Why You Should Listen to the Entire Bible This Year -5 Reasons

For the last two years I’ve made my way through the entire audio Bible primarily thanks to Brian Hardin and his Daily Audio Bible podcast.

I thought I’d take a few minutes at the beginning of a new year and share with you why I believe it’s worth listening through the Bible this year.

God designed the Bible for reading aloud.

The Bible was written in a time and place where few people were literate. Copies of each text were painstakingly made by specially educated scribes. This means there weren’t many copies available to read.

Thus, authors wrote for the listening ear. This is very similar to listening to a sermon today. Most preachers will write their sermon knowing that they plan to deliver it audibly. Try reading the same sermon that you just listened to and you’ll find it’s a completely different experience.

You can find a number of passages in the Bible that refer to the audible reading of God’s Word.

Deu 31:11-13, Jos 8:34-35, Neh 8:1-8, Luk 4:16-17, 1 Tim 4:13

God designed you for audible communication.

While silent reading is certainly a fine way to take in God’s Word, it’s not the only way and it might not be the best way.

God designed the ears to be the primary sense for receiving communication, which is why probably more than 90% of all your daily communication is audible.

We are used to receiving audible communication and much of the time we prefer it. That’s why you’d often rather talk to a loved one on the phone or via Skype than simply write them a letter.

Don’t get me wrong a letter has it’s place but even a letter from a dear friend will probably be read aloud with family gathered around once it is received.

Think about these facts from God’s Word.

• God’s first communications with man was audible (Gen 2 & 3).
• Throughout history God has used the audible voice of many prophets.
• God often called His prophets audibly.
• God says that faith comes from “hearing” (Rom 10:14).

Others can easily join you.

Here’s a very practical reason to listen to the Bible, it makes it easy for others to join in. For instance, I usually listen to the Bible early mornings in our kitchen while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Often my kids will join me.

If I read the Bible silently they would have seen that I was reading but they wouldn’t hear the text that I was reading. I love the fact that as I take in God’s Word each morning, my family is also benefiting.

You can listen almost anywhere.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find a quiet time when you can stop everything and read your Bible. This isn’t such a big problem if you listen to God’s Word. I often listen to the Bible while doing things that otherwise would not allow me to read.

Try listening during the following activities

• While out on a walk.
• During your commute.
• When doing the dishes.
• While you exercise.
• While mowing the lawn or working in the yard.
• When you’re at work if it’s appropriate.

By listening to the Bible during activities where it would be impossible to read you can significantly increase your daily Bible intake.

It’s super easy to do.

I remember the day when listening to an audio Bible meant purchasing a chest full of cassette tapes.

Today it is much easier, simpler, and cheaper than ever.

For most, the best way to listen is on a smart-phone.

Daily Audio Bible’s podcast.

Everyday they give you a fresh dose of Old Testament, New Testament, and few verses from Psalms and Proverbs. You can grab their podcast on your favorite app or listen on your computer.

Bible Gateway

If you just want to listen to a particular passage then I recommend Bible Gateway. You can download their app or listen on your computer to a variety of different versions and narrators.

However, you decide to listen the important thing is to do it and allow God’s Word to change your mind and heart!

Questions: What do you like/dislike about listening to God’s Word? What other resources can you recommend?