Christians, We Must Be Readers!
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:5-7, ESV)
Solomon wrote many proverbs to instruct his sons in the way of God’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:8). As the first one to turn to Christ in my family, I never received such instruction while growing up, so I sought it out from Christian brothers. Though I have had many godly men come into my life, I have yet to find that man of God who would take me under his wings and encourage, rebuke and guide me in God’s wisdom and instruction. Nevertheless, I have found that through the act of reading God has given me the opportunity to sit at the feet of some of His great saints in order to learn from them the truth, wisdom and instruction He has entrusted to them. Allow me to share some guidance as to how you too may undertake the task of reading in order that you may continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Since Christianity is a faith that is based on the authoritative truth recorded in Scripture, then reading the Bible should be our first priority. We must purpose to read the book of God before we read the books of men. Daily Bible reading is important, for Jesus reminds us that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God (Matthew 4:4); the Word is food to our hungry souls. Bible reading plans are provided for your benefit in the foyer.
Bible reading, though, is not the only kind of reading Christians should undertake. Many great Christians have gone before us and have left a legacy from which we could learn much. Whether they have written to give us a better understanding of Scripture, Christ, the church, culture or ourselves, we would do well to read what they have written. Since men are fallible, however, their books are sure to be fallible as well; therefore, we must always read such books with discernment. Nonetheless, WE MUST BE READERS! It is arrogant of us to think that we cannot learn anything from those who have gone before us. May we, then, be readers so that we may find wisdom and gain understanding (Proverbs 3:13).
Since even those of us who are readers tend to gravitate toward a favorite author or a particular genre or period of literature, we must discipline ourselves to be well-rounded readers. Therefore, allow me to suggest the following reading pattern for maturing followers of Christ. After the Bible, all Christians should read . . .
Christian Biography
Christian biography encourages us as we identify with those saints who have gone before us and recognize God’s grace working through feeble humans.
Church History
Church history allows us to connect with the church of all ages. It also helps us to learn from the church’s mistakes made in the past.
Christian Theology
Every Christian must work out what they believe in accordance with the Scriptures. Reading theology helps us understand how the doctrines we believe affect all areas of life. Note: Popular pastors/preachers may not be the best source for theological reading.
Culture and Cultural Issues
Unfortunately, too many Christians are ignorant about the cultural issues of our day. It is time that we become informed, so that we can give an informed, biblical response. Note: Read all perspectives so you speak intelligently on the issues.
Christian Devotional Literature
Here, I don’t mean the devotionals that merely give a Scripture reference, add a heart-warming story and are ever so popular. By devotional literature, I mean that literature which is anchored in God’s Word and makes us think great thoughts of God and challenges us to drink deeply from God’s Word.
Christian Living
Every Christian should spend time reading about the issues where faith and life meet (courtship, marriage, parenting, personal finances, stewardship, etc.). Again, be careful with what is popular.
For your convenience I have provided reading lists from 9 Marks and Desiring God on my blog. Feel free to visit that blog at http://s2h.org.
Love,
Pastor Juan
Love,
Pastor Juan