Living the Gospel: Recent Episodes
Eric Otchere
How to Read and Enjoy Your Bible
This is a Christian podcast that shares biblical thoughts to help you live the Christian faith whilst we aim at reaching unbelievers for Christ.
The Bible is the most valuable book on earth. It was written by God to show us the way of salvation that no other book can do.
A neglect of reading the Bible will lead to spiritual stagnation.
Here are 5 important ways to read and enjoy your Bible:
#1. You must be born again
The Bible is a spiritual book and therefore it takes the man born from above to read and understand it.
Paul stated in 1 Corinthians that God reveals His truth to us through His Spirit.
People have studied the Bible as a course book and not known its depths of truth from God.
It is only the man born of the Spirit who knows the things of the Spirit.
You can turn from darkness to light by repenting from your sins and leaning on the work of Christ to have eternal life.
#2. You Must Pray Before You Read
The next important tip for reading and enjoying your Bible is to pray before you read it.
Prayer is the lifeline to talk to God who made everything including authoring the Bible.
2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture was inspired by God so it stands to reason that when we ask Him about it, He will help us to understand it and enjoy it.
In prayer, be frank about what you want God to do for you.
#3. You Must Ask For Help
The third tip to help you read and understand your Bible is to ask for help. The Bible says in James that we do not have because we do not ask.
First, ask the Holy Spirit, who is the main architect of the Scriptures to help you read it and understand it. The Bible says the Spirit will remind us of things. Be clear about what help youneed.
Second, ask other believers who are mature in the faith to help you read and understand it. One time when I heard the testimony of a man who read through the whole Bible, it challenged me to do so.
Third and final, consult books written by others to help you read the Bible and enjoy it. There are other formats like audio, video, magazines, journals and so on which have been done to aid us toread and enjoy the Bible.
Don't be proud to ask for help when you need it.
#4. You Must Understand The Story Of The Bible
The fourth tip I want to share with you is that you must understand the overall story of the Bible to be able to fit inand understand the other parts.
I will recommend you read through the whole Bible to get the story right. Afterwards, wherever you find yourself it will not be difficult to understand and enjoy it. You may not enjoy Leviticusbecause you don't have a good understanding of the whole story of redemption and the role blood plays.
#5. You Must Read The Bible And Study It
The last tip is that you must make time and read and study your Bible. Just get a version you are comfortable with and read it.
I will advise you to get a practical and simple reading plan to make do with.
There is no magic to this. You ought to take your Bible, sit down and read it with pen and paper readily available to make notes and do further studies.
God bless.
10 Reasons Why People Do Not Read Their Bible
A false worship of God is deeply rooted in lack of Bible reading, studying and application.
Below are 10 common reasons why people do not read their own Bible:
#1. They Cannot Find Time To Read
If we say the Bible is the most important book in our life, then it must reflect in our time.
#2. They Cannot Relate
The theme of the Bible is so straight and clear. It is very related to us because the Bible tells the human story of depravity and the perfect solution to cure it.
#3. They Cannot Understand
Christianity is a community of helpers with a common goal to edify each other.
#4. They Find It As A Religious Book
They think the Bible is full of dos and don’ts that take away our human liberty to have our way. The Bible is far from that.
Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is living and active. It is a living Word and not a dead religious book.
#5. They Cannot Read All
I have seen people who are Christians who can devour the most voluminous fiction books in town in no time, but they have never read the Bible from cover to cover.
#6. They Cannot Find It Interesting
Yet they can read the newspapers and magazines of stories of dead and living men. They read the sports news every single day not understanding how the stars make their millions, but it still excites them.
#7. They Cannot Accept All Its Teachings
God and His Word are the same. He said that He has put His Word above His name. Paul writing in 2 Timothy 3:16 said that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for equipping the man of God for good works.
#8. They Cannot Figure Out Where To Start
Amazing! Start anyway! Take one step at a time and you will cover the whole book. For every level of Christian living, there are possible recommendations available for you to start somewhere and move on.
#9. They Find It As A White Man’s Book
The Bible is not a white man’s book for black people. It is the Word of God for all men. Not reading it will mean that you will live by general revelation found in creation that is very limited to explain all the revealed glory of God and what He intends todo.
#10. They Find It As Outdated
The Bible is not outdated. It’s a living book written by God Himself. Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word will not. It is the most updated current book of all books.
The Bible is not just another book to have it and be gathering dust in your room. It must be life touching. It is the very Word of God that is authoritative, powerful, and creative. Hebrews 11:3 says that the worlds were framed by the Word of God.
Thank you for listening to “Living the Gospel” podcast with Eric Otchere. Join me again another time as we share an interesting discussion on how to read, understand and enjoy the Bible.
You can visit www.erikotchere.wordpress.com for daily biblically sound write-ups to help in your walk with the Lord.
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Living the Gospel Podcast! (Intro) I Episode #1Hello, this is Living the Gospel podcast!In a world where people are confused about Christianity, some are bombarded by false teachings, others doubt whether Jesus Christ is the only saviour, and many people are trapped in their sinful nature, it is important that we know the God of the Bible and Jesus Christ in whom is salvation and hope for eternal life.In the book of Romans 1, Paul states that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God for salvation of men. In Philippians, the same Apostle Paul said that in living or dying, it is all for Jesus Christ. When men and women know the gospel of Jesus Christ, it impacts how they live their lives. Everything rises and falls on the gospel of Christ.Ezra 7:10 says that Ezra prepared his heart to seek God’s word, do it, and teach it. Our mandate for this podcast is to share the gospel of Christ to help people come to saving faith and live always for Christ.We will share episodes to help you understand and live the gospel.Thank you for listening to Living the Gospel podcast. You can visit my blog for daily biblical write-ups on www.erikotchere.wordpress.com.My name is Eric Otchere.God bless you.
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