Bible in 13

Greetings all, 
  
Well, we now begin the last full month of B13 readings. I hope that's good motivation to stay on track and finish our joint reading of the Bible. I don't know about you, but I'm finding it stimulating to again read through 
  
What's coming up in September? 
  
It's a month of many books. 
  
First we finish 2 Chronicles which tells the sad story of Israel and Judah's decline under God's judgement. Then we switch to the New Testament: 1 & 2 Timothy, along with Titus give practical advice as we live in the ongoing are while waiting Christ's return. These books are especially useful for all Christian leaders. Philemon has a touching personal note and testifies to the way in which faith in Jesus transforms relationships. 

Ecclesiastes takes us back in time to Solomon's era, but is refreshingly up to date as it chronicles the emptiness of life without God and urges us to fear and obey God before it's too late. Our reading of Hebrews pulls together many threads from the OT books that we have read earlier in B13 and shows how key OT themes such as sacrifice and priesthood are fulfilled and set aside in Jesus. Our month ends with a solid dose of Old Testament. 

Ezra & Nehemiah give the story of Israel after returning from exile and provide backdrop to the last group of OT prophets. Esther  doesn't mention God by name but shows his hand working all things for the good of his people. Haggai and Zechariah take us back to the world of the prophets with their twin messages of God's judgment and salvation. 
  
I mentioned last month that plans are afoot to continue a daily Bible reading scheme in ORPC. This is tentatively called 'Hear, Learn & Do'. There's a lot of work to be done on its development. Do pray for the team as they work on this in September. 
  
regards, 
david burke