Why Read the Bible
For almost four hundred years, many in the Christian Church have used the Westminster Shorter Catechism to teach memorable summaries of what the Bible teaches. The first three questions in this catechism clarify why everyone should read the Bible.
Question 1 What is the chief end of man?
Man' s chief end is to glorify God, (1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 11:36) and to enjoy him for ever. (Psalm 73:25-28)
Question 2 What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, (2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 2:20) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. (1 John 1:3-4)
Question 3 What do the scriptures principally teach?
The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:16)
How to Read the Bible
Once you understand the importance of Bible reading, you want to know how to go about it. The simplest way to read the Bible is to open it and begin reading. The next step is to make a plan to purposefully read the Bible. An internet search of "Bible reading plans" reveals many different reading plans. Visit your preferred app store, and you will also find numerous Bible apps for your smartphone to help you read through the Bible. In addition, Christ Church has several Bible reading plans with printable bookmarks on our site that you can find HERE.
Listen to the Bible
A great addition to Bible reading is Bible listening. One of the main reasons is you can listen to the Bible when you can't read. Free smartphone apps with audio Bibles, like this one, allow you to listen when driving, walking, mowing the lawn, folding laundry, grocery shopping, or just about anytime. You can fit in Bible listening whenever you want or create a listening plan using your favorite Bible reading plan. An easy method to keep up with is simply listening for a set amount of time daily. Choose ten, fifteen, thirty, or any amount of time. The average audio Bible recording is about four thousand two hundred and forty minutes. So if you listen for ten to twelve minutes a day, you should be able to listen to the entire Bible in a year. Regardless of how much time you spend, Bible listening is an excellent addition to your regular Bible reading!
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