The Book Of Books
Wesley Crisp
" or I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth..." (Rom. 1:16). "For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Truly the Bible is a book of books. No other book in history has ever, or will ever compare to its greatness, beauty, simplicity and power. It is a book written by forty men who were moved by the Spirit of God as he gave them utterance. It is verbally inspired from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. Within the pages of this book, is the power to alter and change lives. It can take one who is the "vilest of sinners" and transform that person into one of the greatest people in history. It has happened over the course of history and will continue to happen as long as time exists. Yes, what a wonderful book it is! There are some wonderful things the Word of God reveals. It tells us of our Creator. It tells us of the great love he had for all of humanity by the giving of His Son on Calvary. It tells us that we are like him. That we are created in His image. It also tells us that His Son will prepare a place for those who love Him. That wonderful Book tells us who we are and where we came from. It reveals to us that we have a purpose in life, i.e., a purpose to bring glory and honor to God and prepare ourselves for Heaven. We understand from its pages that we have a never dying soul that will spend eternity somewhere. That life does not cease at the grave, but lives on forever. Therefore our purpose is to serve God faithfully all the days of our life. The word of God is also wondrous in it's amazing unity. It was written on two continents. It was written in three languages over a period of 1600 years. It was penned by some 40 men of all walks of life: judges, kings, priests, prophets, patriarchs, ministers, herdsmen, scribes, soldiers, doctors and fishermen. In spite of these men being from all walks of life and spanning a period of 1600 years, there are no contradictions. Not a single one! Amazing, isn't it? The Bible was also written under varying circumstances. It was written in tent's cities dungeons, palaces, in times of joy as well as times of danger. Yet, the Bible is a wonderful piece of work. How so? Because it was given by God Himself! Because of its power, it has changed the course of history. Because of it, men have been elevated to their rightful place in the world. I firmly believe that it was the influence of the principles of God that caused the downfall of the old Soviet Union. People saw the joys and happiness that we had in our country because of our freedoms, which come from the principles of God's Word. Because of the Bible, oppression and slavery were abolished in many places in our world. Because of it, the position of women has changed greatly. Because of it, the countries of our world have changed for the better. Truly, it is a marvelous work! There are many prophecies that prove it is reliable.
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Jesus would be born of a virgin Isa. 7:14. It's fulfillment is found in Matt. 1:18, 24-25. He would be born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2. It's fulfillment is found in Matt. 2:1. It was said he would be preceded by a messenger Isa. 40:3. It's fulfillment is found in Matt. 3:1-2. Betrayed by a friend, Psa. 41:9. It's fulfillment is found in Matt. 10:4. Crucified with thieves, Isa. 53:12. It's fulfillment is found in Matt. 27. Bones not broken, Psa. 34:20. It's fulfillment is found in John 19:33.
These are just a few examples to show that the Bible is reliable. May we always realize what we have in our possession. It is not a book to be set on a coffee table or on a night stand to collect dust. It is the Word of God that can make life here and hereafter so wonderful. Read it, abide in it and it will take you to Heaven. (Brother Wesley Crisp serves the Augusta Road church of Christ in Greenville, SC)