Americans, for the most part, are practical people. I’ve noticed that when I preach a message at church, my listeners (mostly, but not all, American) appreciate something they can apply practically to their lives. Thankfully, the Bible loves to do just that.

Look at the practicality of Christianity according to the apostle Paul: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). The Book that God “breathed” out for us is—don’t miss this word—useful. You can use it. It’s helpful, handy, and practical.

Don’t know what God is like, how you can be sure you’re going to heaven, or the signs of the end times? The Bible is useful for teaching you. Know someone who is making dumb life decisions and needs to get back on a better path? The Bible is useful for rebuking and correcting. Feel unprepared for the challenges of raising kids or sense that you are unworthy of seeing God face-to-face? The Bible is useful for training you in righteousness.

Think of God’s Word like your personal trainer. Every time you open it, God is speaking personally to you. He might get in your face to call you out, or he might put an arm around you to comfort you, but you can always be sure that the God of love is speaking to you. That’s what makes the Bible the most useful book ever.