The Best Bible Reading Program

Every December, I start thinking of ways to improve on my Bible reading.  It's hard to be consistent in our daily intake of scripture.   To get into a consistent groove requires discipline.  For some people, a 'Bible Reading Program' is just what the doctor ordered to help their oft-ailing study of God's Word.   I've looked at some of these programs year after year, and they certainly have their merit.   One program has you reading three or four chapters a day to get you through the whole Bible in a year.  Another program has you reading the same seven or eight chapters every day for a month, and then move on to a different seven or eight chapters the next month.  You don't get through the whole Bible in a year, but those chapters you read and re-read are cemented into your memory.   There are even websites that guide you daily through your assigned reading schedule.   Those kinds of Bible reading programs are good and vital for some people.  

I am a different kind of individual though.   Every time I ever tried a Bible reading program at the beginning of a new year, I end up failing by about the third week in January.   The reasons are varied, but more often than not, it ends up becoming a mechanical exercise.  This may not be true for everyone, but I have found the secret to the best Bible reading program for me:  TIME.  Spend TIME reading it.  As I mentioned in my previous post - if I simply dedicate more TIME to Jesus (part of that is Bible reading), then I will make it through the passages that He wants me to study.  If I open the Word on a regular basis, even a half-hour a day, I will read a significant portion of the Bible and be fed by the Holy Spirit's teaching.   For me, it doesn't have to be some elaborate system of checking off chapters.   Elaborate systems aren't for me.  Simple devotion to Christ through the daily reading of his Word is what works best for me.    If that means meditation on three short verses on one day, then great.  If I happen to make it through three short New Testament books the next day, then that is great too.

Pride and Humility

God's Word has much to say about pride and humility. These verse need no comment or interpretation - they are self-explanatory. Brace yourself.

2 Chronicles 7:14 -
[If] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Psalm 10:17 -
O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear.

Psalm 25:9 -
He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.

Psalm 37:11 -
But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

Psalm 101:5 -
Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.

Proverbs 6:16-19 -
16There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, 19A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

Proverbs 8:13 -
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.

Proverbs 11:2 -
When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 15:33 -
The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.

Proverbs 16:18-19 -
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 18:12 -
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty but humility goes before honor.

Proverbs 21:4 -
Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

Proverbs 22:4 -
The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honor and life.

Proverbs 27:1-2 -
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 29:23 -
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

Isaiah 66:2b -
But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.

Jeremiah 13:15 -
Listen and give heed, do not be haughty, for the LORD has spoken.

Daniel 4:37b -
“…for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

Zephaniah 2:3 -
Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’S anger.

Mark 7:20-23 -
20And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 21“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23“All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”

Luke 1:51-52 -
He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble.

Romans 12:3 -
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

Romans 12:16 -
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Ephesians 4:1b-3 -
…walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Philippians 2:3-4 -
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Colossians 3:12-13 -
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.


James 1:9-10 -
9But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.

James 1:21 -
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

James 4:6b-10
“GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 7Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

1 Peter 3:8 -
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 5:5-7 -
5You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

1 John 2:16 -
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Is the Word Alive???

For Christmas, a great friend of mine gave me a CD. On this particular CD, the weak candy lyrics that so much characterizes contemporary Christian music these days were left behind. A couple paragraphs go like this:

The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe

The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade
But His truth it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive

And so I asked myself - Is the Word REALLY alive? Does it REALLY cut the darkness like a sword? Does it REALLY have a message? A message of life? Does it REALLY remain? Is it REALLY alive? If the answer to any of these questions is 'NO', then we may as well continue the way we are... cold, calloused and indifferent to those who go about us every day. If the answer to any of these questions is 'YES', then how can we continue to be ashamed to share the life-giving truth that we claim it contains.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. - Hebrews 4:12-13

Some Advice from Bishop J.C. Ryle

Listen to me and I will give you a few short hints [on reading the Bible]:

1). Begin reading your Bible this very day. The way to do a thing is to do it, and the way to read the Bible is to actually read it. It is not meaning, or wishing, or resolving, or intending, or thinking about it. You must positively read.

2). Read the Bible with an earnest desire to understand it. A Bible that is not understood is a Bible that does no good. Work hard, and do not give up the work in a hurry.

