Topic: Bible Reading Challenge for 2024
In his book, The Wonders of the Word of God, Evangelist Robert L. Sumner tells about a man in Kansas City who was severely injured in an explosion. The victim’s face was badly disfigured, and he lost his eyesight as well as both hands. He had just become a new Christian, and one of his greatest disappointments was that he could no longer read the Bible. Then he heard about a woman in England who read Braille with her lips. Hoping to do the same, he sent for some books of the Bible in Braille. Much to his dismay, he discovered that the nerve endings in his lips had been destroyed by the explosion. One day, as he brought one of the Braille pages to his lips, his tongue happened to touch a few of the raised characters and he could feel them. He instantly realized he could read the Bible using his tongue. At the time Robert Sumner wrote his book, the man had “read” through the entire Bible four times.
Why is reading the Bible necessary? An unknown writer said,
The Bible is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God is its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.
That is why Scripture is an absolute requisite on the journey of faith.
Just a thought: A visiting preacher entered church with his young son and dropped a coin into the offering box in the back. Few came that Sunday, and those who did didn’t seem too excited about what was said. After the service, the preacher and son walked to the back, and the preacher emptied the box. Out fell one coin. The young boy said, “Dad, if you’d have put more in, you’d have gotten more out!”
What you put into the reading of Scripture will dictate what you get out.
Keep reading the Bible!
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem