Why Should I Read the Bible?
The Bible is more than just a good book; it is the Book of Life, which leads to life in Jesus Christ. It enables us to know God in all his majesty and glory, to know ourselves in all our brokenness, and the way of redemption and restoration.
Three benefits of Bible Reading
Keep it simple
There is no magic formula for reading the Bible, and God will reveal Himself to you as you start this journey.
The Bible was never meant to merely inform us; the Bible was meant to transform us.
- The Bible is a portal into knowing God and His heart towards you.
- The Bible is the most extravagant love letter of all time.
- The Bible is alive.
- The Bible will teach you how to pray.
- The Bible will change you if you submit to its wisdom.
Three benefits of Bible Reading
- It cleanses the soul. Spending time in God's Word helps us detox from the things that foster a sense of hopelessness in our lives. God uses His Word to wash our minds, emotions, and will so we can think clearly.
- It stretches our thinking. A good, basic understanding of Scripture encourages to explore unfamiliar and seemingly difficult passages. It can lead to new perspectives that improve and empower our lives.
- It leads us to the truth. The Bible contains the entire truth necessary for living a righteous life. Like a flashlight on a dark road, its teachings keep us on track through life's journey.
Keep it simple
There is no magic formula for reading the Bible, and God will reveal Himself to you as you start this journey.
The Bible was never meant to merely inform us; the Bible was meant to transform us.
Practical Tips for Bible Reading
Chose a time and place that's convenient for you
Many people read their Bible first thing in the morning, choosing to spend time with God before daily distractions get in the way. But if mornings aren't your thing, don't sweat it. That you read God's Word is more important than when you read God's Word.
Pray before you begin
Pause before you open your Bible and ask God to speak to you. Invite the Holy Spirit. As your "helper" (John 14:26), one of his ministries is to teach you "all things" (John 14:26) and to "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).
Remember, the Bible is God's Word; it is God's love letter written to His people, which includes you. Ask God to help you understand His Word. Ask God to use His Word to teach you, to direct you, and even to re-direct you when necessary. Ask Him to use His Word to help you know and love Him.
Read in small, bite-sized parts
It can be overwhelming to try to read the Bible. There's a lot of information there! But if you read it in small bites—say a chapter at a time—you will have read the whole Bible before you know it.
Read for about 10-15 minutes. Don't overwhelm yourself by reading an entire book in one sitting. Take time to think about what you read. Meditate on it. And don't forget to find the application in what you read, whether it is a promise to claim, a warning to heed, or a command to follow.
You don't have to start at the beginning of the Bible
Choose a book of the Bible that's easier to understand, such as one of the Gospels. Beginning with the Gospels will help you grasp the sacrifice of Jesus, identify with His time on earth and relate to Him in a more personal way.
Pray over what you read
When a particular portion strikes us, we should stop and pray over it. We can thank the Lord or praise Him for the promises we find in His Word. We can also ask Him to show us the meaning of a certain passage or talk to Him about a verse.
Persist
Regular Bible reading will lay a foundation for your Christian life, strengthen your faith, and help you know the Lord Jesus more profoundly.
Many people read their Bible first thing in the morning, choosing to spend time with God before daily distractions get in the way. But if mornings aren't your thing, don't sweat it. That you read God's Word is more important than when you read God's Word.
Pray before you begin
Pause before you open your Bible and ask God to speak to you. Invite the Holy Spirit. As your "helper" (John 14:26), one of his ministries is to teach you "all things" (John 14:26) and to "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).
Remember, the Bible is God's Word; it is God's love letter written to His people, which includes you. Ask God to help you understand His Word. Ask God to use His Word to teach you, to direct you, and even to re-direct you when necessary. Ask Him to use His Word to help you know and love Him.
Read in small, bite-sized parts
It can be overwhelming to try to read the Bible. There's a lot of information there! But if you read it in small bites—say a chapter at a time—you will have read the whole Bible before you know it.
Read for about 10-15 minutes. Don't overwhelm yourself by reading an entire book in one sitting. Take time to think about what you read. Meditate on it. And don't forget to find the application in what you read, whether it is a promise to claim, a warning to heed, or a command to follow.
You don't have to start at the beginning of the Bible
Choose a book of the Bible that's easier to understand, such as one of the Gospels. Beginning with the Gospels will help you grasp the sacrifice of Jesus, identify with His time on earth and relate to Him in a more personal way.
Pray over what you read
When a particular portion strikes us, we should stop and pray over it. We can thank the Lord or praise Him for the promises we find in His Word. We can also ask Him to show us the meaning of a certain passage or talk to Him about a verse.
Persist
Regular Bible reading will lay a foundation for your Christian life, strengthen your faith, and help you know the Lord Jesus more profoundly.