“WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE BIBLE?”
By Pastor Donald Parker
In my many years in the ministry people have asked me, “What’s so special about the Bible?” I have seen many Christians get so busy living life, that they don’t take time to read their Bible, and begin to ask the same question. I’m reminded of the time I waited in line at the pharmacy to pick up a prescription I had to take daily and the thought crossed my mind; how many people have to take some sort of medication daily for their physical health and yet don’t read God’s word daily to care for their spiritual health? It is true that we need to care for our physical health, but we also need to care for our spiritual health; and a daily dose of God’s Word is the perfect prescription.
I know many people will read a book because they like the author. The Bible has been divinely dictated through the hearts of men, from God Himself. Every word in the Bible is there for purpose and a reason, and has been divinely dictated. What’s so special about the Bible? It’s the author; God himself. In His word, we find everything we need for life. I want to share with you just a few examples.
First, the Bible is a source of instruction. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16).
What makes the Bible special is its guidance. “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:103-105). You have questions about life? Going through a difficult time? Having trouble with your children? Trouble in your marriage? Trouble with your finances? The instructions and guidance for every aspect of life are found in the Bible; that’s why it is so special.
The Bible is the source of blessing. “Even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 11:28). If you want to be blessed read the Bible. If you want to be blessed every morning and after a long day at work, open God’s Word and read it, obey it and apply it to your life.
Something else that makes the Bible so special is the promise of eternal security. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Our security, our promise of eternity in heaven is found only in Jesus. Having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. Our personal relationship with Him is our promise of eternal security.
Jesus also said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30). My friend, that is really good news! A personal relationship with Jesus is the only way into heaven; and nothing can snatch you away.
Jesus also gave us these promising words of our eternal security found in a personal relationship with him. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).
My friend, what makes the Bible so special is it offers instruction, guidance, blessings, love, joy, peace, encouragement and most importantly, the only way to heaven. If you don’t have a Bible, please come by the church and we will be glad to give you one free!
To know more about God’s Word and how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we invite you to join us Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. “First Baptist Church, a Place to Belong.”
