Why Understanding the Bible—and Its Impact on Our Lives—Matters More Than Ever
We live in a time when many people, even within the church, don’t really know what the Bible actually says. But it goes deeper than that. It’s not just about memorizing verses or knowing famous stories. It’s also about understanding how the Bible is written for our edification. It is meant to bring us closer to God. It is intended to shape our lives and guide us every day.
Our culture is changing. You might notice that fewer people talk about the Bible. Even fewer read it or understand why it matters. It’s easy to feel disconnected from something that feels ancient or out of touch with modern life. This is why we need to spend time understanding the Bible’s meaning. We must also consider how it speaks to our current situation.
The Challenge Isn’t New—But It’s Urgent
This issue—trying to connect the message of the Bible with our real lives—has always been important. Every generation and every culture faces the challenge of understanding each part of the Bible’s meaning. This is known as “the biblical sense.” Then they must figure out how it applies to our world. This is referred to as “cultural significance.” The tricky part is not mixing up the two. We must be careful. We should not force today’s ideas into the Bible. We also shouldn’t ignore what the Bible really meant to its first readers. But we also can’t leave the Bible as just a history lesson. We have to let it speak into our lives right now.
Why This Matters for All of Us
If we get this balance right, the Bible becomes more than a dusty old book. It becomes a living message that helps us deal with the questions, struggles, and hopes we face today. But that takes work. It means reading carefully, asking good questions, and talking honestly about how God’s Word fits into our modern lives. It means making space for biblical and theological reflection. This reflection isn’t just “head knowledge.” It is something that engages our hearts and our culture.
It’s a big challenge, for sure. But if we want our faith to be real and meaningful, it’s a challenge worth taking on. Let’s keep asking: What does this passage really mean? And what does it have to say to us, right here and now?
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 