3). Read the Bible with deep reverence. So to your soul, whenever you open your Bible, "O my soul, thou art going to read a message from God."

4). Read the Bible with earnest prayer for the teaching and help of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the Spirit to guide you into all truth. You should beg the Lord Jesus Christ to "open your understanding".

5). Read the Bible with a child-like faith and humility. Resolve to receive heartily every statement of truth, whether you like it or not.

6). Read the Bible with a spirit of obedience and self-application. Sit down to the study of it with a daily determination that you will live by its rules, rest on its statements, and act on its commands. The Bible is read best, which is practiced most.

7). Read the Bible daily. Yesterday’s bread will not feed the labourer today, and today’s bread will not feed the labourer tomorrow. Do not scramble over and hurry your reading. Give the Bible the best and not the worst part of your time.

8). Read all the Bible and read it in an orderly way.

9). Read the Bible fairly and honestly. The right way of interpreting Scripture is to take it as we find it, without any attempt to force it into any particular system.

10). Read the Bible with Christ continually in view. The grand primary view of all Scripture is to testify of Jesus.

What Did He Write?

The woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The accusers brought her before Jesus and seemed very eager to get His opinion on what to do with her. The Law of Moses required that such a sinner be stoned to death. As eager as they were to throw the book at her, they were all the more eager to catch Jesus in a trap.

He stooped over and wrote something in the dirt. I have always wanted to know what he wrote there on the cracked and dry ground. There are many speculations about what He wrote – maybe he wrote the sins of the accusers. Since He stooped down to write in the dirt again, maybe he attached names to those sins. But that is pure speculation because the Bible doesn’t say what He wrote.

One thing that struck me as I read this passage in John chapter 8 this morning is that God’s Word is powerful, whether spoken or, in this case, written. Whatever Jesus wrote the first time apparently didn’t sink in quickly. But when He wrote the second time, some light bulbs went off in the accusers heads. Those hand-written words straight from the finger of God-incarnate packed some spiritual punch. It caused every one of them to turn around and hightail it out of there. Was it guilt? Conviction? A sinking realization of whose presence they were in? Whatever was going through their minds at the time, it was something prompted by the Word of God.

When I get to heaven, that is one question I’d like to ask. "Jesus, what did you write on the ground that day?" He might answer, "it was my Word, living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword… able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart".

Worse Than An Unbeliever

There are all kinds of Bible reading programs. Some get you through the Bible in a year. Some take you through the Bible in a chronological order. Some programs have you reading the same book for 30 straight days. All of the programs obviously have their benefits.

I have a system that works real well for me. I like to read through a book of the Bible as though it were the very first time I have ever read through it.
Sounds unusual, but as many times as we read through... say, the book of Matthew... we can almost recite the birth of Christ or the passion week passages by rote memory. The danger in that is that we often read right past something that God has intended to use to speak to us that day. We already know the ending of the story, and so we cruise right through our daily reading and mark it off of our bible-in-a-year checklist.

Putting the ending of the story out of my mind for the moment and soaking in every sentence, every phrase, every WORD is very helpful in seeing what God has for me.

Today, a verse jumped off the pages of 1 Timothy chapter 5, verse 8. I had skimmed over this verse in the past. "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." The context is in regards to taking care of widows... but there are a couple principles here that I believe are important to all 'heads of households'. MacArthur's commentary on this verse states that this person who does not provide for his own hasn't necessarily lost his salvation, but rather has denied the principles of compassion and love that is at the heart of the Christian faith. He goes on to say that the reason they are worse than an unbeliever is that failing to provide for 'his own household' is inexcusable because they have the commandment of God and enablement from God to love. Worse than an unbeliever. That is some powerful, thought-provoking, Holy Spirit convicting language. I am glad I didn't miss that phrase this time through 1 Timothy!

Cocoa Puffs and Second Thessalonians

This morning I was reading in First Timothy. This is Paul's chiefly counsel to the young pastor Timothy encouraging him to fight the good fight and to keep the faith.

