The following poem by an unknown author illustrates the fact that the Bible is read by folks who have different motives for reading it. However, very few read it for the purpose of obeying its precepts (cf. Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46; John 12:48; Romans 6:17; Hebrews 5:8-9; 1 Peter 1:18-22; James 1:22-25). “It is one thing to read the Bible through, Another thing to read to learn to do. Some read it as their duty once a week, But no instruction from the Bible seek. Some read to bring the... more

As the story goes, a preacher and a soap manufacturer were walking down a street one day. As they walked, they noticed how people were endangering others by driving too fast in a school zone, not stopping at stop signs, and running red lights. The soap manufacturer looked at the preacher and said, “Preacher, that Bible you preach from must not be any good, because it’s not helping anyone. Look at all the selfishness and disregard for others in the world.” The preacher didn&rs... more

The story is told of a Bible salesman who was one day demonstrating a Bible to the lady of the house. After purchasing the Bible, the lady asked the following question: “How can I keep my Bible cover from causing cracks and breaks in the binding?” The salesman replied, “Use palm oil, dear lady.” The lady, not knowing of such an oil replied, “But what is palm oil?” The salesman replied: “Lady, in the palm of the hand is to be found an oil, which, when... more

One of the most popular hymns in our hymnbooks is “Give Me The Bible” written by Priscilla J. Owens. In the lyrics of each verse, Ms. Owens illustrates the following Bible truths: “Give me the Bible, star of gladness gleaming (2 Peter 1:19), To cheer the wand’rer lone and tempest tossed (Isaiah 54:11); No storm can hide that radiance peaceful beaming (Mark 4:36-41), Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:1-10). Give me the Bible when my heart is broken (... more

Actress Julia Roberts was once asked what object she valued most. She replied, “I have a letter from my daddy, the only letter that I managed not to lose as a child. If anyone ever took that letter away from me, I would just be destroyed. It doesn’t mean anything to anybody else, yet I can read that letter 10 times a day, and it moves me in a different way every time.” How do we view the Bible? Do we think of it as simply a unique ancient book known for its historical and reli... more

The boisterous crowd fell silent. They had gathered in the summer of 1536 to witness an execution, a man burned at the stake. He was just a little over forty years old, an Oxford scholar, and a felon facing the death penalty. So what had he done? All eyes were on the victim. Flames snapped and crackled as the wood at his feet began to be consumed. Soon the man, too, would perish in its flames. So what was his crime? William Tyndale (1494-1536) had a simple ambition. He wanted to make the Bible... more

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21). These two verses are the alpha and omega of the biblical text, the first and last verses in our Bible. In between (and including) these two verses lays God’s Word, the Bible—sixty-six generally accepted books composing one book that defines Christianity and its tenets. However, people assault this composition fr... more