READING THE BIBLE:

BIBLE ROULETTE – FIND THAT SCRIPTURE –THAT MAKES SENSE

I wonder how many people know how to read the Bible.  Do I know how to read the Bible?  Well, do I know how to read it correctly?  Is there a right and wrong way? 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.               2 Timothy 3:16-17

BIBLE ROULETTE

BIBLE ROULETTE:  The act of flipping the Bible open at random and believing God will supernaturally speak to you in this way; that He will guide you to a very import Divine message.

I promise each scripture was random.

Try #1:  Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.  Psalm 32:5 

Wow!  This works.  I did not have a question in mind, but God sure sent me a fantastic, life saving verse. 

Try #2:  You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,  Psalm 65:5 

Maybe I need to go to a casino, because I am two for two.  This verse says God answers us and is our Savior, the hope of all.  It doesn’t get much better than that.

Try #3:  Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,   Nehemiah 1:8    

I will admit, after two tries opening to Psalms, I tilted the Bible a bit to the front.  Again, I had no question in mind, but this  random verse doesn’t help me today.

Try #4:  “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today – yes, tonight – before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”  Mark 14:30 

A bit of a tilt to the back and the Bible opened to this scripture.  Pretty good verse considering Easter was last Sunday.  But what is God trying to tell me? 

I know:  I need to fess up, listen to God for an answer, be faithful or I might get moved somewhere far away, and do not disown Jesus.  These are all good points but Bible Roulette doesn’t make sense as the way to read the Bible.  What if I had opened to ….

FIND THAT SCRIPTURE

….Your carcasses will be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.  Deuteronomy 28:26

Oh, now that was fun.  I looked and looked to find a far out scripture to prove that Bible Roulette could be harmful.  Who would want to continue reading if this was the first verse they came across?

Find That Scripture is used a lot.  A WHOLE LOT!  How often do you hear: “I am right.  It is in the Bible.”

If you read “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.”, you could prove Jesus did not want to die.

If you read “Then the king said, “Bring me a sword” so they brought a sword for the king.  He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”, you could prove the Bible supported infanticide. 

If you read “Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.”, you could prove the disciples did not get along and they argued.

Find That Scripture doesn’t make sense as the way to read the Bible either. 

THAT MAKES SENSE

So what does make sense?  A few thoughts:

• The Bible is God-breathed so every verse is important.  Every verse has meaning. 
• The Bible is meant to be read in context.
• Reading the Bible is to provide spiritual nourishment by understanding and applying the truths of the scriptures.
• We have to be open/receptive to the Word.

Where do we start? 

• Find the right Bible.  I am not going to advise anyone on this.  There are literal translations (following the words of the original very closely and exactly) and non-literal (figures of speech).  If you want guidance on finding the right Bible for you, talk to a minister. 

• PRAY – Before you start reading, pray.  This will calm your body and open your mind to understanding the scripture.
• Do not try to read large amounts at one sitting.  Believe me, your mind will wonder, your brain will get fuzzy, and your butt will get tired.  (On occasion, you will get lost in the action and read and read and read.  Been there, done that…sorry dear lunch is not ready.  I will get right on it.)
• If you do not understand a passage, read it again.  If you still do not understand, make a note and go back to it. 
• A new Christian should read the New Testament first.  Read and search for how Jesus lived and allow His actions to become yours.
• Read more than a verse here and there.  You need to see what was going on, who was there, why something was said, and what was the outcome.  No Bible Roulette.  You need the content.
• Begin “new” and do not try to make the Bible say what you want.  No Find That Scripture.  As you read, let the scriptures find you.
• Respect the Bible, but the Bible is for you to use.  Either make notes in the margin or have paper or journal ready for notes.  Do what makes you comfortable. 

  

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1

through

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people.  Amen.  Revelation 22:21

NOTE TO URBANA YOKE PARISH:  This image is on the website.  Can you find it?