Encounter God In His Word | Northstar Church

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

How do you view the Bible? Do you view spending time in the Bible as an obligation on your to-do list? “When I finish the three chapters in Galatians then I can check off today’s reading list.” It is easy to relegate reading the Bible to church or small groups. You imagine that is the best place to study the Bible.

What we have failed to realize is that God is not just restricted to a church, small group, or book. podcast, etc. He’s always with you and always available to talk. While going to church and small groups are important in themselves, we can literally encounter Him anytime and anywhere.“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. (Psalm 119:9-10)

The purpose of reading the Word is to get to know the One to whom the Word points. Jesus said “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39) The Word is what displays God’s character and nature so that we can encounter God. Before you spend time in the Word, invite the Holy Spirit there to give you understanding of Who God is. “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

The Bible remains the only source of divine revelation and power that can sustain you as a Christian in your walk with God. The Bible provides us with the incredible privilege to know God personally through His Word. Bookstores are filled with books attempting to help us figure out this life. There are countless self-help books on marriage, parenting, relationships, and personal growth. There are countless other books on addiction recovery and the ups and downs of life. Still more give views on life after death, good and evil, and the human condition. But only the Bible gives us answers to those questions directly from the God who created us. The Bible is God’s inspired words to us. No self-help book can come close to the words of our Creator.

Regardless of what season of life you are in, there is still so much to learn about God. Reading the Bible reminds us that our knowledge of God can always be improved. Reading the Bible completely forces us to reflect upon all aspects of God’s character and allows us to know Him in new ways.

Reading the Bible daily enables you to experience the gospel in a new way. God will meet you each and every time you read through His Word.

Discussion Question:

Read Psalm 119:103, 105, 114, and 160: What do these verses say to you about studying the Bible?
What can we do this week to improve how we read and study the Bible?