The bible--my favorite book...or is it?
By spoiled311
@spoiled311 (5500)
Philippines
October 24, 2007 11:27am CST
My favorite book may rather appeal unlikely, even unusual, to some people. While it may not be at the top of the list for some, to many it wouldn’t even be a part of their list.
I haven’t really thought much about it and I haven’t exactly raved about it, but the first title that came to my mind when the question about books came up was the Holy Bible.
In my teenage years, I had been one of those romance junkies who would rent a couple of Sweet Dreams or Mills & Boon paperback at the neighborhood book club and spend the night poring over pages of mushy love stories.
Then I got into mystery and detective stories. Everything was just so addicting. But with all these books in the house, I never got to develop any interest in reading the Bible. Our Bible had small print and didn’t have pictures so I found it boring. And being written with thees, thys, and thous didn’t help either.
When I became a Christian 7 years ago, I was given a Devotional Study Bible in the New International Version by our church. We were then encouraged to read our Bibles and to “not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8).”
I didn’t have the appetite for reading my bible at first, but when I pursued reading, words just came out of the pages. I prayed that God would further guide me in reading His Book so that I would better understand it and He did. Not only did my readings give me direct access to God’s message, but it also gave me the chance to peek into history, to know the different Bible characters, and to learn from them.
The Bible is full of wit, wisdom, and power unlike any other book. It’s a book on history, science, mathematics, engineering, geography, prophecies, census, law, love, romance, leadership, family, charity, adventure, finances, politics, and self-help, all rolled into one. There are tales of murder, betrayal, corruption, malice, adultery, incest, immorality, rebellion, occult, and robbery, much like what we see on the newspapers today. But more importantly, the Bible shows us where bad things came form and where they lead to.
Additionally, the Bible is a very practical book with insights that are appropriate to our modern world. I really wonder why some people think that biblical principles are outdated. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, both written by King Solomon, offers the most sensible tips for everyday living and for making big decisions on love, marriage, career, success, parenting, etc.
The Bible wouldn’t certainly lag behind literary artistry. Psalms is a compilation of the most amazing poetry ever written, which are mostly compositions of a man’s love, worship, and adoration to God. Song of Songs is an intricately written and passionate love story. Moreover, the Bible is filled with supernatural events that would seem to be legends, myths, or folklore if it were not for God’s presence.
For suspense, the last part called Revelation is the provoking story of the ultimate war of good against evil.
But what I really find remarkable is the fact that different men who lived in different lifetimes authored the Bible, and yet everything boils down to one message—God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation to the whole world through the person of Jesus Christ. Amazing, isn’t it?
4 people like this
7 responses
@spoiled311 (5500)
• Philippines
3 Nov 07
if i may ask? who do you think created your heart? and your whole being for that matter?
@libertarianfreedom21 (3198)
• United States
28 Oct 07
I trust my heart and mind. I dont think any god will condemn someone for following there heart.
@stella_76 (75)
• Philippines
25 Oct 07
I'm glad seeing you as one that believes in the Bible, because last week I had discussions with those that don't believe in it. But rather believes in those philosophy books men wrote.
They don't believe Abraham, the forefather and patriarch of the Israelites and even the Muslims.
They even told me to read the books on blah blah blah, wrote by blah blah blah!
So I told them, I won't exchange the Bible for any other book in the world...
because it might have told me I am a sinner (Rom.3:23)
...but it also told me that God can forgive my sins. 1Jn1:9
it told me that there is hell! Mark 9:44-48
...but it also told me that there is heaven for those who believe in Christ. John 3:16,
it told me that man cannot save himself. James 2:10,Eph2:8
...but there was a Savior for me. John 14:6
it shows that God punishes sin. John 3:36
...the Bible also tells that He is a merciful God.2Pet.3:9
it tells that man will be judged. Heb.9:27
...the Bible tells God exempts those who believe, Rom.8:1
No other book can tell you that!
@spoiled311 (5500)
• Philippines
25 Oct 07
hi stella! maybe you can answer barehugs up there? he thinks the bible is just full of mythical stories.
