"The Book of Books" - The President's Blog for August 7, 2009. Join the Discussion
The Book of Books
Two weeks ago I shared with you several books that are a must for leaders. However, this week I focus on the book of all books --the Bible. It is possible to take this one for granted, as it is assumed that we all read it. While I believe that we do, it is possible that the Bible may not get the full attention it deserves, for we are busy people. Also, as we are surrounded with “the Bible,” meaning church and the Sabbath School Lessons, we may believe that we are safe; but each of us needs time with the Word, which introduces Christ, if we are to speak and teach authoritatively; therefore, I write this article.
Read Daily
Recognizing that we are engaged in a spiritual warfare, it is necessary that we spend time reading God’s Word daily, because it will enlighten and inform as well as provide spiritual nurturing. It is in reading that we understand Christ’s will and become more like Him. I suggest that you begin reading one of the more simple books --for instance John’s Gospel. It has just 21 chapters. Once you discover the theme which is found in John 20: 31, you will be on your way. It states ". . . but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (NKJV --underline and italics supplied).
Additionally, it does help to know that the author of John’s Gospel is also purported to be the writer for First, Second and Third John as well as the book of Revelation. As we are privileged to be focusing on some of his letters (1st, 2nd and 3rd John) for the current Sabbath School Lesson, you will find similarities to John’s Gospel, especially while reading 1st John. No doubt this will aid in your understanding as you read.
Choosing a Bible Version
I know that some folk consider it wrong to move away from the King James Version. However, I would encourage you to obtain different versions, for they could lend to a clearer understanding of the Bible. A good version is the English Standard Version. Personally, I use the New King James version for preaching because its reading is clearer than the King James Version. A note of caution is to be careful of paraphrase Bibles such as the Good News and The Message. These, while presenting the Bible in modern language, may not prove true to the original text. Nonetheless, these are good when it comes to understanding a story or narrative. As leaders, we would want to have a few versions at our finger tip. Of course, an advantage for some of you is that you have the Logos Bible software. There are several versions there, and most of us were given a copy of the English Standard Version. You will have fun as you read the Word of God in different versions or
translations.
Exploring Other Books within the Book
Once you feel comfortable with John’s Gospel, why not consider another work of his, the book of Revelation? Using the aid of a commentary, preferably the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, you will be on your way. Ellen White in Early Writings, observed that some “Preachers and people have looked upon the book of Revelation as mysterious and of less importance than other portions of the Sacred Scriptures. But I saw that this book is indeed a revelation given for the especial benefit of those who should live in the last days, to guide them in ascertaining their true position and their duty” p. 231. Next, if you choose to go to the book of Daniel, you will see a connection. However, don’t be discouraged if you find some chapters difficult. Hang in there and understanding will come. Understanding calls for time and prayer. Then there is your pastor who will gladly assist you. I refer to Daniel and Revelation as they both speak to our
current period and even beyond.
Why Emphasize Reading and Understanding the Bible>?
As already indicated, we are in a spiritual warfare. These are the days that require that we be fortified with the Word of God. Many persons are seeking hope though some search in the wrong places. In reading God’s Word we are quipped with understanding which generates a sense of hope, and thus we are able to impart and share this with others. Essentially, we are agents of hope which goes beyond the present. Has it occurred to you that for nearly five years our theme song has been “We Have This Hope,” and each year’s theme has been based on hope? Indeed, the Bible strengthens our hope in the coming of the Lord.
Thought to Ponder:
“When the Spirit of truth floods and illuminates the heart, the Bible becomes a new book.” Coming of the Comforter, by LeRoy Froom, p. 65.
Did you remember to Pray for Bahamas Academy?
Your prayers and financial support are needed!
Two weeks ago I shared with you several books that are a must for leaders. However, this week I focus on the book of all books --the Bible. It is possible to take this one for granted, as it is assumed that we all read it. While I believe that we do, it is possible that the Bible may not get the full attention it deserves, for we are busy people. Also, as we are surrounded with “the Bible,” meaning church and the Sabbath School Lessons, we may believe that we are safe; but each of us needs time with the Word, which introduces Christ, if we are to speak and teach authoritatively; therefore, I write this article.
Read Daily
Recognizing that we are engaged in a spiritual warfare, it is necessary that we spend time reading God’s Word daily, because it will enlighten and inform as well as provide spiritual nurturing. It is in reading that we understand Christ’s will and become more like Him. I suggest that you begin reading one of the more simple books --for instance John’s Gospel. It has just 21 chapters. Once you discover the theme which is found in John 20: 31, you will be on your way. It states ". . . but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (NKJV --underline and italics supplied).
Additionally, it does help to know that the author of John’s Gospel is also purported to be the writer for First, Second and Third John as well as the book of Revelation. As we are privileged to be focusing on some of his letters (1st, 2nd and 3rd John) for the current Sabbath School Lesson, you will find similarities to John’s Gospel, especially while reading 1st John. No doubt this will aid in your understanding as you read.
Choosing a Bible Version
I know that some folk consider it wrong to move away from the King James Version. However, I would encourage you to obtain different versions, for they could lend to a clearer understanding of the Bible. A good version is the English Standard Version. Personally, I use the New King James version for preaching because its reading is clearer than the King James Version. A note of caution is to be careful of paraphrase Bibles such as the Good News and The Message. These, while presenting the Bible in modern language, may not prove true to the original text. Nonetheless, these are good when it comes to understanding a story or narrative. As leaders, we would want to have a few versions at our finger tip. Of course, an advantage for some of you is that you have the Logos Bible software. There are several versions there, and most of us were given a copy of the English Standard Version. You will have fun as you read the Word of God in different versions or
translations.
Exploring Other Books within the Book
Once you feel comfortable with John’s Gospel, why not consider another work of his, the book of Revelation? Using the aid of a commentary, preferably the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, you will be on your way. Ellen White in Early Writings, observed that some “Preachers and people have looked upon the book of Revelation as mysterious and of less importance than other portions of the Sacred Scriptures. But I saw that this book is indeed a revelation given for the especial benefit of those who should live in the last days, to guide them in ascertaining their true position and their duty” p. 231. Next, if you choose to go to the book of Daniel, you will see a connection. However, don’t be discouraged if you find some chapters difficult. Hang in there and understanding will come. Understanding calls for time and prayer. Then there is your pastor who will gladly assist you. I refer to Daniel and Revelation as they both speak to our
current period and even beyond.
Why Emphasize Reading and Understanding the Bible>?
As already indicated, we are in a spiritual warfare. These are the days that require that we be fortified with the Word of God. Many persons are seeking hope though some search in the wrong places. In reading God’s Word we are quipped with understanding which generates a sense of hope, and thus we are able to impart and share this with others. Essentially, we are agents of hope which goes beyond the present. Has it occurred to you that for nearly five years our theme song has been “We Have This Hope,” and each year’s theme has been based on hope? Indeed, the Bible strengthens our hope in the coming of the Lord.
Thought to Ponder:
“When the Spirit of truth floods and illuminates the heart, the Bible becomes a new book.” Coming of the Comforter, by LeRoy Froom, p. 65.
Did you remember to Pray for Bahamas Academy?
Your prayers and financial support are needed!
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