I'm a Bible Junkie - Bruce Atchison

To me, studying the Bible is an addiction. I can't get enough of its history, poetry, wisdom, and characters. From listening to the scriptures aloud on my talking pocket Bible at breakfast to using an old CD-ROM to find verses when I write in the afternoon, I feel uncomfortable if I don't check out what the Word of God says.

Thanks to trailing-edge technology, I can copy and paste verses like Psalms 42:1 (KJV) into documents like this one. "To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. 'As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.'"

That's how I feel when I listen to his Word or have my PC read it aloud. And the more I hear, the more I want to hear.

My addiction, unlike drugs, has only positive benefits. Moreover, what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV) applies to meny of us as well. "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Another benefit of truly studying God's Word is knowing his power. The Pharisees and Sadducees figured they could trap Jesus in his words with trick questions. But, as Mark 12:24 (KJV) records, "And Jesus answering said unto them, 'Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?'"


Holy Scripture is more than stories and admonishments about how to live. As Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) explains, "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."

What a joy and awesome privilege it is to study the very words of God. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV), "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Therefore, we must use such a powerful tool with care. Far too many people have misread and misquoted scriptures in order to affirm and confirm their point of view instead of being governed by the Word. May we all be like the Bereans who studied the scriptures to make sure what Paul said to them was the truth.

If God is Dead Then Who Did I Speak to this Morning?

by Glynis M. Belec

I needed a snappy synopsis for the brochure that would appeal. How could I sum up and relay exactly the right words? It would be a great dramatic time and a superb party for children and youth, not to mention an amazingly cool way to present stories from the Bible. I needed to find a way to draw the young folk in and get involved. So I played around with words and phrases and eventually I had it.



"Looking for some excitement? Maybe you need a place to just hang out and talk about stuff. If you are looking for some good, clean dramatic fun with a focus on the One who made it all possible, then come on out to our drama club 'getting to know you' party and bring a friend. Step inside the curtain and learn through drama, mime and recitation how to make scripture come alive in unique ways."


There, I had it - the perfect hook.

I was pleased with what I had prepared for the church bulletin. The kids would love it. Yes, I was going to do my best with these young people. My passion was to help stir young hearts for Jesus and I was ready. I was going to do my part to promote Christian drama as a way of making scripture come alive.

 

I read my blurb over and over. It sounded good and appealing to young people initially. Yet something gnawed. The grammar seemed appropriate. It was written at a level and language that would appeal to the younger age groups. What was it that wasn't ringing true? I read the words again. My stomach churned as if I was on a roller coaster. There it was. The last sentence - ...do my part to promote Christian drama as a way of making scripture come alive. What was I saying? My words implied (although not intentionally) that God's Word was dead. Scripture was not the living, breathing Word of God and I in all my wisdom and talent was going to do my best to resuscitate it.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I am grateful that God prodded me and made me realize that I do not need to perform any sort of life- saving procedure on scripture. That is His job. My job is to seek opportunities and ways to share the good news. I can do that...

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