Christians challenged to read Bible in a year

Worshippers in Wales are being invited to make a New Year's resolution to read the entire Bible in 2013.

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, has launched the Bible Challenge out of a desire to see people become more familiar with the book at the centre of the Christian faith.

He is asking people to set aside just 20 minutes each day to read passages from the Old and New Testaments.

In addition to the reading challenge, people are being invited to nominate their favourite book in the Bible.

The top five nominations will form the core of a Bible course to be led by the Archbishop during Lent, in the weeks before Easter.

Writing to parishioners, Dr Morgan said, "How much of your busy and hectic day is spent watching TV, listening to radio, scanning newspapers, social networking, and reading (or even writing) blogs? How much is spent reading the Bible?

"If, like me, you feel guilty about the comparatively little time spent reading God's Word, you will welcome the Bible Challenge, which sets out a simple-to-follow scheme to cover the whole Bible in a year, with daily readings from both the Old Testament and New Testament.

"It would be marvellous on so many levels if, from January 1st onwards, you could join me across the Llandaff Diocese in committing around 20 minutes each day in 2013 to reading through the Bible.

"My earnest prayer is that deciding which Biblical book has been the deepest influence in your life, followed by the Lent course, together with our daily reading of the Scriptures in 2013 will enrich and transform our faith and lives."

To nominate your favourite book from the Bible, send a postcard or email, to: Llys Esgob, The Cathedral Green, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YE Email: archbishop@churchinwales.org.uk

The Bible Challenge scheme can be downloaded at www.mkomor.plus.com/llandaff/

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.