Authentic Journey Through the Bible

: Authentic Journey through the Bible

The Authentic Journey through the Bible is an unique daily Bible reading program that can be used alone or in conjunction with the Journey to Make God’s Story Ours discipleship curriculum. It follows the example of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus when their hearts burned within them as Christ opened the Scriptures to them:

Luke 24:27,32,44-45: And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 32They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” . . . 44Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

By reading the Law, Prophets, Psalms (Hebrew canon) and New Testament consecutively, we experience a deeper richness in knowing Christ when we connect key themes from the Bible that reinforce each other. It is like listening to a stereo with quadraphonic sound.

Each day, the Authentic Journey consists of a warm up that includes an exerpt from the story, “I’d Rather Do It Myself.” with seven characters people easily identify with to show relevance for daily life: Up-And-Comer, Always-Tired, Afraid-To-Share, Know-It-All, Good-Works, Bored-With-Life and Bubbling-Brook.

Next is a rest stop to reflect on the content in the chapter and driving it home to apply that Scripture to one’s life. The rest stop and driving it home sections are followed by a key question that promotes relevance and personalization. After each cycle of readings in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament, a bullet summary shows connections from these four sections in the Bible.

On the seventh day each week, no new readings are given so one has time for meditation in order to set new goals. Answering the eight questions will allow one to reflect on spiritual growth and learning for that week. It leads to refocusing on what is important and steps to get there.

This daily guide is a solid attempt to deal with biblical illiteracy so we can know Christ from a heart burning within. If we lack a biblical view of reality, the Church itself cannot be unified around Jesus Christ. Without a worldview shaped by the Bible that leads us to Christ, our efforts are, by default, shaped by the subjective and conflicting standards of other organizations, groups and systems.

Biblical illiteracy is also preventing us from reaching non-believers with the gospel message. To persuade a highly secularized and skeptical people that turning their life to Christ is the only solution to emptiness, Christians must be credible. How believable are we when the essence of our message must be “Do as I say, not as I do”?

: Day 1: Genesis 1

Warm Up: Up-And-Comer had life by the tail or so he thought. He was one of the rising stars in his company. Up-And-Comer’s deft communication skills and around the clock work ethic had him on the fast track up the corporate ladder. His killer personality charmed yet another client to buy their latest product priced in the six figures. His accomplishments filled a great hole in his life ever since his father left him at age 2. He thought to himself, “If only my father could see me now.”

Rest Stop: God as Creator shows His majesty by creating the heavens and earth out of nothing (Gen. 1:1). He created male and female in His image to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it (Gen. 1:27-28). God saw all that He made and it was very good (Gen. 1:31). How does our work become very good?

Driving It Home: The purpose of God is not working ourselves up the corporate ladder. God commissioned us to reproduce godly descendants who would reflect His character on earth. God desires a personal relationship with every person on earth since everything was created for good to be enjoyed by His image-bearers. Reflect on the commission God has given to you. How should it change your priorities and goals?

: Day 2: Joshua 1

Warm Up: His wife, Always-Tired, and two children were longing for time with Up-And-Comer, but work came first. One day while Always-Tired was getting another meal together and Up-And-Comer was relaxing in his recliner after a hard day, she said, “Meals, chauffeuring, shopping, laundry, vacuuming . . . I don’t know. Life is sure a treadmill.”

Rest Stop: Every place on which sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you from the wilderness and Lebanon to Euphrates and Great Sea will be your territory (Josh. 1:4). Be strong and courageous to give people possession of the land and be careful to do according to all the law so you have may have success (Josh. 1:6-7). This book shall not depart from your mouth, but shall meditate on it day and night to be careful to do for then you will make your way prosperous and have success (Josh. 1:8). Be strong and courageous as Lord is with you wherever you go (Josh. 1:9). What is the key to success?

Driving It Home: God has given each of a territory to subdue for His glory. Only the strong and courageous will be faithful. Our primary weapon for victory is meditating on God’s Word day and night. How will you change your schedule to begin pursuing success God’s way?

: Day 3: Psalm 1-2

Warm Up: In another part of town, Afraid-To-Share made everyone think she had it all together. Her appearance was impeccable. Designer suits and impeccable overall look gave her an air of sophistication. As her mother kept saying, appearance and image are everything. She moved a lot growing up so did not have any close friends. One day, her co-worker, Bubbling-Brook, caught Afraid-To-Share during a break and asked, “How are things going? I really want to know.” “Things are going fine.” Afraid-To-Share hesitantly replied. “I sense from your body language that you may be holding onto some burdens,” Bubbling-Brook said. “Life can be difficult sometimes. I know.” “What do you mean?” Afraid-To-Share asked inquisitively.

Rest Stop: Delight and meditate on the Word day and night in order to prosper (Psalm 1:2-3). The kings of earth devise a vain thing and take their stand against the Lord (Psalm 2:2). We ask God to use Christ’s work to make rebellious nations His inheritance and possession. A major part of spiritual warfare is worshiping the Lord with reverence and paying homage to the Son (Psalm 2:8,11-12). What is the key to overcoming resistance to God’s will on earth?

