There are many ways we can engage with Scripture. But there’s one method you might not have heard of, though it’s found many times in the Bible: the public reading of Scripture.
We’re told that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).
The importance of reading God’s Word is clear, and it’s a crucial habit for every Christian to build. So, how do we do that? Well, a personal devotional time is a good place to start. But beyond that, there are many ways we can engage with Scripture. In fact, you may not have heard of one such method, but it’s found many times in the Bible: the public reading of Scripture.
The public reading of Scripture is the simple but powerful practice of gathering together and listening to God’s Word read out loud.
In 1 Timothy 4:13, the Apostle Paul encouraged his young friend Timothy to be devoted to the public reading of Scripture. It was a tradition that started all the way back when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. After God saved them, the Israelites gathered together and listened as Moses read God’s law. This public reading of Scripture defined Israel’s story as God’s people.
The Israelites didn’t have Bibles they could just carry around to read. The public reading of Scripture was a huge privilege. It was filled with anticipation and wonder because it was the only way people could hear God’s word.
Later, when the Israelites returned from exile in Babylon, the people gathered and listened to Ezra read the Scriptures. Together, they responded to God’s Word, and it healed their lives.
Jesus told us that every word of God is like food to our souls. So, by listening to God’s Word regularly, we get the food we need to grow strong in our faith. And that’s why Paul told Timothy to be devoted to the public reading of Scripture.
The Bible is truly the most influential and powerful book in history. It tells the story of what God is doing for us and through us – with Jesus Christ as the center. Like a delicious meal, listening to God’s Word together can fill us up with strength, nourishment, and delight. Whether we are listening with our family or friends, we have a loving invitation to hear God speak to us through this amazing book. By listening to the Scriptures, we gain understanding, guidance, joy, love, and peace.
There are several other examples of communal Bible reading found in Scripture. Here are just a few…
So, to help you get started with the public reading of Scripture, we’ve got something special for you: a 30-day Bible reading plan, read to you by some of your favorite Adventures in Odyssey characters!
Listen along as Whit, Connie, and Jason from Adventures in Odyssey read to you from God’s Word. Each reading is the perfect length to listen to during a family meal, car ride, or anytime!
To start listening to the 30-day plan today, simply click on the button below:
Listen to the Bible with Adventures in Odyssey!
That’s not all! We want to help you get the most out of this Scripture reading plan. That’s why we’ve provided a discussion guide which will help guide your conversations after each reading. Download the guide below:
Download the Scripture Discussion Guide
The post Bible Reading in a New Way: Engage in God’s Word with Adventures in Odyssey appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
Head
The importance of Bible reading
We’re told that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).
The importance of reading God’s Word is clear, and it’s a crucial habit for every Christian to build. So, how do we do that? Well, a personal devotional time is a good place to start. But beyond that, there are many ways we can engage with Scripture. In fact, you may not have heard of one such method, but it’s found many times in the Bible: the public reading of Scripture.
A new (and old!) way to engage with Scripture
The public reading of Scripture is the simple but powerful practice of gathering together and listening to God’s Word read out loud.
In 1 Timothy 4:13, the Apostle Paul encouraged his young friend Timothy to be devoted to the public reading of Scripture. It was a tradition that started all the way back when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. After God saved them, the Israelites gathered together and listened as Moses read God’s law. This public reading of Scripture defined Israel’s story as God’s people.
The Israelites didn’t have Bibles they could just carry around to read. The public reading of Scripture was a huge privilege. It was filled with anticipation and wonder because it was the only way people could hear God’s word.
Later, when the Israelites returned from exile in Babylon, the people gathered and listened to Ezra read the Scriptures. Together, they responded to God’s Word, and it healed their lives.
Heart
The power of listening to God’s Word
Jesus told us that every word of God is like food to our souls. So, by listening to God’s Word regularly, we get the food we need to grow strong in our faith. And that’s why Paul told Timothy to be devoted to the public reading of Scripture.
The Bible is truly the most influential and powerful book in history. It tells the story of what God is doing for us and through us – with Jesus Christ as the center. Like a delicious meal, listening to God’s Word together can fill us up with strength, nourishment, and delight. Whether we are listening with our family or friends, we have a loving invitation to hear God speak to us through this amazing book. By listening to the Scriptures, we gain understanding, guidance, joy, love, and peace.
Biblical examples of public reading of Scripture
There are several other examples of communal Bible reading found in Scripture. Here are just a few…
Joshua
Josiah
Jesus
Hands
Bible reading with Adventures in Odyssey
So, to help you get started with the public reading of Scripture, we’ve got something special for you: a 30-day Bible reading plan, read to you by some of your favorite Adventures in Odyssey characters!
Listen along as Whit, Connie, and Jason from Adventures in Odyssey read to you from God’s Word. Each reading is the perfect length to listen to during a family meal, car ride, or anytime!
To start listening to the 30-day plan today, simply click on the button below:
Listen to the Bible with Adventures in Odyssey!
Scripture discussion guide
That’s not all! We want to help you get the most out of this Scripture reading plan. That’s why we’ve provided a discussion guide which will help guide your conversations after each reading. Download the guide below:
Download the Scripture Discussion Guide
The post Bible Reading in a New Way: Engage in God’s Word with Adventures in Odyssey appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...