Christian Basics No 5: Understanding the Bible (Paul Hardingham continues this year-long series on the very foundations of our Christian faith.) (Material taken from Parish Pump, web site for Church Magazines) The Bible is a popular book, with five billion copies sold worldwide every year, as well as a uniquely precious book. At her coronation the Queen was given a Bible, ‘the most precious thing this world affords’. The Bible isn’t simply one book, but a library of 66 books, composed by some 44 writers over a period of 1500 years in a range of styles including history, poetry, prophecy, letters and apocalyptic (looking at the end times). Despite having a number of different writers, the Bible claims one author – God Himself! As the Word of God, it is the primary way by which God speaks to us. ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is inspired (‘the word of God in the words of men’) and is a manual for life, equipping us to live for God in every aspect of our lives. We also have the promise of the Holy Spirit, who helps us to apply its words to our lives: ‘But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth’ John 16:13. The Bible can also be described as a love letter from God, as it deepens our relationship with Him. Jesus said: ‘You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life’ (John 5:39,40). Christians follow a person not a book, and the Scriptures are intended to help us to know Jesus better. Like a signpost, the Bible points us to the person of Jesus. SMILES LINES Church members were discussing the vicar’s and the curate’s sermons. The church warden said: “The vicar, now, when she says ‘in conclusion’, she concludes. But the curate, when he says ‘lastly’ – my! How he do last!” 18
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