Are you just reading the Bible?

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””

John‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭ESV

A Great Legacy

On July 14th, John MacArthur left this earth. He is certainly one of the most influential Christians of our day. He has written hundreds of books and sold millions. He served as pastor at Grace Community Church for 50+ years. He believed in the careful study and verse-by-verse exposition of Scripture.

He said the mark of his ministry was that he explained the Bible with the Bible. A good sermon should be a good sermon 50 years after the day it was preached.

Just Read the Bible

In an interview with Ben Shapiro, MacArthur said in regards to the Bible,

"I would just say this in a general sense, read the Bible. Just read the Bible. It has the ring of truth. It defends itself. It's like a lion. You don't defend a lion. You open the cage and let it out. It'll be okay. The Scripture is like that. It's like that morally. There's something in the heart of people that resonates with biblical morality. The law of God is written in every human heart. The ring of biblical truth is so powerful to a person who honestly reads the Scripture."

Why did John MacArthur have such a passion for the word of God? I believe John 8:31-32 gives a small glimpse into his reasoning: "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." He didn't mince words. "Just read the Bible...it defends itself. It is like a lion..."

What's Your Approach?

So the question is, are you JUST READING the Bible, as MacArthur said. Reading it? Studying it? Marinating in it? Immersing in it? Memorizing it?

Study plans are nice, but in my experience, I get behind and then I’m done. The tyranny of the urgent takes control at other times. Bible study topics are cool too and have their place. But what’s easy and what we can all do daily is get in the Bible. EVERY DAY. You can listen in the car. You can read at work or home. There’s a newer app called Dwell that just reads the Bible to you.

The Bible Challenge

That’s my challenge to myself and to you. Find an accountability partner. Set a reminder. Get up 10 minutes earlier. Get in the word!

Every. Single. Day.

And you will be and grow as His disciple, you will know more of His Truth, and His Truth will set you free.

Heck, get a John MacArthur study Bible and get after it!

Thad Hardin

MD5 Facilitator