“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures,

we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

“You word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” Ps. 119:105

Dear Vineyard Family,

Welcome to the Vineyard New Testament Immersion; an eight-week plan to immerse ourselves in the living Word of God. This will be pursued as we together read through the New Testament, share our experiences and insights with one another and delve into our beliefs about the Bible through eight special sermon topics. Our journey will begin on January 16/17. My prayer is that as we step into the streams of His grace as ministered to us through the word, and as we place ourselves under the authority of the Scriptures, we will grow in our love of the Word, know Him above all else and deepen our spiritual habits.

In our services on January 16/17 I will be providing a reading schedule that will take you through the New Testament in eight weeks. Depending on your reading speed you can complete the daily reading in 20 – 30 minutes. This is not intended to be a task or burden. The goal is not to check off each day but rather to take new steps of getting into the Word. The schedule will also be on our website.

A Few tips:

  • Pray for insight before reading.
  • Read something every day
  • Read what you can
  • Be focused as you read in a place free of distraction.
  • Consider using a different translation than what you normally use. You can even listen with a digital copy.
  • Read for the big picture. This is a reading of the New Testament rather than a deep study.
  • Don’t worry about the parts you don’t understand but focus on the parts you do!

If you are in a small group your leader will be receiving a weekly discussion guide as a way of interacting with each other as we read. This is optional but highly encouraged. If you are not in a group, there will be an opportunity to sign up for one during the eight-week immersion. The groups will be reviewing the following 5 questions to consider as you read:

  1. What was new or compelling?
  2. What questions did you have?
  3. What did you discover about God?
  4. What insights did you gain about yourself?
  5. How will this impact the way you live?

Be praying as you consider your participation. The start of the year is always a great time to create new habits or strengthen existing ones. I am looking forward to what the Lord will show us as we journey together.

Blessings/pastor chris