Most, if not all, of what I write is connected to a Bible text and a biblical principle. However, it has been quite a while since I've written about the Bible itself. Perhaps it is time...
I find that many discredit the Bible. Some will say that modern science has undermined its relevance and contemporary scholarship has diminished its importance. I have found however, that most of those who make such claims have spent little time reading the Bible.
Conversations on this topic become quite personal at times. The skeptical, sometimes regard Bible believers as naïve simpletons, while their counterparts have occasionally regarded the skeptical as ignorant and spiritually uninformed. May I suggest that both views are unkind and undiplomatic. And both lead to defensiveness and departure rather than dialogue and meaningful discourse. But, back to the matter at hand...
The Bible, the Old Testament dating back to a 1400 BC, and the New Testament now 2000 years old, has had powerful and perennial influence on countless countries, cultures and peoples, western culture included. This alone provides a degree of credence.
But what about this? What other book addresses, diligently and in detail, the primary philosophical questions that we struggle with? Where did we come from? Why are we here? What is life's purpose? Is life worthwhile and do I have any inherent, personal significance? Is there life after death? Where and how do I get there?
Relationally, the Bible explains why humans have difficulty getting along and speaks extensively on how to establish and maintain relational health and harmony.
Spiritually, concise instructions are given on how we can be changed from the inside out, to become new creations, with positive attitudes, hope and perspectives.
Most notably, and in an overall sense, it highlights and describes a loving Heavenly Father Who has an intense desire to enter into our lives and share His love with us. And that desire is so intense that He sent Jesus, His only Son, to provide forgiveness and to accomplish His benevolent desire.
I met a lady some years ago who told me that she'd read the Bible from cover to cover in just a few months. She said that her husband would come in from work and supper wouldn't be made. Accommodating her passion to keep reading, he prepared supper for them several times. Of her reading, she told me, "I wasn't disappointed!"
But you shouldn't take my word for it (or hers)...read it for yourself. You will complete the task in one year by reading 2 chapters in the Old Testament and 1 in the New Testament daily.
Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Jesus
Pastor Ross Helgeton Senior Pastor – Erskine Evangelical Free Church Phone: 403 – 742 – 5020 Email: revrh@telus.net