The Bible: ExplainedSample

How is the Bible relevant, and why does it matter? Although the Bible was written in a context very different from our own, the words and principles we find in it are just as true and helpful today as it was when it was written. Not to mention that a lot of concepts we see in culture are connected to spiritual practices we see in Scripture. Check out this video for a few examples of how the Bible is still influencing our world today and to discover why living it out actually brings more freedom than living without it. So the Bible brings us freeing boundaries and time-tested truths to become better at life. Just think about it. Culture says things like, “Compete! Compare! There’s not enough to go around! Hurt those who hurt you. Think about number one.” Jesus says, “There’s plenty to go around. Pray for those who hurt you. Forgive those who don’t deserve it. Go the extra mile for someone else.” Initially, it sounds like a lot of work. And living like Jesus isn’t easy, but it’s freeing. Imagine letting go of unforgiveness. Imagine letting go of comparison and believing you’re fully known and accepted. Imagine a world in which everyone loves deeply and serves greatly. That’s what can happen when we read and live out the Word of God. It changes lives—starting with our own. Scripture renews our minds and helps us become more like Christ. It has the power to rewire our brains and replace our self-centered thoughts with others-first living. In fact, Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which is what happens when we read Scripture. We read it not to be informed but to be transformed. There’s actually a term that relates to Romans 12:2 in brain science called neuroplasticity. Basically, it means that the brain can change and take in new messages to override existing ones. What’s incredibly powerful is that scientists and psychologists have discovered that reading Scripture can actually replace painful associations with positive ones, even in some cases healing traumatic brain injuries. For more on how the Bible can rewire our brains, watch this [ Hearing the Healing video from YouVersion . ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVf08N1HwSE) Pray: God, thank You for using Your Word to transform us from the inside out. Renew my mind with Your truth today. Help me replace thoughts of this world with truth from Your Word. God, help me live out Your truth in the world by loving others the way You do. Thank You for giving us Your Word. Help me become more like You.