READ THROUGH THE BIBLE
Why is this important?
For most people, the Bible is not the first resource they turn to when facing issues or challenges in their life. Lots of people view it as an ancient book documenting the history of a religious people thousands of years ago. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that the Bible is much more than a history book; it's the story of God's relationship with all humankind.
As we Reset our culture, our church, and our personal lives to face the uncertain future, the Bible will be our guidebook for navigating forward. Our goal for 2020-2021 is to not only read the majority of the Bible, but to dig into its lessons to chart our course into the world. We want to put God first in our lives, find our place in God's story, and to claim the truth about who we are as God's people.
We have two different reading plans for you. The first is a Verse by Verse Reading that will take you through the entire Bible. The second plan is Reading Through the Bible and will guide you through a majority of the Bible as it follows our sermon series throughout the next 9 months.
Read Through the Bible Resources
Reading Schedule
Small Groups/Classes
Bible Apps
Study Resources
Daily Podcast
Reading Schedule
GROW THROUGH THE BIBLE
Reading Schedule
Two Ways to Grow Through the Bible!
We have created two reading plans that offers you two ways to Grow Through the Bible with us. Option 1 is a Verse by Verse Reading Plan that will lead you through the entire Bible over the next 9 months. The second option is a Reading Through the Bible Plan that will guide you through most of the Bible as it follows the sermon series for the next 9 months.
Small Groups/Classes
GROW THROUGH THE BIBLE
Study Groups
Are there ways to ask questions or learn more about the weekly readings?
Yes, there are multiple ways throughout the week to ask questions, spend time with others on the journey, and gain new insights about the readings. The following are offered weekly beginning August 15th:
Bible Reading Discussion Groups
Sunday - 10:00-10:50 AM (Begins August 15)
- Reading Through the Bible- Room 226 (Laura Young - laurayoung678@gmail.com)
- C128 - Room 128 (Kethan Griffan - kethangriffin@bellsouth.net)
- Foundations - Room 293 (Diane Hensley - dchensley2@gmail.com)
Parenting with Faith - Fellowship Hall (Ben Stolt - bstolt@tencarva.com or David Humphries - davidnhumphries@gmail.com) - Women Seeking Women - Room 130 (Kay Harper - krharper72@comcast.net)
Sundays - 6:00-7:00 PM (Begins August 22)
- Scripture Talk with Mike Stallings - Zoom - Meeting ID 848 7973 4910, Passcode - John3:16 (Begins August 22)
Wednesday
- Reading through the Bible Discussion - 6:30-7:30 PM - Room W-109 (Begins August 18)
Thursday
- Thursday Morning Discussion Group - Einstein Bagels - 8:30-9:30 AM (Begins August 18)
- Joyfully Women's Group - 2nd & 4th Thursdays - Room E-217
- Mom's Evening Group - 6:30-8:00 PM - Room 296 - (Becca Means - bmeans@concordunoted.org - Begins September 9)
- Friday
- Mom's Morning Group - 9:30-12:00 PM - Room 296 - Childcare Provided - (Leighanna.colgrove@yahoo.com - Begins September 10)
Bible Apps
GROW THROUGH THE BIBLE
Bible Apps
Digital Bible Apps
There are two popular and easy to use Bible apps for any of your digital devices (computer, tablet, smart phone, etc.). Both of these apps have an audible option to listen to the scripture. Click one of the selections below or use an app you already own.
Study Resources
GROW THROUGH THE BIBLE
Study Resources
As we study the Bible to find our place in God's story, it helps to understand the context of the scripture. Time, place, culture, and language all shaped the message for the original reading audience and it helps us inform us today. Here are some tools to help us dig deeper into the Bible.
Study Bibles
Wesley Study Bible
Harper Collins Study Bible
Zondervan NIV Study Bible
Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (Zondervan)
Daily Podcast
GROW THROUGH THE BIBLE
Daily Devotional Podcast
Another great resource to use as we grow through the Bible this year is our Daily Devotional with Concord United Podcast. Every day our podcast will have a brief devotional that follows the daily reading plan that can offer some insights or questions for you to ponder as we read through the Bible together.
You can access the podcast on the following platforms and when you subscribe, it will be sent to you every morning (based on your notification settings).
Apple iTunes Podcast
Google Podcast
Podbean Podcast
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have questions? We have the answers!
Why are we reading the Bible through as a church?
Great question! The following are three reasons we are choosing to read through the Bible in 9 months as a community of faith:
- We want to put God first, particularly following the past 17 months that have included a global pandemic amid our daily lives. We believe as a church that resetting to God's word is foundational and invaluable.
- We want to find our place in God's story. Often the Bible feels detached from 2021 and our lives, yet scripture is God's story thus is our story.
- We want to claim the truth about who we are, God's people. So many demands our attention, we want to claim the truth first about being God's people.
Growing in faith together has great power as we move forward in the same direction. Classes and small groups who choose to read through the Bible along with the rest of the church provide spaces for others to join along and create a consistent message throughout the church.
Is there a recommended translation?
The translation chosen for reading through the Bible is individual. The translations used in weekly worship services are the following: NIV (New International Version) and NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). If you have been using the same translation for a long time, consider choosing a different translation.
Can I join this later and still catch up?
Sure! You can join the journey whenever you would like to do so. What we know is that developing a practice of reading the Bible is not an event but rather a process.
How can I do this with my family or friends?
Engaging in this opportunity as a family is a powerful way to read God’s word. Find space within your family calendar daily or weekly to spend time reading together and discussing what is read.
How can I ask questions?
Yes, there are multiple ways throughout the week to ask questions, spend time with others on the journey, and gain new insights about the readings. The following are offered weekly beginning August 15th:
- Sunday mornings, 10:00-10:50am, led by Laura Young, room 226.
- Sunday evenings, 6:00-7:00pm, Zoom discussion led by Pastor Mike Stallings.
- Wednesday evenings, 6:30-7:30, led by Jim Bailes, room E-109.
- Thursday mornings, 8:30-9:30am, in person at Einstein Brothers Bagels at 11693 Parkside Dr., led by Pastor Brooke Hartman.
You can also find someone or a small group of people to read the Bible with and hold each other accountable.
How can I offer this opportunity beyond me?
This is a great opportunity to invite others to join you and us on this intentional journey through God’s word. Prayerfully consider inviting someone to join you on this journey. Ask a family member or friend or neighbor or person you share a hobby with or a co-worker.
I don't see my question here?
Please send any questions to Pastor Brooke at bhartman@concordunited.org. We look forward to walking through this journey together. One day at a time.
Bible Reading Plan
Sign up for the Daily Bible Reading emailed to your inbox.
LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST
The "Daily Devotion with Concord United" podcast follows our Bible Reading plan for the next 9 months. Tune in to dig deeper into the scripture or use it for you daily devotional time.
Subscribe On Your Favorite Podcast Platform
Google Podcast
Apple Podcast