Iron Sharpens Iron: In God's Word Together

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Prov. 27:17

 

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word

that comes from the mouth of God.” - Matt. 4:4

Bible Reading Plan

What? Participate in our church-wide Bible reading plan alongside others at New Hope, starting anytime.  In 2023 we are focusing on a chronological Bible reading plan "As it Happened".

 

Why? 

  • If you have trouble keeping up with daily time with God in His word, this can help you build a habit.
  • If your Bible reading feels aimless and random, this can bring focus and breadth.
  • If you already meditate consistently on God’s word, this shared reading plan can create a bridge for Christ-centered conversations with fellow believers at New Hope.
  • If you are getting to know someone who is curious about Christianity, you can invite them to participate in the reading plan with you as discuss the passages and point them to Christ.

How?

  • A print-out of the daily readings can be found HERE

  • A number of people at New Hope are using the YouVersion app for The "As it Happened" reading plan. Within the app you can access the daily readings in various versions and listen to the audio Bible with various narrators. To request the link to join others at New Hope in the plan, please email info@newhopebgr.org.

Suggestions:

  • The readings for each day are several chapters; you might choose to read all or just a portion each day. 
  • If you miss a day, don't worry--just pick up with the current day. This will allow you to stay on track with others, and also help you not give up out of discouragement. 
  • Before and while you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand His Word and apply it, and for Him to change you through it. Don't just listen to God's Word; do what it says. 
  • Let God's Word lead you to Jesus. In John 5:39-40, Jesus said: "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
  • Discuss the passages you read with others at New Hope, with the goal of understanding God’s word, responding to it in faith, and spurring one another on as Jesus’ disciples.


Photo of Bibles by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

 

Pairs/Trios/Quads

What? Groups of 2-4 individuals who are doing the Bible reading plan, who regularly connect to discuss what God is teaching you through His word and to pray for one another.


How? Invite 1-3 others at New Hope to join you in connecting regularly around the passages, with the goal of building one another up towards maturity as followers of Jesus. If you would like help forming a pair/trio/quad, contact info@newhopebgr.org.


Suggestions: 

  • You may choose to meet in-person, form a group text message or email thread, or schedule a video call—whatever works for your schedules. 
  • However you choose to connect, make sure it is regular, sustainable, and enables trust to grow. If you don't make plans or keep up regular communication, it won't yield much fruit.
  • The goal of these pairs/trios/quads is to build one another up towards Christian maturity in a context in which increasing trust can develop over time.