November 2025 - Volume 57 - Number 11
The sermons for 2026 will follow the topics in Core 52, written by Mark Moore. Mark taught at Ozark Christian College and is currently on staff at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ. In the introduction to the book, Mark writes:
“The positive impact of Scripture on individuals, families, and society has been proved time and again. One study involving one hundred thousand people over eight years showed dramatic results. This research showed that those who engage the Bible four or more times a week experienced far less destructive behavior: 62 percent less drunkenness, 59 percent less pornography use, 59 percent less sexual sin, and 45 percent less gambling. These results were not from guilt manipulation but were rather the mark of personal transformation. The positive message of Scripture allowed individuals to reduce bitterness by 40 percent, destructive thoughts by 32 percent, isolation by 32 percent, inability to forgive by 31 percent, and loneliness by 30 percent.
“Bible engagement improves your self-esteem, family structure, and social interactions. It’s ‘the single most powerful predictor of spiritual growth.’ So if you want to know the Bible better—you’ll be better for it.”
The book includes what Mark calls a “strategic plan” to help you “master the entire Bible in a single year—fifteen minutes a day, five days a week.” In addition to the five-day-a-week plan in the book, there are videos on YouTube by Mark. Simply go to YouTube and search for “Mark Moore Core 52 videos.” That will take you to the first video, “Creation.” If you scroll down the page, you will see a list of all 52 videos that correspond to the chapters in the book.
We are also setting up the Bible reading plan in the church app. This year, the reading plan will take you through the New Testament in one year. We have left out the Old Testament reading plan for this year, but invite you to replace that with the Core 52 studies.
Now, we know that just reading the Bible, or watching videos, will not make you a Bible expert and give you all the improvements mentioned earlier. Then again, merely reading medical journals will not make you a doctor. Perhaps that is why they say doctors “practice medicine.” They learn a lot of information, but must put it into practice before it does anyone any good.
If you are into New Year’s resolutions, here is one for you. Resolved in 2026, to become a practicing Christian. To do that, I will read, study, seek to understand the Bible, and put myself in a position to learn from others, and then practice what I am learning.
Thanks for reading,
Rick
“The positive impact of Scripture on individuals, families, and society has been proved time and again. One study involving one hundred thousand people over eight years showed dramatic results. This research showed that those who engage the Bible four or more times a week experienced far less destructive behavior: 62 percent less drunkenness, 59 percent less pornography use, 59 percent less sexual sin, and 45 percent less gambling. These results were not from guilt manipulation but were rather the mark of personal transformation. The positive message of Scripture allowed individuals to reduce bitterness by 40 percent, destructive thoughts by 32 percent, isolation by 32 percent, inability to forgive by 31 percent, and loneliness by 30 percent.
“Bible engagement improves your self-esteem, family structure, and social interactions. It’s ‘the single most powerful predictor of spiritual growth.’ So if you want to know the Bible better—you’ll be better for it.”
The book includes what Mark calls a “strategic plan” to help you “master the entire Bible in a single year—fifteen minutes a day, five days a week.” In addition to the five-day-a-week plan in the book, there are videos on YouTube by Mark. Simply go to YouTube and search for “Mark Moore Core 52 videos.” That will take you to the first video, “Creation.” If you scroll down the page, you will see a list of all 52 videos that correspond to the chapters in the book.
We are also setting up the Bible reading plan in the church app. This year, the reading plan will take you through the New Testament in one year. We have left out the Old Testament reading plan for this year, but invite you to replace that with the Core 52 studies.
Now, we know that just reading the Bible, or watching videos, will not make you a Bible expert and give you all the improvements mentioned earlier. Then again, merely reading medical journals will not make you a doctor. Perhaps that is why they say doctors “practice medicine.” They learn a lot of information, but must put it into practice before it does anyone any good.
If you are into New Year’s resolutions, here is one for you. Resolved in 2026, to become a practicing Christian. To do that, I will read, study, seek to understand the Bible, and put myself in a position to learn from others, and then practice what I am learning.
Thanks for reading,
Rick
