“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
~Hebrews 4:12
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
~II Timothy 3:16-17
~Hebrews 4:12
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
~II Timothy 3:16-17
For the first post on the Book Review blog, I must highlight the most important book in all history—the Bible. It’s sold the most copies, been translated into the most languages, is the most widely known and read, and has changed the most lives. Why? Because it’s not just a book. It’s divinely breathed Scripture; the living, active words of God; a two-edged sword poised and ready to pierce the division of soul and spirit and discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Written in three different ancient languages; penned by forty separate authors; and drafted over approximately a two thousand year time frame; comprising of sixty-six individual books; and covering everything from history to theology, poetry, and prophesy; the Bible is the most unique manuscript around. Yet despite these unique variables, the message and meaning stays consistent throughout. Many have questioned the authenticity of the Bible and tried to disprove its legitimacy; however, this divinely inspired book remains and is backed by the secular historic record and modern archeological findings.
The Bible is a book covering God’s workings throughout the history of man. Starting with the creation of the entire world and beginning of mankind and ending with future prophesy regarding a new heavens and earth, the Bible is truly God’s story starting with “In the beginning” and finishing with “Amen.” Characters include royalty and those of humble birth, men and women, children and wise elders, leaders and followers, men of war and those advocating peace, farmers, musicians, doctors, fisherman, princes, slaves, politicians, homemakers, government officials, carpenters, and the list goes on. In short, the entire spectrum of mankind is featured throughout this comprehensive narrative.
This book is broken into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament predominately covers the history of Israel and lays the foundation and groundwork for the New Testament. Within the New Testament lies the pinnacle and climax of history: the coming of Emmanuel—God with us. Jesus, fully God and fully man, enters the scene and forever changes history. Through His birth, life, death, and subsequent resurrection, He opens the way to God that was previously barred shut due to sin. It is only through Him and belief in His name that man may receive forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. This is the message of the gospel, the central theme of the Bible, and the truth that each person must eventually face. The New Testament also contains history of the early Church, instruction on how to correctly live and walk the Christian life, foundational theology and doctrine, descriptions of the end times, and promises of a new heaven and new earth where pain and suffering will be no more.
In closing, all other books may be good, but the Bible is the best. It is the only one that contains answers to why we’re here on planet earth, our purpose, how we should live, what we should do, where we are going, and how to get there. And it’s the only tangible, material thing that will last through the ages and into eternity. So as we unpack other books in the future, remember that this is the only one that can truly change your life, draw you closer to the Savior, and reveal the living God in the glory of His splendor.
Now I’m not doing this Living Book justice, so to truly discover the amazing power and message of the Bible, you’ll just have to read it for yourself! Therefore, get started, and see if God won’t transform your life…
Author’s Note ~
Written in three different ancient languages; penned by forty separate authors; and drafted over approximately a two thousand year time frame; comprising of sixty-six individual books; and covering everything from history to theology, poetry, and prophesy; the Bible is the most unique manuscript around. Yet despite these unique variables, the message and meaning stays consistent throughout. Many have questioned the authenticity of the Bible and tried to disprove its legitimacy; however, this divinely inspired book remains and is backed by the secular historic record and modern archeological findings.
The Bible is a book covering God’s workings throughout the history of man. Starting with the creation of the entire world and beginning of mankind and ending with future prophesy regarding a new heavens and earth, the Bible is truly God’s story starting with “In the beginning” and finishing with “Amen.” Characters include royalty and those of humble birth, men and women, children and wise elders, leaders and followers, men of war and those advocating peace, farmers, musicians, doctors, fisherman, princes, slaves, politicians, homemakers, government officials, carpenters, and the list goes on. In short, the entire spectrum of mankind is featured throughout this comprehensive narrative.
This book is broken into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament predominately covers the history of Israel and lays the foundation and groundwork for the New Testament. Within the New Testament lies the pinnacle and climax of history: the coming of Emmanuel—God with us. Jesus, fully God and fully man, enters the scene and forever changes history. Through His birth, life, death, and subsequent resurrection, He opens the way to God that was previously barred shut due to sin. It is only through Him and belief in His name that man may receive forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. This is the message of the gospel, the central theme of the Bible, and the truth that each person must eventually face. The New Testament also contains history of the early Church, instruction on how to correctly live and walk the Christian life, foundational theology and doctrine, descriptions of the end times, and promises of a new heaven and new earth where pain and suffering will be no more.
In closing, all other books may be good, but the Bible is the best. It is the only one that contains answers to why we’re here on planet earth, our purpose, how we should live, what we should do, where we are going, and how to get there. And it’s the only tangible, material thing that will last through the ages and into eternity. So as we unpack other books in the future, remember that this is the only one that can truly change your life, draw you closer to the Savior, and reveal the living God in the glory of His splendor.
Now I’m not doing this Living Book justice, so to truly discover the amazing power and message of the Bible, you’ll just have to read it for yourself! Therefore, get started, and see if God won’t transform your life…
Author’s Note ~
- For the younger reader (under 13) I would recommend the New International Version 1984. It is a non-literal translation meaning that instead of being translated word for word from the original languages it was translated thought for thought. I do not endorse nor recommend the latest New International Version (2011). So if you’re looking to buy a NIV Bible make sure that it is copyright 1984!
- For the more advanced reader, I recommend the English Standard Version, which is a literal translation. This means that it was translated from the original languages word for word. The latest copyright version (2011) of ESV is acceptable.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
~Isaiah 55:10-11
~Isaiah 55:10-11
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