Understanding why we need to use the Bible is very important in making our faith stronger. Not just blind belief, but the type of faith by God’s definition: seeking His word and glorifying Him by following it. When we open God’s word, we get insight into who God is, what He planned for His creation from the beginning, how we can please Him, and why we should honor Him. The Bible aides us in this current life we live and shows us where we will spend eternity when life is over. He is the source of wisdom and gives us truthful answers to all of life’s important questions. (Proverbs 2:6). Man’s reasoning is often flawed and changes frequently, unlike God who is constant, dependable, and never changing (James 1:17).
Having a stronger faith sounds simple, but the only way we can know how to have a pleasing and honoring relationship with God is to open our Bibles and actually read from the source of faith itself (Romans 10:17). We take the time to read instruction manuals for machinery, rules for the sports we play, and learn about the technology we use. Learning what our creator gave to us as a life-guide should be at the top of the list if we want to have a better faith and the only way to learn it, unfiltered by what others say, is by reading it for yourself. It isn’t difficult to understand what the Bible says about how we should live, but it can be challenging to do it. Thankfully, God gifted us answers to these challenges.
Knowing scripture and taking the time to study what is in our Bibles will help us to know when scriptures are taken out of context, applied incorrectly, or used to support a message not intended by God. It is important to go to the source He has provided for us and read for ourselves what truth is. Jesus said God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and it can make disciples holy (sanctified), so we must be very familiar with it. We need to distinguish God’s words from the opinions or preferences of people. Many times, scriptures are used incorrectly with great intentions, but changing or misunderstanding God’s word defeats the entire purpose of what our faith is all about. God doesn’t need additions or changes to make His word better. Through His providence we have been given His truth. It is easily accessible to everyone, and as simple as opening a Bible or Bible app on your phone. Let’s get busy learning what pleases God (Ephesians 5:9-10).
Often, knowing where to start reading the Bible can be challenging. Understanding that God had a plan for Jesus to be the Savior of all mankind from the beginning is helpful as you read Genesis (the beginning of the Old Testament). The Old Testament, among so many other things, is a great history showing how necessary it was for God to make a nation (ancient Israel) from which Jesus Christ would come (Matthew 1:1). The bulk of the Old Testament deals with God’s relationship with ancient Israel, but also includes many prophecies regarding Christ and how He would make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf (e.g., Isaiah 53). The first four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are four points of view of the same history, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and how the Gospel was to be spread throughout the world by the apostles. Following the four Gospels, the book of Acts teaches what comes after the life of Jesus, the history of the church, and how to become a Christian (Acts 2:37-41). The remaining books in the New Testament are letters to the early churches and individuals containing guidance and direction to help Christians be acceptable servants of God.
All the books from the Old and New Testament are important to read and study as they show how to revere God, what pleases or displeases Him, and what is required of us. If we truly desire a stronger level of faith, we must make the effort to focus on the only true source of faith, God’s word (Romans 10:17).
We would love to take this journey through the Bible with you. If you have any questions or would like assistance in your walk through faith we are here and would be honored to be a part of your studies.
Proverbs 2:6 For Yahweh gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and discernment.
James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.
Ephesians 5:9-10 (for the fruit of that light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Acts 2:37-41 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men, brothers, what should we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” And with many other words he solemnly bore witness and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
Jeff Mullen
Minister, Blanco Hills Church of Christ
blancohillschurch@gmail.com
830-554-0701