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Your Mind: Filled With Truth or Trash?
Our lives are molded, positively or negatively, by what we do, which includes what we read. The apostle Paul when addressing the Philippians said,
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things." -Phil 4:8
And to the Romans he wrote,
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." -Rom 12:2
We as Christians need to take control of our minds and stop filling them with filth from this world. Christian books are a great way to fill our minds with thoughts and ideas that turn our focus toward God and His perfect will.
I firmly believe that Christian books are used by God, and this is why I love them and want to encourage everyone else to read them. ( CBD is a great resource to find christian books that interest you.) Christian books can be very useful aids that can help us grow spiritually, however, before I mention anymore about christian books, I feel I need to discuss the greatest christian book of them all. (The Bible)
Reading God's Word Is Essential For Spiritual Growth:
First, and foremost, it is important as a Christian to be reading God's Word (your Bible) every day! The apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." -2Ti 3:16
So here we learn that God's Word:
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Teaches us. (profitable for doctrine)
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Convicts us. (for reproof)
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Instructs us. (for correction)
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and Disciplines us to think and act in God's will. (instruction in righteousness)
And again I urge you to allow God to speak to you everyday by reading your bible. If you need help with this, then check out this Bible Reading Plan.
Studying God's Word Is Essential For Spiritual Growth:
Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. -John 8:31-32
This is a very profound statement, for Jesus is saying if we study His word, then we shall know the truth. And Jesus is truth. We know this because He said it in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." And if we know Him (the truth), He (the truth) shall make us free. Free from what? Free from our sins.
So, why is it important to study God's word?
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Because Jesus said it was important. (John 8:31-32)
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So we can know God. (John 14:6)
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So we can allow God to transform us. (Make us more like Christ)
Now that we have that established, it is important to note that Christian books compliment our study in God's Word.
Christian Books Are Essential For Spiritual Growth:
God uses Christian books to help us as Christians grow in our knowledge of him. There is much that we can benefit from just by reading Christian books, and some such benefits include:
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We benefit from other Christian brothers and sisters research and hard work on the respective topics they write about.
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We grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
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We gain a better understanding of God's Word.
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We can develop discernment on matters of our faith. (Not be easily deceived)
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We better prepare ourselves to "give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you"- 1 Pe 3:16 -
We fill our minds with things that are praiseworthy. (2 Ti 3:16)
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We develop a relationship with God by learning more about Him.
There are many advantages to reading Christian books, and again I encourage you to strengthen your faith by learning more about our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.
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