There’s a good discussion going on over at Internet Monk around the question “How much can the Bible do alone?” Michael Spencer observes the emphasis that evangelicals put on mass Bible distribution and suggests that this is a focus that sets them apart from other branches of Christianity.
I think most of us would agree that the Bible is sufficient unto itself to change the life of someone who reads it, even without any outside instruction or guidance. And I think most of us would also agree that the input of fellow believers and teachers enhances our understanding of Scripture and can make it easier to grasp.
It’s Friday, and I don’t have a big point to make with this, but I’m curious about your experiences. A few questions to think about:
- Do you know anybody who came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by only reading the Bible, without a church, evangelist, or any sort of study guide to help them? (Did you come to Christ in this way?)
- When you suggest that somebody read the Bible, what guidance (if any) do you give them about how and what parts they should read?
- What’s the best “guide” to reading the Bible that you’ve come across?
