We’re starting a new teaching series this Sunday.
It’s about the Bible — like every series. But this is going to be a little different.
We are taking a step back and taking a meta, big picture look at what it means for the Bible to be a source of authority for disciples of Jesus.
We’re going to ask some big questions: Why do we keep reading this ancient book? What difference does it make? How do we bridge the gap of time and culture and read it with relevance for 2023? How I do reconcile the Old and New Testaments? What about those problematic passages?
We’ll ask some practical questions too: How do I read this book for all it’s worth? How do I incorporate scripture in a daily time with God. What are the best techniques for responsible study of scripture?
My prayer is that we’ll clear some of the ground and unpack some of baggage that gets in the way of our engagement with the Bible.
We need to unleash this Book — that we might resonate with the psalmist who writes, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103
A couple of interesting facts about the Bible:
- The Bible is the best-selling book of an all time. It is estimated that there have been over 5 billion copies sold. A distant second on the list is the little red book by Moa Tse-Tung, the Chinese communist leader — coming in at around 1 billion copies.
- The word “Bible” comes from the greek word “Biblia” which means books or scrolls. Hence, the Bible is most accurately understood as a library or collection of different book or scrolls.
- The Bible is also the most shoplifted book of all time. Who knew?
CALENDAR (see below for details)
1/8 – Pre-service Prayer 4-4:30PM ELC office.
1/8 – Second Sunday Supper Potluck (Breakfast for Dinner)
1/15 – Home Church Communities restart
1/19 – Radiant Middle School gathering 7-8:30PM
SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 8th
Our Second Sunday Supper is this Sunday! We are doing a Breakfast for Dinner Potluck theme. Bring your favorite breakfast dish — egg casserole, chilaquiles (please), bacon, donuts, etc. This is great time to get to know the Radiant Community and who doesn’t like Waffles on a Sunday night? Join after worship this Sunday!
HOME CHURCHES WILL BE STARTING WEEK OF JANUARY 15th
Our Home Church groups are smaller communities that meet during the week where we learn to practice the simple way of Jesus. No experience required, all are welcome. We usually share a meal, read scripture, and consider what God is up to in and through our lives.
This is a great time to consider plugging into a home as we will restart groups in mid-January. If you are interested in learning about available groups and what group might be a good fit for you contact Zach at zach@radcov.org
RADIANT MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUP
Mark your calendars and invite some friends! The Radiant Middle School group (6th-8th grade) will be meeting on January 19th from 7-8:30PM at ELC. Questions? Contact our youth director, Ulisses Vasquez – ulissesv@outlook.com
YOU’RE INVITED TO PRAY
Every Sunday a group of folks pray for the Radiant community from 4-4:30 in the ELC office. You’re invited to join. It is always a good time seeking the face and voice of God together. No need special skills or experienced required. Just show up.
MEN’S WEEKEND (4/21-4/23) REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Men’s Weekend at Mission Springs will soon be here, April 21st-23rd, 2023. Online registration for the Men’s Weekend opens this coming Sunday, January 1st at 6am! Early Bird Discount of $25 – register before February 15th!!!
We look forward to your joining us for a time of worship, fellowship and growing in your faith journey as we go ‘Back to Basics’. This is an event put on by our regional denominational conference.
More information and registration can be found here.
Also — John Fowler has four spots at his private cabin in Mission Springs for those interested in going. This will reduce your registration costs. Contact John at 209.345.5854
BAND APP
One way to connect at Radiant is to join our BAND APP group. Think of this as a sort of Radiant message board — our own little social media space. People can extend invites, share about needs and resources. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
Grace and peace!
Zach
