Why Study The Bible? – 5 Good Reasons

This is an image of an open Bible. Why study the Bible?

Why Study The Bible?

Introduction

People often ask “Why study the Bible?” You may know that the Bible is the most popular book in the world, but did you know it’s also the least understood?  That’s because most people have not spent the time to read it carefully. Here are a few of the reasons why Bible study is essential.

1. Gain Knowledge

Why study the Bible to gain knowledge? Well, it’s important to realize that the Bible is the way God has chosen to reveal himself to us.  He decided to give us a book that we can read and understand for ourselves.  In other words, the Bible contains a lot of information provided directly by God.

The Bible reveals the character and nature of God who created all things (Hebrews 1:1-3). It helps us to understand our sinfulness and how this has disrupted our relationship with our creator.  We can also learn about God’s plan to save us from the consequences of our sin and restore our relationship with him (John 3:16).

The scriptures also instruct us in every aspect of our lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  And because they’re from God, they have the highest authority and should be followed. They’re also the only place we can learn about God’s real purpose and meaning for our lives.

2. Identify Error

Why study the Bible if we want to identify error? It turns out that one of the primary purposes of reading God’s words is to help us see our mistakes more clearly. More accurately, reading the Bible exposes our sins.  This will be uncomfortable, but we need to realize its a good thing because otherwise, we’ll never get better. Scripture is also useful for correcting false beliefs and practices among others (Matthew 7:15-20). Even with a simple understanding of God’s word, we can begin to detect many lies in the things we read and hear (2 Peter 3:17-18).

3. Grow Spiritually

Bible study should not be solely an intellectual pursuit, but instead, it should cause us to grow up in maturity and obedience to Jesus. Jesus said that when we plant the seed of the kingdom (the word of God) in a good and honest heart, it will produce fruit (Luke 8).

4. Protection From Sin

God’s words can change us and protect us from sin if we keep them in our hearts (Psalm 119:11).  Psalm 119 reads, “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart. They also do no unrighteousness, but, they walk in His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed” (Psalm 119:1-4). Verse 9 adds, “How shall the young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.”

God’s word has power. However, we cannot casually read it and expect an automatic change in our life. Like the Psalmist, we must carefully study it, meditate on it, and apply it. We should consider how it applies to what we will do today, and then go out and live it. “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16).

5. Understand Culture

The Bible helps us to understand the culture around us accurately. We find references to the Bible in music, art, literature, philosophy, law, as well as other religions. Many of our favorite phrases also originate from the Bible.  Examples include “the blind leading the blind”, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” “go the extra mile,” and “being a good Samaritan.”

More importantly, the Bible helps us to see the errors of society and culture more clearly.  It accurately records the history of many nations as they rise to power and suffer decline due to their immorality and rebellion against God.  There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

The next time you hear someone ask “Why study the Bible?”, you’ll be able to give them a good answer.

How To Get Started

Are you ready to begin your study of the Bible? If so, prepare to be changed. A summary of the Bible story will help you start seeing the big picture.  Then find a Bible translation that’s easy for you to read and understand. Stay organized by following a daily Bible reading planFind a local Bible study to keep you accountable and encouraged. Here are some more ways to stay motivated. Find these and other tips on our Bible study resources page.

Bible Study: How To Stay Motivated

You Can Do It!

How do you stay motivated for Bible study? Because there are so many things competing for our time, it’s easy to get distracted. Here are a few tips that have helped my family make Bible study part of our daily lives:

1. Find A Good Bible Translation

There are many easy-to-read, modern translations available like the NIV, ESV, or NKJV translations. For a more literal translation, consider the NASB or KJV. I prefer the NIV for my daily reading and the NASB for more in-depth Bible study. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s something you can comfortably read and understand. Experiment with different versions quickly by downloading the free Bible app. This app will also allow you to read when you’re on the go!

2. No Bible, No Breakfast

Do you want to stay hungry for God’s Word? Make Bible reading a top priority by including it in your daily routine.  Read every morning or pick another time of day when you can focus without distractions. If you’re married, read with your spouse for added encouragement and accountability. Stay committed and daily Bible reading will soon become a new enjoyable habit.

3. Follow A Reading Plan

A Bible reading plan divides the text into manageable, daily readings over some period (usually a year) and is helpful for keeping on track. Some cover the whole Bible while others focus on the New Testament or individual books. There are many free plans available online, and you are sure to find one that fit your reading goals. I’ve created a manageable Bible reading plan for beginners which covers the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.

4. Listen To The Bible

Some prefer to listen to audio recordings of the Bible text. Depending on your commute, you may be able to complete the whole Bible in less than a year or perhaps a few months. Bible Gateway and other websites allow you to listen online from your computer, tablet, or phone. You can also listen to the Bible in our daily Bible reading plan.

5. Attend Church Worship

Being part of a supportive community of Christians that worship together weekly is probably the most helpful way to grow spiritually, get encouragement, and stay motivated. If you’re looking for a church in Philly, please let me invite you to worship with my family and the West Philly Assembly of Christ.

