week 1: 3 – 9 december

OT – Ezekiel 28 – 43

In our reading in Ezekiel this week, more judgement is spoken against Tyre whose king might be seen as symbolic of Satan in his pride and arrogance. References to Egypt and Assyria point to the inadequacy of the powers of the world that Israel has been putting her trust in. They remind us that the church makes a big mistake when it relies on the ways of this world. God rebukes the shepherds (leaders) of his people and says that he himself will be their shepherd. He promises a new covenant where he will give people a new heart and place his Spirit within them. We read of Ezekiel’s vision of the Spirit restoring Israel by breathing his life into their dry bones. The destruction of demonic world powers is represented by the defeat of Gog and Magog, and the hope of restoration of Jerusalem, a picture of the church, is restated. Ezekiel has a vision, while ‘in the Spirit’, of the temple rebuilt according to God’s design and the glory of the Lord returning. All the Levites, except the family of Zadok, are banned from ministering as priests. There is a restatement of the role of the priest not only to minister to the Lord, but to act as teachers and judges.

Dec. 3: Ezek 28-30; Dec. 4: Ezek 31-32; Dec. 5: Ezek 33-34; Dec. 6: Ezek 35-36; Dec. 7: Ezek 37-38; Dec. 8: Ezek 39-40; Dec. 9: Ezek 41-43.

NT – 1 John 1 – 3 John

In our New Testament readings this week we start reading 1 John. It repeats many themes which revolve around enjoying life through fellowship with Christ and God the Father. We are encouraged to walk in the light, which relates to both purity and truth, and to walk in love. We are to beware of false teaching that comes from the spirit of antichrist, and be encouraged that we have the Holy Spirit to teach us the truth. Children of God do what is right and do not continue in sin. They also walk in love – love that is demonstrated by Christ’s sacrificial example and must be expressed by practical action in our lives. This is how we know we live in God and that he is in us and that enables us to have confidence in approaching him. The main concern is that we know that we walk in life through faith in, and fellowship with, Christ. 2 John emphasises the importance of living in truth and in love by continuing in fellowship with Christ. 3 John encourages hospitality to travelling ministries and addresses the problem of leaders abusing their authority. Again it emphasises the importance of the truth.

There is an introduction to 1 John here, to 2 John here and to 3 John here.

Dec. 3: 1 John 1; Dec. 4: 1John 2:1-17; Dec. 5: 1 John 2:18-3:10; Dec. 6: 1 John 3:11-4:6; Dec. 7: 1 John 4:7-5:12; Dec. 8: 1 John 5:13-21; Dec. 9: 2 John; 3 John

week 2: 10 – 16 december

OT – Ezekiel 44:15 – Daniel 12:13

This week’s reading in Ezekiel concludes with more vivid details about the Temple, the role of the new priests, the sacrifices, and the distribution of the land. It also presents a powerful picture of the river flowing from the altar and the Temple – a picture of the life of the Holy Spirit flowing from the place of worship out to the whole earth, transforming the environment and bringing life and healing to the nations. Turning to the book of Daniel, we find the first half of it relates episodes in his life and the second half records his visions. Daniel’s life demonstrates how a devoted servant of God can have a profound impact within a culture that doesn’t share his beliefs. His integrity, courage and faith shine through. The second half of Daniel records a series of visions, which reveal the spiritual realities behind worldly events. These visions emphasise that God’s sovereign will guides the rise and fall of earthly powers, working ultimately to establish his divine purpose. This purpose centres on the coming of the Anointed One—Christ—and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. Through Daniel’s visions, we see a portrayal of God’s kingdom breaking through the temporary kingdoms of this world, bringing everything under his good rule.

There is an introduction to the book of Daniel here.

Dec. 10: Ezek 44-46; Dec. 11: Ezek 47-48; Dec. 12: Dan 1-2; Dec. 13: Dan 3-4; Dec. 14: Dan 5-6; Dec. 15: Dan 7-9; Dec. 16: Dan 10-12.

NT – Jude – Revelation 7:8

Jude is a strong warning to the churches about the dangers of false teachers and the importance of defending the true faith. He speaks directly and vividly about the judgment awaiting those who lead believers astray. We then begin the final book of the New Testament – the book of Revelation. This is written in a unique symbolic style of writing called apocalyptic writing. This means it is an ‘unveiling’ of the eternal, heavenly realms, so that we can see Christ as the focus of God’s purpose in history, and his final victory at the end of time. It begins with a vision of Christ and his messages to the seven churches of Asia, which are typical of churches throughout history. They are encouraged but also warned and corrected and given a motivation in the form of a promise to those who overcome. John, the author, is then drawn into a vision of heaven, where he witnesses the worship of God on his throne, and of the Lamb who was slain, representing Christ’s triumph over sin and death through his self-giving sacrifice. The Lamb alone is worthy to open the seals of the scroll which represents the unfolding purpose and will of God. As each seal is broken, we see revealed God’s judgments that are going to come upon the land at that time during the fall of Jerusalem.

For an introduction to Jude see here, and for an introduction to Revelation see here.

Dec. 10: Jude; Dec. 11: Rev 1; Dec. 12: Rev 2; Dec. 13: Rev 3:1-13; Dec. 14: Rev 3:14-4:11; Dec. 15: Rev 5; Dec. 16: Rev 6.

week 3: 17 – 23 december

OT – Hosea 1:1 – Micah 1:16

This week, we begin exploring the Minor Prophets. These writings combine messages of judgment with expressions of God’s mercy and covenant love, often holding out the hope of restoration. We start with Hosea, where the prophet’s marriage to an unfaithful and adulterous wife pictures Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Yet, Hosea’s relationship also reflects God’s steadfast love and mercy for his people despite their repeated betrayal. Joel warns of the “Day of the Lord” as a decisive intervention, primarily to bring judgment but also promising the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a prophecy partially fulfilled at Pentecost.

