Transformer - 12/27/2020
Bible Study Is Important
Bible sales in the US, as well as the world, generate millions of dollars each year. It is considered big business.
People buy Bibles for various reasons; to give as presents for various occasions or to be used in evangelistic efforts. The costs of Bibles range from a few dollars to several hundred.
A Bible received from someone as a gift is often a treasured present. But, what about the use of the Bible in actual study of the Bible?
It seems that while the sale of Bibles is remaining constant, the actual study of the Bible is declining. Based upon a 2016 Barna Group research report (https://www.barna.com/research/the-bible-in-america-6-year-trends/) there may be some reasons why.
There is a growing skepticism over the reliability of the Bible. An increasing number of people are holding the opinion the Bible cannot be trusted as it relates to accuracy. There is growing skepticism that the Bible is the only guide for meaningful life.
While the number of people with a “hard copy” of the Bible is remaining constant, the number of “regular readers” is decreasing. While the younger generations are reading the Bible less than the older generations (a trend expected to continue), there is a growing curiosity concerning the contents of the Bible. There are many reasons for reading the Bible, but studying to know its contents is a small percentage.
The report stated there are a number of people who think “the Bible is actually harmful” to society. The report expressed optimism that there is a growing number of people (especially among skeptics) who are investigating the contents of the Bible. It also stated there is a growing number of opportunities (even though limited in time) for church leaders to engage people in Bible study. The research “demonstrated the Bible’s cultural staying power and persistent hold on people’s heart.”
There are two conclusions to be reached from this research. One, people are not reading the Bible, to say nothing of studying the Bible. Two, there is still a curiosity level among people concerning the contents of the Bible.
While many Bibles will be given as presents this time of year, there needs to be a utilization of the gift to study the Bible. One of the claims of the Bible is that it will be used to judge the earthly life of people to determine their eternal existence.
Studying the Bible is very important! No one can determine if they agree or disagree with its contents without first learning the subject matter. They have no basis for deciding whether to use it to direct their life.
Study the Bible! It is imperative if one is going to be living God’s way! – cgm
Thinking on the Word…
Giving an Apology
Recently, on a national syndicated talk show, the host was talking to a guest about making public apologies. The guest was saying that he did not make apologies just because someone thought he should apologize for what he had said or done. The guest went on to say that apologies should only be given when a person is truly willing to change their mind or actions on the subject.
The guest is absolutely right! If a person is only giving an apology because someone else thinks they should issue an apology, then by definition it is not an apology.
Consider these words in the definition of apology— “a written or spoken expression of one’s regret, remorse or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another” (emphasis mine) (Dictionary.com).
Regret has to do with how the mind feels about what was done. Is there a feeling in our mind of sorrow, of wishing we had not done the action under consideration, of wishing we could go back and do it differently the second time? One must have a feeling of being disappointed with themselves.
Remorse has to do with the feeling of guilt. There is a feeling that what was done was truly wrong and not that one got caught at an action or that someone else thought the action was inappropriate.
To issue an apology is the verbal statement of one’s internal decision to “repent” of their actions. If one is not willing to “turn” from their actions, then repentance has not taken place and the apology is only “words.” The statement has no true meaning.
Too many times in life, an apology is given because society believes it is the “right thing to do.” While giving an apology is “the right thing to do” it must also be done with a sincere, truthful heart. Otherwise, it is hypocrisy, which is the point the guest made on the show.
The mind and the actions must support the tongue. Our speech must be truthful and not for show or to please the crowd! – cgm
Words of Wisdom
“Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, but wickedness subverts the sinner.” - Proverbs 13:6
This proverb seems to emphasize the underlying reason for why the “blameless” and the “sinner” benefit or suffer from their actions. It has to do with “righteousness” and “wickedness.”
The idea of “guards” is to “watch over or shield from danger or harm” (dictionary.com). The idea of “subverts” is “to cause the downfall, ruin or destruction of; to undermine the moral principles of” (ibid).
Righteousness will help a person or shield a person from danger or harm. Wickedness on the other hand will cause a person to be destroyed or ruined.
We quite often look at the wicked and think that they have benefitted from their wicked behavior and the righteous are suffering. It may appear that the wicked person’s behavior has done him some good, but the reality is that doing bad things is never profitable if one considers the long-term. We must remember that this is the way it appears only for the short-term.
If we think in terms of eternity, righteousness will shield a person from the harm of eternal torment or punishment. Wickedness on the other hand will cause a person to suffer eternal torment or punishment.
The “blameless” person is not one who has never committed something worthy of being “blamed,” but rather a person whose lifestyle is such that no one would place any blame upon them. This is the result of righteousness. It is a great benefit. Righteousness is a great shield. - cgm