The Bible is worth the read. Dust it off.

Acts 17:11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."  

That, at least, was the attitude of the Bereans, who were a group of people Paul encountered along the way on one of his missionary journeys. They've been complimented in the Scripture because of their "noble character"--a term rarely used to describe people in the Bible. What made them so impressive is that they searched and studied the Scriptures themselves. They did not just attend a church gathering and hear the Bible read to them--they were active in their pursuit to find the truth in God's Word.

 That's an important goal shared throughout Scripture and is a valuable model for us. Not only does the Bible help us understand God's message for us, but it helps make us mature. As 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us, "present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  There is no better way to accomplish that than through careful study of God's Word. Such study will help us 'renew our minds,' as Paul urged in Romans 12:2, and help us "take every thought captive" for Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The Bible is too important to keep on a shelf until Sunday. Dust it off and read it often. Its life-giving words will provide the wisdom you need to live in this world.

(The above originally appeared as an article I provided for the Essentials of the Christian Faith New Testament, published by Zondervan. Used by permission.)

What is so special about the Bible?

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." The Bible is inspired and inerrant, as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says. It is composed of the very words of God that were written down by a number of people throughout the ages. 

Though the unified message of love and salvation is enough to prove its divine inspiration, there is much more evidence that demonstrates the Bible's inspiration. Consider these: 

1. Bible prophecies. There are hundreds of prophecies recorded in the Bible that have already been perfectly fulfilled. This is only possible because they were spoken by God, who is in charge of history and our timeline. Specifically, there are over 60 prophecies regarding the life and ministry of Jesus Christ 
2. Archaeological accuracy. Skeptical scholars have tried to discredit the Bible by speculating that the Bible is not historically accurate. Major and minor archaeological finds, however, have proven its historical accuracy time and time again. 
3. Indestructible nature. Throughout history, the Bible has been banned, burned and confiscated. In its earliest days, Roman Emperor Diocletian declared the Bible illegal and threatened death to anyone who owned a copy (300 a.d.). Since then, communist leaders, dictators and some philosophers have also tried to squelch the Bible. In every case, the Bible survived--in fact it thrived. 

The Bible remains the best-selling book of all time. Why? Because it is the only book on the planet that is God-breathed. Through God's power, it will continue to survive and thrive. 

(The above originally appeared as an article I provided for the Essentials of the Christian Faith New Testament, published by Zondervan. Used by permission.)

What is so unique about the Bible?

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." 
The Bible is a powerful book. And while we can point to prophecies or archaeological finds, no evidence of its power is as clear as when you read it for yourself. Millions of people through the years have read God's Word and, as if hit between the eyes, have said, "That was written for me!"

The Bible convicts us of our mistakes, confronts our sins, and causes us to live in a way that loves God and others. No other book can effect the change that the Bible has throughout the centuries. The great French leader Napoleon once said, "The gospel is not a book; it is a living being, with an action, a power, which invades every thing that opposes its extension, behold."

It's no wonder that men and women have risked their lives to protect the smallest of Biblical scraps so they can study it just a little bit longer. The Bible is unlike any book you'll read. Study it for yourself and discover the wonder and message God has for you.

(The above originally appeared as an article I provided for the Essentials of the Christian Faith New Testament, published by Zondervan. Used by permission.)