Could You? Would You?

I have been shopping for Bible software to aide my study and writing projects. It seemed interesting to me that most every program offered had some variety of "daily reading" program that would allow you to keep on track and read the Bible in its entirety. A nice feature to be sure.

In fact, many churches have programs in place to lead their people through a systematic reading of scripture in order to complete the Bible in a year. An achievement worth recognizing until....

In the most recent issue of Christian History and Biography there is a rather detailed history of the church in China - its roots and how it is thriving today. Throughout that article, there were sidebars noting specific people who played a significant role in the history of Christianity in China. Fascinating segments to be sure. However, let me point out a couple of "facts" about two of them.

John Sung (1901-1944)  Based on the article, it is said that after his conversion Mr. Sung attended seminary and apparently was so zealous for his faith that the seminary president had him committed to an insane asylum. "For the next 193 days he read the Bible 40 times."     40 times...did you get that? That's basically once every 5 days!

Wang Mingdad (1900-1991)  At one point in his life he retreated to the hills outside Beijing and "read the Bible through six times in 62 days."

Now granted, during those times these men did not have "work", a family to tend to, lawns to mow and trash to take out. Nevertheless, those are staggering numbers!  And to think, we're proud when, or if, we get through the Bible in a year!

Reading this article - the sacrifices Chinese Christians made to spread the gospel and deepen their faith as followers of Christ -- it made me realize how pitiful my efforts are as a disciple.

Now it is true, reading the Bible through in a year, a month, or a week does not necessarily make one a "better" Christian. However I suspect it would have a huge impact. 

Now indulge my math - for me, using my current study Bible if I read the Bible in a year, it would mean five pages a day. Of course those pages include study notes and sidebars, so in fact, I could read more of actual biblical content.  If I did it in six months, that would mean ten pages a day, three months, right at 21 pages a day.  Uhm.....I think I can do that.

Any takers for the six or three month challenge?  Of course it may mean less television, sacrificing some sleep, or forgoing some other activities, but imagine the joy of accomplishing the feat and the blessing from scripture. It would be akin to fasting and reading at the same time, since something most likely has to go.

I'm shooting for an August 1st start date and a three month goal. That will give me time to mentally prepare and perhaps get a head start. It also provides an easy measuring point for month to month progress.

Could you? Would you? join in the challenge.

If you are currently doing a "read-the-Bible-through-in-a-year" program, it is just a matter of ramping things up since you should be more than half way through already.

Here are some tips...

• If you have a hand held PDA or something similar, you can go to E-Sword.net and download the Bible to that device. That way, anywhere, anytime, you can keep reading. 
• Programs are also available for your laptop or desktop PC.  I'm not promoting E-Sword per se, it's just free and I like free. Besides, I am currently using it. 
• If you think you'll get distracted from sidebars and your own notes in the Bible you have, order a new inexpensive Bible to use and leave pens and pencils in the desk while you are reading.
• Ask the cooperation from family members for some uninterrupted reading time (good luck). If they agree, have them check-in on you from time to time to make sure you are still awake!
• Seek some one to hold you accountable.
• Do your best to go Genesis to Revelation, reading programs that bounce around tend to distort the flow.

I'm excited. But I want to be certain we do not lose sight of the tremendous sacrifice the men mentioned above made and the Chinese Christians are still making today for the cause of Christ. Persecution breeds strength and perseverance.  Romans 5:3-4.   Pray for China.

* Christian History & Biography, (Issue 98, Spring 2008) 12,21