Reading plans, study methods and Bible basics

Bible Academy Study Guides

Study Guides is the section of Bible Academy about reading and studying Scripture: how to start, how to stay consistent, which plan fits which season of life, and simple study methods like SOAP.

Every guide is written from the text of the Bible first. Verses are quoted from the King James Version, the public-domain translation used in the app, and checked automatically against the Bible text at every update.

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Articles

• Reading the BibleHow to read the Bible for beginners: a simple first 30 days for adultsHow to read the Bible for beginners: where to start, a 10-minute daily method, KJV word tips and a 30-day path through Mark, Genesis and Psalms.12 min read
• Reading the BibleHow long does it take to read the Bible? Hours, days and a time for every bookHow long does it take to read the Bible? About 55 hours at average speed, from real KJV word counts. Tables by chapters a day, minutes a day and per book.13 min read
• Reading the BibleBible in a year reading plan: a 52-week KJV plan with 2027 datesA free Bible in a year reading plan with 2027 dates: Old and New Testament every week, balanced to about 9 minutes a day in the KJV. Print it or use the app.11 min read
• Reading the BibleChronological Bible reading plan: read the Bible in the order events happened (52 weeks)A free chronological Bible reading plan for one year: 52 weekly readings in historical order, with a note on what's happening in the story each week.14 min read
• Reading the BibleWhere to start reading the Bible: the best first book for what you wantWhere to start reading the Bible depends on your goal. Pick the best first book to know Jesus, the big story, wisdom or prayer, with reading times.10 min read
• Reading the BibleHow to stay consistent reading the Bible: a habit plan that survives busy weeksHow to stay consistent reading the Bible: pick a daily cue, set a tiny minimum, track a streak and plan a recovery day. Includes a 66-day habit plan.11 min read
• Studying the BibleHow to study the Bible: 5 reliable methods, a 20-minute session, and templatesHow to study the Bible, step by step: five simple methods, a real 20-minute study of Philippians 4 you can copy, and free templates for each method.12 min read
• Studying the BibleThe SOAP Bible study method: a complete guide with 5 worked KJV examplesThe SOAP Bible study method explained step by step: where it comes from, what to write for each letter, 5 worked KJV examples and a copyable template.13 min read
• Studying the BibleBible study methods: 8 ways to study the Bible, compared side by sideEight Bible study methods compared in one table (SOAP, inductive, Swedish, journaling, topical, character, book study, lectio divina): time, steps, best for.11 min read
• Studying the BibleHow to remember what you read in the Bible: what memory research says actually worksHow to remember what you read in the Bible, based on memory research: self-quizzing beats rereading, spaced review, and a simple weekly routine.10 min read
• Sermon notesHow to take sermon notes that you'll actually useHow to take sermon notes: what to do before, during and after church, the 3-column method, a full sample page, and a paper vs app workflow that sticks.10 min read
• Sermon notesSermon notes template: three free layouts you can copy and printA free sermon notes template in three layouts (simple, 3-column, small group), a filled-in example, printing tips, and how to scan your notes into an app.8 min read
• Memorizing ScriptureHow to memorize Scripture (and keep it for years, not days)How to memorize Scripture with methods grounded in research: the first-letter method, recall practice, a spaced review schedule and a 4-week starter plan.10 min read
• Memorizing Scripture52 Bible verses to memorize, grouped by theme (one for every week)52 Bible verses to memorize as an adult, grouped by theme (anxiety, identity, temptation, purpose and more), in the KJV, with a weekly review schedule.11 min read
• Seasons & holidaysBible reading plan 2027: read the whole Bible from January 1 to December 31A dated Bible reading plan for 2027: all 1,189 chapters in 365 days, with a month-by-month and week-by-week calendar from January 1 to December 31.12 min read
• Seasons & holidaysAdvent Bible reading plan 2026: daily readings from November 29 to ChristmasA dated Advent Bible reading plan for 2026, from Sunday, November 29 to Christmas Day, with one short passage and one reflection question each day.10 min read
• Seasons & holidaysWhere is the Christmas story in the Bible? Matthew and Luke side by sideThe Christmas story is in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2, with John 1 adding its meaning. See both side by side, what's tradition, and an 8-day reading plan.12 min read
• Reading the Bible3 chapters a day Bible reading plan, with 2, 4 and 5-chapter versionsA 3 chapters a day Bible reading plan finishes in 397 days, about 8 minutes a day. See the full schedule, plus 2, 4 and 5 chapters a day versions.9 min read
• Reading the Bible30-day Bible reading challenge: read Luke and Acts in a month, with a daily check-in questionTake the 30 day Bible reading challenge: Luke and Acts in a month, about 7 minutes a day, with one check-in question per day and an answer key with verses.9 min read
