P27 is now "Faith Journey"

I have heard every argument in the book for not reading the Bible, from Christian and non-Christian alike.

"I'm a busy person with a lot to do. Why should I spend time reading the Bible? I don't have time to do all I need to do as it is."    "I already believe in Jesus Christ. I've already heard the Gospel."    "Why should I read the Bible?"

The following Scriptures should help in answering the "why" question.
John 8:31-32
Jesus Identifies His disciples by the ones that are following His teachings.  By reading, we learn what truth is.

Joshua 1:8
Spiritual health and life comes from reading, memorizing and speaking the truths of Scripture.

Acts 20:32

God's Word has the power to build you up spiritually and prepare you a great inheritance in eternity.

Matthew 4:4
God's Word is the most basic substance for life's satisfaction.

John 6:63
God's Word is life giving while the best this world has to offer only gives a thirst for more.

Romans 15:4
The Scriptures were written to give us encouragement and hope in this present life.

John 14:23-24
The person that loves God will obey Jesus' teachings found in the Bible. If we're not reading, we're not hearing God's words.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
Every sentence in the Bible is given to us by God. All of God's Word is useful to those that want to live a righteous life. If you want to be a capable servant for God, start by reading his Word.

Hebrews 4:12

God's Word is alive and is capable of speaking exactly and perfectly to the needs of your life.  God's Word is also judge your very thoughts and motives that you have in your heart.

God's Word is alive! The more you expose yourself to it, the more it will expose itself to you. If you want to know God better you must spend time hearing what He has to say. The Bible is His message to you. If you want Him to listen to what you have to say, you should also listen to what He has to say.

Although God can also speak directly to your heart, you need to know His written Word so you can judge whether God is speaking to you, or the enemy is trying to deceive you.

God will not love you more because you read the Bible. It's for your benefit -- not required to make God love you. However, without reading the Bible, you will not grow spiritually, and you will be more easily deceived.  Prayerfully reading the Scriptures yourself is the only real defense against being misled.

God's Word is truth (John 17:17). Don't you want to know the truth? Why waste your time on lesser, unreliable things?  Your spiritual life is important. You always have time for what you consider important.

Jesus taught that God's Word is a seed (Luke 8:11). Plant the seed of God's Word in your life and you will reap blessings.