Bible Appreciation

Stolen from Curt Blattman's Newsletter

The Bible is like no other book ever written. It has the power to transform a sinner into a saint. People have attempted to destroy and ban this book from being read for two millennium, yet it still remains the best selling book of all time. No book has been more translated into other languages and given away for free than our precious Holy Bible. And no book can generate more comfort, encouragement and purpose for living than the Bible. Below are four wonderful quotes on the Bible that demonstrate why this book is the most unique, amazing, influential, and transformational book ever penned.

“A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.”  – Theodore Roosevelt

I am totally convinced that when someone is well versed in the Bible that they will possess wisdom well beyond their years, will be able to cope with the problems of life better than those doctors and psychiatrists that have not read the Bible, and will lead a life full of joy, regardless of the circumstances they may encounter. While a college education may provide you with knowledge, if the Bible is not part of its curriculum, it won’t be able to provide you with the tools you really need to successfully navigate your journey through life.

“A well-marked Bible is the sign of a well-fed soul.” – Charles Spurgeon

I believe that the great 19^th century English preacher, Charles Spurgeon,

understood more than most how nourishment for the soul was perhaps the greatest treasure he could impart to his congregation. He also understood that just as food is needed to physically sustain us, the Scriptures were designed by God to provide spiritual manna for the soul. And owning a Bible that has years of markings in it usually means that the owner has been feasting on the word and finding true nourishment for the inner man.

“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” ― Dwight L. Moody

All of humanity has a sin problem and the only antidote for sin is Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit taught through the Bible. And that is why the Word of God is such a powerful tool in helping us overcome sin for we read in (Psalm 119:11): “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Armed with the Bible we have great power to overcome sin and that is why reading the Bible and hiding its rich meaning in our hearts will provide us with the ammunition to say no to sin. But the flip side is also true. Many people love their sin too much and as a result they choose not to go near the Bible because they instinctively know the Bible will condemn their sin and they want no part of this condemnation.

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”  ― Charles Spurgeon

One of the best ways to stay close to God is to stay so close to His Word, through diligent study, that after constant use your Bible through repeated wear and tear will need to be replaced. I love this Spurgeon quote because it tells me that the more I study the Bible the more its life flowing words will find safe harbor in my soul and prepare me to stand firm against all the wiles of the devil.

My friends the Bible is the most wonderful love letter that Jesus could ever leave for us. In closing I really like what Abraham Lincoln said regarding the Bible: “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.”

2 peter 5:16

"For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain."

Peter is letting all the doubters know, 'Don't call the Bible a nice little book of fables or tales. We saw that stuff. We heard the voice of God. We lived that stuff. These were real people in real times and real places' and I would add that Peter and all the rest, would not have allowed themselves to be brutally put to death for an imposter telling cool stories and doing parlor tricks

I Never Noticed

Genesis 44:18-34

Judah offered himself as ransom for Benjamin

Maybe that's why Jesus comes from the tribe of Judah

"The real miracle of Jesus was not that he could shine so brightly as on the transfiguration; but that he was able to keep from doing so always"

Guzik



Galatians 5:22

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control;

2 Peter: 1:5

Peter tells us to add the following things to our faith:

  virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.

Musicians and athletes practice the same basics over and over because they are vital to their success. Christians have to hear and practice these basics over and over again if they are to live successful Christian lives (glorifying God and spreading the gospel)



Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

 “One might recall, in line with the use of this imagery, how Jonathan’s eyes brightened when he ate the honeycomb (1 Samuel 14:27); such is the uplifting effect of pleasant words.”

Ross

“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn't really matter.”

DL Moody



*implie

Peter said his body was just a tent he would soon vacate

let's not spend all our time worrying about a tent when we can be investing in a mansion in the kingdom

Ephesians 2:19-20

the written testimonies of the apostles are the foundations of the church with Jesus being the cornerstone

I took the liberty of writing out the lyrics in a short commentary form, to keep you from singing them in your head, which will offer you a different view of the song

Peter's Poetry Workshop is Paying Off...

2 Peter 1:19

"And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts"

Please pass this along if you like it