Reading the Scriptures Constantly And in Context Brings Spiritual Growth

Of all the ways to read the Bible one of the most beneficial can be a survey reading of the entire Scriptures, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, and book by book.

Beyond this even a chronological reading of the Scriptures can be of great benefit to know exactly when events took place. If all believers in many areas would commit to being those who read the Word of God constantly and consistently in context,

there would be a great strengthening of the body of Christ.

Before reading the Word of God pray briefly asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate and explain to you what you will be reading.

Then read the Scriptures slowly, taking time to let each word sink in. This slow reading and asking the Holy Spirit what you should learn will bring much truth and understanding to you, helping you every day in your daily activities. We must therefore read our Bibles carefully and slowly.

from: http://gospelfellowships.net/principles-book/

How much credit are we willing to give the Holy Spirit in the life of a Believer? Do we have confidence in the Holy Spirit's amazing ability to lead His sheep?

Dear Brother,

These are just short excerpts from a larger book: http://gospelfellowships.net/principles-book/ If you reviewed the table of contents of this book you will see a large majority of it gives credit and encouragement towards the work of the Holy Spirit.

For instance here are some chapters:

Principle 17 – The Spirit is Essential (pdf )
http://gospelfellowships.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/83-84.pdf

Principle 19 – Dependence on the Spirit of Jesus (pdf )
http://gospelfellowships.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/89-91.pdf

Principle 20 – Holy Spirit Normal Christianity (pdf )
http://gospelfellowships.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/93-95.pdf

Principle 21 – Hungering after the True Holy Spirit Baptism (pdf)
http://gospelfellowships.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/97-98.pdf

Principle 22 – God Uses the Weak by His Spirit (pdf )
http://gospelfellowships.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/99-101.pdf

Principle 36 – Dependence on the Moving of the Holy Spirit (pdf )
http://gospelfellowships.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/147-150.pdf

Baptism of the Holy Spirit by brother Denny (pdf )
http://gospelfellowships.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/335-349.pdf

Without the Holy Spirit of God by brother Chadwick (pdf )
http://gospelfellowships.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/351-358.pdf

Trust that helps.

I definitely agree with you and I would say, ESPECIALLY by His Holy Spirit, which is indispensable when reading His Word.

Just take a look at all the controversies on this site by all the many learned and well read Bible readers.

So, obviously there is something more than just spending hours and reading/studying.

Look at the great theologians who have come up with voluminous works of Systematic Theology, hammered out by reading and studying the Word for thousands of hours, and compare some of them by the Christian who simply takes God at His Word. Some of these "great" works are fraught with much error.

Just trying to provide a balance, brother.

and compare some of them by the Christian who simply takes God at His Word.

Brother, yes this is what I shared in my reply that we are to walk in obedience to the word in our relationship with Jesus Christ and hence that provides much less controversy over words or sayings. The whole tenor of scriptures speaks to obedience and practical walking it out.

But we can be narrow and opinionated if we just read select passages even if we are walking in obedience to them.

Brother respectfully who is spending hours reading and studying the word I mean in America. Our problem is biblical illiteracy.

Bearmaster.

Brother respectfully who is spending hours reading and studying the word I mean in America. Our problem is biblical illiteracy.

I would say that there are a few theologians that are spending the time required in the word of God but their hearts by in large are dulled and hard. Where are the saints, the simple sheep who have the Holy Spirit filling who are seeking deeply after the Word of God and the God of the Word. Very few.

I agree dear brother blaine. May God give me such a passion and desire for His word.

Where are they?

My guess is those who are devouring God's word see no profit in boasting about it. Most "simple" people have jobs they must attend to in order to provide for their family. They're not so fortunate to have a theologian's lifestyle.

It's great that we now have the Bible on electronic devices because you can read it any where. On the bus, train, while on break, standing in line, etc., etc.