If you're new to the blog, let me catch you up. I talk a lot about getting into God's Word, or, here at Threshold what I call "entering into a Holy place."
I wrote a blog series about How to read the Bible, and I've written a large amount of Bible content. When you're reading about how to read the Bible, I'm making an assumption. And I want to apologize for it.
I'm assuming you want to read the Bible, and that you know why you're reading the Bible.
If you're asking yourself, "Why read the Bible?" This post is for you.
The Bible tells you who God is
"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8
If you want to get to know who God is, this is the best place to do it. The Bible tells us about who God is, it shows us His character through stories and testimonies, and it demonstrates His personality.
Reading the Bible is the easiest way to understand who God is.
In the context of religion, you might think or believe a certain thing about God. Sometimes, what appears in the Word can surprise you or catch you off guard. You need to read the Bible for yourself to learn about who God is, and get to know Him in a personal and intimate way.
The Bible tells you who you are
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure." 1 John 3:1-3
I believe a lie about my identity every day. That's why I have to be in the Word every day. God is able to speak to us through His Word to remind us of who we are, because of what He has accomplished.
Evangelism and discipleship go hand and hand. I need to be reminded of the goodness of Jesus every single day. The Bible is a place where I am constantly evangelized to, or in other words, it is the place where I go to be reminded of the simple gospel.
God's love is so great for you, and when you read the Bible, you give Him the opportunity to remind you of how He loves you and how His love changes you.
The Bible brings clarity to your life
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
Are you confused? There are so many overwhelming options at times, I can't even decide what I want for dinner. God knows that life is overwhelming, and He is prepared to walk with us through it and to equip us for it.
One of the key ways God can do this for you is through the Word. By reading the Bible, you're literally consuming God's Word. You're inviting God to speak into your life, and you're giving Him a chance to direct you.
Without spending time in the Word, life will feel overwhelming and you might even feel directionless.
Reading the Bible gives you perspective and direction. God will show you the way, and clarify which way when you spend time with Him in the Word.
The Bible directs you in the ways of Jesus
"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.’” Matthew 4:10
If you're a follower of Jesus, then you likely want to become more like Him. To become more like Jesus, you need to know how He spoke and what He did. The gospels show us who Jesus is as we get to hear words that were spoken by Him. Since God never changes, we can be confident the Bible gives us clear direction in the ways of Jesus and they still apply today.
If you're still not convinced, notice that Jesus often quotes the Old Testament in the New Testament. Being like Jesus means being familiar with the Bible, because Jesus was often quoting the Old Testament during His time on earth.
He used the scripture as a tool in His life, and we should do the same.
The Bible equips you for your daily battles
"But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
You are equipped for your daily life through God's Word. In the same way that you notice when you're hungry and haven't eaten, living without the Word in your heart, mind, and spirit is starving yourself spiritually. And eventually, you will start to notice.
We are meant to be dependent on God, and when we read the Bible we are able to let God become the One who satisfies. Through His Word, God will equip you for anything you might face in your daily life. He will provide you with the energy, strength, endurance, hope and peace you need.
You just need to get in the Word so He can meet you there.
So why do you read the Bible?
These were only a few examples of why it's important to be diligent about being in the Word of God, but there are so many other good reasons to read the Bible. What's one of your reasons?
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