Articles From Our Bulletins
How Do You Feel, Think, and Regard the Bible?
An unknown (at least to me) writer penned these words regarding The Bible: "This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.”
Regarding these things, please carefully consider the following….
How do you feel about the Bible? Do you hold it in high regard, as did David? His attitude toward God’s words was that “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them, Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward,” Psalms 19:10-11. Think seriously about your attitude and feelings toward the Bible. Do you respect and revere it, or regard it as something to be considered only if it doesn’t contradict either what you already believe, or want to do?
How do you think about the Bible? Do you understand it to be the inspired (which literally means God breathed) Word of God? “All Scripture is inspired by God…” 2Timothy 3:16a. Do realize that the Spirit of God gave to those men who wrote it the very words needed to convey the essential thoughts of God to mankind for his guidance through life to eternity in heaven, 1Corinthians 2:13? Again, earnestly consider your own thoughts toward the Bible. Do you really comprehend the gravity of the Book you hold in hands- that it contains everything your Creator and Sustainer knew you needed to know to be able to navigate life in a way that allows you to spend eternity in heaven with Him?
How do you regard the Bible? Our regard for God’s Word is determined by how we feel and think about it. In this case, our “regard” refers to how we treat and use the Word based on our emotions and thoughts about it. Does your regard for the Bible allow you to “pick and choose” which parts you like and use, or demand that you accept and employ it all? Does your regard allow you to “exceed what is written” (cf. 1Corinthians 4:6), or require you to neither “add to… nor take away from” it (cf. Revelation 22:18-19)? Does your regard allow you to “distort the gospel of Christ” (cf.Galatians 1:7) for your own purposes and desires, or require you to honestly and fairly endeavor“to learn what is pleasing to God” (Ephesians 5:10)?
The answers to these questions are hugely important. Please consider them carefully- as if the eternal destiny of your soul depends upon them…. because it does!
- How_Do_You_Feel_Th ... gard_the_Bible.pdf (96.24 kB)
