The importance of reading

[4His_glory]

While reading a blog this morning, I came across some interesting quotes of C.H. Spurgeon in regards to reading. These are from a message he preached on 2Tm. 3:14.
In regards to the Apostle Paul asking Timothy to "bring the books" Spurgeon says:

He is inspired, and yet he wants books!

He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books!

He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books!

He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books!

He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a men to utter, yet he wants books!

He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!
The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, "Give thyself unto reading."

The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.

Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. You need to read.

How much time to you take to read? I personally enjoy reading, but I still found Spurgeon's words are rebuke to me personally. I should read more.

Do you think that our modern society has encouraged us not to read?

 

[Bob Alkire]

I'm like most people, I could and should read more. I try and read a book a week. Most are Christian type books from commentaries to Christian life to Creation books and I do enjoy history and biographies. Yes reading is great!!! I agree with CHS.

 

[donnA]

I also read a lot, how much, or how many depends on how big and involved the book is. A lot of christian books, suudies, theology and doctrines, fictional, and some non christian fiction, which I have to chose carefully.
Bob Alkire, I don't think I've read a creation book, what would you suggest?

 

[preachinjesus]

I try to read a balanced curriculum every year. So far I'm on track to complete 40 books by the end of the year. (Not bragging, I should do better)

I centralize over theology and ministry matters but also draw in secular works, fiction, and leadership matters.

I also subscribe to 10 good magazines a month, plus a couple good journals. My daily reading is pretty vociferous and is done in blogs, online news sites, and so forth.

A well rounded reading curriculum is vital to keeping the mind sharp, illustrations current, and just being able to find oneself worthy of thy calling.

 

[Allan]

While reading a blog this morning, I came across some interesting quotes of C.H. Spurgeon in regards to reading. These are from a message he preached on 2Tm. 3:14.
In regards to the Apostle Paul asking Timothy to "bring the books" Spurgeon says:


How much time to you take to read? I personally enjoy reading, but I still found Spurgeon's words are rebuke to me personally. I should read more.

Do you think that our modern society has encouraged us not to read?

I agree, but what type of 'books' was Paul asking for? THAT is the question that needs to be answered so we may also 'call for the books' to be read.

Those books, as understood by most all, were the scriptures (OT books) that Paul was asking to be brought to him.

 

[Rippon]

My daily reading is pretty vociferous and is done in blogs, online news sites, and so forth.

"Vociferous"? Does that mean you shout while reading? Vociferous means that one expresses their feelings loudly. I'm sure you meant that you're a "voracious" reader. I am also.

 

[Bob Alkire]

Bob Alkire, I don't think I've read a creation book, what would you suggest?

Here are a few:

Creation Facts of Life by Dr. Gary Parker
Defending the Faith by Dr. Henry Morris
The Long War against God by Dr. Henry Morris
The Lie Evolution by Ken Ham
The New Answers Book by Ken Ham
The Modern Creation Trilogy by Dr. Henry Morris and John D. Morris

Dr. Morris, Dr. Gary Parker, Ken Ham and John Whitcomb are some good folks to read on the subject.

 

[4His_glory]

I agree, but what type of 'books' was Paul asking for? THAT is the question that needs to be answered so we may also 'call for the books' to be read.

Those books, as understood by most all, were the scriptures (OT books) that Paul was asking to be brought to him.

There is no indication that the books he was asking for were Scripture, it is possible that the "parchments" were indeed OT books , however we can not be sure one way or the other.
Paul was a very learned man. He knew and understood Greek poetry- the only way he could know this is if had had read it.
Also he was a former Pharisee. Therefore who would have also read many of the Jewish commentaries on the Law.

 

[4His_glory]

"Vociferous"? Does that mean you shout while reading? Vociferous means that one expresses their feelings loudly. I'm sure you meant that you're a "voracious" reader. I am also.

Perhaps he is a vociferously voracious reader.

 

[historyb]

How much time to you take to read?

As much as I can

Do you think that our modern society has encouraged us not to read?

Yes and no, I don't think young people read more than a computer screen. I think the art of reading is being lost

 

[donnA]

Here are a few:

Creation Facts of Life by Dr. Gary Parker
Defending the Faith by Dr. Henry Morris
The Long War against God by Dr. Henry Morris
The Lie Evolution by Ken Ham
The New Answers Book by Ken Ham
The Modern Creation Trilogy by Dr. Henry Morris and John D. Morris

Dr. Morris, Dr. Gary Parker, Ken Ham and John Whitcomb are some good folks to read on the subject.

Thanks I'll look in to getting one or two of these.

 

[sag38]

The more I read the more I learn and don't even realize it. In fact, I become a better reader. Reading begets reading. I remember ten year ago trying to read, A Tale of Two Cities. I put it down because I couldn't even get through the first chapter. It made no sense to me. Friday, I picked it up again and I am in the third chapter. I can actually understand it.

 

[Robert Snow]

The more I read the more I learn and don't even realize it. In fact, I become a better reader. Reading begets reading. I remember ten year ago trying to read, A Tale of Two Cities. I put it down because I couldn't even get through the first chapter. It made no sense to me. Friday, I picked it up again and I am in the third chapter. I can actually understand it.

