I remember I was in Primary Four when I had my first Bible. The Bible was a New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. My parents wrote their hopes for me on the title page, that I would become someone who reads the Bible daily. I cherished the Bible and kept it by my bedside. I flipped through the Bible a few times, treasured it but put it there untouched since. Growing up, I received several Bibles as gifts. During my youth, I even purchased a study Bible published by a seminary with cross-reference and concise notes in order to study the Bible seriously. Yet, many of these Bibles remained neatly placed on the bookshelf, the nightstand, or the coffee table, serving as spiritual ornaments.

      Among all the Bibles I owned, the one that I had read cover to cover was a pocket-size edition, similar in size to a small dictionary. During my early seminary days, I made a commitment with my classmates to read through the Bible once. With companions by my side, I eventually achieved that goal.

     “Cherish God’s Word in Our Hearts, Journey Together in Genuine Fellowship” is the theme of the NPAC family this year. As the theme suggests, the church aims to encourage everyone to read through the Bible once. It is because when God’s word takes root in our hearts, even mere knowledge will be transformed into understanding of God, others, and ourselves. That is what truly matters. In order to finish reading, determination alone is not enough. Having companions makes all the difference. It is just like participating in Trailwalker. Between walking alone and walking with others, the latter is definitely better. With you, Bible reading is delightful.

      A common starting point for a quick readthrough of the Bible is the New Testament Gospels or the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. My fellowship, which comprises 29 members including myself, recently started using an audio Bible app to listen to the Bible for 20 minutes each day (covering one to two chapters of the Old Testament, one chapter of the New Testament, and a Psalm). By encouraging one another and holding each other accountable, we aim to complete reading the entire Bible in a year. It is not too late if you catch up now.

      This quarter, our sermons focus on selected passages from the first half of Genesis. Genesis lays the foundation and is the backdrop of our faith. It tells us that the universe and everything in it was created by one God. However, the origin of everything on earth is just the introduction or background portrayal. What follow are one life story after another. From Adam to Abraham, how did these individuals encounter the LORD, how did they live under the heavens, and how did they navigate relationships in the family and with others? The LORD recorded these accounts to let us know the history of His redemption for humanity. At the same time, we also see that man is not alone because the Creator who brought order out of chaos has placed man within families and interconnected communities.

      Reading their life stories and reflecting on the journey of our own lives and our communities would allow us to realize how God gives meaning to our life events and daily experiences. The LORD’s providence has brought you and those around you step by step to where you are today. Looking back at your life journey, you will see that your life is not a series of random events. At every turn, you will be able to trace the lovingkindness and guidance of the LORD.