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.

ALWAYS BE LIKE THE BEREANS - Bruce Atchison

What's the most important thing to remember when hearing anybody who claims to have a fresh revelation? Check it out with the Bible, that's what. Far too many Christians take the teachings of popular preachers at face value on the assumption that they know what they're saying. This is about as hazardous as a baby putting any object into his or her mouth. Like rat poison, Satan mixes tasty meal with enough cyanide to kill anybody foolish enough to swallow the bait.

Consider what Luke wrote in Acts 17:10-11 (KJV). "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto  Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than  those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and  searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Since the Bereans checked out the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, we must likewise challenge the beliefs of others.

How I wish somebody mentored me when I gave my life to Christ in 1969. Had I known how to discern biblical teaching from poisonous doctrines, I would never have joined a cultic house church a few years later. I would never have swallowed the blasphemous lies told by its lay minister. Knowing how to discern truth from error would have saved me from several decades filled with frustration and anger.

This is why I felt so strong about the vital need for discernment that I wrote my memoir of those days. How I Was Razed: A Journey from Cultism to Christianity walks readers through the wilderness of chiding which I suffered because my eyes never were healed. It shows how cruel those elders were in their criticism of my supposedly-insufficient faith. My testimony also demonstrates how the heavenly Father deprogrammed me of all the lies and misapprehensions I collected during those cultic years. I'm so much happier now that I know the true nature of the Trinity and how to read the Bible.

Additionally, I want to warn as many pastors as possible about neglecting the discipleship of new believers. I heard recently on The Bible Answer Man how Robert in Calgary had nobody who would answer his questions. The attendees at his church were too busy with their own concerns. He finally called Hank Hanegraaff's show for help. As far as I know, Robert was paired up with a mature believer who would assist him with his quest for the truth. May we all be open to mentoring new Christians as Christ has commanded us to do.

Twitter handle = ve6xtc