They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.2 Timothy 4:4 (NIV)
The apparition of a figure on horseback, without a head, haunts the Connecticut Dutch settlement. Said to be the ghost of a Hessian trooper whose head was carried away by a cannonball in "some nameless battle" during the Revolutionary War, the Headless Horseman rides to the scene of battle in nightly pursuit of his missing noggin. Washington Irvin's short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" was published more than 185 years ago. And, through literature and film its legendary fictional character has become part of American folklore.
The Bible is an old book. Yet, in a world where age is no longer considered a virtue and where one needs a good reason to believe, is it worthy of our trust?
Painfully honest, the Bible was not written for those who want simple answers and an easy, optimistic view of life. Forty different authors wrote the 66 books of the Holy Scriptures over a period of 1,600 years; nevertheless, they tell one cohesive story. No other book has been as loved or as hated. It has made a difference in the lives of such people as Augustine, Martin Luther, John Newton, and C.S. Lewis. Even nations like the wild Vikings of Norway have been transformed by the Word of God and the unprecedented life and image of Jesus Christ.
Of all people, the Apostle Paul knew full well the life-changing power of the Word of God. In his last letter to Timothy, the apostle directs this "son in the faith" to follow in his footsteps and faithfully carry on the work that he had been given.
Confident of his young assistant, Paul issues his final charge: go on declaring God's message, press on no matter what. Don't get carried away, Paul encourages. Keep your head in all situations. The time will come when people will reject sound doctrine. Rather, they will prefer to follow their own whims, choosing fable and legend in favor of truth (2 Timothy 4:3-5).
Dear friend, the Bible is not just another book. The greatest story ever told, it's the Book! Through its passages you will come to know the Sovereign Lord of all (1 Chronicles 29:11), full of love, mercy and goodness (Psalm 145:9), who offers salvation to all not by works, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:7-9).
While we accept God's Word by faith, my hope is that as you read and study it, you find it worthy of your trust and share what you learn with others.
Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following
Photo: The Headless Horseman Pursuing Ichabod Crane (1858) by John Quidor
The Bible is an old book. Yet, in a world where age is no longer considered a virtue and where one needs a good reason to believe, is it worthy of our trust?
Painfully honest, the Bible was not written for those who want simple answers and an easy, optimistic view of life. Forty different authors wrote the 66 books of the Holy Scriptures over a period of 1,600 years; nevertheless, they tell one cohesive story. No other book has been as loved or as hated. It has made a difference in the lives of such people as Augustine, Martin Luther, John Newton, and C.S. Lewis. Even nations like the wild Vikings of Norway have been transformed by the Word of God and the unprecedented life and image of Jesus Christ.
Of all people, the Apostle Paul knew full well the life-changing power of the Word of God. In his last letter to Timothy, the apostle directs this "son in the faith" to follow in his footsteps and faithfully carry on the work that he had been given.
Confident of his young assistant, Paul issues his final charge: go on declaring God's message, press on no matter what. Don't get carried away, Paul encourages. Keep your head in all situations. The time will come when people will reject sound doctrine. Rather, they will prefer to follow their own whims, choosing fable and legend in favor of truth (2 Timothy 4:3-5).
Dear friend, the Bible is not just another book. The greatest story ever told, it's the Book! Through its passages you will come to know the Sovereign Lord of all (1 Chronicles 29:11), full of love, mercy and goodness (Psalm 145:9), who offers salvation to all not by works, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:7-9).
While we accept God's Word by faith, my hope is that as you read and study it, you find it worthy of your trust and share what you learn with others.
Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following
Photo: The Headless Horseman Pursuing Ichabod Crane (1858) by John Quidor
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