Christian

Is The Bible Relevant in the 21st Century?

Cindy Dawson

(Updated and revised)

I 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 compelled to write about it. The Old Testament is vitally important because everything in it points to Jesus. The more we study the whole Bible, the better we will know God.

“The Word of God is complete – both the Old and New Testaments flow together as one divine story of redemption. To disregard one and elevate the other is to dishonor the Author who gave us both – the same God who used the Old to confirm and fulfill the New.”

amir tsarfati

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”
2 Timothy 3:16 (emphasis mine)

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 resembles the world more and resembles Christ less.

The importance of Bible reading can not be overemphasized. 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

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

Yes, maybe our churches will grow bigger and faster if we present a message that mirrors a secular worldview, 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

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 the only criterion with which we can discern truth from error.

I challenge you to read the entire Bible within one year. It’s easier than you think! I have done it for the last seven years. In fact, I plan on doing it every year from now on. Why? It’s both beneficial and easy to do! Once you do it, you’ll want to do it again. I promise!

I’ve been using a chronological Bible reading plan where you study the Bible in the order in which events happened. I found it very helpful in gaining a better understanding of the Biblical timeline. And it requires only a few minutes each day.

Here are three plans you can print.

Or, you can use a digital plan like this.

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

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

As always, comments are welcome and appreciated.

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

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

  2. I love this straight talking defence of the value of God’s whole Word Cindy. As I pondered this, it occurred to me that neglecting the Old Testament is akin to trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle without the edge pieces…the picture of God’s message will be incomplete. We certainly need to know the whole message about Jesus, from both Testaments.
    I pray that your post will challenge others to step out to read the whole story in the Bible in 2026. šŸ™
    God bless you today my friend and sister šŸ™

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    1. Thank you, Alan. The pastor I am talking about is very charismatic and popular. He has a weekly attendance of approximately 43,830 people across eight locations.
      That should not surprise us since many false teachers have a huge following. God help us!
      Many blessings my friend and brother! šŸ™

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  3. Good post! Yes, I have heard similar things in the push to be acceptable to all or appease some. You said it well, “Without the Bible, the church is destined to embark on a path that gradually resembles the world more and resembles Christ less.” ~ Rosie

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    1. Well, I had not heard of that church until now! Why am I not surprised? Jesus and His apostles clearly warned us about the deception that would come. And you’re right. It is sad.
      God bless you today, Cindi! āœļø

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    1. That’s just one example of how churches sometimes think they know better than God, and completely ignore what the Bible tells Church leaders to do. God bless you today, Bob! āœļø

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  13. Cindy, The Old Testament is the key that unlocks the New. Without it, the Gospel remains true, but so much of its depth, richness, and necessity remain unopened. It’s almost like getting a gift and never unwrapping it. You know you’ve got it but you never use it, which may explain why the Church is in the state it is today. Blessings!

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