Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us at the next Sunday worship service:
In-Person
9:00am & 10:45am,
Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

IS THE BIBLE STILL IMPORTANT?

“The Bible is the book of my life. It’s the book I live with, the book I live by, the book I want to die by.” -N. T. Wright.

It might seem like a shocking statement but the people we read about in the Bible never read the Bible. The Bible was written in stages. The Old Testament wasn’t complete until the fifth century BC, and even in the best scenario, when the Bible was compiled, there would have only been one copy at a time because everything had to be copied by hand. In New Testament times, Israelites had the Old Testament. But it would have been extremely rare for someone to have a Torah at home due to the expense and labor of hand-copying.  So basically, most biblical people were unaware of what we think of today as the Bible. Most were not “having devotions” and “studying the Word.”

Things are certainly different today. Most people can access the Bible anywhere and everywhere. We can find it online or in bookstores; most of us have multiple translations at home. We have literal versions, paraphrased ones, study Bibles, and one-year Bibles, ready to meet us wherever we are on our spiritual journey. Unfortunately, there are still people worldwide without access to even one Bible in their language, yet risking their lives to obtain a copy of God’s Word.

The Bible is a one-of-a-kind book in many ways. It has impacted countries and people worldwide ever since it was written. Reading it can leave you inspired, amazed, horrified, and challenged. The Bible is not just any old book that was written centuries ago and, as a result, is no longer relevant today.  It is the inspired word of God. It is amazing how much these texts are still immensely convicting and practical even though they are thousands of years old. It was written by 40 men from 3 continents over the course of 1,500 years, yet is without contradiction. It is “…alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12).

Every time you read the Bible, God can speak to and touch you in a new way. Our Bible is always there almost at arms reach for a lot of us and yes, we do sometimes view our reading of it as a duty. It begs the question, do we take the Bible for granted?

First and foremost, the Bible is essential for knowing God and His will for our lives. Without Scripture, people can know about God’s power and divine nature by examining creation (Romans 1:20). They also know God’s law because it is written on their hearts (Romans 2:14–15).

Read the whole Bible if you never have before. If you have already read through the Bible, consider studying Scripture in more detail by concentrating on one daily passage. Continue thinking about that passage throughout the day and think of ways to apply what you have learned.

The Psalmist reminds us, “Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word” (Psalm 119:37).

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you take God’s Word for granted sometimes?  
  2. What can we do this week to ensure we don’t take God’s Word for granted?  

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