THE BIBLE IS A TREASURE

There is a treasure house filled with God's truth. It's called the Bible. As Penni and I pursue truth, our position must always be based on scripture and an accurate examination of it. Without the solid foundation of scripture, Christian religious beliefs become nothing but collapsing walls of opinions. 

It used to be that only non-Christians would suggest that the Bible was nothing more than fairy tales, myths and man made stories. Unfortunately, nowadays, even some so called Christian churches question the validity of the Bible. It's no wonder that heretical practices have crept into the church. They have shunned the authority of God's word and replaced it with their own selfish desires.

Over the years, I've taught classes on the Bible and how it came into existence. It truly is amazing to see how a collection of the 66 books written by 40 authors over the course of 1600 years have come together with such incredible unity. The authors came from all walks of life, from kings to slaves and yet there is one unifying theme: God's revelation of Himself to mankind, including His works of creation, provision, judgment, deliverance, covenant and promises. It provides us a way to know Him.  It throws a mirror in front of us to show us our sinful flaws and our need for Him. It teaches us how we might have a right relationship with Him. It provides a light for our path in life. It brings hope, faith, purpose, joy, and assurance. No other book has ever come close to containing the life transforming power like the Word of God.

The Apostle Paul wrote the following words to Timothy:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-17 NKJV)

I emphasized  "ALL SCRIPTURE" in this verse because I repeatedly see teachers of the Bible focus on one verse while neglecting others. I've heard sermons, prophecies and online interviews where a single scripture is taken out of context in order to support some preconceived idea or opinion which at times leads to heresy.

This is why every believer needs to be in the Word of God, reading it in its entirety from Genesis to Revelation. The ones who regularly study scripture will immediately recognize the garbage some preachers are trying to feed their followers. Knowing the Bible through your own study will keep you from deception. Having a mature Christian or group of believers with whom you can study the Bible, will help keep you on the right track. 

The Bible is a treasure, but it's not a hidden treasure. It's available to all of us. It must be the very foundation upon which our life is built. Pick it up. Read it. Study it. Feast upon it. It will change your life.