Oddly, every time I read this chapter, I think of the incedent I had a few years ago at the breakfast table:

I have a weird kind of thing with my Bible. It is my most prized possession and so I treat it as such - to the n'th degree. When I write in it, there can be no mistakes. When I turn the pages, there can be no dog-earred pages. When someone 'borrows' my Bible to quickly look up something, I almost panic that they won't handle with the same care that I would. I don't put papers, bulletins or pens in it, because that would ruin the spine. I keep it in a canvas Bible cover to protect it from the elements, and I don't leave it lying around just any where.

So... imagine my panic. I pour myself some Cocoa Puffs, loaded down with frozen blueberries, and top it off with skim milk in a bowl half the size of a pickup truck. Chocolate cereal and blueberries make a dangerous color of milk. I sit down to read the very last chapter of 2 Thessalonians (the page of which is on the back of 1 Timothy - what I was reading this morning). For some unknown reason, I reach across the table and not yet being awake, I knock my bowl of puffs over - all over 2 Thessalonians 3. As an interesting side note, several of the verses that fell victim to the brownish-purple milk are about 'eating'. You never saw me move so fast in my whole life, scrambling for paper towels. I didn't care about the table cloth. I didn't care about the floor or the table or the chairs or the bowl. All I cared about was my Bible. I almost cried. The story has a good ending though. The only lasting damage surprizingly was that only that page of 2 Thessalonians/ 1 Timothy has a few wrinkles in it.

This event in my life, as insignificant as it seems, does remind me of an important principle that we find in the letters to Timothy about handling the Word of God. We are to preach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3; 10-11). We are to pay close attention to our teaching (1 Timothy 4:16). We are to study so that we accurately handle the word of truth (1 Timothy 4:6-8, 2 Timothy 2:15). We are to preach the word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).

Someone teaching from God's Word has the solemn responsibility of doing it right. There is no excuse for doing a shoddy, sloppy, clumsy job. We are required to interpret the Word correctly and communicate exactly what God has said to us, not what we THINK He may be saying. The Christian's responsibility, especially the teacher, must communicate the Word as God has intended - heralding the gospel - and if someone is offended, so be it. Let the chips fall where they may. If we do not handle the Word of God accurately and boldly, then we are guilty of soiling the pages of scripture with our 'Cocoa Puffs' of clumsiness, bumbling around and not paying attention to what we're really doing. It amounts to Biblical vandalism - something I hope I am never guilty of.

Reasons to Believe the Bible is God's Book - Part 3

Reason #3 – The Bible's Prophetic Accuracy

Job said that he treasured the Word of God more than his necessary food (Job 23:12). Peter tells us that we need to long for the Word so that we may grow by it (1 Peter 2:2). The Word of God is nutrition for our hungry souls. But how do we know this book called the Bible is really God’s book? Last week we mentioned its amazing unity and its scientific accuracy. Today we look at its prophetic accuracy (much of this information I learned from my online Bible program by Parsons Technologies).

The Bible has over 2000 predictive prophecies. They are detailed, not vague. Consider the following detailed prophecies:

Concerning the nation of Israel
1). Israel would become a great nation (Gen. 12:1-3).
2). Her kings would come out of the tribes of Judah (Gen. 49:10).
3). She would spend 400 years in Egypt (Gen. 15:13).
4). Israel would reject her Messiah (Isa. 53).
5). Because of this, her enemies would dwell in her land (Lev. 26:32; Lk. 21:24).
6). Jerusalem would be destroyed (Lk. 19:41-44; 21:20).

Concerning various Gentile nations
1). Edom (Gen. 36, Num. 20, Jer. 49:17, 18; Ezek. 35:3-7; Obadiah; Mal. 1:4)
2). Babylon (Daniel 2:31-43; 7:1-8, Isaiah 13:17-19; Jeremiah 51:11)
3). Medo-Persia (Daniel 8:1-7, 20, 21)
4). Greece (Dan. 7:6; 8:8, 20, 21)
5). Rome (Daniel 2:40, 41)
6). Egypt. (Ezek. 29:1, 2, 15)

Concerning specific cities
1). Jericho. Joshua 6:26.
Joshua makes an amazing threefold prophecy about this fallen city:
a). That Jericho would be rebuilt again by one man.
b). That the builder’s oldest son would die when the work on the city had begun.
c). That the builder’s youngest son would die when the work was completed.

