A Year Of Renewal
December 26, 2020
The words of Scripture contain extraordinary life. These words have the power to save, set people free, and teach us how to live the unforced rhythms of grace that we were created for. Over the next year we want to read through the Bible as a FBCER family. Together, we will journey through the whole Bible, grapple with the same passages, ask questions, and be drawn into daily encounters with Jesus. Will you join us?
Each day, we want to carve out space to breathe in the truth of what God says over us and let His voice be the most formative voice in our lives. Imagine if we all did this as a church, for 365 days, feasting on the story of Jesus, “the bread of life”. This would allow us to operate out of a place of joy and rest each day. It would also form us into His likeness, enabling us to become His hands and feet in the places we live and work. We would become, as Psalm 1 says, like trees planted by streams of living water, sustained by the presence of God, providing shade to a weary city, and producing fruit that speaks of a better story. So, let’s open up the Scripture together—devouring it, listening to what God says, and pressing on as “doers” of the Word—expectant that we’ll be changed as we live in and live out the story of God.
JOIN IN
To help us go on this journey of reading (or listening to) Scripture together, we have put together a reading plan. This plan will take us through the Bible this year while only reading 5 times a week, leaving 2 days a week for catching up or focusing on other spiritual practices. You can follow along with this plan in one of two ways:
- Read through the New Testament this year by reading only the last reference each day.
- Read through the whole Bible this year by following along with our plan as it is written.
Understand that missing a day of reading may cause you to feel guilty, like you have sinned. Likewise, success in following along with this plan may cause you to feel pride, like you have earned favor with God. Watch out for both of these reactions as neither is healthy or in line with the gospel.
Here are three ways we are asking you to be involved:
- Read through the Bible following along with our reading plan.
- Share regularly what God is teaching you with others.
- Let us know that you are joining in with us on this journey by filling out a commitment card.
HOW TO READ
Rather than racing through the text each day, we’re going to use an acronym to help us slow down and delve deeper into the passage. Each day we will be following the pattern of BREAD:
Be still: Find a place where you can encounter God. Remember His love for you. Focus on calming your mind from the activities of your day or whatever is distracting you. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time in the Word.
Read: Read or listen through your passage(s). Read through them again slowly, if you need to. Look for one verse (or a couple of verses) that stands out, grabs your attention, or interests you. Write down that verse.
Encounter God: Taking your chosen verse, begin to meditate on it. What comes to mind as you think about it? How does it make you feel? What do you think God is trying to show you through this verse? Write a short reflection on what you think He might be saying to you.
Apply: Now, turn your focus outward. Think about how you could apply this truth to your day. Write down one thing from your passage that you are going to try and live out.
Devote: Finally, close by writing a simple prayer of devotion to God. Ask God to fill and empower you. Devote your day to Him.
GET STARTED
We are excited to see what God does in our church as we meet with Him in His Word this year. We are praying that 2021 will be a year where we hear God’s voice more than ever before. Will you join us in praying for this, and will you join us in laboring for this by committing to meet regularly with Jesus in the Word this year?
To get started reading, download a copy of our reading plan” here or pick up a copy in a worship service on Sunday.
