The Bible, Religion and Relationship…

[Saint_Dude]

Every serious Jesus-follower should read through the entire Bible at least once.  Otherwise, you don’t really know what you signed up for.  And you end up taking a lot of other people’s word for what God wrote and who He is. 

We talk a lot about RELATIONSHIP vs RELIGION and how “religion” is bad…and yet it’s easy to let others spoon-feed us and to fool ourselves into thinking second-hand knowledge (religion!) is enough — but a real, living relationship takes work!

 

From my blog:  https://loonwatchman.wordpress.com/2025/01/17/the-bible-religion-and-relationship-2/

[NConly]

I agree, to many people believe they need the Ten written on stone or the old covenant or part of the old law or some other covenant to be saved. When one only needs the Faith in the one God the Father sent named Jesus. The one with all things put under Him.

Matt 28

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

 

1 Cor 15

25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

[Saint_Dude]

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."  

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

[Saint_Dude]

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.   (Hebrews 4:12)
 

[Saint_Dude]

...and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

(1 Peter 2:2-3)

[timf]

Satan has been working for centuries to collectivize the world and to keep people from becoming Christian. He also has worked to influence churches so that if some cannot be prevented from becoming Christian, they might be inhibited from maturing and being effective for Christ. The few that still maintain enthusiasm for Christ are often seen as oddballs.

As you alluded to, Christianity was supposed to be about relationships (us with God and each other). Organizational systems do not do relationships and frequently inhibit them.

The basic problem people have is sin (which might be better described as selfishness). It is this of our fallen nature that poisons relationships. God created harsh environmental and biological circumstances so that we would need each other. This tension would be such that we would have to surrender some of our selfishness so that we could have relationships with each other.

Because of modern technology, we often have less need for others and can indulge our natural selfishness to levels unknown previously in history. Today most Christians do not even know that we are expected to become like Christ and surrender our selfishness.

Eph 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

2Co 5:15  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

[warrior12]

Born again believers has to become aquainted with certain words that reflects their spiritual life.  Before becoming a believer , he las to realize that there is another world that was not revealed to him or hidden that is now revealed in the Holy Bible .  He therefore has to strive to know the full content of the book of life, which in perseverance the Holy Spirit would being his guide would reveal the things previously hidden or being blinded too.  

Starting at the new testament is fine to see and know what the gospels is all about in full.  But like any book, if you want to get the full picture , you have to start at the beginning and read the whole content.  Learning about the creation, sin, and the people the Lord choose to be his people is a first hand account on your account and then further the depth of study.  

It also allows for answers to questions that can lead to deeper knowledge of the word.  It is a life long journey and one that enlightens the spirit within to search out the truths of this life .  The Holy Spirit is there to also teach and guide , together with the members of the family of believers and more.  Yes, it is imperative for every believer to read through the entire bible, it is a must to get the fruits of study in the word.

[Tristen]

Fellowship with Christ through His Word is fundamental to the life of a Christian. However, we must be careful that our study of God's Word remains a matter of fellowship - and be cautious against reading scripture as a matter of legalistic obligation.

That is, we don't need any new laws to guide how and what we read in scripture. We rather fellowship with God through scripture as led by the Holy Spirit.

 

[bdavidc]

I believe we should read the Bible regularly because it is God’s Word, it is the primary way He speaks to us today. It strengthens our faith (Romans 10:17), equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17), and helps us grow in wisdom and discernment (Hebrews 5:14). God’s Word keeps us focused on truth and guards us against deception (Psalm 119:11). A wise goal is to read at least the New Testament every year to stay rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the message of salvation. Scripture is essential, not just for spiritual growth, but also for rightly handling truth and sharing it with others (2 Timothy 2:15).

Everyone needs to know what the Bible truly says about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, and eternity. Don’t rely on churches, celebrities, or the media for the most important truth we will ever encounter. If we don’t know what God has written down for us, we may be lost forever. The Bible is all about Jesus, who He is, what He’s done, and the free gift of salvation He offers. But if we don’t know Him, we won’t be with Him. Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matthew 7:21–23).

There is a flood of false information in the world today. The only way to know the truth is to study the Bible for yourself. If we ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the truth, He will, and it will change our life forever (John 16:13). As Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). We don’t read the Bible as a legal duty but as a means of fellowship with God. It is important to remember that the Pharisees read the Scriptures yet missed Christ Himself (John 5:39–40). The Bible brings life when read with a heart that seeks God, guided by the Holy Spirit, not as a checklist of rules, but as the living voice of God calling us into a relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 3:6).