Reading the Bible
The Bible plays a significant role in the life of a Christian, through it we read and hear God’s promises to us. The words bring us joy, comfort, peace and knowledge. But how do we read it? It is not just one book. It is a library of 66 books written by at least 39 authors over hundreds of years.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5
Parts of the Bible are not easy to understand, and if you just open it anywhere, looking for something engaging, you run the risk of being disappointed. So how do we make the most of this divine word given to us from God?
“The Bible is the written word of God, divinely inspired and without error. It is to the Bible alone to which we turn for our teaching on all matters relating to faith, doctrine and life.” Excerpt from the Lutheran Confessions.
As with most things, the more you work at it, the easier it will become. You might like to use a Bible handbook or a version with a simple introduction.
If you plan to read a passage with children, have a look at it beforehand so you can get the flow of the story and not stumble over words. Think of questions the passage raises and if you’re not sure of the answers that’s okay! Continue to read and explore what God might be saying to you.
Find out the background, when and where the story happened and for whom the book was written. There are good books available that give interesting facts, dates and maps to help you get the most out of what you and your family read.
The Bible is ‘God-breathed, inspired and living’. Many people around the globe claim that God speaks to them as they read it. When you experience God speaking to you through it, share that with others in your family.
But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: if you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:8-10
The Bible was never meant to be read alone. We encourage you to be sharing your ideas of faith, beliefs and life with other people. We are called to share this with our children and families. Let others hear what our faith means to us. It is here that our hearts, souls and minds are sharpened.
