All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 1 Timothy 3:16-17
The pastor at our church explained those verses like this. Doctrine : What's right. Reproof : What's not right. Correction : How to get right. Instruction in Righteousness : How to stay right.
There is a good deal of emphasis, in this country in particular for Christians to read the Bible. As Pathfinder Mission, we have distributed a lot of Bibles personally to people we have met. Both in the United States - English language and in Haiti - Bib La (the Bible) in Haitian Creole. Allow me to share some statistics.
79% of adults in the United States are literate, meaning 21% are illiterate. So when someone says that you should read your bible - the assumption is that you can read. When our pastor was encouraging us to read our Bibles it was a pretty safe assumption that nearly all, if not all, could read.
Despite proclaiming the Bible as the literal word of God, over 88% of U.S. Protestant Christians cannot name the first five books of the New Testament, revealing a profound gap between biblical literacy and general literacy.
About 37% of Americans read the Bible at least once a week. 59% of Americans say they read the Bible occasionally. 20% of Americans say they’ve read the entire Bible at least once. 35% of Americans say they never read the Bible
According to a report from the World Bank, nearly 50% of Haitians over 15 remain illiterate. When we gave a Bible to an adult in Haiti, our hope was that someone in the family could read it to them.
But ... for the Word to do its work does not require that you necessarily read it yourself, but that you hear it. James did not not say be readers only. In fact the New Testament epistles or letters were being read aloud to the churches the apostles sent them to.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. - James 1:22
When Joshua commended the people to meditate on the Book of the Law - they didn't have a copy on their coffee table - they would go to the temple to hear it read and taught.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. - Joshua 1:8
Immediately after we became Christians, my folks sent us some scripture memory cards - to help us meditate on the Word day and night.
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. - Psalm 119:9-16
Is that something that you can proclaim to the Lord about yourself?
There is a spiritual dynamic between the Word of God and the Spirit of God that takes place or can take place in the life of every believer. We are transformed.
do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:2
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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