• Reading the Bible90-day Bible reading plan: the full schedule, and an honest look at who it's forA complete 90 day Bible reading plan: about 13 chapters and 37 minutes a day, with every day listed, plus an honest check on whether this pace fits you.10 min read
• Reading the BibleBible reading for busy people: how 10 minutes a day gets you through the whole BibleBible reading for busy people: 10 minutes a day reads the whole Bible in about 11 months. Where to fit it, what to read and a 10-minute routine.9 min read
• Reading the BibleBible reading plan for beginners: three easy starter plans (30, 60 and 90 days)An easy Bible reading plan for beginners: pick a 30, 60 or 90-day starter plan by goal, with exact daily chapters and about 5 minutes of reading a day.10 min read
• Reading the BibleBible reading plan for young adults: a 6-week plan for your 20s and 30sA Bible reading plan for young adults: 30 short readings in 6 weeks on identity, work, love, anxiety and faith, each with a "why it matters" note.10 min read
• Reading the BiblePrintable Bible reading tracker: a checklist of all 66 books and 1,189 chaptersA free printable Bible reading tracker: all 66 books and 1,189 chapters on one checklist. Download the PDF, or let the app track it for you.14 min read
• Studying the BibleBible study topics for young adults: 25 real-life topics with passages and discussion questions25 Bible study topics for young adults (work, money, anxiety, dating, doubt, purpose), each with KJV passages, a Bible story and a discussion question.13 min read
• Studying the BibleChatGPT Bible study prompts: 25 prompts that make AI quote the text instead of inventing it25 ChatGPT Bible study prompts for reading, context, character studies, quizzes and small groups, each built to make the AI show its verses.9 min read
• Reading the BibleChristmas Bible reading plan: 25 days of whole chapters, December 1 to Christmas DayA dated Christmas Bible reading plan for December 1 to 25, 2026: 43 whole chapters, 1 or 2 a day, from Genesis 3 to Luke 2, with minutes for every day.13 min read
• Studying the BibleChristmas Bible study for small groups: a free 4-week guide for young adultsA free 4-week Christmas Bible study for young adult small groups: Isaiah 9, Luke 1–2, Matthew 2 and John 1, with questions, SOAP prompts and memory verses.17 min read
• Seasons & holidaysChristmas Bible verses in story order: KJV references, context and verses for cardsChristmas Bible verses in story order, from Isaiah to John 1, each with its KJV reference and context, plus short verses for cards and a December plan.16 min read
• Seasons & holidaysChristmas devotional for young adults: 12 short SOAP devotions from Isaiah to John 1A free 12-day Christmas devotional for young adults, December 14 to 25: one KJV verse a day with SOAP prompts, a question to think on and a short prayer.12 min read
• Reading the BibleFell behind on your Bible reading plan? Here's how to catch up (or reset without guilt)Fell behind on your Bible reading plan? See exactly how many chapters you missed, 4 catch-up strategies with the math, and a guilt-free reset.10 min read
• Seasons & holidaysHoly Week Bible reading plan: day by day from Palm Sunday to EasterA day-by-day Holy Week Bible reading plan for March 21 to 28, 2027, with one core reading a day and a four-Gospel harmony showing where each event is told.13 min read
• Reading the BibleHow long does it take to read the New Testament? Minutes per book and 30, 40 or 90-day plansHow long does it take to read the New Testament? About 12.6 hours at average speed. See minutes for all 27 books and a ready 30-day plan from KJV counts.11 min read
• Reading the BibleHow many chapters a day to read the Bible in a year (with finish-date tables)How many chapters a day to read the Bible in a year: 3.26 (1,189 chapters in 365 days). Tables for 1 to 13 chapters a day, finish dates and minutes.8 min read
• Reading the BibleHow to get back into reading the Bible (a 7-day restart plan)How to get back into reading the Bible after a long break: a 7-day restart plan with short KJV readings, about 3 minutes each, and what to read next.10 min read
• Memorizing ScriptureHow to memorize the books of the Bible in a week, section by sectionHow to memorize the books of the Bible fast: learn all 66 in 10 short sections with simple memory hooks, a 7-day plan and a quiz game you can play.11 min read
• Reading the BibleHow to read the Bible in a year: the numbers, the plan types and how to finishHow to read the Bible in a year: 3.26 chapters and about 9 to 12 minutes a day, 4 plan types compared, monthly checkpoints and a catch-up plan.10 min read
• Reading the BibleHow to read the Bible with ADHD: practical strategies that respect how your brain worksHow to read the Bible with ADHD: short story-sized readings under 4 minutes, ways to read with your ears and hands, quizzes, timers and a kind restart rule.10 min read
• Reading the BibleHow to read the KJV Bible: tips and a glossary of 59 archaic wordsHow to read the KJV Bible with confidence: thee vs ye, -eth and -est endings, and 59 archaic words like "let" and "prevent" with real KJV verses.11 min read
• Studying the BibleHow to study a book of the Bible (a 5-step method with a worked example)How to study a book of the Bible in five steps: get the context, read it whole, outline it, study each section, then summarize. With a Philippians plan.10 min read
