Issue 1,001 – The Bible – Why Read it? March 8, 2023
There is no doubt that the best-selling book of all time is the Bible. It is available (at least in part) in over 2,800 languages and a myriad of translations. It is available in print, audio and electronic formats and is accessible to most of the world’s population.
It is readily available to every person in Canada in one form or another. Some Christians have read it many times, others have read it through once, and still, more have read at least some of it. Why do we read it?
I believe there are several reasons that all believers should read the Bible entirely and often.
We read it because it is useful.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
There is more to the Word than just being practical. As one writer puts it, we read the Scriptures because it gives us “knowledge of God, knowing God as our Creator and Redeemer. Through the Bible we know that God is our Father, Christ is our Brother, and the Spirit is our comforter. Knowing this in deeper degree is the goal of our instruction.”
The apostle Paul writes, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him” Ephesians 1:16-17
The Scriptures give us hope.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope Romans 15:4
If we read a little further in Paul’s Epistle to the church in Ephesus, we also see that,
“having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might” Ephesians 1:18-19
The Scriptures give us faith. If we understand that the Bible is God’s Word for us, we are drawn to Him in reading it.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope Romans 10:17
We read the Bible because it challenges our hearts to love.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
One of the greatest gifts God gave us is His Word. It isn’t always easy to read, but it is a love letter from our Heavenly Father.
It is a joy and privilege to have it so accessible to us. Let’s make the most of it and read it regularly.
Read the Word. Read the Word. Read the Word.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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