'Have You Read the Book? There Will Be a Test' - God

Read the Bible in 90 Days with our team

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- As the financial crisis spreads to the world economy, people are looking for answers to today's problems. Christ Church United Methodist is responding in a novel way, offering a course called The Bible in 90 Days. In it, participants will read the entire Bible, like a novel, from cover to cover. The course begins on August 30, 2009, and is open to all comers. Not only is this a church-wide challenge but it is also a community-wide challenge.

Participants read 12 pages a day individually, then gather once a week to discuss what they've read, hear a lesson, and participate in activities to assist in better understanding the reading. "Doing this in a group -- with resources designed specifically for helping you do this reading -- is critical," says Ted Cooper Jr., who created the curriculum in response to his personal experience of reading the Bible from cover to cover nine years ago. "I was agnostic at the start, but became a believer halfway through. Needless to say, it was a very powerful experience."

Groups from two people to over one thousand have used the curriculum. "Several groups in our church will be involved, including the staff, pastoral team, children, students and adults," says Deanna Young, Minister of Spiritual Formation at Christ Church United Methodist. There are a variety of opportunities to participate to account for varying weekly needs. Weekly classes will be offered on many days of the week during both morning and evening hours to address the needs of working individuals and students.

"I have been in Bible studies most of my adult life. I have read the whole Bible at one time or another, but reading the Bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 straight through has brought a whole new insight into what God is trying to teach us as Christians and me as an individual," says Sharon Howerton, participant in the trial class. "Following God's people through their rebellions and salvations, over and over and over again, makes Ecclesiastes 3:15 very prophetic: 'Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. Everyone in my class, even the Pastors, have learned new things and see the Bible in a new way."

Karen Carpenter, another participant, shares "Whenever we meet once a week in our group to discuss and review what we have read the previously week, it's exciting to listen to what everyone else has to say about what they gained and learned from the readings. It gives me and all of us more insight into the Lord's purpose and his teachings. The fellowship is wonderful because we share our hope, concerns, and the amazement in the love and patience the Lord has. It will open anyone's eyes to the glory of God."

"Depending on the study, somewhere between 74% and 80% of American adults describe themselves as Christian, yet most have never read all or even much Bible," says Cooper. "People tend to turn to the Bible during times of turmoil. What The Bible in 90 Days offers is way for churches to grab that interest and turn it into a life-changing experience."

To participate in the course at Christ Church United Methodist, people can contact Reverend Deanna Young at the email link below.

Bible in 90 Days is a ministry founded to encourage Christians and others to read the entire Bible while providing exceptional resources to help them do so. It has served churches, communities, small groups and individuals in 46 states and several foreign countries. For more information, call 713 526-6800.