Why is it important to read our Bibles?

Great question.
Below are notes from this morning's devotional...And it concludes with this importance!

So much instruction in Hebrews 5 & 6.
So much revelation in Hebrews 5 & 6.

Here's some notes I took while reading it.....

High Priests (leaders of God):
1. Are appointed to the things of God.
2. Offer gifts and sacrifices.
3. Deal gently with ignorant and misguided people.
4. Are humble.
5. Are called by God.

Jesus was our example of a High Priest.
1. He offered up prayers and supplications (intercession) on behalf of others.
2. Obedience was learned through suffering.

My thoughts and paraphrases of:

• Hebrews 5:9:  IF CHRIST IS TRULY LORD - YOU WILL OBEY HIM!
• Hebrews 5:11: (I) Often have much to say, but the dull hearing (unbelief & disobedience) of others makes it difficult to say....dull hearing/unbelief/lukewarm living prevents people from receiving God's Word.
• Hebrews 5:12: This is why there are so many so-called believers who still need "milk"...the easy to swallow stuff, i.e. topical sermons that teach how to have a 'good life'.
• Hebrews 5:14: It is the mature believers, who are willing to obey, who can take the solid food, the stuff you have to think about, understand, i.e. Bible-teaching sermons on what kind of life God is calling us to.

MY PERSONAL OPINION/THOUGHTS/OBSERVATIONS

Have you ever sat in church and heard a great, motivational speech? I call them 'life-coach pastors'. Their message is well received because it teaches the audiences how to get more out of life. To me, this is consumer-Christianity...the 'I'll bless others to get a blessing' - very selfish and self-centered focused.

Have you ever sat in church and had the Bible taught to you? Verses broken down to the Hebrew or Greek to hear the original intention of what was written? Then the main verse supported by numerous others from BOTH the Old and New Testaments? Those sermons are what bring the people to their knees. Those sermons are what pierces the heart and soul of sins to be repented of. Those are the life-changing sermons that transforms hearts, minds, souls, marriages, families....WHY?

They are based on the WORD!!!!!! Here's some scripture to support what I am saying:

Deuteronomy 4:2

You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

Deuteronomy 12:28

“Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever, for you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God."

 

Joshua 3:9

Then Joshua said to the sons of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God.”

 

 

Psalm 18:30

As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

 

 

Isaiah 1:10

Hear the word of the Lord, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the instruction of our God, You people of Gomorrah. (*Remember what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah.....Hmmmmm.*)

 

Jeremiah 15:16

Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.

 

Matthew 4:4

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

Luke 11:28

But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

 

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 

Acts 18:11

And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (*Not only should we hear the Word, obey the Word, but those called teachers...Should TEACH the WORD!*)

 

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you...

**All verses sourced from www.biblegateway.com

 

WHAT'S MY POINT?????

 

WHEN AT HOME: READ YOUR BIBLE.

WHEN AT CHURCH: HEAR THE BIBLE.

 

The Word of God is life-changing!!! Last Verse:

 

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active

and sharper than any two-edged sword,

and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit,

of both joints and marrow,

and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

 

Man's testimonies will help illustrate how God's Word is live and active in our lives.

But it isn't your pastor's opinions and stories upon stories that will get you saved and change you...

ONLY THE WORD OF GOD CAN DO THAT!!!

 

 

Here's your challenge:

Feast on the Word of God, daily for 1 year...

and by 2015

your life will look dramatically different than it does now!

(I -100% - Guarantee It!!!)