Why in the Wor(l)d?

On Sunday The Commons embarked on an ambitious project: Reading through the entire New Testament in 40 days. 

We are doing this for several reasons, but the primary one is simple: Most Christians have never taken the time to simply read the New Testament and know what Jesus said.  They have heard it taught in snippets and sections.  They have listened to various sermons.  But they have never received the Scripture as it was intended: unfiltered, bracing, surprising.

We began our reading adventure on Sunday and have already seen a host of terrific conversations play out as a result.  Some are reading the Bible for the very first time despite a lifetime in church.  Others are seeing new things.  I am continually reminded that Jesus was all about the Kingdom--a movement of God that would take place in and among everyday people just like you and me.

Of course, some may ask what difference Bible reading makes.

Simply stated, I believe that reading the New Testament gives us a close view of the Jesus we worship.  If we are to be Jesus to our city and our community, we must know Him, His words, His deeds, and His heart.  And we cannot know Him until we read His Word.

As E. Stanley Jones said, "If we are to speak with His emphasis, we must saturate ourselves with the New Testament."

We were blessed to baptize three people on Sunday.  My hunch?  As the words of Jesus begin to take root in The Commons, we'll see many more to follow.

The Scripture brings transformation. 

May we read it and then live it.

(Wanna join us?  You can find our reading plan here.)