For a book that has shaped history, guided nations, and transformed lives, the Bible often sits unopened. The reasons are not always complex—but they are revealing.
First, some simply don’t like to read. In a fast-paced world driven by screens and short attention spans, reading itself feels like a chore. The Bible, with its length and depth, can seem especially intimidating. For those who already avoid reading, opening Scripture rarely becomes a priority.
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29)
Others struggle with apathy and unbelief. If someone doubts the Bible’s relevance or truth, motivation quickly fades. It becomes easy to think, “It doesn’t apply to me,” or “I don’t believe it anyway.” This quiet indifference can be more powerful than outright rejection, because it removes any urgency to explore what the Bible actually says.
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)
A common excuse is lack of time. Life fills up with work, responsibilities, family, and constant distractions. Yet this reason often reveals more about priorities than availability. People tend to make time for what they value. When the Bible is seen as optional, it is often the first thing pushed aside.
“And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18)
Finally, some reject the Bible because they find it repulsive. Certain passages challenge modern values, confront personal behavior, present difficult truths, and in some cases are gruesome to them. Rather than wrestle with these tensions, some choose to dismiss the message entirely. Conviction can feel uncomfortable, and avoidance becomes the easier path.
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
These reasons—dislike of reading, apathy, busyness, and rejection—may differ on the surface, but they share a common thread: they keep people from engaging with something that has the power to shape their lives. Understanding these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)
How Long Would It Take to Teach the Whole Bible Three Times a Week?
While planning the Bible studies for this congregation, I wondered how long it would take to teach the entire Bible in depth in only our 3 sessions per week?
The schedule in question was familiar: two Bible classes each week, each about 45 minutes long but with an introduction, prayer, discussion, and summary that left roughly 30 minutes for actual material. The third session would be a sermon (possibly as long as 45 minutes) but in reality, I only have about 30 minutes. That gave me three half-hour teaching slots per week to teach.
There are several common methods of teaching Scripture, each has its own pace. The first and perhaps most obvious is the EXPOSITORY method; going chapter-by-chapter in order. At first glance, this seems easy to measure: 1,189 chapters, one per session, for 1,189 classes; about 7.6 years at three sessions per week. But here’s the reality: many chapters require a minimum of two or even three sessions to capture the fullness of their meaning. You could go chapter-per-session if you only did an overview, but true depth would extend the timeline significantly. Recognizing this reality, a book-by-book overview may pick up the pace, but no real depth will be accomplished.
Other methods would take different amounts of time. A topical study, covering 100 major subjects like baptism, love, faith, or the church and giving each three sessions, would total 300 lessons; just under 2 years. Character studies (looking at lives like Abraham, David, Peter, and Paul) might only take around 100 sessions if you covered about 50 people with two classes each. That’s less than a year. Thematic or doctrinal studies, following threads like covenant, kingdom, or grace from Genesis to Revelation, would run about 120 sessions, taking nine months. A chronological narrative, telling the Bible’s story in the order events happened, would be more ambitious: about 250 sessions, or 1.6 years.
If you stacked all these methods back-to-back without repeating material, the grand total would be 2,105 sessions. That’s about 13½ years of steady teaching (three times a week, every week). Start now and finish somewhere in the late 2030s. But here’s the twist: this assumes each important doctrine, like salvation in Christ, IS GIVEN ONLY ONCE. That would be like a wilderness wandering of teaching and never helping anyone actually enter the Promised Land. If salvation (and many other vital subjects) is left as a single stop along the way, we risk people hearing the gospel once every few years.
The truth is, many of these methods overlap, and rightly so. Some themes, especially the gospel of Christ, must resurface again and again no matter which teaching plan is in use. Whether chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book, or topic-by-topic, there must be repeated lessons on repentance, faith, and obedience. Yes, we could make a plan that takes a decade or more to cover everything, but if we’re truly guiding people toward salvation in Christ, we won’t wait until year seven to bring up the cross again.
Not Just another Bible Reading plan you won’t finish.
It’s that time of year again when we encourage folks to find the right Bible reading plan that works for them. If you’ve ever struggled to read the Bible consistently, having a structured plan can make all the difference.
Before we introduce the 2025 plan, let’s take a moment to reflect on why a regular approach to Bible reading is so valuable.
The Word of God is our spiritual nourishment (Matthew 4:4), and regular reading allows us to grow in knowledge, faith, and obedience. A well thought out plan provides consistency and focus, ensuring that we engage with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). It also helps us build a daily habit of spending time in God’s Word, which strengthens our walk with Him and equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Following is a simplified version of the Bible Reading Plan I’ve followed for the last few years. This plan is both simple and engaging. By breaking up the reading between the Old and New Testaments it helps to break up any monotony that keeps many folks from finishing.
