Introducing our conversation tool.

 The key to a sustainable Bible reading program is the ensuing conversations. What we talk about regularly to each other, eventually becomes a common focus point which if practiced consistently becomes a group culture. Hence, the path from clarity to culture is "peppered" with regular, intentional conversations. From this perspective, we in Uptown church will be using a Bible reading program with the specific goal of creating regular conversations around the weekly reading schedule.

Here's the "conversational tool" that we will be using - it is a mobile app called READ SCRIPTURE.


Why READ SCRIPTURE?
  1. It presents the reading of the Bible as a journey through major themes, giving you the entire drama of Scripture. The overview narrative element is graphically illustrated through well-placed video clips in the reading schedule.

  2. It allows you to set your own reading pace. Additionally, the reading is interspersed with readings from Psalms to allow for personal response and reflection.

  3. It provides a roadmap for our church to possess common conversational topics as we journey together through all the Scripture and allow the living and active word of God to speak into our lives.

  4. For the overall Scriptural narrative, I am using the book - "The True Story of the Whole World - Finding your place in the biblical drama" by Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goshen. Click here should you want to find out more.
At the end of the day, this mobile app is a tool to catalyze our conversations not only with one another but more importantly with the Living Word Himself as Jesus Christ begins to reveal more of Himself to you through all of Scripture (Luke 24:27). Knowing God’s plan and gift of salvation is deeply rooted in knowing the entire narrative. 

The good news doesn’t just reside in the New Testament (there is more to it than just John 3:16). The entire story of the Bible is about one person, one plan, one goal. That person is Jesus, that plan is redemption, the goal is the glory of God. Through our journey together starting 2021, we will grasp the sense of Scripture as a single great story - a drama in which we are all invited to play a part. I hope to see a positive "gossiping" culture in Uptown in the months to come as our hearts begin to burn within us (Luke 24:32) as our Lord reveals more of His hand at work through the pages of His Word.

Every Thursday, I will be highlighting (through the Uptown weekly communications email) what is the reading schedule for the coming week plus some hints on interesting "journey markers" to look out for. Feel free to post your questions and thoughts in the comment section of the blog and we would love to interact with you in this exciting Emmaus Heartburn journey! Again, this is primarily a conversational project, not an academic one. The goal is relational, aiming for the burning of the heart within rather than legalistic adherence to a program (Rev 3:20).

Looking forward to starting Genesis 1-24 with you soon!

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