Did all this happen? See 1 Kings 16:34:
Joshua uttered those words around 1450 b.c.
Some five centuries after this, in 930 b.c., we are told:
a). A man named Hiel from Bethel rebuilt Jericho.
b). As he laid the foundations, his oldest son, Abiram, died.
c). When he completed the gates, his youngest son, Segub, died.

2). Jerusalem - Matthew 24:1, 2; Luke 19:41-44; 21:20-24 - Jesus predicted that:
a). Jerusalem would be destroyed.
b). Her citizens would be slaughtered.
c). The temple would be completely wrecked: not one stone left upon another.

Did all this happen? Consider the historical facts:
a). In February of a.d. 70, the Roman general Titus surrounded Jerusalem with 80,000 men
to crush a revolt that had begun earlier.
b). In September of the same year, the walls were battered down and over a half million
Jews crucified by Titus.
c). The temple was leveled and the ground under it plowed up

3). Tyre - Ezekiel 26. Tyre was actually two cities, one on the coastline, some sixty miles
northwest from Jerusalem, and the other on an island, a half mile out in the Mediterranean
Sea. In this prophecy, Ezekiel predicts:
a). The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, was to capture the city.
b). Other nations would later participate in Tyre’s destruction.
c). The city was to be scrapped and made flat, like the top of a rock.
d). It was to become a place for the spreading of nets.
e). Its stones and timber were to be laid in the sea (Zech. 9:3, 4).
f). The city was never to be rebuilt.

Did all this happen? Consider the historical facts:
Ezekiel wrote all this around 590 b.c. Four years later, 586 b.c., Nebuchadnezzar
surrounded the city of Tyre. The siege lasted thirteen years and in 573 b.c. the coastal city
was destroyed. But he could not capture the island city. During the next 241 years the island
city of Tyre dwelt in safety and would have doubtless ridiculed Ezekiel’s prophecy concerning
total destruction.
But in 332 b.c. Alexander the Great arrived and the island city was doomed. Alexander built
a bridge leading from the coastline to the island by throwing the debris of the old city into the
water. In doing this he literally scraped the coastline clean. (Some years ago an American
archaeologist named Edward Robinson discovered forty or fifty marble columns beneath the
water along the shores of ancient Tyre.) After a seven-month siege, Alexander took the island
city and destroyed it. From this point on, the surrounding coastal area has been used by local
fishermen to spread and dry their nets. Tyre has never been rebuilt in spite of the well-
known nearby freshwater springs of Roselain, which yield some 10,000 gallons of water daily.

Concerning particular individuals
1). Josiah – cf. 1 Kings 13:1-2 with 2 Kings 23:15-16
2). Alexander the Great – Daniel 8:3-8
3). Antiochus Epiphanes – Daniel 8:9-14
4). John the Baptist – cf. Isaiah 40:3-5 with Matthew 3:1-3

