Why We Read Aloud

Actually hearing the Word of God read and “consulting” or comparing this that’s heard to other Scripture you are familiar with builds or increases FAITH.  This is a plausible explanation for the oft-quoted, but quirkily-worded Romans 10:17, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”  Since having faith is important, and it is natural to want to have more faith—Luke 17:5—it is well to consider the format of our hearing.

In this world we listen to others, but we do this selectively; everyone who speaks to us is not to be considered as a truthful authority.  But, when you hear your own voice say a truth, you totally and fully believe this what you hear.  As others speak we somewhat mistrust them.  When we read a novel, we approach that author with a certain amount of skepticism or doubt whether the person writing will be honest with us in his or her writing and whether we are going to come upon words or ideas that betray “goodness of life.”  But the Bible is not tricky; it always has our benefit and security of mind and body as the intent of the writing.

So how does one gain faith?  If you hear a passage and it sounds familiar with other portions of Scripture that you have heard or learned, you gain a confidence that the promises therein are truthful and can be relied on.  Having “faith” is having “faith in God.”  Faith doesn’t just sit outside there on its own; it is having your faith “in.”  In God.  In the words Christ said.  That’s why hearing aloud and not reading silently is how you build relationship with the creator of those words you believe.  “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5 brings us comfort while it is also a promise to “stand on.”  It was first seen or heard in Genesis 28:15 in God’s speaking to Jacob in a dream (Jacob’s ladder to heaven), and Jesus who is the Word of God repeats it confidently for the followers:  “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you”—John 14:18.  So it is Paul counseling, in Hebrews, the repetition “I will not forsake you” to the specific end, one verse later, that:  “We may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do to me.’”   To have faith in God’s Word is to not have fear in man’s actions against the children of God!

Paul’s letter to the Colossians concludes “and when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans” and likewise that they read the one written to Laodicea.  When you partake in listening to the Gospel of John being read, you are taking into your soul and heart the rich promises of Jesus made to the original disciples who became the Apostles who taught others the words of this same teacher, Savior and Son of God.  Paul taught in Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  Can you sing silently?  Well, yes, perhaps—but barely.  A song is meant to be sung aloud.  The Word of God is meant to be spoken out and aloud whenever possible.  When you hear it with your own voice, you believe it all the more.  You don't doubt your voice.  Its sound is soulful.  It heals.

I was always taught growing up:  “Believe God for his promises.”  Belief gives you “boldness to say,” and boldness is part of having faith.

I think the Berkeley Version of the New Testament is specifically suited to be read out loud.  That’s why I chose if for making these recordings of the Gospel According to John.  They are free to whoever asks, for as long as I can personally afford to send them out.  You may request yours here Free CD.