Bible Reading, if it is to be profitable, will not be the pleasant diversion sometimes pictured in the religious ads, a peaceful pastime with which to while away a tired evening. The Bible is a serious book, probably the most serious in the world, and it will not submit to being used for light amusement.
The message of the Bible is strongly evangelistic, its tone is urgent, and its claims are exacting. It makes sovereign demands upon the reader and will hear no excuse for his failure to meet them.
The first work of revealed truth is to secure an unconditional surrender of the sinner to the will of God. Until this has been accomplished, nothing really lasting has been done at all. The reader may admire the rich imagery of the Bible, its bold figures, and impassioned flights of eloquence; he may enjoy its tender musical passages and revel in its strong homely wisdom, but until he has submitted to its full authority over his life, he has secured no good from it yet. (The Early Tozer: A Word In Season)
