We have all heard the argument that the Bible is an out-of-touch, ancient book that is no longer relevant in today’s modern world. In fact, the truth is the exact opposite (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is alive, and the Bible is relevant.

Here's why the Bible still matters to your life.

The Bible is relevant in every decision you make.

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision. Honoring and following Jesus is the framework by which Christians make all decisions.

"All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal" (Psalm 119:160). We can look to Scripture with confidence that there's wisdom to gain that applies to every area of our lives. It's one tool God's given us to discern our hearts and guide our steps.

The Bible always points us to Christ and aligns us with His purposes, so it's relevant for every decision we make.

The Bible helps you grow closer to Jesus.

The essence of what it means to be a Christian is that we have a growing, continuing relationship with God through Jesus. This relationship is strengthened by reading God’s Word because it connects us with God’s heart.

The purpose of Scripture is to tell the story of God connecting with humanity and to point us to Jesus.

The purpose of Scripture is to tell the story of God connecting with humanity and to point us to Jesus (John 5:39). The words of Scripture are there for us to know God's heart, to develop a thriving connection with Christ, to hear His voice clearly, and to follow Him more closely.

The Bible is a weapon to fight sin.

There is a war going on right now. Sin and evil pose threats to the truth and to people, but our battle is not against other people — it's against the spiritual forces that work to destroy what God has made (Ephesians 6:12). Part of our strategy as followers of Jesus is to "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21), and make war against the sin that so desperately wants to destroy us.

Pastor John Owen famously said, "Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you." The Bible is often described as a sword that God gives us to fight battles against sin and evil. By reading God’s Word and listening for His voice, we fight back against the sin that aims to kill us.

Read the Bible, not because you should, but because God provides it as a way for us to know Him better and live following Him. Spend time talking with God and listening for His voice; He still speaks! You will not regret allowing the Bible to shape your decisions.

Visit newspring.cc/bible to start a reading plan today.