Interesting

Bible Stuff
for Bible

Believers

Another Helpful Handbook
Copyright  1997 James L. Melton
Published by Bible Baptist Church, Sharon, Tennessee


I N D E X
Introduction
General Information
How Do We Know The Bible Is God's Word?
How to Study the Bible
Ten Things That Will Help You In Your Personal Studies
A Handy Word List
Monies, Weights, and Measurements
Old Scientific Discoveries
A Few Words of Wisdom
A Few Words of Foolishness
Other Items of Interest
Somce Helpful Sources

Introduction

In 1995, God allowed us to publish a handy little booklet titled The Bible Believer's Helpful Little Handbook. Then in early 1997, we published a reference guide for King James Bible believers titled Fighting Back!. Both of these booklets have been used of God in ways that we never imagined. Churches and individuals throughout the world continue to order our literature for their ministries, while God continues to bless us with many praying saints, kind letters, generous donations, and yes, even a few challenging skeptics.

I wouldn't trade it for anything. There's nothing more fulfilling in life than to dwell in the place of God's blessing! It has been a very humbling experience. God has blessed our ministry thus far, so we'd be rather foolish to change our direction or even to slow up in our pace. By His grace, we intend to keep right on publishing the truths of His word--without compromise and without apology. Brethren, we covet your prayers!

I'm not much of a motivator. I figure that God's word and the Holy Spirit can handle that better than I. I just try to get people interested in God's word and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. The Bible is a life-changing Book, so if I can say or do something to interest you in, or to help you with God's word, then I'll do it. Nothing matters more to me.

This booklet is just a miniature collection of study helps, quotations, poems, definitions, humor, general facts, and other items of interest. The title says it all.

Our prayer is that God will bless you in a special way as you read the forthcoming pages. May His Spirit be your guide.

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:1-6)

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General Information

  • According to most sources that I've seen, the Bible has 66 Books, 1,189 chapters, 31,102 verses, 773,693 words, and 3,566,480 letters.
  • It was written on three different continents, over a period of about 1,800 years, by many different men from all walks of life.
  • It's longest chapter is Psalm 119, which consists of 176 verses. The number "176" just happens to be 16x11. Our KJV was first published in the year 1611. An accident I guess.
  • Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter.
  • Esther 8:9 is the longest verse, while John 11:35 is the shortest.
  • The longest word in the Bible is "Mahershalalhashbaz" (Isa. 8:1).
  • The middle verse is Psalm 118:8, and "the LORD" are the two middle words in that verse. Another accident.
  • The main subjects of the Bible are God's revelation of His character, His eternal righteous kingdom, and His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
  • The average person can read the Bible through in about seventy hours reading time. Reading three chapters per day and five on Sundays, you can read your Bible through in one year. About fourteen chapters per day will take you through in three months.
  • The Bible was the first Book ever printed on a press. The first one was printed on the Gutenberg press in the 1450's. The first American printing was in an Indian language in 1663.

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How Do We Know The Bible Is God's Word?

The Bible claims for itself VERBAL INSPIRATION. This is the doctrine that God chose to BREATH His words through His prophets, that these prophets SPOKE God's words, and that these words were later reduced to the writings that we know today as the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21; 2 Sam 23:2; Jer. 1:9; Luke 1:70; Jer 36). Christians generally believe this doctrine by faith alone, which is good, but can it be proven? Yes, it can. Any reasonable person would accept the following arguments as legitimate proof for the inspiration of Scripture.

The Bible Is A Negative Book

Why would man write a book to condemn his own race? From cover to cover the Bible is NEGATIVE toward man. It utterly condemns man (Psa 39:5; Isa 64:6; Rom 3:10-18; John 3:18; Jer 17:9; Psa 51:5).

The Bible Is An Authoritative Book

Most ancient writings do not even profess inspiration, but the Bible professes not only to be inspired, but to be the ONLY inspired writing (Isa. 8:20). The central character of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, professes to be the ONLY way to Heaven. Unlike the ancient philosophers, the men of the Bible are men who speak with great power, certainty, and authority.

The Bible Is An Infallible Book

Although many have tried, and are still trying, no one has ever proven that there are mistakes in the Bible (KJV). All apparent errors and contradictions can be explained Scripture with Scripture and by closely studying the context.

