Why the Bible Matters
Why do so few people read the Bible?
I’m not talking about a random verse pulled out to make a point, I’m talking about the book itself . . . the entity . . . this thing that’s integral to our faith. It’s one of the most important topics!
God’s Word is eternal . . . it’ll last beyond the internet, the Super Bowl, the iPhone, the Final Four . . . everything. In heaven, we’ll recognize the words, the wisdom, and the authors, and we’ll never tire of learning what it all means.
So why bother now? Why not wait until heaven when we’ll have all the time in the world? (. . . or out of the world?) Besides, is this stuff really important? Is it really true? Why do we struggle to get into it?
There’s the fact that God’s Word has been around . . . unchanged for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and almost half the world’s population believes its essence. A friend of mine was ready to commit his life to the nine ‘insights’ spelled out in The Celestine Prophecy. I asked, “Wow, what if the author changes his mind, or discovers some new truth?” Shortly after, he published The Tenth Insight. My friend later became a Jesus-follower.
Isn’t it smarter to build your life on a time-tested plan? The New Testament approach to life is wise, effective, stable, practical, and true.
“But isn’t the Bible just a compendium of stories and folklore, pieced together by church people with a motive?”
Sounds convincing, until you try to explain how the Dead Sea Scrolls perfectly matched earlier manuscripts and were untouched by church people from their recording until their discovery in the 1950s. The Bible is true. You can depend on it.
“But is it relevant?” You bet it is! Here’s just one example . . .
You get a new job or have your first child or move to a new church. You’re scared out of your skin! But when you read 2 Timothy 1:7, God reminds you “the spirit of fear is not of God, but God is love, power and a sound mind.” Suddenly, you realize “Hey, I can do this! God loves me! This fear I’m feeling isn’t coming from Him . . . I have His power within me . . . I can discipline myself . . . I have a sound mind . . . let’s get on with it!” You’re no longer afraid.
And one more point . . . the Bible is supernatural! I’m not kidding.
Remember Hebrews 4:12? “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Paraphrase: God will use His Word to help you sort out your thoughts and attitudes regarding what you want (i.e., your “heart”).
I take that to mean when I read the Bible and ask, “God, what are you teaching me here?” or “Lord, what would you have me do?” He’ll often give me wisdom I’m not smart enough to discover on my own.
And then I try to obey. I also write it down in my journal, because I don’t want to forget. I’ve unearthed much of what’s written in my blog posts this way.
So . . . read your Bible. And chat with the Author as you read. Pray. Ask questions. Listen to His answers and instructions.
Scripture: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Mentor Tip: Let your guys hear Scripture verses season your conversations. Don’t lord it over them with chapter and verse . . . just let it flow out of you as God brings His truth to mind.
On a related note, if you’re interested in doing a little Bible study on mentoring the way Jesus did it? Check out this reading plan!
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Responses (1)
Hi Regi!
If you are looking for a resource to help men really become faithful and fruitful in God’s word, please check out TheWord.Online. The short video there will quickly show you what men think of it.
Thanks!
Dave Garratt