Four years ago I tried to read the Bible from start to finish, but it ended up in the trash before getting through Genesis. That sounds horrible, but I have to admit it’s the truth. I concluded that the bible wasn’t for me around the time Lot’s wife turned to a pillar of salt.
People seem amazed that I didn’t read the Bible before that point, especially after going through 12 years of Catholic school. But when I read it in school, it was reading to remember facts like who came first–Abraham or Jacob?–for the sake of passing a test in religion class.
The concept of the “living word” eluded me, and as a result, I began to reap what I sowed in life.
Why Read the Bible? 3 Reasons
More than three reasons exist to read the Bible, but these three have made a direct impact on my life. Please feel free to add more in comments below. Your experience matters.
1. The Bible tells us about God
We can speculate all we want about who or what God is and what he wants for us, but if we really want to know who He is, we just have to read the Bible. In John 5:39-40, Jesus says clearly, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
2. The Bible gives us a roadmap for how to live our lives
As a result of being about God, the Bible reveals the not-so-secret details about how God wants us to live our lives.
A number of verses point us to this truth, but 2 Timothy 3:16 says it clearly: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Also Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.” Amen!
3. As we read the Living Word, our life is transformed
As an English major in college, I read tons of books for interest, cultural knowledge and background information. The concept of a “living word” confounded me, and so I basically dismissed it as some kind of Christian lingo.
But the Living Word is nothing short of a miracle handed directly to us in a language we can understand. When we read the Bible, especially when we pray that God reveals Himself to us through His words, we start to notice a shift in reality. We start to see what’s truly real.
I’ve asked some questions in my mind. I’ve wondered about some controversial topics in my heart. I’ve read the Bible and let the words sink in. Answers came.
How can it be explained in our limited human understanding?
It takes faith, but I believe that reading the Word helps transform our whole life–mind, body and soul. When we read the Bible, new insights are revealed and deeper levels of faith are uncovered. Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Start where you want. Pray for guidance while you read. Watch how God increases in your life. It’s not bad advice: Read the Bible.
People are living in despair all over the world while God is knocking right at their front door. It makes you think, doesn’t it? Jesus has every cure and every answer known to man, yet people would rather struggle and suffer than to turn to Him. The forces of evil are as strong as people allow them to be.
Thanks for blogging for Jesus!
@Diane — Thanks for your comment. It’s hard to believe what we can’t see with our own two eyes, and some of us do spend much of our lives running from God. The good news is, He’s always waiting with open arms. The Bible continues to show us this message over and over again.
@SweetMummy — Thank you very much 🙂 I like the additions on your site’s sidebars. Nice work!
@Monica — I agree! For some reason I didn’t trust in the Bible before thinking “It’s just an old book.” The living word is life changing.
@Hua — YES! It was always a bit confusing to hear the story and not know/understand the background. References in the New Testament take on whole new meanings now.
The Bible is a book we can read continuously our whole lives and always find fresh perspectives. Amen!
I love how you lay this out so very clearly. An awesome post, with great info. Staight forward and to the point!
By the way, I stopped by to tell you I’ve given you an award! Come over to my blog and check it out! CONGRATS! 🙂
Could not agree more. If there is one book one should read every day, it is the Bible. It is simply amazing how the Bible comes alive and meets us exactly where we are. The same verse may be understood one way at a particular time in our lives only to be transformed to a deeper meaner at another. The Word became Man…a profound statement of truth!
I’m on my second reading through the Bible. Another benefit I’ve found is that it helped me better understand the verses and stories I heard in church because I know the context in which those took place.
Dear Jen,
I’m not sure if you’re still active on this blog. If you are, then I hope you read this message. I wanted to let you know how much your posts have inspired me and helped me. I can relate to many things you have written. I started reading your blog a few months ago when my anxiety was at its worst and now I’m good. God has helped and showed me what to do. Reading the bible, praying with a sincere heart, obeying God have helped tremendously and I’m already seeing the changes. But reading your blog and testimony (and listening to Joyce Meyer’s sermons) has helped a lot too. I have shared your blog with most of my friends that needed some guidence in their marriages or getting closer to God, and I’m sure it will be a blessing for them as well.
I hope the Lord continues blessing you and inspiring you.
Sincerely,
Karla A. 🙂
Dear Karla,
Thank you SO much for your comment; it truly blesses me to read this! I was inactive on the blog for a few years while having my kiddos, but we kept it online in the hopes that it would be there to encourage others. I’ve been feeling called to return to GoingByFaith and also praying for God’s guidance. Thank you for your prayers.
I suffered with anxiety for years and years and tried almost everything out there. Only God sister. All these years later I still turn to God’s word and prayer for help. He never fails us!
God bless you, and thanks for reaching out and for sharing encouragement here with others.