“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
The culture we live in tries to influence our values in many ways. In a changing world, it’s essential to embrace unchanging truth. The Bible provides foundational truth to equip us and to supply principles to live. The Bible tells us, “Watch your life and doctrine closely,” (1 Timothy 4:16 NIV). There is no better place to learn about God and His ways than the Bible. Here are three of the many reasons the Bible is important.
Freedom:
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) The world is filled with life bondage addiction, perceptions, condemnation and the like… Jesus offers freedom in truth, and truth lies within the transforming power of His Word. We can rest in His Word; peace, understanding, freedom. I visited an inmate in the county jail last week, and his perception on God and his condition was more liberating than people on the outside.
Faith:
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) How can I know? In the uncertainties of life we have hope that only derives from the Word of God. In the midst of recent trials I literally meditated on His Word and the Word provided all the hope and comfort needed to persevere.
God communicates His love to us in the Bible:
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God… Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends. (1 John 3:1a, John 15:13). Would we stop expressing or communicating our love to our spouses after the wedding or would we stop demonstrating love to our children after birth. Certainly not, likewise, God is reassuring His love and validation for us through the proclamation of His Word; continuously.
How much time are you in the Word?
Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member of America’s Keswick
