Before the days of bible reading apps on our phones, you could get a clue as to whether a person was a Christian by the Bible they carried. These days many no longer keep a Bible close to themselves, but whether our Bible is electronic or paper we still encourage everyone to read it. Why do we do this? Well here are some of the reasons.

The Bible tells me to read it

Amazingly in our Bibles we are presented with a book that tells its reader to regularly revisit it, to learn it, to read it aloud and to expose our lives to it. This is all good advice!

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. Josh 1:8 HCSB

The early church taught that we should engage with the apostles teaching, which is the New Testament, and they themselves continually quoted or referred to the Old Testament.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. Acts 2:42 HCSB

The Bible All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 HCSB

It saves me!

Salvation comes through Jesus – the one name given to us by which we must be saved and the Bible keeps that name before us.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing those from whom you learned, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 3:14-16 HCSB

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17 NKJV

It’s Alive

This book is made alive by God’s Spirit who speaks to me. Just like need bread to eat, I need living bread to grow in God.

2 Cor 3:6 He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit produces life.

1 Peter 1:23 Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. NLT

It guides me

The Bible guides our path, our walking, our pilgrimage with God.

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. Ps 119:105 HCSB

It is true and dependable

Lots of people feed us a line – went us to believe their agenda. Some people even manipulate this book to mislead you, but f you read it yourself, you won’t go wrong. It will correct you, and you’re thinking. If you get your teaching from the Bible and focus on what it actually says, then you are safe. Even good men of God can be mistaken but the Bible is not mistaken!

Matt 22:29 Jesus answered them, "You are deceived, because you don't know the Scriptures or the power of God.

Eph 1:13 In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation—in Him when you believed—were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. HCSB

It gives me peace

It doesn’t if you rush a quick two minutes reading in, but if you give it time and bathe in the word peace will result

Col 3:15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. AMP

It opens you up to God’s Spirit – the Spirit of peace and will lead you by still waters to fresh pastures

It empowers me

It enables you to take a stand and to resist spiritual l forces in this battle that we call life.

Eph 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word. HCSB

It tells that I am loved

As a child I learned this song, and it is still a great song!

I am so glad that our Father in Heav’n Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n; Wonderful things in the Bible I see, This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.

Recognising we are loved by God is so important in a society that reckons it is love starved!

Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. NIV

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. HCSB

It makes me wise

It tells us how to live, to make the most of life, to please God and live at peace with each other. It is full of answers – it answers questions we haven’t even asked yet!

Ps 19:7 the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. HCSB

It brings Faith

We are called to live a life of ever increasing faith – that faith is fostered and nurtured as we read the word and are breathed on by God’s Spirit

John 20:30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.  HCSB

Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. NKJV

Conclusion

Get up earlier and read it, take it to work with you and read whilst eating your lunch. Install it on your phone! The Bible is so good for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to open it’s meaning to you and get hold of that Bible – it’s a real page turner!