No book in the modern or ancient world compares with the Bible in terms of circulation, translation, or impact. No book has influenced the number of lives that the Bible has.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” The Psalmist said to the Lord: “You, through your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies … I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation; I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts” (Psalm 119:98-100).
This issue provides a number of articles related to the Word of God. Some of the articles are doctrinal. A. W. Pink’s “The Unity of the Bible” and Charles Spurgeon’s “The Infallible Word of God” lay some foundations for understanding the unique treasure that the Bible is. Pink’s other article, “A Presumption in Favor of the Bible,” logically demonstrates our need for a clear revelation from God.
Two articles provide some practical helps. Boston’s “Directions for Reading the Word” gives some important helps for all readers. And, although William Gouge’s “Preaching God’s Word” is most specifically for preachers, it also contains some helps for rightly hearing God’s Word as it is preached.
Charles Spurgeon’s “Christ’s Indwelling Word” is his exposition on Colossians 3:16 and includes many insights and helps related our letting the Word dwell in us. Finally, we encourage you to read Watson’s “The Godly Man is a Lover of God’s Word.” This comes from his The Godly Man’s Picture. This is an excellent book that is currently in print from Banner of Truth. We highly recommend it. We have also included some insights from a message Jim preached on “The Sword of the Spirit” from Ephesians 6 in a series on spiritual warfare.
We continue to hope and pray that these articles are helpful to our readers. Most of all, we pray that the Word of God would be the foundation of you life as you enter this new year and new millennium!
By His Grace, Jim & Debbie
