Why We’re Inviting You to Read the Bible in 90 Days by Dr. Bob
Last month, it became increasingly clear that I needed to preach the revival at First Church. Although I was sure God was behind this, I didn’t know why, and so, quite frankly, I was afraid that the decision might have more to do with me than him. That would have been disastrous!
However, when the time came and we had to tell people what we were going to do, I took the plunge and announced that I would be preaching. I was still uncomfortable with the decision and tried to explain in my latest newsletter article. However, last Monday (9/29), I discovered what God had in mind: he wants his people to read the Bible in 90 days. And, although my Bible software can create a Bible reading plan for any schedule you like, I felt called to search the Internet. The first item on the list was www.biblein90days.org.
I ordered the material from Amazon. At times their shipping leaves something to be desired, but not this time. The material arrived Friday, and, although it was a busy time, I at least had a chance to peek through the box. I was really pleased! The program materials reinforced my conviction that God wants us to read through the Bible before the end of January.
You know I’m committed to the Bible as the foundational document of our faith. That’s why I’ve been writing “Getting Ready for Next Sunday” for nearly three years and launched “Sharings,” our new study of the psalms last winter. I hope you’ve been taking advantage of those resources. But the truth is, most people who come to church – in your average American church – are biblically illiterate. That won’t do!
I’m convinced that:
● The Bible tells us about God
● The Bible tells us what God will do.
● The Bible tells us about us.
● The Bible tells us what God will do for us.
Sometimes the government talks about “need to know.” Those four things are “need to know” for every person who’s surrendered their life to Jesus Christ. That’s why we need to read the Bible more than 7 minutes a day! So you can imagine my excitement that, so far, just about thirty people have made a firm commitment to read the Bible in 90 days. That’s amazing! One of those people is in middle school. Two of those people are legally blind! And three of them are pastors at other churches – including one that isn’t even Methodist, but heard about our plan on our radio show! But I’m sure that’s not the end of it. In fact, it’s just the beginning. God is on the move at First Church! And that’s critical.