Author: newlifenarrabri

Reading The Bible Regularly Is Good for You

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The Rule of 4

I recently came across a survey that suggests reading the Bible 4 times a week brings about massive changes in your life, including better spiritual and mental health. The survey is available at www.c4be.org

A survey of 4000,00 people in 1996 conducted by Edward Cole and Pamela Ovwigho found that even among people who identify as christians the Bible is rarely read. Less than 40% read the bible at least weekly. Those who claim to be born again read the Bible more frequently, but even here only about 25-40% of adults read the Bible more than 3 days per week.

When it comes to lifestyle choices, a startling picture emerges. For christians who read the bible at least 4 times per week the incidence for various harmful or sinful behaviours changes:

  • Getting drunk = 57% lower
  • Sex outside marriage = 68% lower
  • Pornography = 61% lower
  • Gambling = 74% lower
  • Any of these habits = 57% lower

What is remarkable is that for those who read the Bible 1,2, 0r 3 times a week there is no discernible difference in these behaviours between christians and non-christians.

When it comes to positive christian practices, those who read the bible more often are much more likely to engage in things like discipling other believers or witnessing.

  • Sharing faith with others = 228% higher
  • Discipling others = 231% higher
  • Memorising scripture = 407% higher

There is also anecdotal evidence in the same study that shows feelings of alienation from God, loneliness and so on radically decline in those who read the Word 4 times or more per week.

It is clear that it is not enough to read the Bible occasionally. We need to develop the habit of engaging with it at least every second day, and preferably daily to allow God to impact our hearts and minds.

Reflection on 1 Timothy 3:1-7

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Scripture

People outside the church must speak well of him, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

Reflection

My guidelines for the character of christian leaders are specific but flexible.

These are principles not laws. The leaders in my church will above all be people who love me deeply and passionately. They will be people who love others and pour themselves out in serving others.

These are the people who are beyond reproach, who live faithful lives. They are not in any way perfect, but they know they are restored by my grace.

The titles of the office change, and the particulars vary, but the men and women of God are people who live in humble fellowship with me and who study my word.

Being an “elder” is not a reward for long service. It is rather a recognition of a person of true character who carries the respect of the church and the community.

This description is really the description of any mature believer. They have devoted themselves to me and have overcome their sin in the power of my Spirit.

Prayer

Please Lord, raise up these mature believers in the faith. Let everyone who claims to follow you take the call so seriously that you change every part of their lives. Amen

Reflection on 1 Timothy 2:8-15

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Scripture

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.

Observation

In every place of worship, men must pray with hands and hearts that are holy and dedicated to the Lord.

Women must be modest in their dress, not drawing attention to themselves with ostentatious hair arrangements or expensive clothes and jewellery. Women should learn submissively. They should not lord it over the men.

Application

People can be proud in their public worship. They draw attention to themselves in the way they pray or in their appearance.

God is not interested in these human power games. He wants hearts that are focused on Him, hearts that are surrendered to Him.

So we pray with holy hands. Our hands must not be a party to sin during the week. God will cleanse us from sin, but we have to ask Him and confess our sins before we get to worship.

Our hands should be lifted to God in surrender to Him. We reach up to Him as the source of every good thing.

We must be free from anger and controversy. If we are not walking in genuine love with our brothers and sisters, then how can we seek the presence of the Lord?

Worship and prayer are not about actions. God judges our hearts and not our outward appearance.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you command us to be holy, just as you are holy. Please help me to approach your throne confidently, but always in the knowledge of your grace. Amen