I have a confession to make. Historically, most of my Bible knowledge has been second-hand. In truth, I know more Bible than the average Christian. I was raised as a pastors kid on the mission field, attending a Christian private school that made me memorize the entire book of Philippians… I have a lot of Bible knowledge. At some point in my life, I’ve probably already heard whatever illustration or sermon you want to give me to explain your point of view.
But when it comes down to it, most of my knowledge was from other people’s interpretations. That got me far in some places. However, as I’ve been reading the Bible through, I’m realizing I’m discovering things I never knew. And it’s causing me to re-think a lot.
I believe there are three things every believer needs to find in the Bible for themselves—not from pastors or books or podcasts.
1. Your political stance.
If you listen to nearly any Republican candidate, you’ll believe that their politics lines up with the Bible. However, when you actually read the Good Book, things often aren’t as cut-and-dry. In fact, there are some things I’ve begun leaning more Democratically on, some things more Republican, and some things completely independent of what any party espouses.
If you don’t build your political stance on the Bible—God’s revelation of the Scriptures in your heart—you’re wasting your vote.
2. Your identity.
Your parents, teachers, and pastors can’t tell you who you are. They can say a few general things that God says about you. But you ultimately won’t get the full picture until you let God speak to you through His revealed Word. There’s something unique God wants to say about who you are through His words in the Scriptures.
3. Your God.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He doesn’t change. But at the same time, He is different to each of us, just like a father is different to each of his children. While my dad doesn’t change, the way I relate with him is different from how my other siblings relate with him. He’s different, because I’m different.
The only way I can discover who my dad is to me is by spending time with him. And if my dad was invisible and at times inaudible—but he left letters for me to learn more about him—I wouldn’t rely on someone else to read those for me. I wouldn’t be content with my siblings reading his letters and summarizing them for me. I would want to read every single word to learn every single thing about him that I could. It’s the same with our Heavenly Father. While He is ever-present, we don’t get to see or always hear Him. But He has left His words for us in the form of the Bible. You have to dig into those and get to know Him for yourself.
The Bible seriously puts the Game of Thrones books to shame with its shocking stories. But it’s more than just great literature. It’s pulsing with eternal life. You can’t get that from watching the movie or hearing a pastor summarize it.
I encourage you, dive into the Bible for yourself. I’m going through a chronological version that’s super easy to read. Grab that, and discover these things for on your own.
Great post!