Bible Geek Strikes Again

What version of the Bible are you going to read this summer?

I'm breaking in a new Bible right now, the XL edition of the New Revised Standard Version. I've been wanting a change from my trusty NIV, and the more formal (i.e., more literally translated) NRSV will do nicely. The "XL" stands for extra-large print, which I'm also loving, along with the unusual square shape.

What about you? What version of the Bible do you normally read? What are you reading now?

Let's Read the New Testament This Summer

My men's Bible study is in the tank until fall, but I don't want to get out of the Word. That's why I'm going to read the New Testament this summer (May-Aug), reading about 2 chapters at a time. I figure that's maybe 10 minutes of daily reading—very doable.

Here's My Plan

I'm not going to read straight through from Matthew to Revelation. Instead, I'm taking the New Testament in four chunks, centered on the four Gospels.

First, Luke, Acts, and the letters of Paul will give me the chronology of the early church.

Next, I'll read the "Jewish Gospel," Matthew, and the Hebraic books of the New Testament.

Then comes Peter, who is the voice behind Mark's Gospel. Combined with Peter's letters, this gives us a no-nonsense view of the Christian life.

Finally, John gives us the ethereal, cosmic view of Jesus, from the beginning of time to the very end.

Here's a PDF of the daily plan. (Tip: Choose "Page Scaling: None" on your print menu.)

Will You Join Us?

Your Bible study or small group is probably on hold until September. This will keep you in the Word.

Plus, you'll be missing church a lot. It always happens, what with vactation, travel, and just plain golf weather. Reading more will keep you grounded.

Let's do this together. I'll post a blog now and then (at least once a week), and you chime in with comments, questions, or just to say "I'm still reading!"

Who's in?

Conspicuously Absent

Mark 15-16

There are two people that you don't see at the end of Mark's Gospel, and I think it's kind of odd.

First, you don't see Peter. The last time he appears, he's weeping bitterly about disowning Jesus. Then he sort of disappears into the mist. Poof. No more Peter.

He is mentioned again, by the "young man" at the empty tomb. Given that this gospel was likely based on the stories and recollections of Peter, it's interesting that he comes to emphasize his failure more than his success.

The other MIA on Resurrection Day is none other than our hero, Jesus. In the short ending of Mark, which is likely the original ending, the resurrected Jesus is completely absent. What we see are frightened, bewildered, somewhat doubtful disciples.

How would you tell the end of the story? If you were writing about the death and resurrection of Jesus, what would be your final word?

Surely Not I

Mark 14:12-26

Did Judas know that he was the betrayer? Presumably, he was one of those who asked, "Surely not I?" Was he faking? Or did he see his actions as something other than a betrayal of the Lord?

We are capable of gross ignorance concerning our own actions and the motivation for them. Spirutal blindeness, we call that.

Was the career choice I made "to provide for my family" really a choice for self, regardless of its impact on my kids?

Is the money I spend on dining out "once in awhile" really an indulgence that prevents me from tithing?

I'm certain that others are capable of such self-deciet. But surely not I.

All for Jesus

Mark 14:1-11

What is the most costly thing you have done to honor Jesus?