Friday, July 31, 2026
How to Experience the Life-Changing Power of the Bible
For many people, reading the Bible feels a little like navigating with an old paper map. You know it can get you where you want to go, but somewhere along the way it starts to feel confusing, overwhelming, or hard to apply.
A paper map still works. But it can be difficult to use when roads change, construction pops up, or you make a wrong turn. A GPS offers a fresh approach. It adjusts, reroutes, and helps you keep moving toward your destination.
That was the heart behind this weekend's message at CedarCreek: the goal has not changed, but sometimes we need a fresh approach.
If you have ever wanted to read the Bible more consistently, understand it more clearly, or actually experience change through it, you are not alone. Many people believe the Bible matters but still struggle to engage with it in a meaningful way. The good news is that God did not give us His Word so we could check a box, finish a reading plan, or collect information.
He gave it to transform us.
This weekend, we looked at the story of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22–23 (NLT) and discovered a simple framework for experiencing the life-changing power of the Bible: READ.
A Fresh Approach to Reading the Bible
The problem is not that Scripture has lost its power. The problem is often that we feel stuck, distracted, or unsure how to engage with it.
The invitation is not to give up on the Bible. The invitation is to read it in a way that allows God to use it to change us.
As Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful.” That means Scripture is more than information. It is one of the ways God meets us, shapes us, and leads us.
The Story of Josiah and the Rediscovered Book of the Law
In 2 Kings 22:1–2 (NLT), we meet Josiah, a young king who chose a different path than the leaders before him. His father and grandfather had led Judah away from God, but Josiah began turning the nation back.
While repairs were being made to the temple, something remarkable happened: the Book of the Law was found. When it was read to Josiah, he did not respond casually. He tore his clothes in grief and humility because he understood that this was not just an old scroll. It was the Word of God, and it exposed how far the people had drifted.
Josiah's response shows us what it looks like to take Scripture seriously. He believed it. He was moved by it. He acted on it. And he involved others in responding to it.
That is the heart of the READ framework.
R: Really Believe It Is the Word of God
The first step in experiencing the life-changing power of the Bible is to really believe it is the Word of God.
That may sound obvious, but it is an important question: when you open the Bible, what do you expect? Do you approach it like a task to complete, a habit to maintain, or a religious duty to check off? Or do you come expecting that God might speak to you through it?
Josiah responded so strongly because he believed God was not silent. He believed the words being read were from God Himself.
The same is true for us. Scripture is not simply a collection of ancient writings. It is God-breathed truth that continues to work in us. As 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT) says, “You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.”
A practical way to begin
Before you read or listen to Scripture this week, pause for a moment and pray something simple:
“God, I believe Your Word can change me. Help me hear from You today.”
That small shift can change the way you approach the Bible.
E: Engage With Your Mind and Heart
Believing the Bible is the Word of God is essential, but we also have to engage with it. Many of us have had the experience of reading a passage, getting to the end, and realizing we were barely paying attention. Real transformation requires more than exposure. It requires engagement.
Engage with your mind
Reading the Bible thoughtfully means being curious, careful, and humble.
Ask questions like:
This kind of curiosity is healthy. It helps you slow down and listen.
It is also wise to use trusted tools. Two helpful outside resources mentioned in the message were BibleProject, which offers videos and overviews that explain the big picture of each book, and the Life Bible App, which includes study tools and commentary to help readers better understand what they are reading.
Engage with your heart
God does not want us to engage only intellectually. He wants to meet us personally.
As you read, ask:
What am I feeling?
What is God exposing in me?
Where am I resistant?
What is stirring gratitude, conviction, peace, or awe?
Josiah did not respond with detached analysis. He was deeply moved. Scripture reached both his understanding and his emotions.
That matters because transformation happens when truth moves from our head into our heart.
A: Act on What It Says
One of the clearest parts of the message was this: reading the Bible without acting on it can lead to spiritual pride instead of spiritual growth.
Josiah did not stop with emotion or insight. He took action. He sought God, led reform, and changed the direction of the nation.
That is exactly what James 1:22 (NLT) tells us to do: “But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
It is possible to know a lot about the Bible and still avoid its invitation. We can hear about forgiveness and keep holding onto bitterness. We can read about generosity and keep living closed-fisted. We can see Scripture call us to confession, humility, and love, then choose comfort instead.
But the life-changing power of the Bible becomes real when we obey.
Ask this question
After you read, ask: What is God asking me to do?
Not just, “What did I learn?” but, “What step do I need to take?”
That one question can move you from information to transformation.
D: Discuss It With Others
This final part of the READ framework is often the most overlooked: discuss it.
Josiah likely did not come to faith in isolation. He had people around him who influenced him, guided him, and helped him understand who God is. Later, when the Book of the Law was found, he did not keep the experience private. He brought others into it.
The early church did the same thing. Scripture was often read aloud in community, not just privately. Faith grows stronger when truth is shared.
Talking about the Bible with others can help you:
You do not need to have all the answers to talk about Scripture. Sometimes discussion starts with a simple sentence: “Here's what I read this week, and here's what stood out to me.”
There may be someone around you who needs exactly that conversation.
Practical Next Steps for This Week
If you want to experience the life-changing power of the Bible, here are a few simple next steps drawn from the message:
Start with a Gospel
If you are unsure where to begin, start with Luke or John. These books help you see Jesus clearly and understand the heart of the Christian faith.
Listen if reading feels hard
You do not have to limit yourself to a print Bible. Audio Scripture is a great option. Receiving God's Word by listening is still receiving God's Word.
Use helpful tools
Explore outside tools like BibleProject or the Life Bible App if you want support understanding what you are reading.
Choose one action step
After reading, identify one thing God may be asking you to do and follow through.
Talk about it with someone
Share what you are learning with a friend, family member, Group, or someone on your campus team.
Need a Bible?
Stop by Guest Services at any CedarCreek campus. We'd love to put one in your hands.
Next Steps
The Bible has the power to change your life, but to experience that power, you have to move beyond simply owning a Bible or meaning to read it someday. CedarCreek's invitation this week is simple: read it.
Come to Scripture expecting God to speak.
Ask honest questions. Let it reach your emotions, not just your understanding.
Identify one step and take it this week.
Share what stood out to you with someone.
“God, I believe Your Word can change me. Help me hear from You today.”
A Final Encouragement
If you have felt stuck, confused, or spiritually dry, maybe you do not need to give up. Maybe you just need a fresh approach.
And if you are newer to faith or still exploring, this is a great week to start. Open the book of Luke. Ask honest questions. Take one step. Then watch what God can do over time.
If you want to keep growing, learn more about who we are at About Us, explore What We Believe, or find your place in community and service through Ministries.