6. Join A Bible Study

In addition, small group Bible discussions are helpful to keep you motivated. Studies have shown that Christians are more likely to read and mature if they participate in a weekly study outside of worship. Check out one of the Philly Bible Study groups meeting around the city.

7. Ask For Help

If you need additional help staying motivated, please let us know. We would be happy to answer your questions or connect you with others who can help.

The Problem Of Church Denominations

This is a historical timeline of church divisions that have resulted in today's many church denominations.

A Brief History Of Church Denominations

The Problem Of Church Denominations

Among Christians, there’s a common belief that one church denomination is just as good as another as long as you love God and love your neighbors.  I’ve heard others say that it makes no difference what you believe as long as your heart is right. Let’s compare these popular ideas with God’s Word. 

The Solution For Church Denominations

When Jude wrote to early Christians, he said, “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you, appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). In context, this “faith” is a broad reference to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This faith was “once for all delivered to the saints.” That is to say, it was delivered once for all time. God did not deliver a subjective, human system of denominationalism or religious pluralism.

Paul affirmed, “there is one body [the church] and one Spirit, even as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all…” (Ephesians 4:4-6). Please remember this important fact: there is only one faith. By consequence, all other faiths are not from God and therefore false.

A Call To Action

While some say one church denomination is as good as another, the Scriptures teach there is only one true faith, the gospel of Jesus Christ. We encourage you to have this same conviction and strive to follow “the one faith” rather than church denominations.  We invite you to just be a Christian.  You can do this by reading the Bible for yourself, rejecting man-made religious traditions, and living as a faithful Christian in fellowship with others who are trying to do the same. Does this sound too radical? Maybe. But that’s the point, right?  Jesus was also considered a radical. 

Christian Unity – How To Solve The Churches Biggest Problems

This image shows a group of diverse people with interlocked hand in demonstration of Christian unity.

Christian Unity Is Possible

Jesus Wants Christian Unity

Jesus prayed for the oneness of belief and practice among all believers. Even on the night before his crucifixion, he was thinking about unity among everyone who would later believe in Him. Here is part of that prayer:

“I do not ask on behalf of these alone (the 12 apostles), but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.” (John 17:20-23)

This prayer shows Jesus’ strong desire for Christian unity. He wants all Christians to share in the same unity that he shares with God.

Christian Unity And Diversity

Christ’s church is not meant to be divided by factors such as language, culture, and skin color. According to the Bible, there is no “white church,” “black church,” “Spanish church”, or “Chinese church.” Local churches ought to reflect the diversity of their communities: a diverse family united by God and his will for us. Differences in language, culture, etc. offer real and natural challenges, but unity among believers is one of the ways others will know that God is among us. The apostle Paul told the church in Ephesus to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6)

Christian Unity Means No Denominations

The apostle Paul commanded the church in Corinth to get rid of the divisions that existed among them:

“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you speak the same thing, that there be no divisions among you but that you be perfected together in the same mind and the same Judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Unity and oneness in religion are not only right, but Jesus commands it. Religious division among Christians is sinful because it violates the will of Jesus Christ. In fact, Church denominations are a constant reminder of our rebellion and lack of concern for Christian unity.

A Call For Christian Unity

This kind of spiritual agreement is possible only by reading the Bible and following His revealed truth. Join a local Philly Bible study group and meet others who desire the same thing.  Or perhaps you’re ready to be part of a local Philadelphia church striving for true Christian unity.

Jesus the Savior

Before Jesus was born, an angel from God spoke to Joseph concerning his future wife Mary:

“She will bear a son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

This was not a common birth. The young virgin became pregnant miraculously through the Holy Spirit of God, fulfilling a 700-year-old prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). The news of this birth announced the expected arrival of the Messiah or Christ, God’s chosen ruler.

The angel also revealed His name would be Jesus. “Jesus” literally means “Jehovah is salvation,” an indicator of His mission in world: “it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).  Even from his birth, salvation through his death was promised for man. After the cross was accomplished, the apostles preached the same message, “He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as Prince and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31).

What do you think about Jesus? Was he a good man? Was he a great teacher and religious leader? Was he a humanitarian that sympathized with people in distress? He was all these things, but still much more. Our concept of Jesus must center on the primary reason he came to earth: to save people from their sins! He said, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

Since all of us “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we all need to seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  He is our only hope of being saved from our sins.  The apostle Peter said, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  If you realize you are a sinner in need of salvation, we would like to help you learn more about Jesus the Savior.  Please call us today or enroll in the free Bible course below.

FREE BIBLE COURSE

Call 267-453-8787 or write to Philly Bible Study, PO Box 24038, Philadelphia, PA 19139. The course is also available online at www.PhillyBibleStudy.org/jesus-the-way.

Rejecting God’s Will

“Not everyoNot everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord'ne who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) It is human tendency to disregard God’s will. The Lord gave us the ability to think for ourselves, to make our own choices, and to set our own goals in life. Sadly, we often use these blessings to reject God rather than to chose him.

