Where Next? A Bible Reading Roadmap

1. The Tools: The CROJAM Method

Before picking a book, use this "mining tool" to help you dig for treasure in every chapter you read.

CContext
Genre & Situation

RRead
What does it say?

OObserve
Why is it here?

JJesus
How is He seen?

AApply
What do I do?

MMeditate
Pray it in!

Pro-Tip: Ask yourself: Is there a promise to claim? Is there a sin to repent of? Lord, help me trust your name!

2. The Reading Roadmap

This plan alternates between the Old and New Testaments to show how the whole Bible is one big story pointing to Jesus.

Gospel • New Testament

1. The Proclamation: Mark

Fast-paced and action-oriented. It focuses on what Jesus did and why He is the Son of God.

The Jesus Focus: Look for how He calms the literal and spiritual storms of life.

History • Old Testament

2. The Roots: Genesis (Ch. 1–12 & 37–50)

The "backstory" of the world. It shows God's creation and the beginning of His promise to rescue humanity.

The Jesus Focus: Notice the promise that a "seed" of the woman will crush the serpent.

Letter • New Testament

3. Applied Truth: Philippians

A short, joyful letter written to real people with real problems. It’s practical and encouraging.

The Jesus Focus: Look for how the Gospel gives us the power to be joyful in hard times.

Wisdom • Old Testament

4. Patterns of Life: Proverbs (Ch. 1–9)

Observations on how life works best. Remember: these are patterns, not 100% money-back promises.

The Jesus Focus: How is Jesus the "Greater Solomon" who lived this out perfectly?

Law/History • Old Testament

5. The Great Rescue: Exodus (Ch. 1–20)

The story of the Ten Commandments and the rescue from Egypt. It reveals God’s holiness.

The Jesus Focus: Since we can't keep these laws perfectly, see our need for Jesus’ perfect obedience.

History • New Testament

6. The Church on the Move: Acts (Ch. 1–12)

The "sequel" to the Gospels. See how the early church started and how the Holy Spirit empowered normal people.

The Jesus Focus: Look for how Jesus continues His work through His people after His ascension.

History • Old Testament

7. The Rise & Fall of Kings: 1 Samuel 16 – 1 Kings 12

The story of David and Solomon. It explains why Israel needed a "perfect King" to come.

The Jesus Focus: Every time a King fails, ask: “How does this point to my need for Jesus?”

Poetry • Old Testament

8. Songs of the Heart: Selected Psalms

Try Psalms 1, 19, 23, 51, 103, and 139. These are emotional "heart cries" to God.

The Jesus Focus: How did Jesus fulfill these cries of the heart on the cross?

Letter • New Testament

9. The Core of the Gospel: Romans (Ch. 1–8)

A deep dive into what Christians believe. It moves from our need for a Savior to our new identity in Him.

The Jesus Focus: Look for the word "Righteousness"—Jesus giving us His "A-grade" standing.

Prophecy • Old Testament

10. The Suffering Servant: Isaiah (Ch. 40–55)

Beautiful promises written to people who felt forgotten. Contains the famous Ch. 53 about Jesus' death.

The Jesus Focus: See the "photographic" description of Jesus' sacrifice 700 years before it happened.

History • Old Testament

11. Rebuilding: Ezra (1–3) & Nehemiah (1–6)

The story of the return from exile. It’s about leadership, prayer, and rebuilding when things are broken.

The Jesus Focus: The rebuilt temple was small; it created a longing for the True Temple (Jesus).

Letter • New Testament

12. Living as Outsiders: 1 Peter

Written to people who feel like "strangers" in their culture because of their faith. Very relevant today!

The Jesus Focus: Peter points to Jesus’ suffering as the model for how we handle hard times.

3. Knowing the Genre

The Bible is a library of different styles. Use the right "lens" for the right book:

Genre	The Mindset	The "Jesus" Question
History	Descriptive, not Prescriptive.	How does this flawed leader point to the perfect King?
Law	Reveals God's holiness.	How does this show my need for Jesus’ obedience?
Wisdom	Pattern, not Promise.	How is Jesus the ultimate Wisdom of God?
Poetry	Emotional, not Literal.	How does this picture point to God's character?
Letters	Real mail to real people.	How does the Gospel give me the power to obey this?
Prophecy	A challenge, not a crystal ball.	How does this promise find its "Yes" in Jesus?

Prepared for Connect+. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." — Psalm 119:105