The Monday Through Friday 5-day Reading Plan This year’s plan has us reading the New Testament twice while incorporating the Old Testament and Poetry/Wisdom books. It is structured to give variety and balance:
• Mondays: Read 4 chapters from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – 89 chapters twice).
• Tuesdays: Read 4 chapters from Paul’s letters (Romans through Philemon – 87 chapters twice).
• Wednesdays: Read 4 chapters from the General Letters and Acts (Hebrews through Revelation and Acts – 84 chapters twice).
• Thursdays & Fridays: Read 7 chapters each on these two days from the Old Testament History & prophets (728 chapters total).
• Monday–Friday: Add 1 chapter each morning or evening from the Poetry and Wisdom books (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon – 201 chapters total). With the 59 days to spare I’ll usually read Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, & Song of Solomon again.
By following this plan, you will read through the entire Bible in a year, with the New Testament covered twice.
Why This Plan Works As New Testament Christians, the focus on the New Covenant is especially meaningful. By reading the New Testament twice in a year—just 4 chapters a day—you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ life and teachings, as well as learning about the Lord’s church. In about 15–20 minutes each day, you can reflect on God’s grace and truth revealed through His Word.
The plan also ensures exposure to the Old Testament, grounding us in God’s purpose, and wisdom. With its organized structure, each day brings fresh motivation and variety, helping you stay engaged.
Imagine this time next year, having read about the life of Jesus twice and journeyed through the entire Bible. You’ll gain not just knowledge, but also a richer, deeper relationship with God through His Word. Start your journey today, and see how consistent Bible reading transforms your life in 2025!.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Since Jesus is the only way to the Father, it stands to reason that we ought to know what He has said on the matter.
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt 28:18).
Since Jesus has all power (authority), it stands to reason that we ought to know what He has commanded.
“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:23).
Since Jesus will reject those that practice iniquity (lawlessness), it stands to reason that we ought to know what He considers lawful.
We’ll only know these things when we READ His word.
The things we’ve seen so far about how to READ the bible are, 1) Rightly dividing the word, which means to handle it accurately. 2) Examine the bible carefully; Examine ourselves by it, and Examine the teaching of others with it. In this article we’ll notice that the bible contains the Commands of the Lord.
One of the ice-breakers I use to talk with others about the bible is this question; “How do we know what God wants?” Over and over again people answer by saying, “you have to be quiet and listen,” “pray and ask,” “If God opens a way for something or closes a door at something, that’s how you’ll know.” After listing several of these, they may sometimes say, “oh, and the Bible.”
Ask any Christian this question and they will immediately say, “The Bible, specifically the New Testament.” Christians know and understand that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (1Pet 1:21b). Holy Spirit inspiration of God’s will was revealed to holy men, who then revealed it orally at the beginning, and then written for perpetuity. (1Cor 2:9-13; Joh 20:30-31; Eph 3:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17). The New Testament is the will of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here are 3 things to consider about the New Testament.
First, the New Testament writings ARE THE COMMANDMENTS of the Lord. “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD [emphasis added]” (1Cor 14:37). After you read this, note what Jesus said during His time on earth.
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). These two verses together are very impactful, but consider what will happen on the last day. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Rev 20:12).
What Books you ask? It’s clear that one of the books will be the words of Christ. Then, on that day, Jesus will say to some, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? To those who have read His word, and done His will (Matt 7:24) shall hear these words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt 25:34). The New Testament is the will of our Lord.
Second, before we can do His will, we must LOOK into His Law. James wrote, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25). He then wrote in chapter two, “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty” (2:12). James repeats what we’ve just learned, we shall be judged by the words, law of Christ. If we don’t know His will, we ought to LOOK into it.
Think about what King Josiah learned upon reading the will of God for His time. “And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2Kings 22:11-13). The New Testament is the will of our Lord.
Lastly, we need to LET His word dwell in our hearts. This speaks to reading, and learning. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” Colossians 3:16a). Note again what James wrote, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetfulhearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25) [emphasis added]. We need to read, understand, and apply it.
Peter, in his second letter to the Saints, repeatedly said that he wrote to “REMIND” them. To “put you always in remembrance of” (1:12), “putting you in remembrance” (1:13), “always in remembrance” (1:15), “by way of remembrance” (3:1). He was very direct about this point, “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2Pet 1:9).
O’ that we never FORGET the great things the Lord has done!!!
The New Testament is the will of our Lord. The things that are written ARE His commands. We ought to LOOK into His Law of Liberty. We must LET the word of Christ dwell in our hearts.
Agape,
Spencer
The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
We need to know enough to be able to speak the SAME things.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the SAME thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind and in the SAME judgment. (1Cor1:10)
Can you know too much about SALVATION? Are all churches teaching the SAME thing as The Bible? Are we teaching the SAME thing as Jesus.
