Romans 15:4 and 2 Peter 1:20-21

 Romans: 15:4

 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

"Everything that was written in the past." That means both the Old and New Testaments. The tedious books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, long books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and the hard to understand book of Revelation. Everything written has a purpose that God wants us to know.

Bibleref.com: “Paul insists that those older Scriptures were written to teach modern Christians, not just those who read them in the former times. Those Scriptures are for us, too, to bring encouragement and hope to God's people in every generation. They help us to endure, even in and through suffering."

This verse serves as an answer to modern Christians who ask, why even bother to read the Old Testament?

“Regardless of age, those writings remain the revelation of the heart of God. The fact that we have been freed in Christ from following the law does not stop those 39 books from being the Word of God, full of truth, wisdom, history, and great encouragement for believers. Paul insists that we place value on those Scriptures and seek out encouragement and hope from them.” Reference unknown

Have you read the Bible from beginning to end? It’s quite an experience. There are many books to choose to help you read the Bible in a year with portions of the Old and New Testament grouped together. Also, books that group sections of the Bible together that apply to the same message or scene. It can be done.

Another way to read the Bible from beginning to end is to read one chapter in the Bible and then read the same chapter in a commentary. This provides excellent guidance to help understand what is being said.

The New Testament is filled with quotes from the Old Testament. The teachings from ancient times are still applicable, offering us principles that can help us navigate modern complexities.

2 Peter 1:20-21

"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, 

though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

I like the way the way the NIV version says the prophets "were carried along by the Holy Spirit." All of God's Word was written in this way, being the very voice of God. Every word in the Bible is for our benefit in understanding our great God. It is so important to read all of it.

This verse says the entire Bible is filled with hope. Hope. HOPE. That’s what keeps us inspired to live for our Savior. Reading it may seem daunting. It may seem intimidating. It may seem impossible. Yet you have the Holy Spirit inside of you to help you read and understand God’s Word. Hope is there. You just have to read it.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us.” Read all of it. All you need to do is start.

By His Grace . . .