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April Issue 1 |
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Title:
"Reading the Bible" Author: J.C.Ryle "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." II Timothy 3:16 [Editor's Note: There is nothing more important for us to do as Christians than to read God's Word and to pray. I love the verse "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" Hebrews 12:14 and the teaching of J.C. Ryle on this subject in his book "Holiness." How do we learn about "holiness"? By reading God's Word. It teaches us about Christ and how to live a godly life. The following is a short instruction from J.C. Ryle on how to read the Bible. Read it and then read your Bible for the sake of your soul. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 * * * 1. READ THE BIBLE WITH AN EARNEST DESIRE TO UNDERSTAND IT. Do not be content to just read the words of Scripture. Seek to grasp the message they contain. 2. READ THE SCRIPTURES WITH A SIMPLE, CHILDLIKE FAITH AND HUMILITY. Believe what God reveals. Reason must bow to God's revelation.3. READ THE WORD WITH A SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE AND SELF-APPLICATION. Apply what God says to yourself and obey His will in all things. 4. READ THE HOLY SCRIPTURES EVERY DAY. We quickly lose the nourishment and strength of yesterday's bread. We must feed our souls daily upon the manna God has given us. 5. READ THE WHOLE BIBLE AND READ IT IN AN ORDERLY WAY. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable." I know of no better way to read the Bible than to start at the beginning and read straight through to the end, a portion every day, comparing Scripture with Scripture. 6. READ THE WORD OF GOD FAIRLY AND HONESTLY. As a general rule, any passage of Scripture means what it appears to mean. interpret every passage in this simple manner, in its context. 7. READ THE BIBLE WITH
CHRIST CONSTANTLY IN VIEW. The whole Book is about Him. Look for Him
on every page. He is there. If you fail to see Him there, you need to
read that page again.
* * * [For more on the
Bible and Bible links, see my Bible page link at JoyPals.com] Editor & Publisher, To view previous articles: Heavenly Notes Archive |
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