I have questions. I am a Christian and I have questions. Which is alright, I think.
I grew up in the church, but it wasn't until I left for college that I fully came to appreciate the magnitude of what going to church meant. I seriously considered who God was, how he fit into my life, and even more important how he has shaped my life.
I believe in God. How can I not? Too many intricacies in this world and circumstances in my life have left me in no doubt. He is there listening and helping me in ways I can't even begin to comprehend.
Yet, I have not yet made the step of accepting Jesus into my heart. Questions and discontent hold me back. I don't want them too, but yet they remain. My hope is that I am not alone.
So this is my response, and I feel God has had a hand in encouraging me to start this blog and discussion.
I want to understand the Bible. It is the best selling book of all time and nearly everyone holds it in high esteem. Yet, it bothers me that I have not felt the desire to read it in its entirety. It's a pillar of my faith.
As Christians we are encouraged to take time throughout the week and read from the Bible. When asked how I'm supposed to do that, I get an overwhelming response of just open to a page and let God direct your reading. But how can I do that if I don't know the whole story? There's no way I could pick up any other book and just flip to a page to read a passage and gain a deeper level of understanding without having previously read the entire book first.
And I know, I know the Bible is different, but not that different. It's still a book. It was placed in a specific order for a reason and has a story to share. So much conflict arises from specific passages in the Bible, but rarely do people demand to see it in its context. It's dangerously easy to manipulate words to support your cause and I don't buy it. I'm genuinely curious about what other people think.
Why are Christians encouraged to read the Bible, but not in its entirety and completely out of order? Even guides to help go through the Bible are scattered verses throughout the book. Which I think are great, but require a necessary baseline and initial read through. How are certain books and verses picked over others?
This is my proposition:
I am going to read through the Bible, cover to cover, with you. Together we can see what the Bible has to share and attempt to find understanding. I'm not trained in theology or mythology, I'm simply a curious Christian with questions.
My plan is to update twice a week, reading at least one chapter from one book each post. I imagine I'll move faster than that, but who knows? This is just as much an adventure for me.
So what do you think? I hope you join me.
Next time: I'm jumping right in from the beginning, Genesis 1
