First time here
✠ WelcomeWELCOME
This is a place where the Bible is explained plainly, by a Christian church that belongs to no denomination and asks you to join nothing. Read one verse. That is the whole first step, and it is enough for today.
Can I come if I am not a member?
Yes. Everyone is welcome. It is fine just to sit quietly and watch.
What should I wear?
Everyday clothes are fine.
Do I have to give money?
No. Give only if you wish, and only what you can.
Can I bring children?
Of course. If they cry, that is fine; everyone has been there.
Can I talk to someone afterward?
Yes. Speak to the clergy or a member. There is also an introduction course.
Read the verse of the day, aloud, twice.
Read one Gospel, Mark, a chapter a day. Pray one Psalm each morning.
Follow the thirty-day path below. Ask a question when you get stuck.
A thirty-day path
Mark 1 to 16: the shortest Gospel, one chapter a day, some days two
Psalms 1, 23, 51, 100, 121, 130, 139: learn to pray them
Luke 1 to 2, then 22 to 24: the birth and the Passion
Genesis 1 to 12: creation, the fall, the flood, the call of Abraham
Exodus 1 to 20: slavery, Passover, the sea, the Law
Isaiah 7, 9, 40, 53: the prophecies read at Christmas and Holy Week
John 1, 3, 6, 14 to 17: the Word, new birth, the bread, the last discourse
Acts 1 to 2: the Church is born, and you are part of the story
I am not a Christian. Is this for me?
Yes. Nothing is asked of you but attention. Jews, Muslims, seekers and doubters read here, and are welcome to ask.
I am a Christian of another church. Is this for me?
Yes. This place explains your tradition faithfully and claims nothing from it. Read, pray, and go back to your church on Sunday.
What do the Latin headings mean?
Each has its English beside it. Latin is used because it is the common old tongue of the Western Church and belongs to no living nation.
What are KIBOJO and The IHS Project?
Illustrated stories modelled on Scripture, for children and families. They have their own pages and are kept small here on purpose.
What if I have no words to pray?
Borrow them: the Lord's Prayer, the Psalms, the sign of the cross. Say them aloud and you will find you are not alone.
Who runs this?
IHS Bethlehem Church, an independent, non-denominational Christian church. See About.
Ten words to know
Scripture
The Bible: the Old Testament, which Jews call the Tanakh, and the New. The Word of God in human words.
Gospel
Good news: the announcement that Jesus has died and risen. Also the four books that tell it.
Covenant
A binding promise between God and his people: Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the new covenant in Christ.
Grace
A gift from God, not earned and not repayable. The whole Gospel in one word.
Creed
A short confession of the faith. Two are used everywhere: the Apostles' and the Nicene.
Liturgy
The public worship of the Church, ordered and shared: the Mass, the Divine Liturgy, morning and evening prayer.
Sacrament
A visible sign through which, the churches teach, God gives invisible grace: baptism, the Eucharist and others. Explained here; not administered.
Saint
In the New Testament, any Christian; in the churches, a Christian whose holiness is recognised and whose prayers are asked.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— John 1:1
