All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)The Bible consists of 66 books written by approximately 40 writers over a span of 1,500 years. As today’s passage says, every single verse is “breathed out” – or inspired – by God. The writers of those 66 books came from a variety of backgrounds and occupations: prophets, a tent maker, fishermen, a tax collector, a physician, and a shepherd who became a king, just to cite a few. Their work reflects their writing styles, vocabularies, experiences, personalities, and expertise. But their work also was divinely influenced by God. These men wrote the Bible, but God is its Author.Because the Bible came from God Himself, we know that Scripture is authoritative and trustworthy. The Bible often is called God’s Word because it truly is the words of God. Churches teach from the Bible because it sets the standard for what it means to live the Christian life. It is profitable for reproof – so we know when our beliefs or behaviors are wrong. It is profitable for correction – guiding us back on track when we make mistakes. It is profitable for training in righteousness – growing us along the path of our Christian journey.Through the words that God spoke through men centuries ago, the Bible is our daily guide for living the godly life that God has called all believers to live. That is why part of this 28-day introduction to your new life includes daily readings from the Book of John. If you are new to the Bible, you will read things that you do not understand. That is okay; we are here to help you learn to study God’s Word. And you’ll discover this truth over time: Even people who have been studying God’s for years, even decades, continue to learn more about God as they continue to read the Bible. The more we grow in our faith, the more God reveals about Himself through His Word. By including readings from John, we are helping you establish the daily habit of reading the Bible. So keep reading even when you come across things that don’t quite make sense to you yet. The Bible is God’s Word, and as you read, you allow Him to inspire you – just as He did for its 40 writers.TODAY’S PRAYER: God, thank you for Your Word. Please help me to develop the habit of reading the Bible daily. I trust that as continue to read, You will equip me to learn more about You and the godly life You have created me to live.TODAY’S BIBLE READING: John chapter 1, verses 29-51

Starting Point 1: What does it mean to be "saved?"

Starting Point 2: My Faith Journey

Starting Point 3: The Bible and Prayer