Why you should read the entire Bible this year....
We all know the Bible is absolutely vital to our spiritual life and health. We have heard and read Scriptures like “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth” (James 1:18), and “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).
We say, "Amen! Hallelujah!" and commit passionately to read our Bibles every day.
BUT sometimes the best of intentions in a busy life and the tyranny of the urgent can distract and derail us. If it’s not one thing (time), then it can be many others (just got to Leviticus and I’ve lost my zeal, weariness, too far behind, etc.).
These distractions will always be present, so we need to find a way to fight through them. Listen again to why God motivates you and me to stay immersed in His word.
It is the only book God ever wrote: “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Tim. 3:16a).
It is the only book that reveals the absolute truth about everything primary: Jesus said, “Your Word is truth” (John 17:17).
It is the only book that tells you why you exist: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).
It is the only book that informs you about your number one core problem: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
It is the only book that announces the good news solution to your fundamental problem: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3).
It is the only book that can read you inside and out: “For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
It is the only book that can grow and nourish your soul: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4); “long for the pure milk of the word that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2)
It is the only book that teaches you how to stay away from sin (“Your word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against You” - Psalm 119:11), and Satan (“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the Devil” - Eph. 6:11).
It is the only book that can tell you what to expect in the future: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself “ (Phil. 3:20-21).
There are others, and they all reflect why God wants you and me to stay invested and engaged in His word, but let me give you the final overarching one.
It is the only book that can sufficiently address all aspects of your life in Christ: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching (what you need to know), for reproof (where you got off track), for correction (how to get back on track), for training in righteousness (how to stay on track); so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Okay, so how can you renew your commitment? Check out our Bible Reading Resources and choose the best reading plan for you, and let God’s supernatural book keep transforming your life. Maybe even ask a family member or friend to read through with you.
Pastor Jeff