Why Read the Bible by William Dupley

Mark Virkler's picture

Submitted by Mark Virkler on December 17, 2024 - 18:30

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Ps 119:105

Of the top 100 questions asked to Google, 53% start with the word how. The number one question thing people are looking for is instruction. Instructions on how to do something, instructions on how to live, Wisdom on what is the right answer. God knew this, and He gave us an instruction manual for life called the Bible. It contains answers to many of life's questions, but to gain the benefits of the book, you have to read it. Today, I will talk about why that is a good idea.

Where did the Bible come from

The Bible is one of the most influential books in human history, serving as the foundational text for Judaism and Christianity, with 66 books written by over 40 authors over 1500 years. It has been the foundation for the laws of most countries in the world, and it is the most published book in the world. It is estimated that 5 billion copies have been sold over the years. About 50% of Americans read the Bible, and over half of U.S. adults (54%) believe that America would be worse off without the Bible and that the Bible contains everything a person needs to live a meaningful life.[ii]

The Bible is broken up into major divisions: The Old Testament contains the books written before Jesus was born, and the New Testament the books written after Jesus was born.

It is fascinating that when people are facing trouble, death or depression, they often turn to the Bible. One of the most common words of comfort quoted is Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

One has to wonder why these six verses bring such comfort. The answer is it’s God's word. When you read it, it inspires faith in us. It is a supernatural experience.

What are the benefits of reading the Bible?

I prayed about this question and here are some of the benefits that I felt the Lord brought to my mind.

  •     God's word is life. It tells you how God thinks
  •     What is important in life
  •     How to act
  •     How to think
  •     What sin is
  •     What will bring you joy
  •     How you can have Wisdom
  •     How to bless
  •     How to live life to the fullest
  •     Wisdom on what not to do 
  •     What will destroy you
  •     What will leave you unhappy
  •     What is worthless
  •     What will leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled
  •     What will make you depressed
  •     It is an instruction manual for living.

God gave his word to humanity because he loves humanity. Without his word we would become beasts driven by our desires and would have no conscience. God's word is written on our hearts to teach us right from wrong.

Where do you start

I would encourage you to start by reading the Psalms and the Gospel of John. The Psalms contain the words of men who were transparent with God about how they felt and what God said to them in the midst of their trials. I read a Psalm each day. The Gospel of John is a book that teaches us what Jesus said and about his life. These books will provide you with a solid foundation.

Close

The books of Timothy in the New Testament were letters written by the Apostle Paul to a young Pastor to encourage Him. Paul told him,

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16.

In twenty words, Paul explains the benefits of reading the Bible. I could not say it any better. I encourage you to start reading God's book today.

 

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