Book of Faith

Our Book of Faith.

When did you last read from the Bible?

this morning, last night, last week, back in confirmation class, never...

Over the next 5 years the ELCA is asking every Lutheran to engage scripture directly.

The ELCA, nationally, is offering no one size fits all plan. Instead we're all invited to read the Bible as Our Book of Faith (you can see the proposal www.elca.org/bookoffaith). The idea's simple: read the Bible. But experience teaches that some of simplest and best things are the hardest to do; especially if we do them alone or out of duty and obligation instead of Christian freedom and joy.

Over the next 5 years we're invited to make scripture part of everyday life. In some congregations all meetings might start with scripture. Other churches may give bibles away to anyone and everyone. In some churches families may get a story Bible at baptism. Other congregations may start new Bible studies. Some will renew emphasis on Scripture in ministry to children, youth, and families. There's no one plan; but there's a common invitation: to dwell in God's Word.

Looking for someplace to start? try one of these

• Read the Gospel of Mark. Its the second book in the New Testament, and it tells about Jesus' ministry, death, and rising. Read as much as you want each day asking questions like “What is God up to?” or “What does God want to do?”

• Get a children's story bible and read one or two stories a day to kids in your life. Some grandparents might read over the phone with their grandkids.

• Start using a daily email or online devotional.

  • The Moravian Church church has published daily readings for about 250 years (originally in German) The readings are now sent by email. Sign up at www.moravian.org/daily_texts/

  • Saddle Back Church, home of Rick Warren and the Purpose Driven Life has daily devotionals online www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/FreeTools/devotional/dailyDevotional.htm

  • The ELCA publishes a Bible reading online everyday. These readings are often unexpected and surprising. That's good, because it exposes you to God at work in places you haven't imagined www.elca.org/ScriptLib/CO/bible/tbrBibleView.asp

• Pick up a daily devotional. Copies of Christ in Our Home, Our Daily Bread, or The Upper Room are available at many churches and bookstores.
  

• Join a Bible Study.

Over the coming months I pray that other opportunities open up for each of us to engage with God's Word directly.