Description
The Bible is God’s word to us. It is the record of the Story of God that orients our lives toward ultimate reality. It reveals God to us, shows us the way to be saved, brings us into a greater experience of friendship with God, and is a primary means of grace in our spiritual formation. We will not grow in our relationship with God apart from it. It makes us wise, strengthens us spiritually, nourishes our souls, and equips us for participation in God’s work. It is precious (many have given their lives for it) and it is powerful (multitudes have been given life by it).
Repitition
The best way to understand and retain the Scripture is to read it repetitively. The CATC plan takes you through the New Testament three times every year in such a way that you are immersed in one New Testament Gospel or Epistle for several days, absorbing its message and internalizing it in ways a flyover, one-time reading would not permit.
Church Calendar
The Church calendar reflects the storyline of the gospel. Beginning in Advent, the flow of the Church Year tells the story of Jesus:
Advent - the longing for Jesus
Christmastide - the arrival of Christ
Epiphany - the glory of Christ
Lent - the holiness of Christ
Eastertide - the indestructible life of Christ
Pentecost - the Spirit of Christ
Ordinary Time - the mission of Christ
Daily Psalm and Proverb
Each day a reading from Psalms or Proverbs is included in the reading. In this way, you will complete the Psalms in a year. These Psalms serve as great aides for prayer in the evening or morning.
Two Year Cycle
Because the reading plan is New Testament intensive, the Old Testament is read in its entirety over a two-year span. If one completes the two-year cycle, in two years they will read the New Testament six times, the Old Testament once, the Psalms twice, and the Proverbs four times.
Reflection and Make-up Days
We know that it is easy to get behind in any reading plan. We have scheduled every Sunday to be a day to catch up and reflect on what you have been reading. For those who are in step with the reading, they can use this Sunday to reread or study a particular section that spoke to them throughout the week.