Why and how should I read the Bible?

The Bible is popular, precious and powerful.

We should read the Bible because it is God Himself speaking to us, and doing us good, both in this life and the life to follow.

In Matthew 4:4 we read, 'People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'

The Bible brings revelation
The Bible is a collection of books written by over 40 authors over a period of about 1500 years. The entire Bible is inspired by God, sometimes referred to as God-breathed. The Bible is useful as a manual for life, providing guidelines for healthy living and guidance for good decisions.

The Bible builds relationship
The Bible is one way God speaks to people. It speaks to those exploring the Christian faith. God also speaks to Christians through the Bible, about such things as: becoming like Jesus, joy and peace in the midst of a storm, guidance, health and healing, defence against spiritual attack, power, and cleansing.

So how should we read the Bible?

Find a time
Develop a regular pattern.

Find a place
The Bible says find 'a solitary place' (Mark 1:35)

Find a method
Before you start reading, ask God to speak to you as you read. Read a short passage. Access Bible reading notes. Be disciplined about it. You could use an email program such as 'Bible in one year'.

Ask yourself:

• What does it say to me?
• What does it mean to me?
• How does it apply to me?

Respond in prayer and then, crucially, put what you have read into practice. We are meant to be 'doers of the Word.'

Recommended Reading

'Why Trust the Bible?' by Amy Orr-Ewing, '30 Days' by Nicky Gumbel, 'NIV Alpha Bible in One Year' and The Bible, alpha.org/bioy