the beginning!
For the third time this year, I’ve read through the word of God and enjoyed every moment of it. In fact, every time that I’ve ever read through in the twenty-five plus years I’ve been saved I’ve learned something new, seen a verse in a slightly different way and made yet more connections between Testaments, connections in doctrine, prophecy and many of the precious truths that have inspired me and have been even further cemented in my heart and mind.
In my opinion, the Bible in its entirety appears to us, especially in the beginning, in fragments, fragments of information much of which is fairly unrelated or unconnected and as time goes on, and with our diligent study and reading of the scriptures those fragments of information begin to fall into place and a crisp, clear picture begins to emerge.
On a personal note, reading, in general, is something I enjoy doing. There are many in this world even in this country alone who cannot read and I know of some personally who cannot. This became one of the driving forces behind my reading habits. Reading is a panacea against ignorance. We need more readers of good books. The fruit gained from reading will manifest itself and open doors of learning and understanding, a lack of reading results in ignorance. Just read the reading habits of great men throughout history including the mover and shakers within Christiandom and you will see what I mean. Start with Spurgeon or the Puritans and go from there. Their writings show the depth of their reading.
But the Bible, now that is a different type of Book. It is God’s word to us, showing us, teaching us, challenging us and preparing us not only how to live this life well, but also to live with hope and expectation for the one to come. Within its pages, we learn of the God of creation, creation itself, man’s rebellion against God and subsequent fall and the immediate action God took to redeem man back unto himself. When I read of that first act of grace where God sought out Adam and prepared for him a covering made from the skin of an animal, I saw in God mercy and grace. The word of God is this so much more!
The Bible, among other things, is God’s book of redemption, His plan to redeem a fallen corrupt, creation unto himself to restore that which was lost. We see this theme in its various forms and types unfolding throughout the Old Testament with fulfillment in the New in the Lord Jesus Christ, but it doesn’t end there, there is much, much more to come. Read it and find out what.
It is my conviction that Christians ought to read their Bibles every day. I do encourage the folks here at Bible Way to spend time in their Bibles, to both to read and study it, to make it a daily part of their spiritual diet. I am blessed and encouraged as a pastor (as I am sure many pastors reading this are as well) to see and hear the testimonies from folks who have read through the Bible and have been shown something from the Lord each time through. They share what an encouragement it is as they learn for themselves personally the promises of God made to them through the Lord Jesus Christ. How they are just a bit closer to the Lord in their walk as a result.
The questions asked biblical truth learned and applied, praise towards God and sanctified lives are a testimony to the power and influence of God’s word in the life of the believer.
Henry Halley the author of Henry’s Bible Handbook (This is a nice resource) said this about the scripture:
The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.
Peter 3:18 says we are to, grow in the grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, there is no better way than to spend time in his word.
I am asked from time to time about a reading plan. There are dozens of “plans” and so the question now is, which one is the best. Well, I’ll give it to you, the VERY BEST PLAN IS…
THE ONE THAT GETS YOU IN THE BOOK ON A REGULAR BASIS!
That’s it! Look, one thing I’ve learned over the years between the people of God and the Bible is that it is a very personal thing. It is the believer’s sword and in many ways reflects the spiritual life and service of the believer. Just take a look at the condition of some of the Bibles in your network of Christian friends. I’ve seen them with pages falling out, duck tape used to hold it together. I’ve seen others where the bindings were stretched to their absolute limits, straining against all the notes, papers and tracts tucked away in them and let’s not forget the markings and highlights. So yeah the Bible is very personal to believers and therefore their approaches may be different. The point is to make it YOURS personally! Once you do that then time in it will well spent and rewarding.
WHAT IS THE BIBLE TO YOU?
With the New Year just around the corner and plans and strategies being made for the upcoming year, what is your plan spiritually, what place will the Bible have in your life and thoughts, will you take the time to read and study. You won’t regret it and spiritually you will be better for it.
That’s all for now folks!
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