Good morning,
Happy New Year!
Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.
Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?
What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?
What Will You Risk in 2026?
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Why read your Bible?
“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, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”( 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.
(J.C. Ryle)
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. Our 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 food.
We must feed our souls daily upon the manna God has given to 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 Scriptures prayerfully, ever asking the Holy Spirit to illumine the Word.”Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18
8. 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.
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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