“And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (being God-breathed), and is profitable … (2 Timothy 3:15, 16a)
Just recently I picked up a pocket-size New Testament and found some interesting notes inside. This particular New Testament is put out by a group of businessmen (also known as Gideons), who are a group of individuals known for the distribution of the Scriptures “to hotels, hospitals, penal institutions, members of the armed forces, school students and those in the public nursing field.” They have been able to place and distribute over 1.8 billion Bibles and New Testaments! [That’s billion with a “B”]!
On the next two pages I found the following wonderful words:
“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.”
Teacher - Feature 