I enjoy the classics as well. I especially like books by Charles Dickens and like to read Shakespeare. I don't have the time now that I did earlier because of my work hours, but I do look forward to getting back to doing more reading. I am currently near the end of a commentary on Jeremiah and Lamentations written by Harry Ironside.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Many more years ago than I care to think about I bought a book "Faith In Conflict" by Carlyle Marney. Over the next fifteen years or so I tried repeatedly to read the book and always gave up. I simply could not understand what he was saying. I set the book aside and about fifteen years later I picked it up and said to myself, "If I can't understand it this time, out it goes." I began reading and the book came alive, it was simply a great book. It had not changed, but I had and the book made a positive impace on my life.

 

[gb93433]

Eccl 12:12, 13, "But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.

 

[Rippon]

I agree, but what type of 'books' was Paul asking for? THAT is the question that needs to be answered so we may also 'call for the books' to be read.

Those books, as understood by most all, were the scriptures (OT books) that Paul was asking to be brought to him.

I agree with Spurgeon. As Christians we should try to read as widely as possible -- C.H.S. certainly did. The Apostle would definitely be in agreement. He was as comprehensive in his knowlege as possible.

I personally like to read solid Christian books on doctrine, Church History, biographies etc. I also read general world history and books/articles on politics. The point is to be well-rounded.

Those who don't read good, solid material selectively and with discernment certainly shouldn't try to write any books. They need to read well first.

 

[Allan]

I agree with Spurgeon. As Christians we should try to read as widely as possible -- C.H.S. certainly did. The Apostle would definitely be in agreement. He was as comprehensive in his knowlege as possible.

Who has said otherwise? Oh wait, your imagining again huh?

I am in complete agreement Spurgeon as well, but THAT was not what I was refering to now was it. My argument was that Paul wasn't asking for Greek mythology nor poems to bide his time in prison but was speaking specifically of the scriptures also known as 'books' with regard to the OT during that time. Then again, if your so well rounded you would have noticed that huh? (keep reading it might help more )

]Those who don't read good, solid material selectively and with discernment certainly shouldn't try to write any books. They need to read well first.

Ignorant speach has always been the norm for the boastful and proud, and still I ask you to please quit with your pathetic barbs and insults. Your hated toward me has been duely noted (quite often) and has been for some time, find a new hobby.

 

[Rippon]

Who has said otherwise? Oh wait, your {sic} imagining again huh?

I am in complete agreement Spurgeon as well, but THAT was not what I was refering to now was it. My argument was that Paul wasn't asking for Greek mythology nor poems to bide his time in prison but was speaking specifically of the scriptures also known as 'books' with regard to the OT during that time. Then again, if your {sic}so well rounded {sic}you would have noticed that huh? (keep reading it might help more )

Read post # 8 again.

Ignorant speach {sic}has always been the norm for the boastful and proud, and still I ask you to please quit with your pathetic barbs and insults. Your hated {sic}toward me has been duely {sic}noted (quite often) and has been for some time, find a new hobby.

Well, maybe you have had the presence of mind to delete some of your more acrid comments by now. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?

 

[Allan]

Read post # 8 again.

Read it and there is no validation for such an assumption.

To assume that Paul was anxiously awaiting some good poetry, philosophy, and mythology while being in prison and under great strain and persecution instead of the scriptures is silliness especially in light of what he is speaking of and to in the letter.

The OT during that time with the Jews were known as books and I don't believe it was through meditations on Plato that his letters to the churches poured forth. The scriptures are the only logical conclusion one can come to (unless one has no idea what it was like being a prisoner or their prisons during that era), seeing that they are the only things that he could draw encouragement from, understanding as well as to meditate upon the Word of the Lord his God. God was formost in Paul mind and all other things a dung. Remember - He counted his position, education, and everthing as nothing except for his learning/growth of understanding of/in Christ.

That isn't to say reading other things doesn't have it's place but Paul didn't go around telling people to read everything they could get their hands on. However I do recall him telling believers them learn of Christ, growth in spiritual maturity, both of which only comes from reading the scriptures.

 

[Rippon]

Read it and there is no validation for such an assumption.

Based on your authority I suppose?

To assume that Paul was anxiously awaiting some good poetry, philosophy, and mythology while being in prison and under great strain and persecution instead of the scriptures is silliness especially in light of what he is speaking of and to in the letter.

Now you are making things up. Who said anything about Paul waiting to read mythology and philosophy? The answer? -- Only you.

The OT during that time with the Jews were known as books and I don't believe it was through meditations on Plato that his letters to the churches poured forth. The scriptures are the only logical conclusion one can come to (unless one has no idea what it was like being a prisoner or their prisons during that era), seeing that they are the only things that he could draw encouragement from, understanding as well as to meditate upon the Word of the Lord his God. God was formost in Paul mind and all other things a dung. Remember - He counted his position, education, and everthing as nothing except for his learning/growth of understanding of/in Christ.

There you go again Jimmy. You are the only one bringing up Plato. Why don't you try arguing against what people actually say?

That isn't to say reading other things doesn't have it's place but Paul didn't go around telling people to read everything they could get their hands on. However I do recall him telling believers them learn of Christ, growth in spiritual maturity, both of which only comes from reading the scriptures.

Paul made the existing Scriptures at that time his primary reading -- no doubt there. However, he read widely. There is evidence of this in Acts 17 where he quotes Epimenides, Cleanthes and Aratus who were unredeemed secular poets.