Monday, January 28, 2013

The Story Challenge is here!

Have you ever set out with the grand ambition of reading the entire Bible (New Year's resolution, anyone?), only to start wandering in your mission about the time the Israelites start wandering in the desert? You're not the only one!  Ready to try again, with a good friendly support system, and a very readable narrative?  Then join us for "The Story Challenge!"  


First, what is "The Story"? Here's a description from christianbook.com: Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Using the clear, accessible text of the NIV Bible, it allows the stories, poems, and teachings of the Bible to read like a novel. 

And like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance and redemption- and this story's true! From the foreword by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee: "This book tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time: the story of a true God who loves his children, who established for them a way of salvation and provided a route to eternity. Each story in these 31 chapters reveals the God of grace- the God who speaks; the God who acts; the God who listens; the God whose love for his people culminated in his sacrifice of Jesus, his only Son, to atone for the sins of humanity."

I'm up for a challenge, are you? We'll be reading one chapter each week and keeping each other accountable via e-mail. At that pace, the weekly reading should be manageable for everyone. Just shoot me a message at aolson@mattisave.org if you'd like to join the team! No need to be a part of Mattis Avenue Free Methodist Church- this is open to all!  If you need a book, there are a variety of ordering options here: http://www.christianbook.com/the-story-niv/  CBD's price is $7.50 for a hardback copy- a pretty great deal!

If you're "in" here's your first assignment. Read Chapter 1: "Creation: The Beginning of Life as We Know It" by this Sunday February 3rd.  If you're ordering a book, jump in and join us as soon as you can. The first Chapter is only 12 pages, so don't worry! I am excited to see how God will use his story to speak to us and teach us this year!  


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