Bible College Principal, Brian Rosner, with three wise observations about Bible-in-a-Year plans.
The Bible’s rich and varied genres make one pace of reading ill-advised.
The ups and downs of daily life make reading the same amount every day unrealistic.
Prescriptive Bible reading plans don’t work for every personality type.
"But, having noted my misgivings with many Bible reading plans, I remain convinced that daily Bible reading is one of the most effective means of grace in the Christian life"
So how to make daily Bible reading a sustainable habit for those who struggle?
"I put one bookmark in the New Testament, one in the Psalms, and one elsewhere in the Old Testament... Each day as I read, I advance one, two or three of the bookmarks, depending on what I’m reading and where I’m at in life that day..."
Personally, following advice from Bishop Ray Smith, I would modify Brian's second bookmark, so it travels between Psalms and Proverbs continuously. I have found it helpful to re-read the Proverbs as regularly as the Psalms.
We use these to ENGAGE our local community, both those driving by and on social media. Often we add an article, on our Facebook page. Here's the start of the latest...
WEAR A MASK – NSW HEALTH
LOVE EACH OTHER – JESUS
FEAR NOT – GOD
Happy New Year! Of course, a change in the calendar does not magically whisk COVID away, any more than it changes our flawed human nature.
But Christians are people of hope in God.
Perhaps you got a sense of that at Christmas. And it comes even more strongly, if possible, at Easter.
I believe in the resurrection of Jesus because of significant historical evidence recorded in the New Testament.
And the resurrection gives us, who are willing to trust Christ, the hope of better things to come beyond this grief-stained world.
So we know God means it when he says, “Fear Not”...
There is just ONE day to finalise your order in the Matthias Media sale. This week, someone asked for further reading beyond mark Vrogeop’s book on Lament that I recommended last Sunday.
I would suggest Paul Grimmond’s book, Suffering Well, which is a good general exploration of the biblical themes of suffering, from one who has suffered. It is one of the $5 specials in the sale right now.
Sandy has offered to do a group order if you email your order by this Friday, 15th January, (and then send an envelope with the correct money within and your name and book title(s) on its front, into church, addressed to Sandy).
At St Michael's, our vision is to see more disciples of Jesus shining as lights in our city. One of our key strategies is to equip generations of believers for ministry. If you wish to understand the bible better, to serve wherever you find yourself, and can commit to 5 hours (min) a week, fill out this application form and join us for our 'Equip Ministry Training Year'. More info here.