The Bible Is An Old Book

It's the oldest REAL book in the world. It was the first book printed on a press.

The Bible Is A Prophetic Book

While other ancient writings do not even attempt prophecy, the Bible attempts it and fulfills it! One only has to consider a few Old Testament prophecies about the life of Christ to see this (Num. 24:17-19; Gen. 49:10; Mic. 5:2; Isa. 7:14; Dan. 9:25; Hos. 11:1; Isa. 53; Zec. 9:9; Psa. 69:21; Psa. 34:20; Psa. 16:10; Psa. 41:9; Zec 11:12; Psa. 35:11; Psa. 22).

The Bible Is A Unified Book

The sixty-six books of the Bible were written by some thirty-five or forty different authors, on three continents, over a period of 1,800 years. These men came from all walks of life, differing greatly from one another, but their writings never contradict. These books COMPLIMENT one another. Such an accomplishment would be impossible if the Holy Spirit were not the Divine Author.

The Bible Is An Interesting Book

Unlike other books, the Bible is read by all classes of people. A small remnant of people from all walks of life share an interest in the Bible (educated, non-educated, old, young, male, female, black, white, rich, poor, etc.)

The Bible Is A Best-Selling Book

Over 800,000,000 copies sold since 1611. Over 2,000,000 per year, and over 5000 per day. This is a very conservative estimate, and it doesn't include those translated for missionary work.

The Bible Is A Blessed Book

It has changed more lives than any other book in world history. Eighty-eight percent of the colleges in America were founded for the purpose of teaching God's word and training missionaries. Many literary countries are the product of Bible-believing Christianity. Nations and individuals always prosper when Bible principles are followed.

The Bible Is A Preserved Book

If the Bible is only a man-written book, then why does it still exist? Satan has fought endlessly to rid the world of the Bible, yet it still exists today. Everything that man accomplishes eventually falls apart (wonders of the world, educational system, governments, etc.), but the Bible lives on (Psa. 12:6-7; Mat. 24:35).


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How to Study the Bible

When you were about ten or twelve years old, you were taught to memorize the multiplication table. You did so, and to this day you have in your mind the BASIC knowledge that you need to multiply numbers. You know very well that 8x7=56. You do not have to figure it up, because you just know it. You've made that fact a part of your own being. It goes with you always. You'll have no trouble figuring 8x70, 80x7, 70x80, 7x800, or 700x8, because you've learned the BASICS.

Well, the Bible works the same way. When studying God's word, there are several laws that one should keep in mind to serve as a study foundation. A good knowledge of these laws will prove helpful to you time and time again.

Literal Interpretation

Actually, there's no need for you to interpret God's word. He doesn't speak in unknown tongues. He means exactly what He says, as He says it, where He says it. Always take the Bible LITERALLY, unless it can't possibly be literal. In such cases, it may be figurative.

For example, Jesus said in John 10, "I am the door". Well, we know that's a figurative door, because literal doors do not talk. Always take God's word literally, unless it's impossible.

Context

Always notice the context of a passage before making application. Read the surrounding passages to understand the subject matter.

For example, no one today earns their salvation by enduring unto the end (Mat. 24:13). The context of Matthew 24:13 is the "great tribulation" (vs. 21). Millions of people are living a lie today because, they have failed to check the context of scriptural quotations made by their leaders.

Application

All Scripture has at least three applications: Historical, Doctrinal, and Spiritual.

Never make application of Scripture until a correct meaning has been firmly established with Scripture.

First Mention

Get in the good habit of taking note of "first mentions" in the Bible. Often times God will use the first mention of a word, phrase, or even a number, to establish a certain association that you'll need to remember throughout His word.

For example, the first mention of the word "life" in the Bible is Genesis 1:20. Here life comes from water. You'll need that information when you get to Isaiah 48:1, Proverbs 5:15-18, and you'll REALLY need it in John 3:5. A water birth is a physical child birth.

Progressive Revelation

To keep carnal and lazy people from learning the Book, God chooses to reveal truth to us in bits and pieces like a puzzle. He seldom addresses a subject in it's entirety in one place. He'll introduce a doctrine, and then He'll wait maybe two hundred chapters before telling you anything else about it! Sometimes He'll repeat the same thing over and over just for emphasis. Scripture with Scripture is the only way to learn God's word (Isa. 28:9-13; I Cor. 2:13).

