In a funeral, Christians read from the Bible during the funeral and they seek the Bible as point of reference to how they should behave and as a comfort during the bereavement. An example of a verse used to comfort Christians is as follows, ’after that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever,’ 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Another is Ecclesiastes 3:2,’ A time to be born and a time to die.’ This is a comfort to a Christian as it tells them that death is a natural thing. The Bible is so important Christians at the time of a funeral as it is a way of consoling themselves.
In a baptism, the Bible is used a whole basis for this practice. ’For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ,’ Galatians 3:27. This verse is used to justify why a Christian should get baptized in the first place. This verse is quoted to remind Christian show why the baptism is taking place.
Another verse used in baptism is Romans 6:4, ’Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, even so we should walk in the fullness of life.’ This helps Christians to understand exactly what a baptism is. It is a sign of washing away sins and that they have decided to become a member of the Church and turn away from sin. The Bible is important as it has instructions for how people get baptized as well as why people should take part in this act. The bible is also used by some churches to explain why infants should be baptized.
As well as special occasions the Bible is also used in ordinary events during the course of an average service. The Bible is used as a reference to most sermons preached by priests and pastors. It shows examples of how Christians should live and universally true to all Christians. This is why it is important the Bible is used.
Many songs are based on passages or phrases. Songs like the Lord’s my shepherd are based on Psalm 23, which is about the Lord protecting his people. The Bible is important it is an inspiration to many Christians, of how they should praise their God. The Bible also features many different names of God, and whole chapters are devoted to worshipping God. In the Orthodox Church, the liturgy is sung. This is also a use of the bible in song. In the Orthodox Church the Bible is so important that it is kept in a special place behind the Iconostasis and is kissed when these doors are opened. The bible is also valued in the Catholic and Anglican Churches it is kept on special stand called a lectern.
An important part of a service that is performed regularly is communion. Communion is a very important part of a service as it used as a reminder of what Jesus did on the cross for the remission of sins. The most important verse used is the one from Luke’s gospels. ‘After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘’Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’’ And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘’this is my body give for you; do this in remembrance of me.’’ In the same way, after the supper of the cup saying, ‘’this cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’ Luke 22:17-20. This verse is often read before or while communion is being taken. This reminds Christians of the purpose of taking communion and the symbolic meaning of taking communion. Isaiah 53 is also read sometimes in the place of the famous ‘The Last Supper’ verses. Isaiah is a prophecy of Jesus and the things that will happen to him whilst he is on earth; the most important his death and resurrection.
In private worship, the Bible is read from and prayers in the Bible are recited. Prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer are obtained from the Bible in Matthew 6:10-14. This makes it easier for many young Christians to be able to pray. The Bible instructs that Christians need to pray to connect and communicate with God, and so the Bible is important as it helps Christians to form a relationship with God and develop more this skill even more.
Devotionals such as the ‘Word for Today’, are simple breakdowns of the Bible for Christians, they help Christians to understand the Bible, and to read the Bible more. These devotionals are more personal use and are based on the Bible showing the importance of reading the Bible and feeding the soul everyday.
So in conclusion, the Bible is an important book for Christians as it is a guide, a point of reference and for some Christians an inspiration. It is featured in all parts of worship and often forms the whole basis of worship.
