With strange rituals like animal sacrifice, divinely mandated genocide, and odd cultural laws, the Bible can seem outdated and irrelevant. It can feel intimidating to try and read and understand it, but the Bible is still as relevant today as ever and it speaks directly to our lives. God’s word is “living and active, sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) God’s word doesn’t just lie on the page. It becomes animated and active by the very Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. It’s that powerful.
As the Bible episode expounds, “Did you know there are: over 2,000 references to money & finances in the Bible? Over 500 verses on love? And over 100 about finding purpose? There are verses about caring for the Earth, racism…justice for the oppressed, diversity, social equality of women and minorities… defending the vulnerable including immigrants, children, and widows. All stuff that’s relevant and impacting our culture today.” (04:25 – 05:07)
It reveals both the human heart and the heart of God. It speaks to timeless issues like hope, fear, understanding, purpose, and identity. It talks frankly about money, sex and power—the driving forces of our culture—and it answers the questions we ask in our most unguarded moments: Can my failures be redeemed? Can I be loved? What happens when I die? How should I treat others? And from a purely pragmatic standpoint, the Bible has more to say about how to live a joyful, purposeful and peace-filled life than any book ever written. But perhaps the biggest way the Bible speaks to us is an invitation: to know the God who made us; to be exposed to the incredible depths of his love; and to respond to his offer of new life in Jesus Christ, becoming a part of God’s family forever.
Psalm 119:89-93 Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts for by them you have preserved my life.
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
“It is Christ Himself…who is the true word of God. The Bible, read in the right spirit and with the guidance of good teachers, will bring us to Him.” – C.S. Lewis, in a private letter to a friend.