Let’s admit it…sometimes the modern conveniences and technologies that we love can rob us of the great experiences of previous generations.  That’s why your grandma’s home-made brownies crush the store-bought competition every time, right?

There’s never been a time when books were more affordable and more numerous (electronic and otherwise).  But it hasn’t always been this way.  Before the invention of the printing press (props to Gutenberg!), books were very rare, and very expensive.  Chances are, you wouldn’t have owned even one.

So how did followers of Jesus “read their Bibles” on a regular basis?  Before the modern conveniences and technologies of the printing press, they were “old school.”  In addition to hearing the Bible read (and seeing the stories in the artwork), they relied on memorizing.  After all, if you memorize something, you don’t need to see it in a book, you can see it in your mind.  (This works well for anyone who doesn’t particularly enjoy reading, too.)

Our Celebration Challenge this year includes an ambitious goal to memorize 25 verses.  Think of it as 25 ways to read your Bible, retro style!  Here’s a quick re-cap of the seven verses we’ve worked on so far.  See how many you can remember.

1. Ephesians 3:20 – Now to him who is able…
2. Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is…
3. Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light…
4. John 3:16 – For God so loved the world…
5. Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about…
6. John 13:34 – A new command I give you…
7. Luke 12:15 – Then he said to them, “Watch out!… (this verse might help with your shopping list, too)

Take a few minutes this week to review.  Look up the ones that you can’t quite remember.  (Just click the link for the full verse.) Recite the ones you can.  And savor the experience of a little old-school reading of the Word of God.

Then join us this weekend as we continue our series, “Coming Attractions.” What might Christmas hold for you this year?

-Pastor Mark