In Amos, the prophet warns of judgment on surrounding nations and on Israel itself, highlighting that prosperity has masked a deeper spiritual decline among God’s people. Obadiah brings a message of condemnation specifically against Edom, a foreign nation that had attacked Israel, underscoring God’s justice for his people. Finally, Jonah tells of God’s dealings with a reluctant prophet who resists bringing a message of mercy to Nineveh, Israel’s enemy. Jonah’s story reflects God’s concern for all nations, not just Israel, and challenges us to understand the breadth of God’s compassion beyond our own communities.

There are introductions to all these prophetic books – Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah

Dec. 17: Hosea 1-4; Dec. 18: Hosea 5-9; Dec. 19: Hosea 10-14; Dec. 20: Joel 1-3 Dec. 21: Amos 1-5; Dec. 22: Amos 6-9; Dec. 23: Obadiah 1; Jonah 1-4.

NT – Revelation 7:7 – 14:20

In Revelation, before the seventh and final seal is opened, God marks his people, who are symbolised by the 144,000. This is a symbolic number (12 x 12 x 1,000) where 12 represents God’s covenant people and 1000 represents the vastness of God’s people. The prayers of the saints rise like incense before God, prompting his powerful actions on earth. Then, seven trumpets are sounded, each signaling an aspect of God’s impending judgment. Significantly, Jerusalem—symbolising the old covenant people of God—is now likened to worldly powers like Egypt and Babylon, reflecting a shift in how God’s people are identified.

Before the seventh trumpet, we see a vision of God’s faithful witnessing community, represented by two witnesses who are martyred, embodying the church’s mission and sacrifice. The seventh trumpet then heralds the establishment of God’s eternal Kingdom. Following this, we encounter the dragon, symbolizing Satan, who seeks to destroy the child (Christ) and persecutes the woman, representing the church. In his pursuit, he is joined by two beasts: one from the sea, symbolising oppressive political power, and one from the land, representing false religious power. Despite this, in the heavenly realm, Jesus—the Lamb—is enthroned and worshipped, signaling that the time for judgment and harvest has arrived.

Dec. 17: Rev 7; Dec. 18: Rev 8; Dec. 19: Rev 9-10; Dec. 20: Rev 11; Dec. 21: Rev 12; Dec. 22: Rev 13; Dec. 23: Rev 14.

week 4: 24 – 31 december

OT – Micah 2:1 – Malachi

Micah continues the dual message of judgment and hope, addressing both God’s people and the nations. While warning of divine judgment, he also envisions the coming Kingdom and the promised King, the Christ. Nahum foretells Nineveh’s downfall, emphasising that God will ultimately judge all arrogant world powers. Habakkuk grapples with profound questions: how God tolerates his people’s wickedness and how he uses wicked nations as instruments of judgment. Yet, Habakkuk affirms that God will ultimately judge the world, deliver his people, and that he remains worthy of praise regardless of circumstances.Zephaniah warns of the impending “day of the Lord,” a time of judgment tempered by hope as God preserves a faithful remnant through whom restoration will come. Haggai challenges believers to prioritize God’s purposes over personal pursuits, calling for commitment to building God’s house—the Church—as central to his eternal plan. Zechariah’s prophetic visions, reminiscent of apocalyptic imagery in Revelation, affirm God’s sovereignty over world events. He promises judgment, preservation, and the ushering in of the day of the Lord, culminating in the restoration of all things. Malachi concludes the Old Testament with sharp rebukes against empty rituals and idolatry, foretelling judgment. Yet, he leaves a glimmer of hope, prophesying a coming day of restoration when God’s ultimate purposes will be fulfilled

Follow the links to read introductions to Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

Dec. 24: Micah 1-5; Dec. 25: Micah 6-7; Nahum 1-2; Dec. 26: Nahum 3; Hab 1-3; Dec 27: Zeph 1-3; Haggai 1-2; Dec. 28: Zech 1-5; Dec. 29: Zech 6-9; Dec. 30: Zech 10-14; Dec. 31: Malachi 1-4.

NT – Revelation 15:1 – 22:21

The book of Revelation continues with the final outpouring of God’s judgment through the seven bowls of wrath. These judgments are met with praise and worship in heaven, as God’s justice is declared true and righteous. The narrative focuses on the fall of Babylon, symbolising the world in rebellion against God, particularly when cloaked in religious pretence. Babylon is portrayed as the great prostitute, riding a beast that represents the rulers and powers of this world. As her downfall is announced, God’s people are called to separate themselves from her corruption. The heavenly hosts continue to worship, celebrating this judgment as it heralds the wedding feast of the Lamb. Christ is revealed as the rider on the white horse, “Faithful and True,” executing righteous judgment. The two beasts are cast into the lake of fire, and Satan is bound for 1,000 years—a symbolic period representing the church age between Christ’s first and second comings. Those who partake in the first resurrection (spiritual new birth) are spared the second death (eternal separation from God). John’s vision culminates with the new heaven and new earth, where the glorified church, depicted as the city of God, resides. The river of the water of life flows through this restored garden city, symbolising the fulfilment of God’s original design seen in Genesis. Revelation concludes with a promise: Jesus is coming soon, bringing eternal blessing. This marks a stark contrast between the Old Testament, which ends with a curse, and the New Testament, which concludes with the promise of eternal life and all things made new.

Dec. 24: Rev 15; Dec. 25: Rev 16; Dec. 26: Rev 17; Dec 27: Rev 18; Dec. 28: Rev 19; Dec. 29: Rev 20; Dec. 30: Rev 21; Dec. 31: Rev 22

Congratulations! You have completed the Tour! You have read the whole Bible! That is a great achievement.