Christian

Is The Bible Relevant in the 21st Century?

Cindy Dawson

I recently heard a pastor say something that sent shock waves through me. In an attempt to draw unchurched people to Christ, this popular pastor is teaching his flock that the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is not essential to following Jesus. (I find that really hard to accept since Jesus Himself taught from the Old Testament!)

Even more shocking, is how easily people accept it! That’s why I feel I have to talk about it on my blog. The Old Testament is vitally important because everything in it points to Jesus. The better we understand it, the better we will understand our walk with God.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

Once the enemy convinces the church that we shouldn’t base our beliefs on the Bible, he can bring forth all kinds of deception and lies that will be gobbled up by itching ears. Without the Bible, the church is destined to embark on a path that gradually looks more and more like the world and less and less like Christ.

The importance of Bible reading can not be overemphasized. And if we read more books about the Bible than the actual Bible, well, we are treading on dangerous ground. But isn’t that what people like to do? It’s the lazy way out. Don’t let someone tell you what the Bible says, unless you have read it for yourself first.

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 NIV

Yes, maybe our churches will grow bigger and faster if we present a message that mirrors the world view and culture, but is that really a good idea?

Jesus said,

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13 NIV

My purpose in writing this post is not to criticize, but to highlight the vital importance of reading, studying, and knowing God’s Word for yourself; and to warn against any teaching that does not honor God’s Holy Word. A cursory knowledge of the Bible is not good enough. For the Bible is our guide to discerning truth from error.

I challenge you to read the entire Bible within one year. It’s easier than you think! I did it last year and I’m doing it again this year. In fact, I plan on doing it every year from now on. Why? It’s so easy to do! And once you do it, you’ll want to do it again. I promise!

I personally like the One Year Reading Plan here. Using this chronological reading plan, you will study the Bible in the order that events happened. I found it very helpful to better understand the Biblical timeline. And it requires only a few minutes each day.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 NIV

The Bible guides us through life and teaches us what is true. It is indispensable!

As always, comments are welcomed and appreciated.

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

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26 thoughts on “Is The Bible Relevant in the 21st Century?”

  1. A very important message and reminder Cindy. We have to be diligent in our bible reading so we don’t fall prey to teaching that do not align with scripture. It is scary to think about all the false teachings and how easily people accept it. What you said about reading other scripture related books rather than scripture itself is quite dangerous.
    It is important to mention the importance of scripture reading and listening to what God teaches and reveals to us as we study His word rather than to always and more readily turn to someone else interpretation.

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  3. The entirety of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is the unfolding of God’s salvation, made manifest in Christ. If we cannot see the relevance of the Old Testament, we ignore the relevance of Christ’s fulfillment. Thanks Cindy. Great post.

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  4. You’re exactly right in this, Cindy! The WHOLE of scripture is vital in our knowledge of God and of Jesus. How can we understand the ending if we don’t understand the beginning? Thank you for this important challenge to all of us!

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  6. Thank you so much for highlighting this very necessary point, Cindy! Too many are shrugging the Word aside and letting others tell them what it says and what it means. This is indeed how countless false gospels spring up. Every bit of scripture has purpose. We mustn’t dismiss any of it, old testament or new, as it is one seamless narrative that points to our desperate need for a Savior and how to trust Him for our own. To study and know it for ourselves is to know God.

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  8. I’m not sure, but it appears my comment possibly got eaten, so I will just say thank you for highlighting this very necessary point. As Christians, the Word of God-all it-is how we can know Him. To discount any part of it is foolish and dangerous.

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  10. Cindy, This post has been sitting in my inbox waiting for me to get to it – I’m just sorry it took so long.

    YES! YES! YES! You are absolutely right! I completely agree that all of Scripture matters. Not only that, though – Paul was actually talking about the OT in 2 Timothy. Much of the NT hadn’t been written yet and what had been written was not yet recognized as Scripture! My heart breaks when I hear people argue we need don’t need it. Thank you so much for highlighting this. It is so very important and your words of encouragement are extremely timely.

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  11. I wonder what that pastor would think of a college professor of literature telling his students to just read the last chapters of the classics; that will be good enough? Seems like his comments amount to about the same thing!

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  12. Totally agree that the entire Bible is necessary for our Christian walk. I have been reading through the Bible once a year for a couple of years now and every time I find something new in the story. Great post!

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  13. Great work Cindy! We can never write this message too often, there is a whole generation of christians in our world not reading God’s Word. They are ripe for deceiving by false teachers. Many folk are saying this pandemic will be followed by a revival, I think if that is to happen then it must begin with christians finding a love for their Bible. God bless you sister.

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