The Book That Changed the World

How do we know who God is and what he has done throughout human history? We need an authority that transcends any one person, culture, or trend. This is where the Bible comes in. Authored by a range of people under the influence and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and spanning an estimated period of over 1,500 years, the Bible is the authoritative record of how God has revealed himself to human beings. Through the stories and experiences of people from all walks of life: shepherds, kings, fishermen, prophets, poets, physicians, and prisoners, we can discover the character, nature, promises, and actions of God. Far from creating a convoluted mess, the patchwork of authors and ancient writings weaves perfectly together to tell a unified story that ultimately points to Jesus.

As people from different generations have come to the Bible, they have discovered that the Bible doesn’t just offer information for the head, but rather transformation for the heart. Whenever we read it, the Holy Spirit is at work within us. As Martin Luther once proclaimed, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” It is this power that uniquely positions the Bible in the world and in the lives of Christians.

So, how can we read the Bible in a way that transforms us? First, read the Bible in context. It is often said, ‘the Bible was written for us, not to us.’ Every author and writing was immersed in a world and culture that looked, felt, thought, and reasoned very differently from the present day. By understanding this, we gain a clearer picture and far richer understanding of what God is revealing. Second, read regularly. Small portions consumed consistently will always trump occasional, sporadic binges. Use the tools available to you, like the app you are reading this on, to create habits and rhythms that grow your life. Finally, submit yourself to the words of Scripture. Allow them to change how you think and feel. This is where the formation comes in. Every time you open the Bible, ask the question, “How am I going to live a little differently because of this?”

Reflection Question:
What would be your ideal Bible reading ‘habit’?
What are the specific steps you will take to turn this into a reality?