It is a "reading Bible" that has restored the formatting of the Bible to its original layout by removing the features we've added over time (chapter numbers, verse numbers, section headings, cross references, footnotes, etc.). This makes it read more like the grand narrative it was written to be. The translation is Tyndale House Publisher's widely-respected New Living Translation - a modern, readable translation that's accessible to readers of all ages.

One of the more innovative and refreshing aspects of the Immerse Bible is its approach to reading and discussing the Bible in community. Group members will read through the books of Luke and Acts together over the course of four weeks, gathering each week to discuss the same four questions that anyone can answer regardless of where they are on their faith journey:

• What stood out to you this week?
• Was there anything that was confusing or troubling?
• Did anything make you think differently about God?
• How might this change the way that we live?

From a content standpoint, they are identical. But the layout and organization is unique. Immerse: Luke and Acts is actually Luke's original unified work that was pulled apart in our modern Bibles.

And as mentioned above, it has removed all the markings that have been added over time. Many of these elements are useful for finding passages, but serve as stop signs that promote reading in smaller chunks. Removing those markings makes it read more like an epic book than a typical Bible and leads to "Aha!" moments as broad themes that may have been previously missed are discovered!

We'll be giving free physical copies at our campuses to everyone who registers, starting on the weekend of January 11/12. To get your copy, simply register here. You'll receive a confirmation email that you can use to pick up your copy of the Immerse Bible at your campus. If you miss the 3 weeks of distribution, please contact your campus' Groups Pastor.

Yes! It's also available on the Saddleback App as a Journey that includes the Immerse audiobook and the text of the readings for each day. So feel free to choose your favorite way of engaging with books or combine different approaches that make use of drive time, gym time, etc. to complete each week's reading. A popular way to read the Immerse Bible is to listen along to the audio reading on the app.

It averages out to about 25-30 minutes a day, five days a week. For some, it will be easiest to do it in one sitting as part of a daily quiet time. For others, splitting it into 15-minute chunks to begin and end each day may feel more doable and natural. You can also listen to the audio through the Journey on the Saddleback App!

Technically yes, there is nothing stopping you from reading on your own. But flying solo would mean missing out on some of the real beauty being in a small group. Reading through the Immerse Bible in four weeks is a big undertaking. Not only will having a weekly discussion on the calendar help keep you motivated to stick to the reading plan, but God will also use other perspectives to help you see new things in Scripture. It's an experience not unlike that of the early church where Bible passages were read aloud in gatherings and discussed together.

"Better together" has always been a core conviction at Saddleback. That's why we've made the Immerse Bible freely available to anyone and everyone ready to be a part of a small group to mine the treasure of God's Word together!

The best group for you is the one you start! This is a great opportunity to invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers to join you for the journey. You don't have to be a Bible scholar or expert - the group simply comes together each week and compares notes on what was read and discovered. To start a group, sign up here.

If you're still not comfortable launching your own group, don't worry. Each one of our campuses is offering an on-campus experience to make discussing and processing what we read each week easy. To view on-campus groups, visit our Event Calendar.

Don't be discouraged! Rather than rushing through the reading to catch up, it's best to jump forward to the starting point for each week's reading. That will give you a chance to read with the rest of the group that week. Then if you knock out that week's reading with time to spare, you can always go back and catch up.

The audio version in our Saddleback App can be a great way to supplement reading as well! Pray and ask God to help you find the time each week. You got this!

But if you do want to read the previous emails, you can do so here:

• Week 1

Absolutely! This is actually a perfect opportunity to extend an invitation to join you and your group. It's more of a Bible "exploration" than a Bible "study" that makes for a great introduction to God's Word for someone who may never have engaged or experienced it before. Check out some of our invite tools here!

You can email smallgroups@saddleback.com.

If you're interested in hosting a group, you can also watch this video where our Executive Pastor of Ministries, Jason Williams, talks about his experience leading his small group and reading the Immerse Bible together. Jason and his wife, Joy, have led several Immerse Bible groups and will share some best practices, tips, and tricks that will help ensure that you and your group have a transformational experience with God's Word that your group will never forget. Watch the video here.