When you read the Bible, what do you expect to learn? Do you expect to find ways to become a better person or live a more successful life? Perhaps a few tips on how to become a better parent or employee?

Reading Scripture is a spiritual practice where we learn about God's redemptive story and how we fit into what the triune God is doing in history. Studying God's Word is not intended to fit God into our personal narrative, but to fit our lives into HIS redemptive story.

The fundamental theme of God's redemptive story is that he makes a covenant of grace to his people. He offers forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and eternal life to all who repent and believe in the crucified and risen Son of God.

In 1 John 5.13, the Apostle John asserts, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." Scripture reveals the truth of life after death - those who put their faith in Jesus Christ have eternal life.

They don't work hard to achieve it.

They don't earn it through being good people.

They RECEIVE it through belief in the Son of God.

As you open your Bible this week to study the pages of Scripture, remember that you are not reading to find a few tips to a better life. In fact, Scripture is not primarily about the story of your life at all.

Rather, the Word of God reveals God's redemptive work - the Father sent his Son to die for your sins and the Holy Spirit applies his redemptive work to those who give their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.