• Studying the BibleHow to study the Bible on your own: a simple weekly rhythm that lastsHow to study the Bible on your own: the tools you need, a 20-minute session, a weekly rhythm, a 4-week plan through Mark, and mistakes to avoid.9 min read
• Sermon notesHow to turn a sermon into a Bible study: a 5-day follow-up planHow to turn a sermon into a Bible study in five days: reread, observe, check context, interpret and apply. With a worked John 4 example and group questions.9 min read
• Reading the BibleHow to understand the Bible when it feels confusingHow to understand the Bible: a 5-step context toolkit (summary, video, read, ask, quiz), a genre guide and a worked example from Jeremiah 29:11.10 min read
• Reading the BibleKJV vs ASV: what's different between the King James Version and the American Standard VersionKJV vs ASV compared: history (1611 vs 1901), 15 verses side by side, why some verses are missing in the ASV, and which to read. Counts from the full text.10 min read
• Seasons & holidaysLent Bible reading plan 2027: 40 days from Ash Wednesday to EasterA dated 40-day Lent Bible reading plan for 2027, from Ash Wednesday, February 10 to Holy Saturday, March 27: all of Mark, key prophecies and a weekly quiz.11 min read
• Seasons & holidaysNames of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6: what Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace meanThe names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 explained: meaning, New Testament echoes, the Everlasting Father question, and a four-week SOAP devotional for December.12 min read
• Reading the BibleNew Testament reading plan: four complete schedules (30, 60, 90 and 260 days)Four complete New Testament reading plans on one page: 30, 60, 90 and 260 days, with every day listed and the real reading time from the KJV text.10 min read
• Seasons & holidaysA New Year Bible reading challenge for 2027 that you'll actually finishA realistic New Year Bible reading challenge for 2027: four levels, a dated January plan, and streak insurance so one missed day won't end it.11 min read
• Seasons & holidaysNew Year Bible verses (KJV) by theme, with the context behind each one and a plan to memorize 12 in 2027New Year Bible verses in the KJV, grouped by theme with the context behind each one, plus a simple plan to memorize one verse a month in 2027.14 min read
• Reading the BibleOne chapter a day Bible reading plan: the full 1,189-day schedule, and when to step upA one chapter a day Bible reading plan takes 1,189 days, about 3.3 years and 3 minutes a day. Get the full schedule and a simple way to step up to 2 or 3.9 min read
• Bible factsProphecies about the birth of Jesus: every Old Testament text and where the Gospels cite itProphecies about the birth of Jesus in one table: 12 Old Testament texts, where Matthew and Luke cite them, and which links are only tradition.14 min read
• Studying the BibleQuestions to ask when reading the Bible: 40 questions for observation, meaning and application40 questions to ask when reading the Bible, grouped by observation, meaning and application, with a worked example on Zacchaeus and small group questions.10 min read
• Memorizing Scripture30 short Bible verses to memorize (every one under 15 words in the KJV)30 short Bible verses to memorize, each 14 words or fewer in the KJV, grouped by theme with exact word counts, a checklist and a 10-week plan.9 min read
• Studying the BibleSOAP Bible study examples: 10 complete journal entries across every genreTen complete SOAP Bible study examples on KJV passages (Psalms, Proverbs, Gospels, letters, prophets), with tips for adapting SOAP to each genre.13 min read
• Studying the BibleSOAP Bible study template: a free copy-and-print page, plus a filled exampleA free SOAP Bible study template you can copy or print: daily page, weekly review, group version and a filled KJV example on Matthew 6:33-34.9 min read
• Memorizing ScriptureSpaced repetition for Bible memory: how the intervals work (and a schedule you can copy)Spaced repetition for Bible memory, explained simply: why intervals work, a review schedule to copy, what to do when you forget, and the real workload.10 min read
• Seasons & holidaysThanksgiving Bible verses (KJV) for the dinner table, cards and your small group, with the story behind each oneThanksgiving Bible verses in the KJV, sorted by moment: the meal prayer, cards, small group, hard years. Each has a line of context so you can use it well.11 min read
• Seasons & holidaysThanksgiving small group questions: a ready 60-minute Bible study on gratitude, with leader notesThanksgiving small group questions from Luke 17, Psalm 100, 1 Thessalonians 5 and Philippians 4, with icebreakers, leader notes and a closing prayer.11 min read
• Reading the BibleWhat order should I read the Bible in? Four reading orders compared, with a plan for eachWhat order should I read the Bible in? Compare canonical, chronological, New Testament first and blended orders, each with a one-year plan and daily pace.10 min read
• Sermon notesWhat to do with sermon notes after church: a Monday-to-Saturday routineWhat to do with sermon notes after church: a 10-minute daily routine from Monday to Saturday, plus how to build a sermon notebook you'll actually reopen.8 min read