Dear St. Andrew’s Family,
As we enter a new year, consider this question – how is your appetite? If we think of our physical appetites, having enjoyed feasting over the holidays, perhaps we are ready for a simpler diet.
But what about the appetite of your heart? Do you feel any spiritual hunger? Jesus offered an important insight into the nature of our humanity – a nature he now shares with us, thanks to the wonder of the Incarnation we celebrated at Christmas. Our Lord said “human beings do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4). His insight reminds us that we are more than just physical beings. We are also spiritual beings and, like our bodies, our spiritual nature needs to be fed.
What kind of food will satisfy and nourish the soul? There is just one food that will suffice – God’s Word.
Jesus Christ is at the center of our common life. He is God’s Word (John 1:1-2) and he speaks God’s words (John 12:49-50). Jesus’ words are spirit and life (John 6:63). But as food must be prepared and consumed to be enjoyed, so too, we must engage Scripture to satisfy our souls with wholesome spiritual sustenance. The Bible is not just intellectual information, nor simply doctrinal statements – it is a feast for the soul, prepared by God for our enjoyment and health.
Here are three resources to help you start off the new year with a healthy diet of God’s Word recorded in the Bible.
Bible Reading Plans
Having a plan for reading Scripture can focus our time and effort and there are dozens and dozens of plans online. Here are a few we recommend:
Beginnings. On the first day of using this plan, you read one chapter from Genesis 1 (the creation story), Ezra 1 (the return of Israel from the Babylonian captivity), Matthew 1 (the birth of Jesus), and Acts 1 (the birth of the church). Each of these chapters marks a beginning. Each following day then continues in succession, i.e., Genesis 2, Erza 2, Matthew 2, Acts 2, and so on. If you miss a day (or a few days) simply pick up where you left off.
5-Day Bible Reading Plan. Sometimes it’s helpful to have a couple of days to catch up if you get behind or to break up the rhythm of reading between the weekend and the workweek. This plan mixes in both Old Testament and New Testament readings each week and takes you through the Bible in one year.
The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel (The Alpha Course) is excellent if you prefer devotionals along with your reading.
Reading & Studying Well
To get the most out of the Bible, we need to learn how to read and study well. I am delighted that Dr. Erika Moore is returning to St. Andrew’s January 10-11 to teach our Ridley Weekend Intensive How to Study Your Bible with Heart and Mind. Whether you have been studying Scripture for years or just getting started, Erika is a gifted and inspiring teacher who excels at helping others learn to engage the Bible for themselves. Register now.
Read with the Preacher
On January 19 we will start a new sermon series in the Gospel of John. Should you like to dig into John for yourself, here are a few resources to consider:
Guided Reading Plan for John. If you start this plan on Jan 18th and read three chapters per week, you’ll stay ahead of the preaching series. This will provide a solid foundation before hearing the sermon on Sunday.
Bible Study on John by N.T. Wright. This is a great resource for individual study or Life Groups. It can complement the sermon notes and questions provided on the St. Andrew’s website.
Overview of the Gospel of John from the Bible Project. This online resource gives a helpful overview of the structure and major themes of the book.
Bible Speaks Today Commentary on John. This commentary series is accessible yet offers powerful insights and applications. It is a great companion to reading John’s Gospel on your own or with a group.
I pray that your soul finds spiritual satisfaction in Christ and his Word in 2025.
Peace in Christ,
Randy
(RForrester@StAndrews.Church)
The Rev’d Canon Randy Forrester
Associate Rector for Teaching & Equipping
Director, The Ridley Institute