Imagine spending the next 40 days drinking in the teachings of Jesus, watching his jaw-dropping miracles unfold, and falling more in love with God with each turning page.
You’re invited to come along as we read the Gospels during Lent 2015 beginning on February 18.
Two years ago, I prayed, “God, what do you want me to lay hold of through Lent.” I felt led to read through the entire Bible in 40 days. We posted a reading plan online and more than 5000 people downloaded it in the first few days.
Last year, I invited you to join me in reading through the entire New Testament for Lent. Friends joined in including, YouVersion, Catalyst Conference, and many more. Over 50,000 people asked to receive a copy of the reading plan.
We couldn’t be more thrilled that so many are setting apart time to dive into the Scriptures and prepare their hearts for Easter. We expect the numbers to multiply again this year, but honestly, who cares? We’re just thrilled people are committing to set apart time to seek Christ and God’s leading in their lives.
This year, I sense we’re supposed to go deeper in the Scripture during Lent and focus on the Gospels.
Matthew. Mark. Luke. John. Or as I like to say it, “Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.”
Our friends at the Catalyst Conference will be joining us along with YouVersion Bible App, Jenni Catron at Cultivating Leaders, and Shelly Miller at Redemption’s Beauty,
I’m THRILLED New Testament Scholar Craig Blomberg, will be joining us. Every week, he will be answering YOUR questions as you read—offering insight, background, and understanding to confusing and difficult texts.
We will launch into this #LentChallenge on Wednesday, February 18th, wrapping up on Easter (April 5th). Our hope and prayer is that at the end of the next 40 days, you’ll be so spiritually full, you’ll never want to live on empty again.
What You Need:
- A copy of the FREE Lent Challenge: 40 Day New Testament Reading Guide PDF download.
- The Bible in your favorite translation. (Or download a copy of the Audio Bible. Or download the YouVersion app)
- A prayerful heart—ready and expectant for what God has to teach you in the next 40 days.
Here’s how it works:
- Carve out 10-15 minutes to read the Bible each day. The Gospels contain 89 chapters. That means reading the Bible in 40 days requires reading about 2.2 chapters per day. About 10-15 minutes a day for forty days—and you’ll journey through the Gospels. This may mean logging off Facebook, deleting Trivia Crack, or waiting to watch the latest episode of Duck Dynasty until later. Gasp (my fave show).
- Before you read each day, begin with the prayer: “As I read today, Lord, reveal that which I most need to hear but least want to hear.” Be alert to what God reveals.
- Invite someone to join you. No matter what challenge or goal you set, it’s always easier when you have someone to cheer you on, hold you accountable, and adventure alongside of you. Ask your small group, Men’s or Women’s Bible study, congregation, neighbor, co-worker, in-law, or spouse to join you! Invite non-believers to learn more about Jesus.
- Share what you’re learning during these 40 days on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or your own blog using the hashtag: #LentChallenge. Join our community—there’s plenty of room for you.
- If you miss a day, pick up where you left off. No guilt. No shame. Pick up wherever we are, don’t worry about catching up. Just more Jesus every day.
Share the Free Lent Reading Guide:
Download the Lent Challenge: 40 Day Gospel Reading Guide, here. Invite your friends using this link: http://wp.me/p2Hg0R-7O6
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Margaret, I accept this challenge. This sounds so exciting. Thank you for the open invite.
Blessings,
Alee
Cassie
Thanks so much this is just what I need
Great!
After decades of youth and adult ministry in the heart of the Bible belt, I have come to this painful conclusion, ignorance of Jesus is epidemic. Now if we are suffering from a lack of knowledge concerning the Gospel stories, how must the rest of our culture fair? Not good! In the 35 and under age group, more than 90% have never read even one of the four Gospels. Christians are fervently preaching and witnessing in order to get folks to trust Jesus. These well meaning believers assume others have a clear picture of Him- they don’t. They only have second-hand information that forms their patchwork mental picture of Jesus. Pre-evangelism work is a huge part of effectively sharing the Gospel. Reading the stories has become necessary to build trust in the Biblical Jesus, not some character created from hearsay and personal fantasy. Ours is faith based in the Jesus of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the original religious tracts. The goal of the Primary Source Project is to get everyone to read or listen to the stories of Jesus and begin an ongoing conversation about Him. Challenge your friends and family to start reading the Gospels and let the Word of God do the heavy lifting. It works! Isaiah 55:11
Yes- you’re so right! Thank you for your ministry!
Have 30 at church and 17 in bible study doing Scouting the Divine. I have a lady in our church that is also doing this study in her home. 23 from my church went to WOJ and 4 from my home Bible study group. I would like to suggest the printing be darker and a little larger in your side notes. Many of us are having trouble reading it. We are on lesson two. Thank you.
Thank You, I accept the challenge. Peace & Grace To All…
I gave our church the Lent challenge. They are starting to see how this can be a game changer in the way they carry on a Jesus conversation. Thanks for the focus on the Gospels. You moved my heart with your words on Joy at the IF conference (sneak-a-peek at our women’s gathering this weekend)
Wahoo! Cannot wait to start diving into the Gospels this Lent with you all.
“Celebrate the joy of rest this Sabbath. Use today as a chance to catch up or take a break from all your reading.” Qouted from 40 day from challenge.
I know that we don’t want to be negative but someone needs to point this out.
How is that anyone who says they love Jesus with all their heart can’t find 10 minutes a day to read a couple of chapters? Then are encouraged to “celebrate” the fact that they either don’t have to read God’s precious word that day, or use it make up for their laziness/carelessness for refusing to read it earlier in the week. What a sad thing this is we call chrustianity here in America, I’m sure those who were “celebrating” found plenty of ttime to stare a the one eyed idol sitting in there living room.
I am in, and I am draggging along anyone who is willing…lol. Shared it on my blog! Just a perfect challenge, perfect timing. Thanks!
Yes.Yes.Yes. Thrilled you’re joining us, Dawn!
I wrote about your Lent plan in my blog:
http://wp.me/s1fSw4-verbs
It has really been a blessing to read and mark the verses in the Gospels. Life changing! Thank you for your ministry!