WELCOME TO THE BIBLE YEAR!

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In the beginning . . .

We read those words at the very beginning of Genesis.  Those words also begin our journey through scripture as we read the whole Bible together in 2022. Today (January 5) is Day One and we read Genesis 1:1 – 3:24.

In the introduction to The Bible Year, Magrey deVega notes the metaphors that he grew up hearing about the Bible – that it was a road map, a how-to manual, or a cookbook. While those metaphors can be compelling, they ultimately fall short of the true gift of Holy Scripture.

Thinking of the Bible in strictly utilitarian ways leads us to ask how the Bible is relevant or useful to me. But there are more important questions to ask:

  • How does scripture draw me closer to God?
  • How does the Bible lead me to be a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ?
  • How do the readings help me grow in my knowledge and love of God and of my neighbor?

Magrey deVega rightly points to the importance of linking prayer and scripture reading. As he writes, “We must read the Bible prayerfully, and we must engage in pray biblically.”  He says we should listen deeply to each day’s reading from scripture, and prayerfully reflect to how we might respond to God through those readings.  He suggests this question:

“What is God revealing to me today, and how will I apply it to my life?

Our readings for the first four days will cover the first major section of the Bible: Genesis 1 – 11.

  • January 5: Genesis 1:1 – 3:24
  • January 6: Genesis 4:1 – 5:32
  • January 7: Genesis 6:1 – 9:17
  • January 8: Genesis 9:18 – 11:32

As we read these beginning stories, we are invited to see the beauty of creation, the character of the creator, and the redemption that will characterize the relationship of God and humanity throughout the whole story of the Bible.

Magrey deVega invites us to prayerfully think about all the Genesis teaches us about God’s goodness, about the beauty of creation, and about the special role that you and I get to have in it. You are part of a creation that has been fashioned by God, and when God made you, God said, “That’s good.”

Watch Magrey deVega’s teaching video on Amplify: Genesis 1 – 11:32 Video

How to sign up for your FREE Amplify Membership:

  • Visit https://my.amplifymedia.com/ocalafirstumcocalafl and then click "Start Free Membership"
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  • Watch videos on the website or download the Amplify app on your phone or tablet and use your login to access content!


Devotional Guide

I hope you have a copy of The Bible Year devotional guide. The guide provides the daily readings, as well as, short reflections and prompts to focus our reading.

You can get a devotional guide from Cokesbury.com or Amazon.com. We just sold out of copies in the church office but we hope to receive more by tomorrow.


The Bible Project

Another resource you may find helpful is “The Bible Project” website and related apps. Watch their Genesis 1 Video.

More helpful videos from The Bible Project:


Join a Small Group:

  • Ocala FUMC The Bible Year Small Group
  • Pastors Bible Study (in-person and Zoom) on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm in Rm #31 (begins January 12)
  • Friends Sunday School Class on Sundays at 10 am (Rm #31)


What version of the Bible should I use? I’ve gotten that question quite a few times over the past few days. The short answer is “read whatever you have.”  But if you have several different versions on your shelf or are looking at purchasing a new Bible here are my recommendations.

  • Common English Bible (CEB)
  • New International Version (NIV)
  • New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

We use the Common English Bible (CEB) in worship, and I’ll be using this translation for The Bible Year readings personally. When not using the CEB, I will use the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), as I find it the most reliable and accurate translation available. The New International Version (NIV) is also a reliable and faithful translation and the easiest version to find in bookstores.

If you have a specific question about another version, I am happy to do some research and find the answer.

Psalm 1: 1-3

 The truly happy person
    doesn’t follow wicked advice,
    doesn’t stand on the road of sinners,
    and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful.
2 Instead of doing those things,
    these persons love the Lord’s Instruction,
    and they recite God’s Instruction day and night!
3 They are like a tree replanted by streams of water,
    which bears fruit at just the right time
    and whose leaves don’t fade.
        Whatever they do succeeds.

Location: 11 SE 11th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, USA

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