Rightly Dividing

According to II Timothy 2:15, God's word has set divisions that must be respected if we are to understand Scripture.

There are various dispensations in which God dispenses to man certain duties, and these duties can differ greatly from one dispensation to the next. We just mentioned one when considering the law of context.

Like it or not, God is a divider. He has divided the Bible, the sexes, the races, the animals, the heavens, the spirit world, the underworld, the two natures in Christians, the first and second coming of Christ, and about a million more things. God's word must be rightly divided. Contradictions, confusion, and cults exist only because people refuse to rightly divide the word.

Duel References

Never limit Scripture to only one meaning. Sometimes a portion of Scripture can refer to something near at hand, and then also have a future fulfillment. Remember, God is eternal. He knew all of the future before any of the Bible was written. You can expect to see many double and even triple references in the Bible.

For example, Hosea 11:1 says, "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." In the immediate context this refers to the nation of Israel being God's "son", as we are also told in Exodus 4:22. However, a DUEL reference is found in Matthew 2:15, where Jesus' coming back from Egypt is said to be a fulfillment of Hosea 11:1.

Types and Foreshadows

The Bible is filled with all sorts of types and foreshadows which can make Bible reading and study very interesting.

For example, the Old Testament offers many types of the Lord Jesus Christ. Able is a type of Christ in that he offered to God an acceptable sacrifice, and also that he was murdered by wicked hands. The sun is a type of Christ, Who is the light of the world. The Ark is a type of Christ in many ways. The offerings and the feasts in Leviticus all picture certain truths about Jesus Christ in His three offices as Prophet, Priest, and King. Moses and Joshua, great leaders of God's people, are types of Christ. Many of the kings of Israel, such as David, Solomon, Josiah, and Asa, typify Christ in various ways.

There are also many other types, like types of the church, salvation, the second coming, the tribulation, the millennial kingdom, the Antichrist, and word of God. Remember to look for and to study types in the Bible for they reveal to us the wisdom of a Master Designer.

Numerology

Another interesting design in God's word is His unique way of attaching meanings to various numbers. Developing a basic knowledge of what a number is generally associated with can be very helpful.

One is unity. Two is division. Three is trinity. Some say four is the earth (?). Five is death. Six is man. Seven is perfection, or completeness. Eight is a new beginning. Nine is fruitfulness. Ten is the Gentile number. Eleven is a mystery to me. Twelve is Israel's number. Thirteen is rebellion.

Take thirteen for example. The negative overtones of this number are not superstitious; they're Scriptural. The first thirteen in the Bible is Genesis 1:13. That just happens to be the first verse that doesn't use God's name. The first occurrence of the actual word is Genesis 14:4 and rebellion is the context. The main Antichrist chapter is Revelation 13. Mark 7:21 speaks of thirteen evils in the heart of man. "Judas Iscariot" has thirteen letters. Nimrod, a type of Antichrist, was the thirteenth from Adam (I Chr. 1). The Old Testament has thirty-nine books (3x13), and it ends with a curse. There's a curse in Galatians 3:13. "Roman Catholic" has thirteen letters. In Luke 4, Satan quoted from Psalm 91, but he omitted verse thirteen. In Revelation 17:5 (MYSTERY BABYLON...)there are thirteen block capital words consisting of sixty-five letters (5x13). The thing just never ends. Remember, numbers have meaning in the Bible.

There's no quick and easy method of learning God's word. It takes WORK (II Tim. 2:15). If you're lazy, then you'll never learn it. If you DO want to study and learn, you may start anywhere, and you may read as many books and commentaries as you like, but don't ever forget the BASIC RULES. They'll prove helpful time and time again.


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Ten Things That Will Help You In Your Personal Studies

Get a King James Bible

Don't waste your time with these modern perversions. They'll only hinder your spiritual growth and understanding. Use the Book that GOD uses. (The New King James Version and the New Scofield Reference Bible are NOT King James Bibles.)

Develop a Regular Reading Habit

Bible study is great, but don't forget to spend some time each day simply reading the Bible. The Christian needs to feel at home in the "Bible environment". By reading it regularly, you'll become familiar with it's vocabulary, it's characters, special memory verses, it's precious promises, valuable lessons, and doctrinal truths. The more familiar you become with God's word the more you'll enjoy it.