Concerning the Lord during His earthly ministry
In the Old Testament there are prophecies concerning the earthly ministry of the anticipated Savior. While upon this earth, Jesus Christ fulfilled every single prediction. Consider the following:
He would be born of a virgin (cf. Isa. 7:14 with Mt. 1:22, 23).
He would be called Emmanuel (cf. Isa. 7:14 with Mt. 1:23).
He would be rejected by his own (cf. Isa. 53:3 with Jn. 1:11; 7:5).
He would have a forerunner (cf. Isa. 40:3-5; Mal. 3:1 with Mt. 3:1-3; Lk. 1:76-78; 3:3-6).
He would be born in Bethlehem (cf. Micah 5:2, 3 with Mt. 2:5, 6).
He would be visited by the magi and presented with gifts (cf. Isa. 60:3, 6, 9 with Mt. 2:11).
He would be in Egypt for a season (cf. Hosea 11:1 with Mt. 2:15).
His birthplace would suffer a massacre of infants (cf. Jer. 31:5 with Mt. 2:17, 18).
He would be called a Nazarene (cf. Isa. 11:1 with Mt. 2:23).
He would be zealous for his father (cf. Ps. 69:9 with Jn. 2:13-17).
He would be filled with God’s Spirit (cf. Isa. 61:1-3 with Lk. 4:18, 19).
He would be a light to the Gentiles (cf. Isa. 42:1-3, 6, 7 with Mt. 4:13-16; 12:18-21).
He would heal many (cf. Isa. 53:4 with Mt. 8:16, 17).
He would deal gently with the Gentiles (cf. Isa. 9:1, 2; 42:1-3 with Mt. 12:17- 21).
He would speak in parables (cf. Isa. 6:9, 10 with Mt. 13:10-15).
He would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem (cf. Zech. 9:9 with Mt. 21:4, 5).
He would be praised by little children (cf. Ps. 8:2 with Mt. 21:16).
He would be the rejected cornerstone (cf. Ps. 118:22, 23 with Mt. 21:42).
His miracles would not be believed (cf. Isa. 53:1 with Jn. 12:37, 38).
His friend would betray him for thirty pieces of silver (cf. Ps. 41:9; 55:12-14; Zech. 11:12, 13 with Mt. 26:14-16, 21-25).
He would be a man of sorrows (cf. Isa. 53:3 with Mt. 26:37, 38).
He would be forsaken by his disciples (cf. Zech. 13:7 with Mt. 26:31, 56).
He would be scourged and spat upon (cf. Isa. 50:6 with Mt. 26:67; 27:26).
His price money would be used to buy a potter’s field (cf. Jer. 18:1-4; 19:1-3; Zech. 11:12, 13 with Mt. 27:9, 10).
He would be crucified between two thieves (cf. Isa. 53:12 with Mt. 27:38; Mk. 15:27, 28; Lk. 22:37).
He would be given vinegar to drink (cf. Ps. 69:21 with Mt. 27:34, 48).
He would suffer the piercing of his hands and feet (cf. Ps. 22:16; Zech. 12:10 with Mk. 15:25; Jn. 19:34, 37; 20:25-27).
His garments would be parted and gambled for (cf. Ps. 22:18 with Lk. 23:34; Jn. 19:23, 24).
He would be surrounded and ridiculed by his enemies (cf. Ps. 22:7, 8 with Mt. 27:39-44; Mk. 15:29-32).
He would thirst (cf. Ps. 22:15 with Jn. 19:28).
He would commend his spirit to the Father (cf. Ps. 31:5 with Lk. 23:46).
His bones would not be broken (cf. Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12; Ps. 34:20 with Jn. 19:33-36).
He would be stared at in death (cf. Zech. 12:10 with Mt. 27:36; Jn. 19:37).
He would be raised from the dead (cf. Ps. 16:10 with Mt. 28:2-7).

The point of this post is that when the Bible makes a prediction, you can be assured that if it hasn’t already happened, it WILL happen. This is the only ‘religious’ book that even dares to make so many bold and detailed prophecies. And when we see them come true to the very word, we can only come to one conclusion: This Book is God’s Book.

Reasons to Believe the Bible is God's Book - Part 2

Reason #2 - The Bible is Scientifically Accurate.

Consider these following facts:

1). The fact that the earth is spherical.
Isaiah 40:22 - While it is true that a few Greek philosophers did postulate this as early as 540 b.c., the common man held the earth to be flat until the introduction of the compass and the fifteenth-century voyages of Columbus and Magellan.

2). The fact that the earth is suspended in space.
Job 26:7 - this was not known by the scientists of the world until the writings of Sir Isaac Newton in a.d. 1687.

3). The fact that the stars are innumerable.
Genesis 15:5 - As late as a.d. 150 the famous astronomer Ptolemy dogmatically declared the number of the
stars to be exactly 1056. Today scientists tell us there are probably as many stars in the heavens as there are grains of sand on all the sea shores of the world. (see also Genesis 13:16).

4). The fact that there are mountains and canyons in the sea.
2 Samuel 22:16, Jonah 2:6 - As recently as a century ago, the ocean’s volume and size was viewed as a watery bowl, which sloped from the coastline gently downward toward the middle, where it was deepest. It then was thought to proceed upward to the other side. The Marianas Trench, near the Philippines; is over 7 miles deep.