1 person likes this
@ryanphil01 (4182)
• Philippines
24 Oct 07
I definitely go with the flow of your thoughts. In addition, I find these facts about the Bible, my favorite and popular book, very informative.
It tops the best seller lists every year. Nothing beats it.
World sales of the Bible are more than 100 million every year.
Moreover, the Bible is not just one book, but a whole collection! There are 66 books split into two sections. 39 in the first largest part, called the OLD TESTAMENT. And the second part, the NEW TESTAMENT has 27.
The OLD TESTAMENT covers a sweep of history, from the creation of the world, to about 400 BC. Its books include poetry and history, prophecy and law. But they all tell the story of God's troubled relationship with his people.
The NEW TESTAMENT, also called the 'Injil' in part of the world, covers the amazing life of Jesus, and what followed on. There are four accounts of Jesus' life, called the 'Gospels', written by those who knew Him. Then, in the book called 'Acts' there is the story of how His followers carried His message around the world. Letters to Christian groups follow, many of them written from prison. Finally, some amazing, often frightening, predictions about the end of the world. And the start of something better.
The Bible is unique. It was written over a period of 1600 years. Written by more than 40 authors of every sort - kings, poor people, fishermen, poets, government officials, teachers, prophets. Written in three languages. Written on three continents - Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Is there any other book in daily use by millions of people, around the world, parts of which were written over 3000 years ago, yet which still speaks to us today?
There are other writings as old as this, but they are all in museums, and have no relevance to the world today!
There are about 6,800 distinct languages in the world, the Bible has been translated (at least in part) into around 3000 of those languages?
@spoiled311 (5500)
• Philippines
25 Oct 07
wow! you know a real lot about the bible ryan! i give you the BR! God bless you bro! i hope you grow more in love with God every day through the reading of HIs word. :-)
@ryanphil01 (4182)
• Philippines
26 Oct 07
hi again my friend, wheeww...this is so much already! hahahaha. tnx again.
well, i have been exposed to the Bible at an early age but I wouldn't say that I mastered it all.
@Harley009 (1416)
• India
2 Jan 08
Myself I consider Bible as proofs of the existance of Moses and Jesus in another way out of my beliefs.
I was Just a Muslim before, I learned more about Islam now I'm a better Muslim. We do believe in all prophets and we consider Moses, Jesus and Mohammad as Prophet/Messenger of God. We do not associate Jesus or Mohammad to God, God is one.
God had sent divine revelations to all prophets including David, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad and we name those as given:
To David: Zabur (Psalms in Bible)
To Moses: Taurat (Torah/OT in Bible)
To Jesus: Injeel (Gospel in Bible)
To Mohammad: Quran(Koran)
We recognize the holy books before Quran is not accurately available as it revealed to the respective prophets or it has lost somewhere, but Quran as the last revelation from God re-confirms the message given to all those prophets and Quran is available in it's Original source language and without any alterations and disputes. So I believe in Quran.
Indeed Quran is an amazing book, it has its high literature beauty and the power of statements, scientific facts and historical proofs that itself prove it is not work of a man.
Still I believe the Bible contains some of the teachings of God or Jesus.
No offense meant.
Thanks.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
25 Oct 07
yes there is absolutely no doubt about it, the bible is a good read. Its the oldest book of Myth the thickest book of Myth and the most read book of Myth in the world. Many people think of it as History,yet there has never been one historical fact varified. It has never been proven, and there has never been one piece of supporting evidence that would suggest that Jesus ever lived in Palistine. Yes it is an Amazing Book! So Amazing, that Christians the world over believe the bible is Fact!
@libertarianfreedom21 (3198)
• United States
25 Oct 07
I read the bible but not for religious reasons just for information. I know that it was written by man put together by man and deleted from and added too by man and sorry but I dont trust man at all.
@lancingboy (1385)
• United States
3 Nov 07
Personally, I prefer the Gnostic Scriptures. I just started reading these yesterday and I'm starting from the very beginning, to the end. Cover to cover. So far, there has been some really good lessons that came out of that in the first few pages. I think I'm going to enjoy it very much.