Take Your Bible With You

God's word is your spiritual food and your weapon, so why leave home without it? I personally have a few different Bibles that I use for different purposes. I keep one in my truck for reading, one in our family vehicle for personal work, one for street preaching, one in the bedroom for reading, and the rest in the office. This way I avoid having to carry the same one everywhere. There's nothing wrong with carrying the same Bible everywhere, but you will wear it out quickly.

Pray for Wisdom and Understanding

The Author of the Bible is STILL ALIVE, so He can help you understand it (James 1:5; I John 2:27; I Kings 3:5-12). When is the last time you asked the Lord for understanding?

Keep Your Sins Confessed

Keep yourself clean (I John 1:9) so that God can pour His truth into a clean vessel, a vessel that is fit for the Master's use. God is not particularly interested in teaching His word to someone with a wicked heart (Psa. 66:18; Eze. 14:1-9). I believe it was John Bunyan who said that the Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.

Always Believe What You Read

To question God's word is satanic (Gen. 3:1), so don't ever question it. Just believe it by faith. If you can't understand it, then at least believe it.

Make It A Habit to Mark Your Bible

You aren't growing any younger, so your memory isn't growing any better. Start marking your Bible by underlining or circling special words and verses. Write important notes and references in the margins. A few years from now you'll be very glad you did. Just ask anyone who does it.

What should you mark it with? I've tried these special pens that aren't supposed to bleed through the paper, and I personally do not care for them. I use a fine point, black, ball point pen and dry highlight markers. For special notes, I use other color ball points, but they're all fine point and I never press hard. Never use felt tips or roller balls.

Start Your Own Library

Get a good concordance, such as Strong's or Young's. This will allow you to look up any word in the Bible in all of the places where it is found. If you have a computer, get a good program like QuickVerse, which has a Strong's concordance along with a Bible dictionary, an atlas, and several other options.

Dispensational Truth by Clarence Larkin has been one of the best general study books for several decades. His other works are also very good.

Two small booklets that we publish are also very helpful. The Bible Believer's Helpful Little Handbook contains definitions and Scripture references to many doctrines and theological terms. Fighting Back! is a handy reference guide to help you better understand the King James Bible debate.

An Old Scofield reference Bible is very helpful (1909 or 1917 edition).

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is a jewel, as it contains thousands of helpful Scripture references. It is also available as an option in QuickVerse software packages.

Tapes and books from Pastors James Knox, Greg Estep, Peter Ruckman, or Steve Sturgeon will be a great help.

Thank God for Everything You Learn

We really are unworthy to sit at the feet of our Saviour and learn, yet He commands us to do so. We should count it an honor and privilege! When you learn a new truth, no matter how small, always THANK Him! (I Ths. 5:18; Rom. 1:21).

Apply What You Learn

James 1:22 tells us to DO the word, not just hear it. A sponge that only soaks up water will become sour! Don't be a sour Christian. God teaches us the word because He desires to use us in His service. He feeds us that we might be healthy and strong to fight His battles. Don't be a draft dodger. Apply what you learn as you learn. Get your basic training and then get on the battlefield!


