Bible Reading - Cedar Hills

Disciples Making Disciples: Bible Reading

Jesus said, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”(Matthew 28:18-20).

We are called to make disciples who make disciples and we recently received a Discipleship Map to help us live out this calling. This tool is one of many gifts of our belonging to The Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC). This map explores twelve essential qualities of a disciple who makes disciples.

The fourth essential is Bible Reading for Devotion. A disciple practices simple methods of reading the Bible for devotional purposes. This practice shifts the focus from simply “getting into the Word” to “letting the Word get into you” which transforms a daily checklist into a spiritual rhythm.

Getting into the Word treats the Bible like a destination, a task to complete, or information to master. The goal too easily becomes finishing a chapter or checking off a reading plan. Getting the Word into you treats Scripture like daily nourishment, letting it take root to reshape your character from the inside out.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

God is the Potter, we are the clay. When we read the Bible, God shapes us. This is how God grows disciples who make disciples. (Dig deeper here!)

May the Lord be with you,

Pastor Kent

Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry or learn something new? Let Kent know.

Sometimes It’s Boring

What are your favorite parts of the Bible?

I definitely favor narrative. Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, the Gospels, Acts, Ruth.

What is your least favorite part of the Bible? Can I ask that question?

Every time I read through the Bible, there are definitely sections that look forward to less. Like… cringe-worthy. I feel bad admitting that about God’s Word, but it’s true.

The major prophets… Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah… they go on and on and on and I find them boring and confusing. Paul’s letters? Not a quick read and super heady. The Psalms? I like them in small bunches, but I can’t sit and read chapter after chapter of poetry. I can only stand small doses.

I don’t think I would have ever admitted that I have favorite parts and not-so-favorite parts until after I started my current POWER READ THE BIBLE program. The narrator of this program actually suggests to turn up the speed on the audio Bible and get through the boring parts faster.

HE ACTUALLY SAID THAT.

I was like, “What… other people do this too? Other people can’t stand getting stuck in the weeds of the major prophets and endless genealogies???

That being said, can we all just agree out loud together that some parts of Scripture are more enjoyable than others?

Tara-Leigh Cobble addressed this same issue a few years ago when I was doing the Bible Recap. While all of God’s Word is as equally valuable and completely inspired, some parts need an accompanying prayer of, “Holy Spirit, show me why this is important to you.” “Holy Spirit, show me something about yourself from this passage.” “Holy Spirit, what do you want me to know from this passage?” “Holy Spirit, teach me something here.”

So sometimes when I’m stuck in the weeds, I make it a conversation with God and just ask Him why He likes this part!

It has changed the enjoy-ability favor more than I could imagine. It redirects my heart and mind away from what might seem unpleasant and redirects it back to God.

Leah Carolan
Director of Worship & Media

Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry, or learn something new? Let Leah know.

We exist to make disciples who make disciples.