Core52

Core52 is a new book and online resource available from pastor and teacher Mark Moore. This book is "a Fifteen-Minutes Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year." Each of the 52 chapters focuses on a key verse and doctrine from the Bible. Each chapter focuses on an essay that provides an introduction to the verse or concept. After each essay, a This Week checklist appears which provides the daily assignments for the week. Day 1 is to read the essay. Day 2 is to memorize the verse of the week. Day 3 indicates several Bible chapters to read. Day 4 suggests several passages for meditation and day 5 provides an activity to complete. Moore also provides several additional options including the Overachiever Challenge which suggests another memory verse and a suggested book to read to learn more about the topic.

As Dr. Mark Moore currently serves as teaching pastor at Christ's Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona and previously taught at Ozark Christian College each essay is very thorough but is designed for individuals who do not have a Bible background. As Core52 is not a "through the Bible" reading plan, Moore is able to draw from the entirety of scripture to explore each topic. As such, although readers will not have read the entire Bible when they finish Core52, they will have a very thorough understanding of the entire Bible and it's content. Individuals who truly utilize the activities for all 5 days of each week will go beyond mere reading of scripture to truly knowing and applying it.

The combination of a book and online resources including an app provides an excellent resources that can be utilized in numerous ways. Individuals are certainly encouraged to read the book for their own spiritual growth. While reading the book, I frequently found myself thinking a discussion guide would be quite handy. I was delighted to find that a discussion guide is available on the accompanying website which makes Core52 an excellent resource for a small group or Sunday School class to study. The online app also includes a video essays for each week and other resources. Ministers will find a wealth of material to use for preaching as well. The combined use of Core52 for preaching and small groups would provide a dynamic opportunity for spiritual growth in a congregation. I highly recommend that ministers or small group leaders who are seeking material for groups that begin in the fall or January consider this resource.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Core52 via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.