Bible Challenge: Bible 101 Opening Prayer:

February 5, 2012

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Bible Challenge: Information taken from the website of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania (Center for Biblical Studies). This year I have decided to join others in the Bible Challenge, to read the Bible every day. It is so fruitful that I want to encourage you to do this as well! Here are the Bible Challenge options for 2012: y y y y y Read the entire Bible (cover to cover) Read the New Testament or Apocrypha Read the Psalter (150 Psalms) during Lent Read the Gospel of Mark in a slow, meditative fashion Use the CT Bible Society Daily Bible Reading Guide for those who want to join me in reading the bible every day.

Bible 101: The Thoughtful Christian Old Testament (Hebrew), Apocrypha, New Testament (Greek) The Bible as Anthology, not as one book. OT: Law (Torah), History, Poetry & Prophecy. NT: Gospels, History, Epistles, Apocalyptic Writing Purpose: describe the nature of God & the will of God. Hermeneutics principles of interpretation (tools & approaches we use when we study the Bible.) Let the Bible interpret the Bible. - Internal Consistentcy?