“Since we are followers of Christ,” says Bishop David Reed, “we need to know well what Jesus said and did. We need to know the story of God which makes meaning of our own lives. The story of God and his people, from the call of Abraham to the Revelation to John, is our story, the Church’s story, too. If we don’t know it, or forget it, we’ll have a really hard time hearing and seeing the living Word active among us now, wherever we find ourselves.”
Whether you read the Bible by yourself, with a small group, or as part of the Sunday morning congregation, these resource suggestions may get you started.
Resources
The Story
The Story is an abridged, chronological Bible that reads like a novel. There are no verse references, and Scripture segments are seamlessly woven together with transition text into a single narrative. For those intimidated or overwhelmed by the unabridged Bible, The Story helps people understand God’s Word more fully and engage with it more easily.
Produced by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee of Oak Hills Church, San Antonio. Publisher Zondervan.
The Path – A Journey Through the Bible
A 24-chapter book that presents the New Revised Standard Version in chronological, narrative form. Covers most but not all of Genesis to Revelation with editor-added summaries of material left out and short notes throughout each chapter in the form of “Points of Interest,” “Trail Crossing,” etc.
Suitable for small groups, individuals, Sunday morning. Discussion questions with each chapter. Participants read chapters on their own before group meeting.
Free downloadable Adult Facilitator Guide. Additional resources. Produced by Forward Movement.
Churches who have used it: Trinity by the Sea, Port A started Jan 2018.
https://www.forwardmovement.org
The Bible Challenge
Published by Forward Movement. Edited by the Rev. Marek Zabriskie, rector of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, PA,
A one-year reading schedule of the Bible with three Old Testament chapters, one New Testament chapter, and a Psalm each day.
Daily meditations/commentary available online by various bishops, clergy, seminary professors from around the Anglican Communion.
Reading is individual, although groups could form for discussion and to hold each other accountable. Copious resources available online.
Churches that have used it: St. Mark’s, San Antonio.
http://thecenterforbiblicalstudies.org/
Bible in 90 Days
Published by Zondervan. Author Ted Cooper.
Participants read on their own then gather weekly for discussion.
Curriculum includes a Participant’s Guide, video lessons, facilitator’s guide.
https://scriptureawakening.com/b90/
Churches who have used it: St. Luke’s, SA
Online Resources
YouVersion (also known as Bible.com or the Bible App) is an online and mobile Bible platform published for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and many other operating systems; it also supports a variety of other platforms. Includes the Bible in several versions, reading plans, social network connections, ability to bookmark and highlight. Very robust. www.youversion.com.
Bible in One Year App for phone, iPad or computer. Each day read Old Testament, New Testament, and a Psalm or Proverbs reading. Gumbels provide commentary in text or audio version. Produced by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. Nicky is vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) church in London and pioneer of the Alpha course. www.bibleinoneyear.org
The Bible Project is a non-profit animation studio that produces short-form, fully animated videos that tell the biblical story. Videos, podcasts, and study guides explore the Bible’s unified story. Videos cover books of the Bible as well as themes. Excellent introductory films. www.thebibleproject.com.
Adult Christian Formation 