Books

Kirsty and I are joining a bunch of peeps who are starting this bible reading plan this week. Wanna join us? This post was stolen (borrowed) from my mate Dave.

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I’ve been doing the same bible reading plan for the last 4 years. It’s time to mix it up a bit! So starting on September 1 I am beginning a 12-month reading plan written by John Stott. John Stott, who died at the age of 90 in 2011, is one of my favourite authors. I appreciate his clear, compelling and Christ-centred writing. His commentaries in the Bible Speaks Today series have been a particular help in preaching. The new reading plan is from a book Through the Bible, Through the Year with ‘Daily Reflections from Genesis to Revelation.’ Stott is the legend flossin the blue tracksuit and bird-watching binoculars in the pic below.

Key features

Read through an overview of the story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation
Each day has a short bible reading with a short devotional comment from Stott
Each day has a suggestion for further reading in the Bible
September until Christmas, read the Old Testament story from the creation until the coming of Christ
January through April, read the story of Jesus in the Gospels
May through August, read the story of Acts through Revelation

Get the reading plan

Keen to join in?

Doing physical exercise is often easier when you do it in a group. Likewise with spiritual exercise. A number of people have already indicated they’re keen. If you want to join in, let me know in the comments below. If you’re not sure, perhaps you could do the first two weeks for free and then make a decision.

#BibleStott

If you use Twitter, Facebook or Instagram – use the #BibleStott hashtag when sharing Bible verses or reflections of what you’re learning.

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At college we have a long list of books that we need to read. Ranging from really interesting to not so interesting, they include books on history, Bible commentaries and books to help us think critically about what ministry looks like in practice. We also read the Bible a bit.

Recently I’ve been reading a book called, ‘The Trellis and the Vine‘ by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne. I’ve actually owned it for ages, but never read it.

It really is a great book, and I would out it into the ‘really interesting’ category mentioned above. It says a lot about trainer/trainee relationships, and how trainees end up being imitators of their trainers. From this, it has helped me reflect on where I have been so far in my ministry, and why I now do things the way I do (mostly because my trainers taught me to do it that way).

The book speaks a lot about how to train Christian people for a lifetime of serving Jesus, and his people. The book suggests that just running endless courses for people is not enough, but training by your example is much better.

One bit in chapter 6 especially stood out to me.

“… to make real progress in helping the Christians in your congregation become ‘encouragers’, they need more than a six week course. They need the example of seeing it done; and they need the personal instruction and mentoring and prayer that addresses the spiritual issues at the heart of becoming an ‘encourager’. This takes time and personal attention – before, during and after the structured training opportunity.”

I’m still reading it. If you want a copy, Matthias Media sell it.

tim stevens