What did Jesus say about SALVATION?
Matthew 7:24 KJV
Therefore whosoever HEARS these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
John 8:24 KJV
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye BELIEVE not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Luke 13:3,5 KJV
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish. [5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish.
Matthew 10:32-33 KJV
Whosoever therefore shall CONFESS me before men, him will I CONFESS also before my Father which is in heaven. [33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Mark 16:16 KJV
He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
It’s water baptism. Notice what the first Christian evangelists taught.
Acts 8:35-36 KJV
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him JESUS. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain WATER: and the eunuch said, See, here is WATER; what doth hinder me to be BAPTIZED?
Baptism is a burial in water.
Colossians 2:12 KJV
BURIED with him in BAPTISM, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Matthew 28:20 KJV
Teaching them to OBSERVE ALL THINGS whatsoever I have COMMANDED you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Does your church teach the SAME as Jesus about how to be saved? Does it teach the SAME purpose?
Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, water Baptism, & Faithfulness.
Which can you add, change, or remove and still be speaking the SAME thing as Jesus, Peter, Philip, Paul & the rest of the NT?
The Holy Spirit inspired the written word of God. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2Peter 1:21
Give One Understanding (Psa.119:130). Build One Up And Give Inheritance Among The Sanctified (Acts 20:32). Keep One From Sinning (Psa. 1119:11; 1 John 2:1). Quicken One; Make Him Alive Spiritually (Psa. 119:50; Eph 2:1). Effect A Spiritual Begettal (1 Cor. 4:15). Consummate A Spiritual Birth (1 Pet. 1:23). Justify (Rom. 2:13). Produce Faith (Rom. 10:17). Guide (Psa. 173:24; 119:105) Produce Fruit (Luke 8:15 Col 1:5,6 Give Everlasting Life (John 4:14). Make One A Disciple Indeed (John 8:31). Cleanse (John 15:3; Eph. 5:26). Sanctify (John 17:17; Eph. 5:26). Purify The Soul (1 Pet. 1:22). Save The Soul (Jas. 1:21). Produce Spiritual Growth (1 Pet. 2:2). Effectually Work (1Thes. 2:13). Comfort (1thes. 4:18; Rom. 15:4). Rejoice The Heart (Psa. 119:111). Give Understanding (Psa. 119:104). Reconcile (2 Cor.5:17,18) Judge Us At The Last Day (John 12:47,48)
WHAT MORE DOES ONE NEED?
Since the Holy Spirit inspired the written word, He leads us through our study and application of the Word.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
agape,
Spencer
The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)
One of the chief complaints I hear about reading the Bible is that people find it hard to read.
I’ve wondered why? Is it because of the genealogies, the narrative of the divided kingdom, or difficult concepts? Perhaps it’s a combination of all of these or some other. Perhaps, people are just intimidated by its size and don’t know where to begin?
The average word count for adult fiction is between 70,000 to 120,000 words. Whereas the Old Testament has 929 chapters, 33,214 verses, and 503,493 words.
The New Testament has 260 chapters, 7959 verses, and 181,253 words. For the whole Bible the total is 1189 chapters, 31,173 verses, and 773,746 words.
Maybe it’s a combination of factors. I believe that the main reason folks don’t read the Bible is that they don’t see any relevance for their lives. One man told me, “Sometimes I just real-life help, and not the Bible.” It’s funny that I was giving him real life help at the time along with encouragement to read the bible to avoid future trouble. It’s not either or, it’s both.
The Bible has direct relevance to everyone for the here and now, but especially in the there and then of eternity. Peter writes about the relevant word.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2Pet 1:3). God’s word contains advice on LIFE, the earthly application, and GODLINESS, the spiritual application. Paul reminded Timothy that the “holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2Tim 3:15-17). The Bible has relevance!
To those that are still intimidated about reading the Bible, I ask you; Has anyone ever shown you how to READ the Bible? You may be better equipped if you knew 4 simple things about how to READ the Bible.
4 Tips on how to READ the Bible.
First, you need to RIGHTLY DIVIDE the word. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Tim 2:15). To “rightly divide” means to handle it accurately and correctly. Besides knowing that there’s an Old and New Testament, one needs to know what that means for application.
Handling the word accurately one needs to know that we are under the law of Christ, the New Testament, and are no longer under the law of Moses, the Old Testament. Neither are we a law to ourselves. “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away” (Heb 8:13). The Apostle John wrote, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2John 1:9)
While we are under the New Testament that in no way tells us to ignore the Old. The Apostle Paul, in writing about the Old Testament said this, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom 15:4).
The Old Testament is for our learning about sin, sacrifice, and a future Messiah (Jesus). The New Testament tells us the Messiah has arrived. “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator” (Galatians 3:19).
