We live in an age of talking points and tweets where everyone has an opinion that they feel like everyone else should know about. We have become quicker to speak than any other generation before us. And when everyone has something to say, nobody feels heard.

Our life and very existence has a purpose, and I want to hit on that purpose today. It sounds so simple but here it is: We are intended to be a blessing to the world and people who bless the people around us.

In order to experience the Bible as the well-crafted masterpiece that it is, we have to learn how to recognize the unique literary styles and techniques that the biblical authors are using.

When you are reading the New Testament and you come across an Old Testament reference that raises questions or piques your curiosity, stop and take a few minutes to do these two things.

I recently wrote about the practice of beginning each morning by meditating on the Scriptures. Since then some of you have asked me how to include your whole family into reading Scripture together. Well, after several years of trial and error, I thought I’d share how we are currently trying to implement this practice into the weekly rhythm of our family.

Whatever your goals may be, we all know that there are things in our lives that we need to alter or do better, and the New Year offers us the ceremonial fresh start that motivates us to actually start implementing these things into our daily routines and weekly rhythms.

If we are going to truly understand the story of the Christ then we need to have a clear understanding concerning a very specific prophetic vision that preceded him. If we are going to gain a better understanding of the man named Jesus then we need a better understanding of the man named Daniel.

If we are going to truly understand the story of the Christ then we need to make sure we have a clear understanding concerning the story of an ancient king in Israel. If we are going to gain a better understanding of the man named Jesus then we need a better understanding of the man named David.

If we are going to truly understand the story of the Christ then we need to make sure we have a clear understanding concerning the story of God’s covenant with Israel. If we are going to gain a better understanding of the man named Jesus then we need a better understanding of the man named Moses.

If we are going to truly understand the story of the Christ then we need to make sure we have a clear understanding concerning the story of a covenant promise that God made with humanity. If we are going to gain a better understanding of the man named Jesus then we need a better understanding of the man named Abraham.

If we are going to truly understand the story of the Christ then we need to make sure we have a clear understanding concerning the story of creation. If we are going to gain a better understanding of the man named Jesus then we need a better understanding of the man named Adam.

Sometimes we tend to view the Bible as a book that simply provides a code of conduct that we must implement if we want to stay on God’s “good side”. However, the wisdom and instruction contained in the Bible are better understood in the context of the one big story that the Bible is telling.