My goal is to encourage people to read, to search, and to act upon Biblical principles in all circumstances.
Did anyone ever ask you, “What’s the purpose of the Bible? It’s old and out of date, so why do you read the Bible?” How do you answer that question?
“The main reason to read the Bible is to make one wise unto salvation as found in 2 Timothy 3:15 that says, “…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” So there’s the reason why we should read the Bible. –>> Jesus!”
Next question they may ask is, “How do I read the Bible. I don’t get it. It’s too confusing so how should I read the Bible?”
“Pray first and invite God to speak to you. Don’t go to Scripture looking for your idea; rather go to Scripture searching for His. After all, ‘The Bible is not like a newspaper to be skimmed but rather a mine to be quarried.’ (Max Lucado) John 5:39 quotes Jesus who says, ‘You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me…” Again, –>> Jesus!’”
They might press you by asking, “If the Bible can’t answer specific questions for every situation, then what?” This is the time you can give them Biblical Principles for Daily Life. This will counter the statement that the Bible is old and out of date and answers the What? How? and Why we should read the Bible.
The hypothetical questions below are questions people could ask – after the conversation of the weather and world events, that is. They are followed with appropriate answers that are relevant to today negating the statement that the Bible is old and out of date.
Suppose they are:
*Looking for contentment? “Read Philippians 4:11-12 and discover the inner peace that comes from God especially in difficult situations.”
*Wishing for that perfect peace and security? “Isaiah 26:3 says it plain and simple, ‘Trust in God.’”
*Wanting to reduce stress and anxiety? “Learn to give thanks according to Philippians 4:6-7.”
*Searching for rest, strength, and joy to sustain him? “Seek God. See what Jeremiah 29:13 says about seeking God.”
*Wondering how to accept what must be? “Surrender all to the sovereignty of God like Romans 8:28 says.”
*Asking how do I find hope? “Find God’s faithfulness in His promises found throughout the Bible but see Hebrews 10:23 for confirmation.”
*Wondering how do I resist the devil? “First of all, submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” James 4:7.
*Thinking about how do I find God? “Jeremiah 29:13 says that if we seek God with all our heart, He will be found by us.”
*Asking how do I please God? “Faith is key! Read Hebrews 11:6 and you will see.”
*How do I stop defining myself negatively? “See yourself from God’s perspective as it says in Genesis 1:27 – we are created in God’s image.”
* How do I overcome my fear of death? Psalm 23:4 is a comforting verse on overcoming the fear of death or any other fear by knowing that Jesus, the Great Shepherd is with him.
*What do I have to do to go to heaven? Acts 16:30 says it brilliantly – “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”
Round out your conversation with a couple of thoughts for them to think about:
There is One who makes people holy, –>> Jesus, plus those people who are made holy,
— >> believers, = family of God.
Faith will carry you through if your faith is in the One who can. –>> Jesus.