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A Handy Word List

The issue of archaic words has really been overdone. Most of the so-called "archaic" words in the Bible can be understood by the context, while many others can be found in a Webster 1828. However, the following list should serve as some help in those times when you just need a quick reference list.
abjects, outcasts
adamant, very hard stone
affinity, related by marriage
afore, before
amerce, fine
amiable, lovely
anathema, cursed
anon, immediately
apothecary, spice dealer
assay, attempt
asswage, restrain
avouched, declared
beeves, cattle
besom, broom
bestead, facing difficulty
bewrayeth, betrays
blains, boils, sores
bowels, affections
bruit, rumour, report
buckler, small shield
bunches, humps
careless, free from care,secure
carriages, baggage
causeway, paved road
chamberlain, household manager
chapiter, head of a column
charger, large dish
chode, complained
churl, miserly
clouts, rags
coasts, borders
cockatrice, adder, cobra
cockle, weeds
coffer, box
collops, lumps
comeliness, beauty
compass, go around
confectionaries, ointment makers
contemn, despise
convocation, assembly
coulter, plough blade
covert, shelter
cumbered, worried
cunning, skill
curious, embroidered
curious arts, sorcery
custom, tax
damsel, girl
daysman, mediator
describe, divide
descry, search out
diadem, head dress, crown
dispensation, stewardship, distribution
distaff, rod for holding wool
divers, different
divination, magical prediction
earing, ploughing
earnest, deposit, pledge
emerods, swellings
ensue, to follow
eschew, avoid
fain, gladly
fetters, shackels
fray, frighten
fret, to be worried, angry
froward, perverse
fuller, cleaner of cloth
garner, barn
gier eagle, vulture
gin, trap
greaves, leg armour
grisled, grey
hart, deer
helve, ax handle
holpen, helped
hosen, stockings
hough, cut hamstrings
husbandman, farmer
implead, accuse
jangling, foolish talking
kine, cows
laden, loaded
laud, praise
leasing, lying
leaven, yeast
lewd, vicious
listeth, chooses
mammon, riches
maul, hammer
mete, to measure
mitre, head dress
muffler, facial scarf
murrain, cattle plague
noisome, very hurtful
pate, head
peradventure, perhaps
pilled, peeled
polled, cut hair
post, mail man
potsherd, broken pottery
pottage, soup
profane, dishonorable
proselyte, convert
publican, tax collector
pulse, vegetables
purtenance, internal organs
quarternions, group of four guards
quick, alive
quit, behave
rail, boldly speak against
rase, destroy
rereward, rear guard
rue, a herb
savour, taste
scall, sore
scrip, bag
seethe, boil
severally, separately
shambles, meat market
silverlings, silver coins
sleight, deceitfulness
sod, boiled
sottish, foolish
stay, support
strake, streak
subtil, sly, cunning
tabering, hitting
taches, fastenings
tell, count
tares, weeds
tire, head dress
traffick, trade
trow, think
usury, interest
vagabond, fugitive
vaunt, boast
venture, at random
vestments, apparel
vex, trouble
victuals, food
vile, useless, wicked
wist, knew
wont, accustomed
wot, know
wroth, wrathful, angry

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Monies, Weights, and Measurements

Due to the various nations involved, and also the time span that the Bible covers, monies, weights, and measurements are often hard to determine. Please take the following figures with a "grain of salt". The numbers are general and approximate.

Bath about 9 gallons
Bekah ¼ of an ounce
Cab 2 quarts
Cubit about 18 inches
Day's journey 20-25 miles
Ephah about 1 bushel
Farthing ¼ cent
Fathom 6 feet
Finger ¾ of an inch
Firkin 9 gallons
Furlong _ of a mile
Gerah .4 ounces
Handbreadth about 3¾ inches
Hin 6 quarts
Homer 90 gallons liquid
11 bushels dry
Log 1 pint
Mite _ of a cent
Omer 7 pints
Pound about $16 in money
Reed about 11 feet
Sabbath Day Journey, 1 mile
Shekel .5 ounces weight
$5 in gold
64 cents silver
Span about 9 inches
Talent $1000
about 75 lbs. weight

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Old Scientific Discoveries

The Bible always runs a few thousand years ahead of "science". Notice the following facts that were revealed in the Bible long before man discovered them with telescopes, microscope, and scuba divers:

No actual "moon light" Job 25:5
Light travels Job 38:19
Stars cannot be counted Genesis 15:5; 22:17
Cosmic light Gen. 1:3; Psa. 74:16
Empty place in North Job 26:7
Earth suspended in space Job 26:7
Entropy increases Psa. 102:25-27
Sound waves from stars Job 38:7
Pleiades star cluster Job 38:31
Sea mounts Jonah 2:3-6
Sea springs Job 38:16; Pro. 8:28
Submarine canyons II Sam. 22:16
Ocean currents Psalm 8:8
Earth not flat Isaiah 40:22
Running water more sanitary, Leviticus 15:13
Circumcision on 8th day Genesis 17:10-12
Electric telephone & TV Job 38:35

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A Few Words of Wisdom

I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible. Moody

There are ten men who will fight for the Bible to every one who will read it. L. R. Akers

It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible. George Washington

I enter a most earnest plea that in our hurried and rather bustling life of today we do not lose the hold that our forefathers had on the Bible. I wish to see the Bible study as much a matter of course in the secular colleges as in the seminary. No educated man can afford to be ignorant of the Bible, and no uneducated man can afford to be ignorant of the Bible. Theodore Roosevelt

Other books were given for our information. The Bible was given for our transformation.

Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.

The New Testament is the greatest Book the world has ever known or ever will know. Charles Dickens

I have always said, I always say, that the studius perusal of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands. Thomas Jefferson

The Bible is a Book in comparison with which all others in my eyes are of minor importance; and in all my perplexities and distresses has never failed to give me light and strength. Robert E. Lee

Must everything in our age be predigested? Does the Bible have to be reduced to pablum? I refuse to believe that modern man, who split the atom and is exploring space, is unable to cope with the grandeur and glory of the King James Version. Winston Churchill

I sought for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers and fertile fields, and her mines and commerce. It was not there. Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good; and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great. Alexis De Tocqueville (1805-1859), French politician, political scientist, and author

In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine Protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard -- and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. . . . And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need its assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow can not fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?...We have also been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that 'except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.' (Psalm 127:1) I firmly believe this, and I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. . ." Benjamin Franklin's appeal to President Washington for a National Day of Prayer

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but the gospel of Jesus Christ. Patrick Henry

No sciences are better attested than the religion of the Bible. Sir Isaac Newton

The deathless Book has survived three great dangers: (1) The negligence of it's friends, (2) the warfare of it's enemies, (3) and the false systems built upon it. Isaac Taylor

The Englsih Bible has been a greater influence in the course of English literature than all other forces put together. It is impossible to read standard authors intelligently without knowing something about the Bible, for they all assume familiarity with it on the point of their readers.......to any young man or woman, eaten with ambition to become a writer, I shall advise first of all, KNOW THE BIBLE." William Lyon Phelps, former Prof. of English Literature at Yale University

We are indebted to the Book of books for our national ideals and institution. Their preservation rests in adhering to it's precepts. Herbert Hoover

The destiny of America is to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men everywhere. John Adams

That Book, Sir, is the Rock on which our republic stands. Andrew Jackson

Believe me, Sir, never a night goes by be I ever so tired but I read the word of God before I go to bed. Gen. Douglas MacArthur

I Thoroughly believe in a University education for both men and women, but I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college education is more valuable that a college education without the Bible. William Lyon Phelps

I have made a covenant with my God that He send me neither visions, dreams, nor even angels. I am well satisfied with the gift of the Holy Scriptures, which give me abundant instruction and all that I need to know both for this life and for the life which is to come. Martin Luther


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A Few Words of Foolishness

Malcom X's autobiography was once referred to by Spike Lee as "the greatest book I'll ever read".

Genesis is a myth. Pope John Paul II

The world is getting too small for that Book. Either that Book must go, or the world must go! Prof. Pinkevich of the USSR (See Mat. 24:35, II Pet. 3:10; Rev. 20:11.)

Ten years from today and the Bible will be a dead book. Bob Ingersol said that and then died 8 years later. The Book lives on.

In 100 years, the Bible will only be found in a museum. Voltaire said that over 150 years ago, but thousands are still being produced daily.


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Other Items of Interest

B.I.B.L.E. - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

Five places where the new translations alter Scripture while someone is being saved:

John 9:35, where KJV says "Son of God"
Luke 23:42, where dying thief says, "Lord"
Acts 9:5-6, where Saul gets saved
Acts 8:37, where the Eunuch is saved
Acts 16:30-31, the word "Christ" is omitted

"Honey, go get mother that grand ole Book that she loves so well," a woman said during a pastoral visit. The girl returned with the TV guide.

It is just as natural for a new Christian to cry for Bible knowledge as it is for a baby to cry for milk (Pro. 2; 1 Pet. 2).

The Bible is an amazing Book! When you're down, it'll lift you up. When you're up, it'll bring you down. When you're in, it'll get you out. When you're out, it'll bring you in!

A new Christian had been attending Church services for a good while, and the pastor noticed that he had a rather confused look on his face during the sermons. After a message one Sunday, the preacher asked the gentleman if there was a problem. The new Christian showed the pastor his Bible and stated that he just couldn't understand it. After one glance at the Bible the pastor knew why: it was cut all to pieces! Words, phrases, and even entire verses were cut completely out! The pastor asked in shock, "Why, man, what have you done to your Bible?" "Well," replied the Christian, "as I listened to your messages, I just cut out the words that you said were wrong! This is what I have left!"

