THE BIBLE X

"The Christian's Bible is a drug store. Its contents remain the same, but the medical practice changes." - Mark Twain

A theological student whom later I knew as a senior friend had committed himself to starting his ministry in the north of England when he received a very attractive invitation to join a teaching institution in South Wales instead. He did not feel able to withdraw from his commitments, but one day he read in Isaiah 43:6 (Authorized Version), "I will say to the north, Give up", and concluded that this was God telling him that he would be providentially released from his promise and so set free to accept the second invitation. No such thing happened, however, so he went north after all wondering what had gone wrong. Then he reread Isaiah 43:6 and noticed that it continued, "...and to the south, Do not withhold." At this point it dawned on him that he had been finding meaning in the text that was never really there. Instead, the concerns which he brought to his reading of the text had governed his interpretation of it.

At the height of her fame, Marla Maples spoke of her religious roots. She believed in the Bible, she told interviewers, then added the disclaimer, "but you can't always take [it]

THE BIBLE VIII

"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - Unknown 

Pollster George Gallup Jr. has long referred to America as a "nation of biblical illiterates." Only four in 10 Americans know that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. A majority of citizens cannot name the four Gospels of the New Testament. Only three in 10 teenagers know why Easter is celebrated. Two-thirds of Americans believe there are few, if any, absolute principles to direct human behaviour. A new poll by the Barna Research Group suggests that religious illiteracy has increased. For example, three out of four Americans (and nearly half of "born-again" Christians) believe the Bible teaches that "God helps those who help themselves." George Barna argues that self-reliance is not only not scriptural, but that it contradicts revelation. Only God determines a person's destiny, the pollster notes. To believe otherwise "exposes our false theological cornerstone - that we are the center of things, that it is up to us to determine our destiny, and that God is merely our assistant..."

The story actually happened to Joseph Parker, minister of the City Temple in London. An old lady waited on Parker in his vestry after a service to thank him for the help she received from his sermons. "You do throw such wonderful light on the Bible, doctor," she said. "Do you know that until this morning, I had always thought that Sodom and

THE BIBLE V

"A Bible in the hand is worth two in the bookcase." - Traditional

Letter and Spirit

Gipsy Smith told of a man who said he had received no inspiration from the Bible although he had "gone through it several times." "Let it go through you once," replied Smith, "then you will tell a different story!" What a statement. Beyond having the Bible in your hand, do not only go through 'the Word of the Spirit,' but also allow 'The Spirit of the Word' to permeate every fibre of your being.

He was one of the greatest rulers in African history and the creator of modern Ethiopia. Born in 1844, he was captured during an enemy raid and held prisoner for 10 years. Escaping, Menelik II declared himself head of the province of Shewa. He began conquering neighboring kingdoms and developed them into modern Ethiopia with himself as emperor. When Italy tried to take over Ethiopia Menekil's army met and crushed the Italians

THE BIBLE IV

"I was never out of my Bible." - John Bunyan

Ticket

It was John Wesley, who said "I am a man of one Book." and Timothy Dwight added that, "The Bible is a window in this prison-world, through which we may look into eternity." Many times, I have said that, "Life is a boxing ring...and a very good striker." It will be, in my opinion, foolhardy to live in this boxing ring called life, without regularly consulting life's manual.

It seemed that famed scientist, Albert Einstein had more trouble finding his way home from work, than he did finding the key to atomic power. One evening as he sat deep in thought aboard the train that brought him home each night, the porter approached to collect his ticket. Einstein rummaged around in his coat, through his pockets, in his shirt, and everywhere else he could think of, growing alarmed at his inability to find the ticket. "That's okay, Dr. Einstein," said the porter. "I know you ride this train every day. I can collect tomorrow." "That's fine for you, young man," Einstein replied,

THE BIBLE III

"A Bible in the hand is worth two in the bookcase." - Traditional

THE BIBLE

George Muller, known for his strong faith, confided. "The first 3 years after conversion, I neglected the Word of God. Since I began to search it diligently, the blessing has been wonderful. I have read the Bible through one hundred times and always with increasing delight!" John Bunyan, who wrote Pilgrim's Progress, testified, "Read the Bible, and read it again, and do not despair of help to understand something of the will and mind of God, though you think they are fast locked up from you. Neither trouble yourself, though you may not have commentaries and expositions; pray and read, and read and pray; for a little from God is better than a great deal from man."

Any good manufacturer - whatsoever the product - understands the importance of an instruction manual, for his product. This is because he wouldn't be there with the customer to explain how to operate his product. In all cases, good manufacturers leave a 'contact' number or email, or some extra information through which they can be reached, should the customer have any issues understanding any part of the manual accompanying