Bible reading should be an important part of our daily
lives. Pastor Rick Warren wrote, “The Bible teaches that we cannot be disciples
of Jesus Christ if we do not have a regular intake of the Word of God.”
John Charles (or J.C.)
Ryle (1816–1900) was born at Macclesfield and was educated at Eton and at Christ Church ,
Oxford . He was
a fine athlete who rowed and played Cricket for Oxford , where he took a first class degree in
Greats and was offered a college fellowship (teaching position) that he
declined. The son of a wealthy banker, he was destined for a career in politics
before answering a call to ordained ministry. He became the first Anglican
bishop of Liverpool and was a prolific writer
and speaker.
In an article titled “Bible Reading,” he wrote:
Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical
religion as Bible-reading. God has mercifully given us a book which is ‘able to
make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 3:15).
By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do;
how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who
possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who
not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and
practice!
If what J.C. Ryle wrote is true, then why do so many people
find it hard to consistently read the Bible? Some say the language is too hard,
some can’t find connection in reading random and short snippets. Some try hard,
but can’t get past the lines of genealogies, lists of rules and duplicate
stories and events.
The Story
provides a solution to all those objections. It is developed so any person can
read the Bible as one seamless story from beginning to end. The Story is
condensed into thirty-one accessible chapters and it sweeps the reader into the
unfolding progression of Bible characters and events. It’s arranged
chronologically from Genesis to Revelation. It uses clear, accurate and
easy-to-understand language to communicate the Truth and revelation of God’s
story.
The Story is excellent for personal
reading, but it’s also available for church-wide use. The Story Church Campaign
has all the resources necessary for everyone (from young children to seniors)
to participate in a unifying and personally gratifying experience.
The Story
is coming to NBCC in 2013!
In my home, God’s word gets debunked often. The negative comments come up in conversation while the Science channel is on, during politics, or when my station is accidentally turned on in my vehicle.
ReplyDeleteI like the comment by JC, “By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do; how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!”
Heb 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God.