Driving It Home: Meditating on God’s word again is the key to prosperity. Another major weapon to reproduce godly descendants is prayer centered on Christ’s work on the cross. This is the pathway to defeat Satan’s schemes causing kings and nations to rebel against Him. God’s goal is for every individual to honor Christ. What is your daily plan to overcome the forces that pull you away from Christ?

: Day 4: Matthew 1-2

Warm Up: “Going through my divorce really threw me for a loop. My life was caving in and I didn’t know which way to turn. I never was a religious person so really didn’t want to go there. This neighbor of mine kept staying close to me. I noticed through the years that she had something. I think it was an inner strength and confidence that everything would turn out alright in her life.” Bubbling Brook said. “When she told me about God, I told her I wasn’t interested in church. It seemed like I always was pressured for money. Anyway, this neighbor kept showing an interest in my life and even helped me with some chores at home. The pain of the divorce became so great that I finally wanted to learn more about this spiritual stuff.” “That is very interesting. For me, I don’t like to discuss such personal things,” Afraid-To-Share replied.

Rest Stop: You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). A virgin shall bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel—God with us (Matt. 1:23). Out of Bethlehem shall come a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel (Matt. 2:6). Magi worshipped and paid homage to the baby Christ leading to obedience by going another way home (Matt. 2:9-12). An example of the opposite response is King Herod who slew male-born children (Matt. 2:16-18). Which of these responses do you most identify with?

Driving It Home: Jesus was sent to earth to be with us as our ruler and shepherd to save people from their sins. This is our focus for meditation, prayer and worship. The magi and King Herod illustrate a godly and worldly example, rebellion and submission to God. Compare the outcomes of each of their lives. The magi fell down and worshipped Christ by rejoicing exceedingly with great joy. They freely presented their lives and treasures to Him. Because Herod wanted to be the boss instead of Christ, his troubles led to lying and an attempt to destroy Christ. After meditating on God’s word and prayer, how would God want you to minister in the territory He has given you?

Last Four Days Bullets: Law, Prophets, Psalms and N.T.: True success comes as we win and build up disciples in the territory God has allotted to us. We do this by meditating on God’s word continually, praying for Christ’s work on the cross to defeat Satan’s schemes and giving of our time, talent and treasure.

: Day 5: Genesis 2

Warm Up: The next day, Bubbling-Brook was thinking how God was placing people into her path. Her life sure had changed from what it used to be. She had a compassion for people at the office and longed that they could experience what she had found. She understood that it was a process, just like it had been for her. While walking toward the water cooler, she noticed Bored-With-Life getting a drink, “You seem down today.” Bubbling Brook said. “Yes, you might say I am. You know, I have tried many things in my life like woodworking, sailing, dancing, golfing, hunting and fishing and even all of that gets old after awhile. You know . . . my job was exciting at first, but now that’s growing dull,” Bored-With-Life explained with full conviction.

Rest Stop: River flowed to water the garden with the tree of life in the middle (Gen. 2:9-10). God put man in garden to cultivate and keep it (Gen. 2:15). He provided a helper to cleave as one flesh (Gen. 2:18,24-25). Are you letting God as the tree of life to be at the center of your life?

Driving It Home: God’s presence provides all we need to really live. Tapping into God’s provision equips us to cultivate the territory He has allotted to us. His greatest provision is a spouse to share the load and to enjoy the life God freely gives to us. On a scale of one to ten with one being low and ten the highest, how are you doing in your relationship with your spouse?

: Day 6: Joshua 2-3

Warm Up: “I have found something meaningful in my life that has made a difference, especially after my bitter divorce,” Bubbling Brook said confidently. “You are probably into that church thing. I have tried church for years and none of it relates to real life. It’s dull,” Bored-With-Life replied. Overhearing the conversation Good-Works chipped in, “I can tell what gives meaning to life. It is serving your fellow man. I work at a pancake breakfast every quarter to raise money for the homeless shelter. I run races to raise money for about six different charities. Do you want to know what they are?” “That’s ok. We will take your word for it,” Bored-With-Life said hoping Good-Works would go away.

Rest Stop: Rahab helped spies view Jericho (Josh. 2:2). The Lord gave land into Israel’s hands as the hearts of the inhabitants melted away (Josh. 2:24). After consecration, God’s presence (ark) went before them (Josh. 3:3,5-6). By Israel recognizing the living God, the Canaanites were defeated and God’s miraculous power parted the waters (Josh. 3:10). What difference will it make if you recognize that God is alive?

Driving It Home: Relying on God’s presence enables us to defeat our enemies through the miracles He provides. What obstacle are you facing where you need to call on God’s name?

: Day 7:

Review your answers from the daily readings over the last six days.

1. What is the evidence of my growth in the last six days?

2. What have I learned about myself?

3. What have I learned about God?

4. Where have I done well in my walk with God?

5. What caused this level of success?

6. What is my goal for my walk with God in the upcoming week?

7. What is the reason that goal is important to my loved ones and me?

8. What are two or three specific steps to achieve my goal?