Reading the Bible Together

Why Jesus Invites Every Believer to Learn, Share, and Grow 1. Introduction — The Problem We Face Today 

Many Christians around the world have been taught something like this: “You should be careful about reading or interpreting the Bible on your own, and it is better to seek guidance from a pastor or teacher.”

Pastors often explain this as a way to help believers avoid misunderstanding Scripture — and in many cases, this comes from genuine care. However, sometimes this has led believers to feel unnecessary fear or a sense that they are not “qualified” to read God’s Word freely.

But here is the good news: Jesus never limited access to God’s Word to pastors, priests, or scholars. Every believer is invited to read, learn, and grow — both individually and in community. 2. What Jesus Taught About Scripture

a. Jesus Expected Everyone to Know the Word “You shall love the Lord your God… with all your mind.”— Matthew 22:37

To love God with our mind requires us to think, question, and reflect on His Word ourselves. Jesus often quoted Scripture directly to ordinary fishermen, farmers, and children — expecting them to understand and respond.

b. The Promise of the Holy Spirit “The Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.”— John 14:26

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to all believers, not only to pastors or elders. This means understanding God’s Word is not limited to formal training — the Spirit Himself is our teacher.

3. The Early Church Model

In the Book of Acts, the first Christians gathered in homes, studying Scripture together: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”— Acts 2:42

These were not trained theologians or clergy — they were families, neighbors, and small groups, sharing what they had learned from Jesus and the apostles. House churches were the birthplace of Christian growth.

4. A Healthy Way to Read the Bible Together

We must also be honest: pastors are right about one thing — misinterpretation can happen. However, the solution is not to forbid believers from reading Scripture. The better way is:

• Read prayerfully: Always ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.

• Study together: Compare insights in love, not arguments.

• Stay grounded: Confirm your understanding with Scripture, not opinions.

• Use trusted resources, such as study guides, dictionaries, and historical context.

This is the model we want to provide at CHCMW — safe, biblically grounded tools for independent believers.

5. Theological Foundations for Confidence

• The Priesthood of All Believers “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood…”— 1 Peter 2:9

Every believer is called to approach God directly — no human mediator is required. Studying Scripture personally is an act of worship.

• Bereans as a Model “They received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”— Acts 17:11

Paul himself praised the Bereans for checking his teaching against Scripture! If even the apostles encouraged examination, so should we.

6. Conclusion & Invitation

Reading the Bible personally and sharing insights with friends is not rebellion —it is obedience to Jesus’ invitation: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find.” (Matthew 7:7)

At CHCMW, we want to equip believers with the tools, guides, and safe spaces to explore God’s Word with confidence — free from fear, shame, or control.