The Scriptures portray humanity as a wicked and ungrateful people rejecting God’s will. The apostle Paul wrote, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:21-22) Isn’t this an appropriate description our own society, as people turn to the gods of pleasure, sexual immorality, greed, deceit, and crime? For most people, God’s desires rarely takes priority over their own desires.

What underlies this rejection of God and His will? It’s a philosophy focused on this material world. Sometimes called humanism, this philosophy attempts to justify man’s rebellion against God. It teaches us and our children a distorted values that exclude God and His revealed Word. Religious denominations are also filled with attitudes, teachings, and practices far removed from the will of God revealed in the Scriptures. The sad truth is everyone has been been guilty of rejecting God’s will. In view of this, you and I must go back to the source to understand how God really wants us to live. If you are interested in learning about God’s will, we are offering a free Bible course to help you get started.

 

The Will of God

Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord'Jesus once said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) The truth of this statement is very clear. It defines a relationship we may have with the great God of heaven and informs us on what basis we may hope to enter heaven with Him. Jesus simply says we must do God’s will to enter the kingdom of heaven.

There is only one God, and there is no other. Long ago Paul the apostle introduced the people of Athens to the true God in this way: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” (Acts 17:24).

Where are we in relation to the Creator and sustainer of all life? We are His created beings, made in His spiritual and moral image. We are dependent upon Him and accountable to Him. The creation cannot make demands upon the Creator; we can only approach Him on the terms and conditions He desires.

Are we mindful of God’s will? In the next verse Jesus foresees the following situation: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” (Matthew 7:22) This sounds like many modern-day claims, doesn’t it? Jesus continues, “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:23)

You and I must become serious about learning and doing God’s will as revealed in His Word. If you’re ready, we are offering a free Bible course to help you get started.


FREE BIBLE COURSE

Call 267-453-8787 or write to Philly Bible Study, PO Box 24038, Philadelphia, PA 19139. The course is also available online at www.PhillyBibleStudy.org/jesus-the-way.

Spiritual Conversion

Spiritual ConversionHave you ever been convicted to make a drastic life change? Perhaps poor eating habits were ruining your health so you completely changed your diet. Maybe you stopped smoking or drinking alcohol to improve your health. This process is a “conversion,”  a sincere change of thinking and living. But while a conversion to save our physical life is good, a conversion to save our spiritual life is the most important decision we could ever make.

Jesus talked to many people who needed spiritual conversion. When he spoke to the proud and stubborn Pharisees he said, “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn (be converted), and I would heal them” (Matthew 13:15).

These people had closed their eyes, ears, and hearts to seeing, hearing, and understanding the truth Jesus was teaching. They held on to religious traditions and refused to change or be converted. The Pharisees loved their religion and didn’t want to be bothered. They were comfortable. In fact, God’s truth made them so uncomfortable that they shut their eyes, ears, and hearts to it. The result? They lost their souls.

Are you too comfortable in your spiritual life? Don’t be so committed to religious traditions that you are unable to accept what God is teaching through his word. We encourage you to begin reading the Bible daily and as you read be willing to change. We are offering a free Bible course to help you get started. If you’re ready for a spiritual conversion, start today.


FREE BIBLE COURSE

Call 267-453-8787 or write to Philly Bible Study, PO Box 24038, Philadelphia, PA 19139. The course is also available online at PhillyBibleStudy.org/jesus-the-way.

Not By Bread Alone

A loaf of bread

Courtesy of Wikipedia.com

Have you ever been so hungry you would do anything for food? Food is one of our greatest needs. We eat every day – most of us eat several times a day. If we don’t, we get weak and eventually die. We need food, but we have a greater need.

After Jesus fasted forty days, the devil tempted him to selfishly use his miraculous power, “Turn this stone into bread” (Matthew 4:3). The Savior’s answer was profound. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Although Jesus was extremely hungry physically, his greater need was to receive God’s words in full. He was not satisfied with only some of God’s words. Jesus would live by “every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

We expend much time and effort to get physical food for ourselves and our families, but have we given attention to our greater need – our spiritual need? We need God’s words to live and we need all his words, not just select words or thoughts that appeal to us (as if the Bible were a spiritual restaurant menu). We too must feed on “every word.”

Are you feeding on the words of God? If not, you are spiritually starving to death. Jesus offers “the bread of life” and “the water of life” (John 6:35). The New Testament scriptures are the only true source of His life and teaching. We are offering a free Bible course to encourage feasting on God’s Word. If you’re spiritually hungry, start today.


FREE BIBLE COURSE
Call 267-453-8787 or write to Philly Bible Study, P.O. Box 24038, Philadelphia, PA 19139. The course is also available online at PhillyBibleStudy.org/jesus-the-way.

The Bible on Trial

 

2016 Bible on Trial - listen now banner

“The Bible On Trial” was held at the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 16th, 2016. The audio recordings and presentation slides can be viewed below.

Do We Have A Reliable Copy? (View Presentation Slides)

Is The Bible A Historical Work? (View Presentation Slides)

Is The Bible A “Good Book”? (View Presentation Slides)

Does The Bible Present A Clear Plan? (View Presentation Slides)