How often do you study the Bible? You’re probably wondering why I’m asking you this question. After all, you’ve decided to write stories that point to the character of God.
That’s awesome! But what message are you going to share with your readers? God is love? They are beautiful in God’s eyes? While these are important messages, your audience would get bored quickly if all your books have the same message. So what do you do?
As a Christian author, it’s important to remember that you first minister to yourself. It’s important to study the Word of God so that you can draw closer to him and strengthen your relationship. Only when you have filled up at the foot of the cross will you have something to share with others.
Benefits of Studying the Bible
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Why did you decide to write Christian fiction? I’m pretty sure profit was not the first reason on your list. If it is, there are much easier ways to break into the fiction market than through Christian literature.
My guess is you probably see your books as a type of ministry—as a way to share your love for God in creative, interesting ways.
Before you can talk about how wonderful God is and why people need to be in a saving relationship with Him, you need to first understand who God is and what He expects of you.
There is no better way to do that than reading and studying the Bible.
The Bible is the longest love letter ever written. It’s an instruction manual, a source of inspiration, a history book, and so many things rolled into one.
If you’re curious about some of the other benefits you get from reading the Bible, check out this video on YouTube.
1. Study the Bible to Teach
On some level, every writer who incorporates lessons from the Bible becomes a teacher. That requires preparation. As Christian authors, we don’t want to share misinformation about the Bible or who God is.
Do you want to be known as the writer who always misinterprets the Word of God?
I’m sure you don’t and the best way to safeguard against that is to study the Bible.
2. Study the Bible to be a Digital Missionary
There are many ways to incorporate the Word of God in your books. Maybe you write nonfiction Christian books or Bible study books in which case it’s obvious how important it is to have a correct understanding of the Word of God. As teachers, we teach from our overflow which means we have to first fill ourselves with the Word before we can even think about imparting it to others.
If you’re writing fiction, the way you incorporate God’s Word in your work may be different. You may choose to integrate a single lesson or theme like the importance of treating all people with respect. Even if that’s the case, you want to ensure that you’re treating God’s Word with responsibility and understanding.
You are using your words as a digital missionary to reach people who may never cross the threshold of a church or listen to a sermon.
You may be witnessing to an audience that someone in the church has hurt, or who is feeling lost in their ministries. Or you may simply be the medium God uses to speak truth and encouragement to fellow believers when they need it most.
3. Study the Bible to Incite Passion for Christ
One of the most common themes in Christian fiction is the love of God. And while that’s one of the more prevalent aspects of God’s character, there’s more to Him than that.
But if Christian authors don’t read and study the Bible for themselves, they’ll soon find that they’re sharing the same themes repeatedly. Yes, God is love. But He is also just, truthful, merciful, and gracious.
He sometimes warns His children, and He disciplines them. Since there are a lot of Christians who read Christian fiction, they need deeper themes.
As Christian authors, God has tasked us to speak to His people. We do so by sharing stories that encourage people to live out their faith and remind them about the truths of the Bible.
Why do you read Christian fiction? I’d love to hear your reasons.
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