The B-I-B-L-E

The B-I-B-L-E

"The B-i-b-l-e, yes that's the Book for me
I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E."

2 Timothy 3:14 & 15 NKJV
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

   I don't know whom to credit for that song, but that little Bible school / Sunday school song speaks a simple but very profound truth.
   I love to read.  I’ll take up a novel and knock it out in a week.  I also listen to books on CD while working so get more books “read” that way.  And in the time I spend reading, I give time to reading the Bible.  There are those who look on Bible reading as tedious, one of those “have to do” things.  Bible reading is one of those “I’m supposed to do" things they struggle through because “it’s the right thing to do.”
   When you look at it that way, you’re missing the point. The Bible is a gift to us; it’s a love letter from God Himself to us.  God speaks to us through His Word, and though it we can find encouragement, strength, wisdom, correction and more.  In His word we learn about God.  Through His Word we learn about His character, and the more we learn about Him, the more we can rest in His faithfulness and rely on His Grace.
   His Word is our spiritual milk and meat and helps us grow in the Christian faith.  There can be no growth in the faith without learning from the Word of God.
   The Bible also furnishes help for all our problems.  The Bible teaches us principles to live by; principles that don’t change with fads or trends or political parties.  We can be assured that God’s principles will never change because He will never change.  We can use the Bible as a solid foundation to build our lives on.
Hebrews 13:8 Amplified Bible
Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).
   When you read this passage, notice how Paul begins it - “but you” Paul is urging his “son in the faith” Timothy to swim against the current, to go against the way of life where people follow trends and fads.  Timothy was urged to continue in the things which he had learned and been assured of.  What was Paul talking about?  He was talking about Timothy’s training in the faith by his mother and grandmother.  Timothy’s mom taught him the Scriptures even when he was a child, and because of that, Timothy received insights in life he could grow up with and continue to practice into adulthood.  As the Bible says, he was made wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  Now he was going out into the world to teach others these truths.
   If you are not reading the Bible daily, I urge you to pray for God to give you a love of His word.  Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word to your life.
   (Here I drag out my battered soapbox and climb up on it.)  If you are bored with reading the Bible or struggle to understand it, it, try a different translation.  Jesus did not speak King James English, but you’d think so to hear some Christians.  There are some good translations and some bad ones.  Research and find one that’s both good and you’re comfortable reading.  (Stepping off the soapbox and putting it away now.)  
   Attend a study under a good teacher who is blessed with the gift of teaching.  Or join or start a Bible study with friends.  However you do it, study and make the Bible a part of your Christian life.  You have a wonderful present from God, take advantage of it!

Stephen Cram                            July 31, 2011                         Colossians 2:8

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.