Milk to Meat: A Baby Christian Reading Plan- 18 weeks

Written By Miranda Embry

A whole-Bible journey designed for new believers. This plan moves from Milk (foundations), to Bread (growth), to Meat (maturity). You can break up the “Primary Reading” however you like in the week to fit your schedule. This is not just a reading plan, this is also a bible study plan…Each week includes a theme, focus, supplemental cross-references, and a practice step to help you grow and deepen in discipleship! 

Milk (Weeks 1–6): Foundations of Faith

Week 1 – Meeting Jesus the Word

Primary Reading: John 1–5

Focus: Jesus is the Word made flesh, the Light of the world, and the Son of God who reveals the Father.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Colossians 1:15–20

  • Hebrews 1:1–4

Practice:

Write down one attribute of Jesus you see each day in the readings.

Week 2 – The Teachings of Jesus

Primary Reading: John 6–10

Focus: Jesus reveals Himself as the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, and the Door of salvation.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Matthew 11:28–30

  • Psalm 23

Practice:

Pray each day: ‘Lord, help me to follow Your voice as my Shepherd.’

Week 3 – Signs and Wonders of Jesus

Primary Reading: John 11–15

Focus: Jesus demonstrates His power and calls His followers to abide in Him.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • John 15:5

  • Acts 10:38

Practice:

Write a journal entry on how you can ‘abide in the vine’ this week.

Week 4 – The Cross and Resurrection

Primary Reading: John 16–21

Focus: Jesus overcomes sin and death, securing salvation for all who believe.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Isaiah 53

  • 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

Practice:

Each day, thank Jesus for one thing His death and resurrection mean for you.

Week 5 – The Early Church Begins

Primary Reading: Acts 1–5

Focus: The Spirit comes at Pentecost, and the Church begins its witness in power.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Joel 2:28–32

  • Matthew 28:18–20

Practice:

Pray daily for fresh filling of the Holy Spirit to be His witness.

Week 6 – New Life in Christ

Primary Reading: Romans 5–8

Focus: Justified by faith, freed from sin, alive in the Spirit.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

  • Galatians 2:20

Practice:

Memorize Romans 8:1 and declare it over your life daily.

Bread (Weeks 7–12): Growing in Christ

Week 7 – Living by Faith

Primary Reading: Hebrews 11–13

Focus: Faith sustains God’s people and pleases Him.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Habakkuk 2:4

  • 2 Corinthians 5:7

Practice:

Write down one example of faith you want to imitate from Hebrews 11.

Week 8 – Life in the Spirit

Primary Reading: Galatians 5–6; Ephesians 4–5

Focus: The Spirit produces fruit and empowers a holy walk.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Romans 8:5–11

  • Colossians 3:1–17

Practice:

Choose one fruit of the Spirit to intentionally cultivate this week.

Week 9 – Prayer and Intimacy with God

Primary Reading: Matthew 5–7

Focus: Jesus teaches on prayer, fasting, and seeking the Kingdom first.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Luke 11:1–13

  • Philippians 4:6–7

Practice:

Pray the Lord’s Prayer daily, adding your own words of trust and surrender.

Week 10 – The Church as Family

Primary Reading: Acts 6–10

Focus: The Church grows across cultures, marked by unity and generosity.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Ephesians 2:19–22

  • Colossians 3:12–17

Practice:

Reach out to encourage one fellow believer this week.

Week 11 – God’s Word Changes Us

Primary Reading: James 1–5

Focus: Faith without works is dead; true faith produces action.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Psalm 119:9–11

  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Practice:

Write down one verse from James to memorize and live out.

Week 12 – Living Hope

Primary Reading: 1 Peter 1–5

Focus: We are born again into a living hope and called to holiness in all conduct.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Romans 5:1–5

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24

Practice:

Thank God daily for your living hope, even in trials.

Meat (Weeks 13–18): Maturity and Mission

Week 13 – Equipped for Battle

Primary Reading: Ephesians 6; 2 Corinthians 10

Focus: God provides spiritual armor and weapons for victory.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • 1 Peter 5:8–10

  • Romans 13:12–14

Practice:

Pray on each piece of armor each morning this week.

Week 14 – On Mission with Jesus

Primary Reading: Acts 11–15

Focus: The Spirit leads the church in mission and multiplication.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Matthew 28:18–20

  • Acts 13:1–4

Practice:

Ask God for one opportunity to share Jesus this week.

Week 15 – Persevering in Faith

Primary Reading: Hebrews 10–12

Focus: Faith endures trials and looks to Jesus as the author and finisher.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Romans 8:18–25

  • 2 Timothy 4:7–8

Practice:

Write a declaration of perseverance using Hebrews 12:1–2.

Week 16 – Godly Living in a Broken World

Primary Reading: Titus 1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4–5

Focus: Grace trains us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • Micah 6:8

  • Philippians 2:12–16

Practice:

Identify one area to surrender for greater holiness this week.

Week 17 – Love in Action

Primary Reading: 1 Corinthians 12–13

Focus: The greatest gift is love, expressed in service and unity.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • John 13:34–35

  • Colossians 3:14

Practice:

Perform one act of love or service anonymously this week.

Week 18 – Hope of Glory

Primary Reading: Revelation 21–22

Focus: Our hope is in the new heavens and earth where we will dwell with God forever.

Supplemental Cross-References:

  • 1 John 3:2–3

  • Romans 8:29–30

Practice:

Worship through Revelation 21–22; journal how eternity gives you strength today.


Miranda Embry