In late October I challenged the church I pastor to do something this coming year that they may have never done before…read through the Bible. I made a resource available and offered it at a really good price. All they needed to do was sign their name and I would order it and they could pay when it came in. Little did I know that over 50 people would respond! It is a crime when a pastor has to say, “It was a crime that I underestimated my people” but today I am guilty of that crime. But this is a crime I will happily plead guilty for. 😮 All told we have placed something like 5 different orders as people keep ordering to join in the adventure. Is that awesome (to use an overused word) or what?
So…my next question was how do I get them started? I know what it is like to have the best intentions and then get waylaid. It gets even rougher when you have to start at Genesis 1-although I find the book itself rather fascinating. It is in Leviticus and Numbers that I get bogged down. My original thought was to preach sermons throughout the year that would focus on the Scripture for the coming week but that proved to be way beyond what I wanted to do in the long run. So I took another route. I chose to preach on Genesis the first 6 weeks of 2010 and call it “Digging in Dirt.” First up will be New Beginnings (Gen.1-4 and Matthew 1-2) this coming Sunday. I am going to approach it from two viewpoints: Where It All Began and Where It All Began Again. In fact, if you are interested you can see the notes here or even hear the podcast after Sunday. Nothing fancy or “big” but just taking the beginning of the world and sin and using it to show the new beginnings found in Christ. I am using a broad pen stroke to do this whole series and will fill you in on the rest each week (I know you are holding your breath right now until I do). I would however, appreciate your prayers for me and those who are here to listen. Thanks ahead of time.
So…what is your attitude toward the Old Testament and particularly the book of Genesis? Do you find it boring or exciting? Is it good “now I lay me down to sleep reading” or do you find it a great way to see God’s plan unfolding? Let me know what you think. Your comment just may find its way into my message this Sunday (name withheld upon request) 🙂
extremely interesting. I decided to do an online reading of the Bible with Biblegateway in Chronilogical order this year. I did my first readings of Genesis today. And I loved it. Of course I love Genesis every time I read it. I did a devotional on a portion of today’s reading.
I pray God blesses your church family with some great experiences as they read through the Word this year. I’m looking forward to my journey. selahV
Thanks selahv: I know of several who have challenged others to read through the bible this year. With prayers like yours our “campaign” will be a good one. Thanks for stopping by.
Interesting? How amazing is the book that lays out the creative, merciful and exuberantly loving God for all to see.
We see that He created all things 1:1-27; then in 1:29-30 He gives the earth to us to have dominion over; then after our rebellion, He doesn’t wipe us out, He announces His plan to save us (3:15); then He covers our shame and guilt through animal sacrifice – which continued until the perfect Sacrifice (3:21); Then He chose a people through Abram (Abraham) – NOT because Abram was so good, but because it was the sovereign, grace-filled choice of God; then…then…then…
What an amazing book. Maybe after Philippians, I’ll start in to Genesis.
May this be a blessed series for your flock.
You have the right idea Ken. There is so much there to keep us busy for a long time. I can’t wait to see how the people are affected. Good to hear from you. Hope your new year is joy-filled.