Media release: Get closer to God

Newfrontiers and Scripture Union have gone into partnership to encourage Bible reading. The Newfrontiers’ website (www.newfrontiers.xtn.org) now contains the contents to Scripture Union’s Bible-reading guide Closer to God and access to the material is free to all users. The Newfrontiers’ online shop will also have the printed guides available for sale.

The venture reflects a growing relationship between Closer to God and some of the newer Charismatic/Evangelical churches, which has involved the recruitment of Newfrontiers leaders Terry Virgo, David Holden and John Hosier as contributors.

Closer to God Editor Phil Andrews is excited by the prospect of more people being able to read God’s Word through the Bible-reading guide: ‘We’re delighted to be working with Newfrontiers to promote the importance of regular Bible study. We’re both in the business of communicating the life-changing power of the Bible in a Spirit-led way, so it makes sense for us to team up. We feel that it’s a very timely message, as despite the plethora of material now available Bible reading seems to be a habit in decline.’ This decline is highlighted by the fact that only 25% of people surveyed thought the Bible was the unique word of God.

Terry Virgo of Newfrontiers is enthusiastic about the partnership: ‘It’s difficult to overstate the value of systematic Bible reading. To do so with the aid of helpful notes from a gifted Christian teacher simply multiplies the blessing. Let me encourage you to take advantage of Closer to God and “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7 NASB).’

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Notes to Newsdesk:

1) For more information, contact Phil Andrews on 01908 856144.

2) 25% of people surveyed thought the Bible was the unique word of God - Opinion research business 2000.

3) Scripture Union is an international mission movement working with churches in more than 140 countries to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to children, young people and families, and to encourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer.

4) Scripture Union is keen to partner with other church streams, denominations and organisations with a Charismatic/Evangelical audience to whom they would like to promote Bible reading using Closer to God. For further information contact: Phil Andrews, closertogod@scriptureunion.org.uk