December 26, 2010
Five Reasons to Read the Bible
For the truth about God. The world gives us a multiplicity of meanings as to who God is and what He is all about. The Bible gives us a proper standard for truth by which to test everything else we hear or read. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. (Proverbs 2: 6, 9 NIV 2011)- To keep our thoughts focused. Living in the world, we think worldly things. That can cut off our focus on God and our communication with him. It’s a tug of war. God’s word will draw us to Him even as the world tries to draw us away. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)
- Because we need direction. Just as our thoughts can be drawn away from God so our will and decision making can be drawn away from His best. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. (II Tim 3: 16, 17 The Message)
- As an act of obedience. If we love God, we will want to do the things that please Him. He should keep it with him all the time and read from it every day of his life. Then he will learn to respect the Lord his God, and he will obey all the teachings and commands. (Deut 17: 19 NCV)
- As a weapon of our spiritual warfare. The Bible is described as the “sword of the Spirit.” It can be used against the ideas that Satan confronts us with through others, or simply puts into our minds. Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'” (Matt 4:10 ESV)
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Christianity 201 
Is this directed towards Christians? The points seem to be preaching to the chior if it is, I do not know any Christians who wouldn’t agree they should read the Bible. But if to unbelievers, these are not reasons any of them would find compelling. So what real benefit does this serve and to whom?
Comment by John Barron Jr. — December 26, 2010 @ 7:34 pm |
Any good football coach will tell you that the key to a winning game is execution of the fundamentals. This is actually a re-write of a piece that was distributed in the late ’70s by the New York International Bible Society. As I studied their version of it, and the accompanying scriptures — which I retained — I thought there might be a way to make the differentiation between the points a little more overt and a little more intentional.
It may be familiar territory to some of us, but so much of the Christian internet ignores those who are new to faith and who are seeking. I tried to re-state these basic points but in a way that interest everyone including those who are processing their faith beyond the 101 level.
This blog is a bit of a potpourri of authors and articles, but I try to keep the themes Christ-centered and Bible-centered. I guess you can always come back tomorrow to see what’s here then!
Comment by paulthinkingoutloud — December 26, 2010 @ 7:47 pm |
Good list and good points. Sometimes I feel a little mechanic using a checklist and a plan to do my reading, but I think in the long run it is better to be disciplined in my devotional time than risk not doing it all.
Peace,
Tony
Comment by Tony — December 26, 2010 @ 7:37 pm |