A person that had been taught the Word of God by a Bible teacher prayed to receive Christ in his heart.  The new convert had such a strong spiritual thirst that in two weeks time he had read the entire Bible.  When the teacher heard this from his new brother in Christ, the teacher exclaimed, “You’re telling me that you read the entire Bible in two weeks!” The new believer said, “Yes, it doesn’t take a long time to read the Bible”.

That new convert began to have a beautiful transformation in his life.  Jesus was transforming his life through God’s Word.  About two years later, this person comes back to his teacher and states, “I have a problem”. To which his teacher responded, “What is your problem?” The now mature believer responded, “I’m having a difficult time understanding Christians that have been believers for many years but do not demonstrate any change in their lifestyle.”

This story reflects a sad but true fact in the lives of many Christians.  One of the reasons why people do not grow in their faith is because they do not read their Bible – thus a lack of God’s Word application in their lives.  The new convert in this story realized the importance of reading his Bible.  I believe there are many good reasons why we should read our Bible on a daily basis.  Allow me to share five of them:

1. We should read the Bible daily because we are instructed to do so. Perhaps for many people this may not be the best reason but never the less it is a good reason. Peter wrote about the importance of a daily Bible reading when he says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2, NIV).  Listening and reading God’s Word is very important for the whole church as it is for each believer. Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica: “I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.” (1 Thessalonians 5:27, NIV). Throughout the Bible, we see that God expects obedience from His children and He takes pleasure when He sees this obedience in us.  Therefore, when we read His Word in obedience, we are bringing pleasure to Him.

2. We should read the Bible daily because it is inspired by God. This is a very good reason due to the fact that it is not the word of man that we are talking about here.  It is the Word that comes from His mouth.  Paul writes to Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV).  It comes from Him.  Throughout the Bible we see a sovereign and immortal God speaking to man. Don’t you think it is worth listening what the Creator of the universe has to say?

3. We should read the Bible daily because it will prepare us in using it properly. “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV). We should always be ready to defend the Gospel with gentleness and respect and use the Word of God properly. The best way to do this is not by reading about the opinions of others but rather by reading what the Bible teaches to be truth.  Some time ago I heard about the extensive training bank tellers receive in order to be able to identify valid currency from counterfeit currency.  They do that by studying the valid currency. In a similar manner, the best way to present a good explanation of our Christian faith is to have a good understanding of the Bible.

4. We should read the Bible daily because it gives testimony of Christ. Jesus said to the unbelieving Jews that wanted to kill him: “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life.  These are the Scriptures that testify about me” (John 5:39, NIV).  He also said: “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (John 5:46, NIV).  When we read the Bible, we find a strong testimony about the person of Christ and his works.

5. We should read the Bible daily because it is living and active. “For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV). Countless people have experienced the powerful touch of the living Word of God in their lives.  When we read the Word of God on a daily basis, we can witness its power penetrating our hearts, like a sword, and touching our inner being.  Often times we end up crying, worshiping and occasionally even singing.

It is certainly worth reading God’s Word!  I invite you to continue reading or to begin reading on a daily basis if you haven’t done so.  Remember that “the word of the Lord stands forever”   (1 Peter 1:24-25, NIV).