If you think God can be defined by a book,
any book, your God is too small! (July 2026)
Do you agree? Some thoughts…
Don’t worship the Bible. Worship the God it points to.
Jesus Christ is the complete expression of the Word. (G3056 λόγος -logos) He is in very nature God (Philippians 2:6) and was with God from the beginning. (John 1:1) Use of the word, “Word,” can lead to miscommunication. It could mean Jesus, Bible, Message, Communication…?
Christian faith is about who you know, not what you know.
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The Bible is a library, not a book.
There are many sections. History, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, testimony, letters… It’s written through people inspired by God, so that we can build a relationship with God and live life to the full. (John 10:10) Learn from our biblical ancestors despite their imperfections. Even heroes of faith had relationship battles with God and other people.
This makes the Bible real and relevant today.
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I know all about God because I’ve read the whole Bible.
Really? Can our little brains expect to fully comprehend the almighty creator of all? ALL need to learn. Nobody can fully grasp God. Enjoy ongoing learning, reflection and response. I’m more comfortable with folk who humbly say they don’t completely understand. Like me, they have too many questions. Ask questions. Answers may be provisional. Enjoy humble disagreement to gain breadth and depth from others.
Anyone claiming to be perfect, is either Jesus, or wrong.
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In chapter X and verse Y it says…
Step back. Put learning in the context of the whole Bible. The big picture is an ongoing agenda. God’s agenda. Try to see the big picture. Selecting bits of scripture to make YOUR point is dangerous. Step back for perspective. Engage with the big story of God. (Bible Society) The story of the Bible. (Bible Project)
Take the TEXT out of CONTEXT and you are left with a CON.
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Engage with different Bible versions to add value.
No translation is perfect. Formal to Functional. Literal to Paraphrase. Language evolves. What works well for you, might not help others. Choose the right versions for you. (Shout for Jesus)
Diversity and difference can be strength, not weakness.
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Bible reading is difficult and negative.
Read to reflect, not finish. The Bible has infinite depth. God’s word is understood through our lens of prior attainment and personal experience. Read prayerfully with the Holy Spirit. Try to be aware of the presence of God. There is always more to learn. Read with the Head, and The Heart. (Bible Project) Check out your progress.
Ask, “Does my study help me love God and my neighbour?” (Mark 12:28-34) If not, step back. Pause, reflect, re-engage and recompile.
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Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love.
(1 John 4:8 NIV)