Four reasons why so many people do not understand the Bible:

1. Some don't believe it - Heb 11:6; 3:18-19
2. Some lack a desire to learn - I Pet. 2:2
3. Some are too lazy to study - II Tim. 2:15
4. Some are lost - I Cor. 2:1

Someone asked Luther, "Do you feel that you've been forgiven?"
He answered, "No, but I'm as sure As there's a God in Heaven!"
For feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving.
My warrant is the word of God;
Naught else is worth believing.
Though all my heart should feel condemned
For want of some sweet token,
There is One greater than my heart
Whose word cannot be broken.
I'll trust in God's unchanging word
Till soul and body sever;
For though all things shall pass away,
His word shall stand forever."

Hammer away you hostile hands.
Your hammers break; God's anvil stands.
    Motto on the seal of a Waldensen church

Dr. Stanly Blanton, a psychiatrist, was asked if he read the Bible: "I not only read it, but I study it. It's the greatest text Book on human behavior ever put together. If people would just absorb its message, a lot of us psychiatrists could close our offices and go fishing."

The Bible offers many similitudes for God's word.
God's Word Is Like:

A mirror, James 1:22-25
A sword, Ephesians 6:17
Light, Psalm 119:105, 130
Fire, Jeremiah 20:9
A seed, I Peter 1:23
A hammer, Jeremiah 23:29
Milk, I Peter 2:2
Apples, Proverbs 25:11
Honey, Psalm 119:103
Bread, Matthew 4:4
Meat, I Corinthians 3:2

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Some Helpful Sources

The following is a list of a few good sources for obtaining Bibles or Bible related materials. This is by no means a complete listing, but rather a "starter" list for those looking for Bibles or study materials:

LOCAL CHURCH BIBLE PUBLISHERS
P.O. Box 26024
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-882-2112

A local church ministry which publishes nice quality King James Bibles that have the authentic KJV text. Very reasonable prices, and the money STAYS IN THE MINISTRY.

A.V. PUBLICATIONS
P.O. Box 388
Munroe Falls, OH 44262

Publishers of the works of Gail Riplinger, author of New Age Bible Versions. Other materials also available.

DILLON BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor Steve Sturgeon
539 Thompson Ave.
Dillion, MT 59725

A local church ministry which produces very sound Bible teaching on audio cassette tapes. Many topical studies are available, as well as verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book studies.

BIBLE BAPTIST BOOKSTORE
P.O. Box 7135
Pensacola, FL 32534
Phone: 904-477-8812

A local church mail-order ministry which publishes the extensive works of Dr. Peter S. Ruckman and the Bible Believer's Bulletin. Over one hundred commentaries, books, and booklets are available, as well as sermons and verse by verse teaching on audio cassette tapes. Many topical studies and sermons with chalk talk drawings are also available on video cassette, as well as hundreds of books by other fine Christian authors. Catalogue available.

THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor James Knox
199 Damascus Rd
Deland, FL 32724

A local church ministry which produces good Bible teaching on audio cassette tapes. Many topical studies are available, as well as verse by verse Bible studies, and a few good books. Catalogue available.

CHARITY BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor Greg Estep
1506 N. Fairfield Road
Dayton, OH 45432

A local church ministry which produces a wide variety of sermons by many preachers and Bible teachers on audio cassette. A catalogue is available, and also a very good correspondence course.

CHICK PUBLICATIONS
P.O. Box 662
Chino, CA 91710

Publishers of cartoon gospel tracts and booklets. A wide variety of topics are covered. Catalogue available.

DIAL-THE-TRUTH MINISTRIES
5990 Willow Ridge Road
Pinson, AL 35126
Phone: 205-681-9956

A unique telephone ministry where recorded messages may be heard by dialing 205-680-9206. Many good tracts are also available.

THE LION OF JUDAH
Temple Baptist Church of Knoxville
2100 W. Woodrow Drive
P.O. Box 5133
Knoxville, TN 37928-1736
Phone: 423-689-4741

A monthly prophecy newsletter edited by Pastor Charles Lawson. Contains valuable information.

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