. 17: Heb 12; Nov. 18: Heb 13

Week 4: 19 – 25 November

OT – Jeremiah 49 – Ezekiel 9

The book of Jeremiah concludes with prophecies of judgement against Babylon, symbolising the world that God used to discipline his people, yet remains subject to his ultimate judgement. Despite the destruction, God preserves a faithful remnant of Israel and will eventually call them to flee Babylon’s corrupt influence. The book ends with the destruction of the Temple, which can be seen as a representation of the world’s assault on a church that has forsaken its God. Lamentations captures the deep sorrow over this devastation and the exile of the people, offering vivid insight into their suffering. Yet, even in the darkest moments, there is a profound declaration of God’s enduring grace and faithfulness, and a hopeful plea for restoration. Ezekiel begins with a powerful vision of God’s glory, commissioning the prophet as a watchman to warn the house of Israel—symbolising the church—of their stubbornness and the judgement looming over Judah. Despite their resistance, Ezekiel delivers his message faithfully.

There is an introduction to Lamentations here and to Ezekiel here.

Nov. 19: Jer 49-50; Nov. 20: Jer 51; Nov. 21: Jer 52; Lam 1; Nov. 22: Lam 2-3; Nov. 23: Lam 4-5; Ezek 1; Nov. 24: Ezek 2-6; Nov. 25: Ezek 7-9.

NT – James 1 – 1 Peter 1

James writes to Jewish Christians who were scattered following Stephen’s martyrdom, offering practical guidance for their faith journey. In the first chapter, he acknowledges the trials and temptations they face, urging them to cultivate faith and endurance, essential for spiritual maturity. He emphasises the importance of being doers of God’s word, while condemning favouritism toward the rich and prejudice against the poor. James highlights that genuine faith must manifest in action and stresses the crucial role of controlling the tongue, recognising the power of words. He contrasts earthly and heavenly wisdom, calling for humility before God, and warns the wealthy against arrogance. His message concludes with encouragement for patience, endurance, prayer, and faith. As we move into 1 Peter, similarly addressed to scattered Christians enduring suffering, the focus shifts to appreciating the greatness of their salvation.

There is an introduction to James here and to 1 Peter here.

Nov. 19: James 1; Nov. 20: James 2:1-13; Nov. 21: James 2:14-26; Nov. 22: James 3; Nov. 23: James 4; Nov. 24: James 5; Nov. 25: 1 Pet 1

Week 5: 26 November – 2 December

OT – Ezekiel 10 – 27

Our readings in Ezekiel this week begin with the sorrowful vision of God’s glory departing from the temple and leaving Jerusalem, symbolising the depth of his judgement on the city. These chapters focus on the unfolding of this judgement, as Ezekiel, under God’s instruction, not only receives visions but also performs dramatic prophetic enactments to symbolise the coming destruction and exile. He delivers strong rebukes against Israel’s leaders and false prophets, condemning their failure. A particularly striking image is that of Israel as God’s bride, once saved and purified, but now depicted as an adulteress and prostitute, symbolising the nation’s spiritual unfaithfulness. The narrative takes a sombre turn with the death of Ezekiel’s wife, whom he is forbidden to mourn, a foreshadowing of the people’s response to the impending disasters. Judgement, although starting with God’s own people, extends to the surrounding nations, representing worldly powers rejoicing in Israel’s downfall. The extensive focus on Tyre reveals the sinister forces, demonic or satanic, lurking behind earthly powers, giving us a glimpse into the spiritual dynamics at play.

Nov. 26: Ezek 10-12; Nov. 27: Ezek 13-15; Nov. 28: Ezek 16-17; Nov. 29: Ezek 18-20; Nov. 30: Ezek 21-22; Dec. 1: Ezek 23-24; Dec. 2: Ezek 25-27.

NT – 1 Peter 2 – 2 Peter 3

1 Peter continues by urging believers to grasp their identity as a spiritual temple, built from “living stones,” and as God’s chosen people, called to reflect his goodness to the world. This identity has practical implications for how Christians live in relation to their neighbours, submit to authorities, and conduct themselves in the workplace. There is also specific guidance for wives and husbands. The letter then shifts to its core message: how to face suffering and persecution. The key is to live fully for God, entrusting our lives to him. Peter provides additional advice for church leaders and various groups within the church communities.

In 2 Peter, the focus shifts to reminding believers of foundational truths about knowing God and growing in that knowledge. Peter issues strong warnings about the dangers of false teachers and those who deny the coming judgement. The letter emphasises the need to prepare for the return of the Lord, urging believers to let this future reality shape how they live now, with holiness and expectancy.

There is an introduction to 2 Peter here.

Nov. 26: 1 Pet 2; Nov. 27: 1 Pet 3; Nov. 28: 1 Pet 4; Nov. 29: 1 Pet 5; Nov. 30: 2 Pet 1; Dec. 1: 2 Pet 2; Dec. 2: 2 Pet 3

Continue with the Bible Tour into the last month with the December Readings. You are almost finished!