One of the methods that I use to communicate the message of the Bible is a podcast. You can access it through my webpage - seekthetruth.org.uk. One long-running series I have recorded is called 'Life Questions'. It started when I was asked by a Christian radio station in Canada (Hope Stream Radio) to produce some material for them. People have many questions, and the Bible is the creator's (God's) book of answers. It is a unique book in that the men who wrote claim that they did not write of their own volition 'instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit,' 2 Peter 1:21. This is why you will often read in the Bible, ' Thus says the Lord' or 'This is what the Lord says’ and it is why I suggest that this timeless volume is well worth a read.
Questions are the primary means of learning. Rudyard Kipling's famous poem, 'I Keep Six Honest Serving Men,' reminds us of the natural curiosity that is often most evident in children.
I KEEP six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
I send them over land and sea,
I send them east and west;
But after they have worked for me,
I give them all a rest.
These six words (which are miniature questions) are tools in the trade of learning. They are used to analyse situations and communicate information. Journalists use at least five of them to gather facts and communicate them to their readers.
So, let's use these six words to summarise the message of the Bible.
What—it is a library of 66 books, written over 1500 years by 40 different authors, with one central message—the story of God's dealings with self-willed people and the creator's plan of redemption.
Why? We are lost without it. We don't know who we are, why we exist, or what the solution is to our greatest problem—our mortality and death.
When—it spans eternity to eternity, but it is firmly grounded in time and the history of humanity. It is relevant to every season of life. Its message has been appropriate for millions no matter what stage of life they are in.
How—How did we come to be here, how can we change our bad behaviour, how can we have real meaning in life, how can guilt be removed, how can I cope with death, suffering, etc.? The Bible has the answers to the 'how' questions of life.
Where—this is interesting! The writers of the scriptures were from many different places and found themselves in many different situations. The wonderful thing is that God's message was right for them and can still meet each of us where we are. The challenge is one of faith. Are we prepared to trust God?
Who—As I have already stated, the authors come from a variety of backgrounds and had many different occupations. The message they bring from God is appropriate and relevant for all. The Bible is not just timeless; it is cross-cultural and has no limitations.
The claim of the sacred writings are that they ‘are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,' 2 Timothy 3. 15.
All photos courtesy of Unsplash
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