5). The fact that there are springs and fountains in the sea.
Genesis 7:11; 8:2; Proverbs 8:28 - Shortly after World War II, research ships discovered many underwater volcanoes. The number is estimated today to be at least 10,000. U.S. Geological Survey research has shown the present rate of water increase from underwater volcanic outlets to be 430 million tons each year.

6). The fact of the hydrological cycle.
Job 26:8; 36:27-28; 37:16; Psalm 135:7; Ecclessiastes 1:6-7 - This would include precipitation, evaporation, cloud construction, movements of moisture by wind circuits, etc.

7). The fact that all living things are reproduced after their own kind.
Genesis 1:21; 6:19 – For hundreds of years scientists followed the spontaneous generation theory of Aristotle (350 b.c.). They believed eggs of all lower animals (insects, etc.) were formed out of rotting substance. Frogs and other small sea life, they thought, had their origin in slime pools. In fact, it was not until 1862 that Louis Pasteur proved once for all that there was no such thing as spontaneous generation. Then, in 1865, a monk named Johann Mendel demonstrated even more forcibly the rigid laws of heredity.

8). The facts concerning the human bloodstream.
Leviticus 17:11 - Many scientists (Herophilos, for example, a physician in the medical museum at Alexandria, Egypt) believed blood to be a carrier of disease instead of life. ‘Bloodletting’ was the cause of many deaths from the fourth century BC until the nineteenth century AD.

These facts reveal one thing: science will ALWAYS bow the knee to God's Word. Sometimes we get it backwards - trying to retrofit the Bible into what we believe 'science' is telling us. When we do that, we have abandoned a high view of Scripture. Yes, 'science' can be valuable, but not at the expense of the truth. Knowing what the bible says regarding these types of things helps us to regain and maintain our highest regard for the Word AND renews our confidence that it really is God's inspired Word to us.

Mark

Reasons to Believe the Bible is God's Book - Part 1

Reason #1 - Its Amazing Unity.

Here are a few interesting and amazing facts about the Bible:
1). There are 66 books in the Bible. 39 OT, 27 NT 2). There are 1,189 chapters; 31,173 verses; 774,746 words.
3). The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years (ca. 1405 BC to AD 95).
4). The Bible was written by almost 40 different human authors. There were kings, priests, a doctor, fishermen, shepherds, statesmen, a tax collector and prophets.
5). The Bible was written in Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT) with a few passages in Aramaic.
6). The Bible was written from different places, such as deserts, caves, prison, palace and beaches.
7). The Bible was written from different moods (sadness and joy).
8). The Bible was written in different times (war and peace).
9). The Bible was written with different literary styles: history, parables , songs/hymns, proverbs, genealogies, laws, gospels, letters, apocalypses, narratives, doctrines, ethical teachings, prophecies, sermons, confessions of faith, and thank-you notes.

We see all this variety, yet the Bible is without errors or contradictions.
How is unity achieved despite the variety mentioned above?

Consider the divine author:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 states that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." "Inspired" in the original Greek language means "breathed out" – God breathed out (or dictated) what He wanted the human authors to write; God superintended the writing of scripture.

Consider also, 2 Peter 1:20-21: "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." In other words, nobody came up with this stuff on their own accord. God, through the Holy Spirit, caused these 40 human authors to pen His very thoughts and words.

And despite all the variety mentioned above, the Bible has one unified message to mankind: how one may enter into a right relationship with this God who 'breathed out' these words of scripture.

Amazing.

The Indestructible Word

I just cut my grass in the back yard. A few short days ago my yard was vibrant with bright yellow dandelions. Today my yard is white with dead dandelions. Not only did it remind me of how short a life span can be, whether a plant or a human life, but it also reminded me of a passage in Isaiah: "The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

Grass, no matter how lush and green it can be at times will often be brown and crunchy in the midst of the heat of August.

Flowers, no matter how beautiful and colorful they can be (yes, even dandelions), the petals eventually fall off.

God's Word - no matter what kind of scrutiny - no matter who the scoffers may be - no matter what direction the culture turns - God's Word is always true, and always stands firm. The grass and the flower wither and fade, but God's Word is indestructible.

In the next few posts, I want to share some thoughts specifically about the Word, and how we can know with confidence that this indestructible book called the Bible really is from God.

Mark