I don't know about you but I like to read. Some of my earliest memories are of my mother taking us to the library. Even today there is little I enjoy more than to sit down with a good book. Through books I have been able to see the Sahara and the windslept slopes of Pantagonia, South America. I have seen the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the horrors of the Holocaust: all of this without ever leaving my armchair. In some older books there is still a book card indicating that the book belongs to the public library. I always enjoy a book with a book card because it makes a handy page marker. At the top of one of the book cards I recently saw the words, "libraries - your greatest bargain." How true it is; one can learn almost anything from a book.
There is one book, however, that is more important than all others and, at the same time, it is the most neglected. Almost all of us have several copies in the home. It is still the most purchased book in the English language. It is especially popular to give as a graduation or wedding present. It is called the Bible. What makes this books so important? Let's take a look.
The Bible is actually a collection of books, 66 to be exact. It was written over a period of more than 1600 years, by more than 40 people, on three different continents and in three different languages. Yet is is amazingly uniform. There is not one discrepancy that can not be quickly rectified by looking at the original languages. It has proven to be scientifically, historically, and archaeologically correct time and time again. It can be trusted.
The Bible is not only historically accurate, but it speaks to us personally as well. It gives sound advice on everything from finances to romance to familial relationships. It teaches us how we should care for our bodies and what to do when we have been wronged. It does not hide anything from us. Its pages contain stories of people at their best and at their worst. It tells of grand adventures and of deadly betrayals. Indeed it is so real to life that almost no subject is taboo within its pages. God's word tells it all.
The Bible has been translated into more languages than any other book. It is easily accessible by almost anyone. If the words of the King James Version are too antiquated for one to understand, there are a variety of other versions available and they all tell the same story. It is the story of a king who lost his bride and went to great depths to get her back again. It is the story of God's unending love for humanity. It is the greatest story ever told and yet every word of it is true.
If you like to travel, open the Bible. If you like mysteries and scandals, open the Bible. If you like Romance novels, open the Bible. There is something in its pages for everyone. But beware! Once you read it, you will will never be the same.
Travel the universe - Read the Bible!
