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WHAT IS THE STORY? The Story is all about - the story of the Bible. Zondervan Bible Publishing has recently come out with a church program to assist people in reading the Bible. The Story, a book which takes the stories of the Bible and has arranged them in chronological order. Organized into 31 chapters, The Story reads like a novel while using selections of the actual NIV text of Scripture along with short transitions to connect the reader to the continuing story. The reader of The Story will gain a real understanding of the story of the Bible, its history and timeline. We are encouraging each attendee of Bethel to purchase a copy of The Story, and then to read a chapter each week in preparation for the message Pastor Tim will preach that Sunday. Over the course of the year, we will cover the stories of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, both in the reading of The Story and in the Sunday messages. Our kids ministry, youth ministry and young adult ministry will also be following along each week with teaching from The Story. The Story for Kids and Teens is also available for personal reading or as a part of family devotions. Take advantage of this opportunity to go through The Story of the Bible as a church community and as a individual and as a family.
WHY THE STORY? It’s Biblical... The Story uses the actual NIV text of the Scripture. Reading the Bible is one of the primary disciplines of the Christian believer, yet sadly it is often neglected. As well, we have a responsibility to provide our young people a good knowledge of God’s Word. This church program, through reading The Story and Sunday messages, will provide for you and your family a solid understanding of the Word of God. It’s Unifying... Going through The Story as a church community will be a unifying experience. Each week, we are reading a chapter and preparing ourselves for the message on Sunday. You will feel like you are not alone but you are part of something that is bigger. It will assist you in being consistent in your reading as we will be going through The Story together. It’s LifeChanging... Whenever you make the Word of God a priority in your life - your life will be changed.
WHEN WILL IT START? The first message (Chapter 1) of The Story message series will be on Sunday, January 29th. A special Introduction Sunday will take place on Sunday, January 8th and books can be ordered that day. Books will then be distributed on Sunday January 22nd to begin reading chapter 1 that week in preparation for Sunday January 29th.