[363 words]
When my dad bought me something or gave me something he knew I really wanted, after a period of time, he would grin and say, “What would you take for it?” Knowing I wouldn’t part with whatever gift he had bestowed upon me, he liked to test me and reassure himself he had made me happy.
Twenty-one years ago, I received a Bible for a wedding present from my wife’s parents. The inscription simply said, “To Allen and Amy, Love Mom and Dad.” For about a year, I kept the Bible in the box it came in and I always made sure that box was safe and secure in the top of a closet. Then one day, it hit me, this gift is meant to be “used,” not “stored!” I took the Bible out of the box and began to read it, took it to Bible class, worship services, and eventually to my workplace because I quickly realized how valuable this Great Book is. Of course, Scripture can be accessed in both paper or digital form, but the content is transformational! Consider how great the Bible is:
1. Word sent from God through Christ (Acts 10:36)
2. Inspired, furnishes us completely (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
3. Word of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19)
4. Spiritual milk and meat (1 Peter 2:2)
5. Flawless (Psalm 19:7)
6. All things that pertain to life (2 Peter 1:3)
7. Powerful (Hebrews 4:12-13)
8. Able to cleanse (Psalm 119:9)
9. Will stand forever (1 Peter 1:23-25)
10. Enduring (Matthew 24:35)
God’s Word provides us with comfort, connection, and content, all because of Christ! Paul Sain says, “The first three chapters of the Bible, and the last three chapters of the Bible contain information not found anywhere else on earth, concerning the origin and destiny of man.”
Friends and family, may we hold on to our Bibles, read our Bibles, and follow what the Bible says. If my dad were to ask, I would grin back at him and say, “I wouldn’t take anything for it.” May we take our Bibles and share the message!
Allen Jones
South Green Street Church of Christ
Glasgow, KY