Webster has several definitions listed. One is a preeminent publication that is viewed as authoritative on a particular subject. Another is simply a book. But the number one definition listed in this dictionary is the sacred Scriptures of Christianity containing the Old and New Testaments.
If you grew up in most Evangelical Denominations within the United States then you have heard that the Holy Bible is the infallible, inerrant Word of God; meaning that it is without error and incapable of error. I am unashamed to hold this view. I grew up believing this, I still believe this and I will always believe this.
I have heard people say that the Holy Bible is nothing more than an old book of good thoughts but nothing more. Really?! How can a simple book contain "stories" that had pertinence 3,000 years ago and maintain pertinence everyday since? The only answer that can be considered plausible is that a "higher power" was involved. That is true. God, the very Creator of the universe, is that higher power. From Genesis to Revelation, story after story, truth after truth, God has placed them in just a way that for those who read this book and believes the truths displayed; their life can and will be changed.
Think of this - of all the prophets in the Old Testament, their prophecies have came true. All of them; documented in the New Testament. "There will be a Savior born in Bethlehem." Hey guess what; there was a Savior born in Bethlehem! Hundreds of prophetic stories are recounted as they came to pass. When you study the Sciptures, it becomes apparent that the writers are connected. Some of the Scriptures contained in this Holy Bible that we are talking about are written over 1,000 years apart but fit together as if the were written in one setting. God has His hand on the writers of every word in the Bible. Contrast this with other "books" who proclaim, "well, some of our prophetic suggestions have came true and others may some day."
I urge you to read the Bible frome begininning to end. Try to read a book at a time. At the very least, read a chapter at a time. The book is not written to be dissected by your brain to make it fit your lifestyle or belief system. So many people tatke what they believe and try to make the God's Word fit that. God's Word is written to form and shape your belief system. One of my Seminary Professors stated that one of the worst things we ever did was to put chapter and verse to the Scripture. His point was that we take one sentence out of context to make it sound like one thing when if you read the whole paragraph or book you see a whole different meaning.
In the 1960's, the most quoted Scriture in America was John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Clearly this passage speaks of the love of God for all people.
In 2000, the most quoted Scripture was Matthew 7:1. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Now, a mere 40 years later, we are trying to say don't judge me. Be tolerant of me and my behavior. However, in a deeper look at this passage we find that Jesus is actually saying "If you judge others inappropriately then you also will be judged by God by those same standards. God is much more adept at being a judge than we are.
In 2000, the most quoted Scripture was Matthew 7:1. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Now, a mere 40 years later, we are trying to say don't judge me. Be tolerant of me and my behavior. However, in a deeper look at this passage we find that Jesus is actually saying "If you judge others inappropriately then you also will be judged by God by those same standards. God is much more adept at being a judge than we are.
The best way to approach the Bible is to study it, not just read it. Allow one passage interpret others. Live with it and live by it. Allow God Himself to speak to you through the reading and study of His Word. Be fed the Scripture by hearing good preaching. (By the way, if you are not regularly a little offended or burdened by the preachers message, it is likely that you are not hearing GOOD preaching.) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you through His Word and through those in your life.
The Bible is God's instruction book for us. There is not a substitute for being a student of the Holy Bible. Read it. Study it. Live it. Be blessed by it!
Praise God for allowing His Word to be passed down through the years to us.
