How important is the Bible?!

In my study, I have a large number of copies of the Bible, in many versions and translations. The vast majority of them were gifts, which is one reason why I retain them. However, in all honesty, whilst I sometimes find it helpful to check out a verse, or passage, in something other than my favoured RSV (Revised Standard Version), there are a number of those Bibles that are very rarely used.

So, if I were to receive yet another gifted Bible, I would be grateful; I would say "Thank you" to the giver; and then I would add it to the long line of Bibles that stretches only inches short of the width of my study desk (all 5' of it!).

What a difference if I were a Chinese disciple of Jesus like those in the video-clip below. They are students, receiving their first ever copy of the Bible. When, as you will see, they kiss it, it is not in any form of bibliolatry (worship f the book as an object), but because of what it represents to them.

The video is from International Christian Concern, one of a number of Christian Ministries that support those who are persecuted for their Christian faith, in more than 50 countries in the world today.  

Genesis - Part 2

As a student of history, I am all too aware that nations and empires rise - and fall! Where are the ancient nations of Philistines and Persians, to name but two? Many will not have read, but most will be aware of, Edward Gibbon's monumental work: "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." However, there is one very real exception; one nation that, in spite of many attempts to destroy it, has survived for millennia. That nation is the Jewish Nation - the Children of Israel; the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The second part of the book of Genesis deals with the call of Abraham,and the events that followed. Here is the next video that gives a brief overview of all of that.

Now that you have seen the overview, may I encourage you to fill in much more of the detail by actually reading the book?! I would recommend a modern translation so that you are neither confused, nor 'put off'', by the somewhat archaic language of the Authorised (or King James) Version! My personal 'favourite' is still the RSV (Revised Standard Version), but the NRSV (New RSV) is also a good translation. Some will prefer the NIV (New International Version), but unless you already have a copy, I am informed that the 2011 publication is best!

Whichever version/translation you use, do read - and before doing so, take a minute to ask for the help of God the Holy Spirit, that you may understand what He is saying, specifically, to you.