Skip to main content

Starting 2025 Right: In the Word!

The Importance of Reading the Bible

The Importance of Reading the Bible

The Bible is at the very heart of the Christian faith. It’s how God speaks to us, shaping our understanding of Him, deepening our faith, and guiding how we live as His people. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we’re reminded that “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.”

For many, however, reading the Bible can feel overwhelming. Where do we start? How do we stay consistent? And how do we move from simply reading words on a page to seeing God at work through them?

The first thing to remember is that the Bible is a story—a great, overarching narrative of God’s work in creation, redemption, and restoration. As we read, we see who God is, who we are in His light, and what it means to be part of His ongoing mission in the world. This isn’t just a dusty book of rules or abstract theology; it’s the living Word of God, with the power to transform our lives.

Regularly engaging with Scripture shapes us. The Holy Spirit uses it to challenge and comfort us, to renew our minds and soften our hearts. Reading the Bible isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about building a relationship with the God who loves us.

Helpful Bible Reading Plans

For those looking to start or restart their journey with God’s Word, here are some brilliant resources and plans:

Making time to read the Bible, even for ten minutes a day, can make all the difference. As a church family, let’s commit to encouraging one another to read God’s Word, allowing it to shape our hearts, our homes, and our community.

What’s your favourite Bible verse or plan? Share it with us!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Opportunities To Gather and Grow || SPB NOTES || Coming up to Winter 2024

As we enter a season full of opportunities to gather and grow, I want to encourage everyone to participate in the life of our church. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Gathering is a vital part of our faith, and these events are designed to strengthen our fellowship, prayer life, and outreach efforts. Each event, whether it’s our community prayer meeting, the winter coat project, or the Advent services, is a chance for us to come together as the body of Christ, using the unique gifts God has given us. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 highlights that we are all members of one body, and every part is needed to function as God intended. When we gather, pray, and support the church’s work, we not only bless each other but our entire community. I encourage you to engage deeply in these events and find where you can serve. Whether it’s helping ...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast As we journey toward Easter this year at St Paul’s & St Barnabas in North Belfast, we invite you to take part in our Holy Week services under the theme “This Is the Hour.” This powerful phrase comes from John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks of the appointed time—the hour—for which He came into the world. From Gethsemane to glory, Jesus moves with divine purpose toward the cross and the empty tomb. We are invited to walk with Him in that hour: to sit in the sorrow of betrayal, to receive the grace of service, to stand at the foot of the cross, and to rejoice at the dawn of resurrection. Our Holy Week reflections will follow the Gospel of John, focusing each evening on a key moment in Jesus’ journey. All services begin at 7:30 pm , and we warmly welcome you to come just as you are. Tuesday 15th April – 6:30pm Easter Community Prayer Walk Meeting at Salv...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sermon || True Worship – John 12:1–8 || SPB Belfast

True Worship – John 12:1–8 | SPB Belfast True Worship – John 12:1–8 As we journey through Holy Week, we find ourselves in Bethany, just six days before the Passover, where Jesus is gathered with friends for a meal. Among them is Lazarus—recently raised from the dead—a quiet but powerful reminder of Jesus’ divine authority over life and death. In this setting, Mary responds not with words, but with worship. She breaks open a jar of costly perfume, pours it over Jesus’ feet, and wipes them with her hair. This extravagant act becomes a defining picture of what true worship looks like. In Sunday’s sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin helped us explore the richness of this moment. Mary’s worship is more than emotion; it is the overflow of a heart transformed by grace. She had seen the power of Jesus firsthand when her brother Lazarus walked out of the tomb. Her act of worship ...
Post a Comment
Read more