Discussion Starters:
What is your favorite book and why?
Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
The Bible is the most...
- Popular
- Powerful
- Precious (Psalm 19:10)
... book in the world.
“Man shall not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes
from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4
1. Bringing Revelation — God Has Spoken
“All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16
Why do Christians believe the bible to be the Word of God?
- claims to be
- seems to be
- proves to be
The Bible is:
- written by people: collection of books by 40+ authors over 1600 years
- inspired by God
But what about difficulties in the Bible?
- Jesus is the interpretive key
- It’s authoritative (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
- Practical wisdom:
- Guidelines for living (because God loves us).
- Guidance for good decisions
2. Building Relationship — God Speaks
The Bible is like a love letter from God:
- To those exploring faith (Romans 10:17, John 20:31)
- To those who are Christians
- Become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Joy and peace in the midst of a storm (Psalm 23:5)
- Guidance (Psalm 119:105)
- Health/healing (Proverbs 4:20–22)
- Defense against spiritual attack (Matthew 4:1–11)
- Power (Hebrews 4:12)
- Cleansing (John 15:3)
“Reading the Bible generates life.
It produces change.
It heals hurts.
It builds character.
It transforms circumstances.
It imparts joy.
It overcomes adversity.
It defeats temptation.
It infuses hope.
It releases power.
It cleanses the mind.”
Rick Warren
3. How Can We Hear God Speak Through the Bible?
- Make a Plan
- Find a time
- Find a place (“a solitary place,” Mark 1:35)
- Find a Pattern
- Ask God to speak:
- Read a short passage
- Bible reading notes
- Bible in One Year app – bibleinoneyear.org
- Ask yourself:
- What does it say to me?
- What does it mean to me?
- How does it apply to me?
- Respond in Prayer
- Put it into Practice (Matthew 7:24)
Discussion
- What did you think or feel about the talk?
- Has anyone ever tried reading the Bible? What was your experience?
- How do you feel about the idea of God speaking through the Bible?
- Does anyone have any practical suggestions about how to read the Bible?
Recommended Reading
Why Trust the Bible? by Amy Orr-Ewing
30 Days by Nicky Gumbel
The Bible (The Message is an acceptable paraphrase)
