Frequently Asked Questions – Community Bible Experience

Community Bible Experience/”The Books of the Bible” New Testament FAQ

Do I have to be a part of a small group to read this Bible and be a part of the Community Bible Experience?
Technically no. However, this initiative is called the Community Bible Experience for a reason and is best experienced when individual reading of Scripture is dialogued and unpacked with others. If you are not in a small group, sign up for the Home Group Connection where you will join a new group specifically starting for this series. Go here to register for the Home Group Connection: http://journeycommunitychurch.com/hgc/

What happens if I fall behind in my reading?

• First, the reading schedule is based on a Monday to Friday layout.  It intentionally leaves the weekend to catch up on reading.
• Second, we know this may be a huge faith step for some. And regardless of our familiarity with the Bible and our reading of it, the importance of being in a small group cannot be overstated in enriching our experience and serving as a means to encourage us in our reading efforts. That is one of the reasons why this initiative is called The Community Experience.
• Third, though the goal of this church-wide initiative is to read through the entire New Testament, just as important as it is to go through the Bible it is the Bible going through us. So try to read at a steady, consistent pace.
• Also faith and growth is what is being celebrated during this initiative.  So, for example, if you have only read the Gospels (normally the first 4 books of the New Testament) and now you read that and some of Paul’s letters that is more than you did before this experience!

Do I have to buy a “The Books of the Bible New Testament” or can I use my own Bible?
In order to follow along with the reading plan, you should purchase the Bible we are making available. It is meant to be read from cover to cover like a regular book — there are no chapter and verse numbers. Also, it follows a different flow and structure of how the books of the Bible are laid out. For example, the New Testament books of Luke and Acts are two volumes of the same story. So they are next to each other in The Books of the Bible. Also, most Bibles arrange Paul’s letters roughly from longest to shortest. They are in a more chronological order so you can trace Paul’s life as it unfolds.

In addition, the daily reading plan is directly correlated to this particular Bible format. For more information on The Books of the Bible New Testament go to:  http://www.biblica.com/cbe/tbotb/

If I have fallen behind on the week’s reading or have not read at all, should I still attend my group?
Yes!  The interaction with and dialogue about Scripture is one part of a group life experience. Yet there is so much more to what takes place in a group. In addition, being there with others will encourage you to start reading again.

Are there other ways to read this Bible — like on my e-reader or to engage with this Bible through audio means?
Yes, there many ways to engage with this Bible, for all the different formats being offered, go to http://journeycommunitychurch.com/cbe/