MARK FINLEY ANSWERS SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT “FOLLOW THE BIBLE.”
WHAT EXACTLY IS, “FOLLOW THE BIBLE”?
“Follow the Bible” is an initiative sponsored by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and its World Divisions to stimulate a deeper interest in reading the Bible. It features a multi-language Bible traveling to countries around the world and large international gatherings to recommit to a study of God’s Word.
WHEN WILL THIS PROJECT BE LAUNCHED?
The journey commenced in the Philippines at Annual Council on Sabbath October 11, 2008 in the afternoon program. During the afternoon service delegates at Annual Council were invited to recommit their lives to a study of and faithfulness to God’s Word. The Bible then began its global journey by traveling throughout the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE BIBLE TO MAKE ITS WAY AROUND THE WORLD?
The journey began in October of 2008 in the Philippines and will be traveling to each World Division until July of 2010 when the journey climaxes at the opening session of the General Conference Session.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE BIBLE TO TRAVEL TO VARYING DIVISIONS?
Please see the schedule dates on page 23.
WHAT HAPPENS AS THE BIBLE ARRIVES IN A PARTICULAR COUNTRY OR CITY?
There will be large convocations or rallies conducted at each place the Bible travels. Sermons will be preached on the importance of God’s Word. Attendees will be invited to participate in a daily Bible Study plan. They will also be offered an opportunity to enroll in the Discover Bible Course.
ARE THESE CONVOCATIONS FOR SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH MEMBERS ONLY?
Certainly not! We encourage every member in each area the Bible travels to tell their friends about “Follow the Bible” and invite them to attend. This is an outstanding time for the community to know that Seventh-day Adventists are a people of the Book.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHURCH LEADERS IN CONDUCTING THESE CONVOCATIONS?
There are three sample sermons prepared on the importance and inspiration of Bible Study, a daily Bible Reading Guide, Bible Bookmarks and an introductory lesson on the Bible.
ARE THERE PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AVAILABLE?
Yes, there are. There is a poster design, a news story and a short DVD on “Follow the Bible.”
WHAT MAJOR FEATURES DOES THE WEB SITE HAVE?
The web site www.followthebiblesda.com has the schedule for the Bible in each World Division, a daily Bible Reading Guide, the exact location of the Bible each day, all advertising materials, and materials necessary for the convocations including the sermons. The web site also features video reports of the Bible’s travels, comments by church leaders and a blog for comments on how the Bible is changing the lives of the participants, as well as fascinating stories in this amazing odyssey.
WHAT IF THE BIBLE IS LOST IN ITS TRAVELS OR BADLY DAMAGED?
We are praying that this will not happen and will take all the necessary precautions, but we are prepared for this eventuality by sending three Bibles which are exactly the same to travel together. One will always be kept at the Division Office.
HOW MANY LANGUAGES WILL THIS SINGLE BIBLE CONTAIN?
This one Bible contains 66 languages. Every book a different language. It represents God’s message to all people.
HOW LARGE IS THE BIBLE?
Very large. The Bible is approximately 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. It consists of over 1,100 pages and is bound with a padded leather cover. It is very similar in size to the large Bible Ellen White held above her head in vision and repeatedly quoted Bible texts by memory.
WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WORLD DIVISIONS IN “FOLLOW THE BIBLE”?
Each Division President has been consulted regarding the best time for the Bible to arrive in their Division. The Division “Follow the Bible” Coordinator is responsible for working with their Union and Conference counterparts to organize the Bible’s itinerary within the Division territory. The Divisions are responsible for planning all activities for the Bible in their Division including the Convocations and all Division-wide media coverage. They are also responsible for receiving the Bible and passing it on to the next Division.
WILL THE DENOMINATIONAL JOURNALS CARRY ARTICLES ON “FOLLOW THE BIBLE”?
There will be regular articles written in the Adventist Review, Elder’s Digest and Ministry magazine as well as the Union Papers.
WHAT ABOUT THE HOPE CHANNEL? HOW WILL IT COVER THE STORY?
There is a Video team producing short reports for the Hope Channel and chronicling the “Follow the Bible” story. There are regular features on the Hope Channel.
WHAT IS THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATION FOR “FOLLOW THE BIBLE”?
The major objective of the General Conference Administration is to inspire millions of Seventh-day Adventists to further Bible Study. Recent surveys indicate that less than 50% of the church membership is regularly studying the Bible. “Follow the Bible” has the possibility of re-igniting the desire to study God’s Word. It has the possibility of lifting the average church member to new heights of spirituality through God’s Word. What if all 16 million Seventh-day Adventists were faithfully studying God’s Word each day? What if they were discovering Jesus personally in His Word? What if they had a new vital experience with our Lord? God would pour out His Spirit in abundance and we would see an explosion of witnessing and evangelism like the church has never seen.
