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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 164 June 10, 2001
Book of Promises
The Bible is really a unique book in many ways. It is made up of a combination of sixty six books (more if you are Roman Catholic), written by numerous authors (the exact number of which varies depending on which scholars you believe) over the space of the better part of two thousand years. Yet it comes together in one incredible account of God, His love for man and the story of man for creation to eternity.
It encompasses a variety of literary styles.
Its books range in content from short letters to detailed historical accounts and prophecies. Some events are recorded in intricate detail while others receive only a thumbnail sketch.
It is the best selling book of all times. It is the most read book. It is the most loved book, the most ignored book and the most hated book.
It is a book written to all people in general. Yet it is also a book written personally for each and every person.
It is simple enough for every man, woman and child to understand. It is also complex enough to keep theologians busy their whole career considering the exegetical, hermeneutic, cultural and linguistic components of a single verse.
It details the best that mankind has to offer. It also shows the very worst of what man is capable of. It shows how very thin the line is between the two extremes and how even people who love God can cross the lines.
It is filled with rules and suggestions that make living with others possible and productive. It contains dietary laws and lifestyle laws.
It is the inerrant Word of God himself, written for everyday people like you and I.
The Bible is also the Book of Promises. It contains all the standard promises of prosperity for obedience, of blessings, of salvation for those who accept Christ and damnation for those who refuse.
The biggest promise from Genesis to Revelation, is the promise of God’s love for His people.
He loves us enough that of all the creatures he made, He chose us to be made in His image:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NIV
He loves us enough to have sent His Son to die in our place:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NIV
He loves us enough to want to spend eternity with us
"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life Revelation 22:16-17 NIV
Until next time, may you spend time in the book of promises and begin to understand what an incredible promise it is that God promises His love to you and I.
God bless.
Kevin
If you have never experienced the love of the God who wants to be with you for all eternity, email me. I’ll share a few Bible verses that will help explain why a personal relationship with Him is necessary and a prayer that will make it possible.
Accept His promise today.
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved