7/17/12
It's been a long time since I haven't talked to a very good friend of mine. I can still remember our deep conversations where we talk of things that really mattered. I remember how he told me his speculation and skepticism about the validity of the Bible. I just pray and hope that he will be able to find the answer in his heart with God's help. And I hope he reads this and to anyone who has the same musings.
SOURCE: Is The Bible A Significant Book?
What makes a book “significant”? That would have a two-fold answer. If the book is unique, trustworthy, authoritative and impactful it would qualify as “significant”. That significance becomes greater when that book’s message makes a clear impact and change upon my life personally and of those who read it.
The Bible clearly fits those criteria. No matter what you think about the Bible, historically it has impacted people throughout the centuries, and even today, if you choose to follow its teachings your life will be changed.
Is the Bible more “significant” than many other religious writings or books? Why should this book be given a second look by many who have decided it is just another of many religious books?
Obviously in a brief article I cannot exhaust the reasons, but I can share enough to challenge one’s curiosity into rethinking a position.
Consider the composite and composition: A book that was written by many authors, from many backgrounds (Kings to slaves), on different continents, over a 1500 year span all with the same theme--The Messiah. A book that states centuries before Christ was born that the earth is round and that it just hangs in space--long before Stephen William Hawking existed. The Bible is a book that is used by archeologists, both Christians and non-Christians alike, to find ancient civilizations. As far as the historicity of the Bible, the manuscript evidence is overwhelming. There is none like the New Testament. All that we have on Plato is based on 7 manuscripts - 1,200 years from the original, Aristotle on 49 manuscripts – 1,400 years from the original, Caesar (Gallic Wars) on 10 manuscripts – 1000 years from the original, Homer (Iliad) on 643 manuscripts – 500 years from the original versus the New Testament on 24,633 manuscripts, 5000 years from original Greek, 80 years from the original not including parts of the NT that are even closer in time - John Rylands (John) 90 AD 130 AD 40 years; Magdalene Ms (Matthew 26) 1st century 50-60 AD co-existent.
No other document in history has had the manuscript authority, the historical integrity or the impact worldwide as this book. Love it or hate it – history cannot be denied.
Let me return to my definition - for it is two fold. Not only does the Bible on it’s own merit deserve to be considered significant, but it can be even more significant based on its message. What it can do as far as impact is seen by the obvious change that takes place in the lives of those who have read and followed its teachings.
The depth of the message in the Bible has changed every society it has come into contact with. It has a moral code that produces a standard that is not relative. Every society that has adopted this code has moved to a higher quality of life. Human life is elevated to something that is to be treasured. Wisdom flows from the pages of this book. This wisdom expounds into all realms for living.
The book describes our Creator, who He is, and His desire to have an intimate relationship with us, and how that relationship can happen. The Bible shows us the evidence that the Creator exists, as evidenced by His love for us and how He has preserved us. It describes our state in this life as a very small part of our existence, confirming that our spirit will live forever, and how a person can know for sure, where and how their spirit will exist after this short part of life is over. The Bible presents the perfect plan that the Creator designed from the beginning, and how he supplied a way to enter into a relationship with Him. It states that each person was part of the original plan, not an accident, which is what this world has to offer. It makes it clear that this life is made up of much more than what we can see. Communication, family life, work ethic, relationships on all levels, finances. Its pages even teach you how to learn to live with yourself. It tells you how to control your anger, your lusts and your pride. The Bible teaches the importance of forgiveness, resisting doing what is wrong and many other areas of life. Taking us from a personal perspective to the bigger view of life on to the most important view--eternity.
Is the Bible significant? I believe anyone honest would have to say yes. It’s uniqueness alone makes it significant. How significant can it be? That is up to you. You can view it merely as an extraordinary historical book, though you will miss the purpose of this book if you do. It was written to be a doorway to the knowledge of the One who made you. It offers you the way to bring purpose to your life, and a confidence of your destiny. It will lead you into the way of integrity and help you see yourself accomplish things that matter in life. It will educate you on what is and what is not essential in life. It does not promise dreams. Instead it brings reality. It lays a foundation that will allow you to build a life with no major regrets. It removes the agony of having to base life on emotions that are tossed up and down by circumstances. The Bible provides a life that is based on truth. Truth remains truth no matter what the circumstances are. And even though human emotions will remain an important part of our existence, we no longer need to be controlled by them. We can receive our direction and guidance from the truth, because the truth will set you free!
6/27/12
I found this on Deviant Art and I just wanted to share this since it's just so amazing how different verses are being put together to create a beautiful picture of our loving God. =)
My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:30
For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I LOVE YOU
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is...
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
6/26/12
I love long hand-written letters. I think a hand-written letter is the most sincere affection expressed. The most heart-warming affection that a person could ever receive. It can contain the deepest feelings of a person. The most unbiased way of showing affection. Untainted with boasting and showing off.
My sister showed me a letter her friend gave to her and it was really touching. So heart warming and so nice.
I’m happy for my sister. She has found a beautiful treasure that is worthy to be kept forever. God has blessed her with a beautiful treasure that is so rare and worthy.
A Quote for Friendship
“Some people will be your friend
Because of whom you know
Some people will be your friend
Because of your position
Some people will be your friend
Because of the way you look
Some people will be your friend
Because of your possessions
But the only real friends
Are the people who will be your friends
Because they like you for who you are inside.”
- Susan Polis Schutz
“The happiest moments in my heart knows are
Those in which it is pouring forth its
Affections to a few esteemed characters.”
- Thomas Jefferson
“Don’t ever forget that you are unique.
Be your best self and not an imitation of someone else.
Find your strengths and use them in a positive way.”
- Jacqueline Schiff
*these quotes were written at the back of the letter…*
6/10/12
Just seeing this video makes me smile. =) But it seems my mum is laughing more in this video though. LoL. I miss my nephew.
5/25/12
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