If you’re just getting started in Reading the Bible, allow me to recommend that you begin in the New Testament. Here is a breakdown…
The GOSPELS. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. These are the books about the life of the Messiah who is being predicted and foreshadowed in the Old Testament.
I recommend you Read LUKE first.
ACTS. This book is written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by the same author of the Gospel of Luke. It covers the beginning of the church of Christ that Jesus promised to build (Matt 16:18). This book is the textbook on how to become a Christian.
I recommend you read ACTS next after the Gospel of LUKE.
The rest of the New Testament is written to Christians, who are also called Saints. These are letters written to Christians about being faithful. They also contain warnings about false teachers, and the possibility of falling.
The letters of the Apostle PAUL. Romans, 1&2Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. These letters are addressed to specific local congregations or individual evangelists. They have application for us today.
The GENERAL letters. Hebrews, James, 1&2Peter, 1,2&3John, Jude. These are letters by various authors written to Christians in general. A few are addressed to individuals. The contents are still very much applicable.
The REVELATION. This oft abused book is full of figurative language. It has a message relevant for us today, but much of it is historic. Having a strong understanding of the Old Testament will help you understand the figurative language in this book.
Next week we’ll look at another tip on how to READ the Bible.
Agape,
Spencer
The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” (1Cor 15:1-2)
In part one we noted that those that are SAVED go out SPREADING the Gospel. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Their changed behavior is just one of the ways they Spread the tidings round (cf. 1Pet 3:1-6).
They also ASSEMBLE with the Saints in person on the first day of the week to worship. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25; cf. 1Cor 11:17-34; 16:1-2; Acts 2:42).
In part two we will notice 3 more things the SAVED do.
In the beginning of the church, the Saints gave generously to aid the needy Saints. “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:34-35; cf. 11:29; 1Cor 16:1-2).
The SAVED are very generous. They help needy Saints* (individually or through the local church; 1Tim 5:8-10; Matt 25:36), and they, from their own personal treasure, help those outside of the church among their family, friends, and neighbors (cf. Gal 6:10; Eph 4:28). *the funds collected in the local church (1Cor 16:1-2) are limited to Saints only for Making Saints, Teaching Saints, and Helping Saints.
The saved also spend time in self-EXAMINATION. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (2Cor 13:5)? Another way of saying this is we JUDGE ourselves. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1Cor 11:31). When we are proactive about looking within ourselves first, we will have no worry about those looking at us from outside.
We do this EXAMINATION of ourselves through studying the New Testament. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Tim 3:16-17). It’s this way we find assurance of our salvation (cf 1John 2:12-14). If there is any doubt about ourselves, we will learn from the Bible what to change.
John gave the purpose of the written word, which requires us to read it, and examine ourselves with it to know whether we’re following it. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not” (1John 2:1).
Emphasis mine seb.
Lastly (in our list), the saved are DILIGENT to present themselves approved into God. “Be DILIGENT to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Tim 2:15). The word “diligent” (study in the KJV) means that the Saints endeavor, or labor to be well pleasing to God by keeping His commands.
Jesus said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matt 7:24-25).
Jesus did the same. “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). He gave us an example in Himself of the thing He commands. At the Judgment, Jesus will ask about our faithfulness, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?
One of the areas that DILIGENCE shows up is when we discover an area of error from which we must repent (see EXAMINATION in the previous point). “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What DILIGENCE it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2Cor 7:11).
Back to John’s writing in 1John 2, we have hope in repentance because we have an Advocate in Christ. “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1John 2:2-6).
Becoming one of the SAVED in hope is the beginning of our eternal life. It’s no wonder that the saved Spread the word, Assemble with other Saints, Visit the needs of the poor, Examine themselves, and are Diligent to show themselves approved to God. The Saints are saved by grace, and they exemplify salvation by living a life of Grace.
Today’s reading is so good that I had to share it with you.
Proverbs 19:27 KJV
“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.”
It reminded me of a story in 2Kings 4:38-41.
“And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” So one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered from it a lapful of wild gourds, and came and sliced them into the pot of stew, though they did not know what they were. Then they served it to the men to eat. Now it happened, as they were eating the stew, that they cried out and said, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it.”
I use this story to make the point about eating a drinking from secular pots in our studies. Far too many times we drink from secular pots and wonder why we have division. Paul warned of this problem of listening to unsound doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:3 KJV
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”
“Man of God, there is death in the pot!”
I’ve noticed gospel preachers consuming books by well known false teachers. Francis Chan, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Jakes, and the like.
“Man of God, there is death in the pot!”
Let us return to the old paths. The scriptures shall make us wise unto salvation. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Jesus is the bread of Life. “And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 