Read through in '22 - how is it going?
A number of people from church are trying to read through the New Testament of the Bible this year. We are now 3 months in, below are some comments, so you can see how it's going.
'No matter how many times you pick up and read the Bible, there is always Good News you have missed or not understood properly. Talking it over with like minded friends is very interesting.'
'I find myself wanting to understand more about the life of Jesus in the first century and trying to compare it with life today. Asking questions which perhaps I have not thought about when hearing or listening to an isolated passage from the Gospels. However, when reading the Bible as I would a novel, i.e. continuing from one chapter to the next, it comes 'alive' and I want to know more, it is captivating, I can't put the 'book' down.
Questions like:
-How was Jesus perceived by his family, in particular his siblings?
-How differently might I relate to him in the first century compared to now?
-How did he overcome his obvious frustrations and carry on when even at times his disciples were doubting?
Hopefully I am learning not only to identify more about myself but I am interested to know if my thinking will have changed much when I have finished the whole Reading. Already I am feeling stronger in my faith and know that He is always by my side which is so reassuring. I am thoroughly enjoying Read Through in '22.'
'I am enjoying the structure of Read through in ‘22 and find that the passages, for me, are best read first thing in the morning at the beginning of the day. I have used the suggested prompts and found them useful and thought provoking. It has struck me how Jesus bucked the norms of the times in so many ways and was in conflict often with the Jewish teachers and leaders. I have noticed too how much he travelled in his ministry years and how his ministry and calling took precedence over his family and home life. He lived on and with very little but God always provided.'
Some of those reading through in 22 have got together to discuss what they've read. This is what one member said:
'As a group we have been reading through the New Testament. We have read Matthew, Mark and working through Luke. We have met as a group to talk about what we have been reading and asking the "daft" questions.
What we all remarked upon is the different styles to which each book is written in. Some go straight to Jesus as an adult, others give a description to his ancestry and up bringing. Interestingly, we all have interpreted things slightly different and it is good to discuss each other's views.
Did you know that Jesus fed the 5000 and then 4000 men! And how can we forget the poor fig tree!
It has been a joy to read and talk about in a lovely group. There is always room for me people if you want to take up the challenge!!'
It's not too late to join, if you want some more details, click here.