• The strength of a local congregation correlates with how much the Bible is read.
  • Israel read the law.
    • Exodus 19:1-6 - special treasure
    • Exodus 20:10- commandments
    • Exodus 20:22-23:33- various commands
    • Exodus 24:3-7- Moses writes then READS
    • Continued even in New Testament times (Acts 13:14-15
  • Israel’s strength from reading
    • Deuteronomy 17:14-20- Kings should read
      • Example: Josiah - II Kings 22-23
    • Deuteronomy 31:9-13- regular public reading
    • Deuteronomy 6:1-9- read to children
    • Defeat of Jericho and Ai - Joshua 8:30-35
    • Israel and Judah captives - not reading enough
    • Remnant revived with reading - Nehemiah 8:1-13
  • Jesus emphasized reading
    • Matthew 12:3-5, Sabbath, “Have you not read?”
    • Matthew 19:4, Divorce, “Have you not read?”
    • Matthew 21:6, Praises
    • Matthew 21:42, Authority, “Did you never read?”
    • Matthew 22:31, Resurrection, “Have you not read?”
    • Matthew 4:1-11, Satan’s test, “It is written.”
    • Luke 10:25-28, Lawyer’s test, “What is written in the word? How does it read to you?”
  • Apostles and prophets and reading
    • Re-reading Old Testament
      • Peter on Pentecost, Acts 2and his epistles
      • Stephen’s sermon, Acts 7
      • Hebrews’ frequent quotes
      • Thessalonians & Bereans, Acts 17:10-11
    • Paul instructed brethren to read
      • Ephesians 3:4
      • Colossians 4:16
  • Salvation depends on reading
    • Salvation, I Timothy 4:12-16
      • II Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
      • John 20:30-31, “written that you may believe”
    • Serving our children
      • Old Testament warning, Deuteronomy 6
      • II Timothy 1:3-5, from childhood
    • Defense of the gospel, II Timothy 2:14-18
  • Conclusion
    • Is reading the Bible a priority in your life?
    • Do you read and study it regularly?
    • Do you read and study it regularly with your children?
    • Courage, strength, and faith depend on knowing God’s word.