Why Scripture Still Matters
- steve ellis
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
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We live in a time when information is available everywhere. You can listen to sermons, podcasts, devotionals, and short clips that teach the Bible in so many different ways. And that's wonderful. But here's something I've learned, both in my own walk and through years of ministry: There is no substitute for God's Word.
With all that is out there, how do you know what is true? How do you know what is faithful and consistent with the character of God? Unless you are consistently engaging with His Word, with community, and in your personal studies, how can we know God's Word?
The Story
When we open the Bible, we're not just reading ancient words—we're entering into a story. It's God's story. And this story is meant to shape us, to form us into the image of Christ.
Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV):
"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.”(1)
Scripture is not just for information; it's meant to be for transformation. It teaches, it corrects, it equips. The Word of God isn't meant to sit on the shelf; it's meant to live in our hearts.
In another place, the psalmist writes:
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)
When life feels confusing or uncertain, Scripture steadies us. It gives us perspective, direction, and hope.
A while back, I wrote an article titled Three Healthy Habits. One of those habits was engaging Scripture. Like any good habit, consistency is key. We don't grow spiritually through occasional encounters with God's Word; we grow through daily nourishment.
Think about how you feed your body: small, consistent meals each day. In the same way, the Word of God nourishes our lives. It shapes our hearts a little more each time we read, reflect, and allow it to speak.
Sometimes that might mean reading a chapter or two. Other days, it might be a single verse that we sit with, reflect on, and pray through. The point isn't how much we read, it's that we're present with God in His Word.
This idea of Scripture as nourishment actually ties directly into a project Brenda and I are working on called Eat This Scroll.
That title comes from Ezekiel 3:3), where God says to the prophet:
"Then he said to me, 'Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.' So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth."
Ezekiel's vision is such a powerful image. Before he could speak God's words to others, he had to first take them in. He had to let God's Word become part of him, something digested, internalized, and lived. And that's the heart behind Eat This Scroll.
Through this series of short Scripture readings and reflections, Brenda and I invite you to slow down with us and to taste and see the goodness of God's Word. Each reflection will include a passage from God's Word, a key thought, and a short reflection connecting the text to our everyday lives.
Our goal is to complete the whole Bible. This is going to take some time, but we are going to start with the New Testament and hope to have this kick off in early December this year.
We hope that these readings encourage you to spend time with Scripture, to "eat" God's Word, let it dwell in you richly, and carry it with you throughout your day.
In the Gospels, Jesus reminds us:
"man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4)
That's such a simple yet profound truth. We can't thrive spiritually apart from God's Word. It's what centers us in His promises. It's what renews our minds and helps us discern truth in a world full of noise.
When we read Scripture, we're reminded of who God is and who we are in Him. We're reminded of His faithfulness in the past, His grace in the present, and His promises for the future.
So, if you've found it hard lately to make time for Bible reading or study, maybe this is your invitation to start again. Begin small. Pick one Gospel, one Psalm, or join us in Eat This Scroll, later in December.
Crossing The Context
Remember: engaging Scripture isn't about checking off a list; it's about relationship, it's about a story —the story of God working in His world through Jesus. It's about knowing God, listening to His voice, and allowing His story to shape your story.
Endnotes:
Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.