Why Read the Bible?

Good Morning,

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
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.

There have been times when I've heard the question, "Why do I have to read the Bible? I go to church on Sunday and I live a good life. I tithe and give to those in need. So, why do I need to read all that stuff in the Bible?" You know, when you think about it, that question isn't so odd. What I mean is, there are so many people who just don't really understand not only why they should read the Bible, but they also don't really know and understand what's in it.

Today, I received a message from our friends at Christian Fellowship Devotionals and Pastor Geoff quoted the following from "Tough Questions Christians Ask" edited by David Neff. In the introduction Mr. Neff says about the purpose of the Bible, and thus giving us at least a partial answer as to the "why" of reading it:

"The first purpose of the Bible is to introduce us to the Savior and his salvation. This Book brings to us the gospel—the good news that the infinite God loves us human sinners, loves us enough to break through whatever barriers stand between himself and us, to forgive our sin and win us back into the joy of an eternal fellowship with himself and which all that is good and just and true. This is the essence of Christianity. All else serves merely to display the jewel, that it might sparkle more brilliantly on its mounting.
"But when we have found the Savior, we need instruction so we may know how to live lives that will please him and serve him. The second great purpose of the Bible, therefore, is to instruct us in Christian Faith. Paul discusses this in the same passage in which he sets forth the first principle. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)."

I really liked what Mr. Neff said and I shall certainly remember this to be able to tell people "why" when I hear the questions about reading the Bible. The Bible is the Good News from God and also His Instruction Book to us. I guess, that's certainly enough reason to open the Bible and see what God has placed there for us.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David