Extra Resources

To help you grow through God’s word in 2025.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

Every year many of us plan to read the Bible but find it hard to maintain my habits. Here are some resources and pointers that help and could make it easier for you this year:

1. Sign up to our Daily Bible Reading email.

Get an email every morning with a Bible passage, a few questions and some prayer pointers every morning! Sign up here.

2. Listen to the Bible read aloud.

Listening is great when you’re walking or doing the washing up. Listening and reading is even better — having someone else read keeps me from drifting. There are some excellent apps and BIble readers:

  • BibleGateway is a great Bible-reading app that is free and has lots of translations and readers to choose from.

  • The paid Dwell App — it has several excellent features (pauses between verses, adjustable speed) and lots of different readers which make it interesting to listen to.

3. Track your progress.

Many people don’t particularly like reading plans with dates because they just make you constantly feel behind. A progress chart that focuses on what you have done can be really helpful! Here’s a great progress chart you can print.

4. Get an overview of the Bible in your head.

Gospel and Kingdom by Graham Goldsworthy is a fantastic resource to understand how the whole Bible fits together but if you want a simpler version try Vaughan Roberts' God’s Big Picture, which also has a free video course.

5. Find a guide for every book.

One reason why much of our devotional reading of the Bible is difficult and discouraging is because we know so little about the context. We have an almost magical view of the Bible that just having the words wash over us will bring about life change. But even a small amount of background from someone who is an expert in the book can totally change our appreciation of a book. Think of them as a city guide who shows you the highlights and what to look for. Here are three examples:

  1. The Bible Project (5-10 minutes per book!)

  2. Help me teach the Bible (under 1 hour per book)
    Interviews with excellent Bible teachers on their books of expertise. A great way to get into a book before a teaching series.

  3. Mark Dever (under 1 hour per book)

    Old Testament Book Overviews

    New Testament Book Overviews

6. Find some great preaching outside City on a Hill.

Listening to preaching beyond our church is broadening, but do be careful who you are allowing to shape your mind and heart. The internet gives LOTS of options; lots of good options alongside lots of really bad options. Talk to your leaders about who you’re listening to; check that they have a reputation for correctly handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Don’t give all your attention to one or two sources. Here are a few preachers we’d recommend to get you started:

7. Find a way to keep track of prayer.

Responding to God in prayer goes hand in hand with our regular Bible reading. PrayerMate is a great app for keeping track of prayer points both personal and for other people & ministries.

8. Use your own paper Bible!

It’s great to get into the habit of using your own paper Bible. The advantage is that you become familiar with where things are, you don’t have annoying notifications and it can help you in concentrating on what you are reading.