CHRISTIANS AND THE BIBLE

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John Stott has been one of my favorite authors for more than 45 years. Although he is now deceased, I am still instructed and encouraged by reading his books. I recently read a revised edition of one of his books originally published in 1970. And I was struck by the simple and straightforward challenge he gives to Christians about the Bible.

“First, it is not enough to possess a Bible.” You probably have a Bible. I just counted and I have 17! We sometimes are superstitious thinking just having a Bible makes a difference in our homes and our lives. For Christians it’s not about having a Bible, we need to read our Bibles.

Stott goes on, “Next, it is not enough to read the Bible.” Just reading the Bible or hearing it read is not an end in itself. It is great literature, but that is not its purpose. God speaks to us through the Bible and we are introduced to Jesus through the Bible. For Christians it’s not about just reading our Bible, we need to study it.

“Third, it is not enough to study the Bible.” Different people mean different things by this idea of studying the Bible. One aspect of study is considering what was intended by the writer when it was first written. But we cannot stop there. One of the potential dangers of academic study of the Bible is never allowing it to speak to us today. Real Bible study goes on to apply the Bible to life today. For Christians it’s not just about studying the Bible, we need to put it into practice.

“What is required is that we obey the Bible.” God wants us as His people to do what it says. We can never be satisfied by just learning about the Bible and its content. God gave us the Bible so that it would make a difference in our lives. And that happens as we get to know Him and His Son Jesus whom we follow as our Savior and Lord. It’s an old book for sure, but it’s also up to date.

If you currently don’t have a Bible reading plan and want to begin let me suggest you begin with Psalm 119. Set aside a time and place and take a few days to read and consider this longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses) that is a tribute to the Word of God. And while you are doing that look and ask around about Bible reading plans until you find something that works for you.

Let me know (below in comments or by email) if you will join me in reading Psalm 119 these next few days.

(Quotes from Christ and Conflict: Lessons from Jesus and His Controversies by John Stott, IVP, 2013, pp. 95 and 96.)

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14 thoughts on “CHRISTIANS AND THE BIBLE”

  1. A lot of Wisdom in this post Bob. I will join you and others in committing to read Psalm 119 over the next few days.
    By the way I am really enjoying your book – “A Pastor and the People”

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  2. I’ve been reading and studying through some of the psalms and was thinking about reading 119. Now after reading this post I will definitely read psalm 119 the next few days. Thanks pastor Bob for the encouragement

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  5. Hi Bob,

    I will read Psalm 119 along with you! Bob I was reading in James where if you are sick you should have the elders of the church lay hands on you and pray for you and you could be healed? I am not questioning the Bible but what experience have you had with this. I was thinking about Chuck but I have not talked to him about it yet. I don’t know if he would be up for it!!

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  6. I am reading the Chronological Bible. This is my 3rd year thru it, Am learning more things. We have change churches here and no long go to Canyon Ridge, Weren’t being fed there, Found a church called Grace Point Church. Love it, The pastor is 38 years and all who preach take each verse and go over it a and explains it. Rich and I both love it there. They are a lot smaller than the 5000 that Canyon has. Have met some people who have also came over from Canyon. Love the closeness of the small church better, reminds us a lot of Discovery. Thank you for being a good friend and teacher.

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  7. Thank you for this article and for pointing the way to a read of Psalm 119. As I read it this morning I found myself to be in prayer not just a reading of His words. I include Scripture often in my prayer…not as a reminder to Him but as a reminder to me of His word and promises. I often pray Psalm 91 over a loved one who may be in need. Thanks Bob for your servant’s heart.

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