Today's Bible study started chapter 2: "The Bible - A Book From God."
Debbie joined Bonnie today, and once again I felt such heartfelt appreciation for allowing the study in my home.
One of the Bible questions was, "What impresses you about the distribution of the Bible?" Yes, I already knew the Bible was the most published book ever. It is available to 90 percent of the world's population, and in 2300 languages. However, it isn't the huge amount of Bible produced and distributed that suprises me. I am actually surprised that most Christian people own at least one Bible, but have never opened the cover to read the word. Bonnie and Debbie were pleased at my assessment, and we talked about how the Bible is a fixture in most Christian homes, but viewed as a relic to be displayed.
The next topic was about the Bible as the inspired word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This idea does not come easy to me. I believe that quite often the laws and cultural writings were done so to protect the people of the time in which the book was written. They may have been inspired by God to protect his people, but in some cases man's arrogance is portrayed in the scripture.
I will agree that the Bible illustrates God's purpose. The Old Testament predicts Jesus, and the New Testament is a reference to God's purpose through Jesus. I appreciate the "factual" information and research that is proven in the Bible. The Witnesses do a fabulous job at answering any question one might have.
Of course all this scripture is now clouded over by my recent reading of Ishmael. I am now completely unsure how I feel about MAN as the reason for the creation of the Earth. Are we supposed to be it? Creation ends with us? As the final creation of God, we have done a horrible job protecting the Earth. With that said, I do like the scientific knowledge presented in Isaiah and Job. Yes, the Bible isn't a science book, but having the prophets write about what was "unknown" at the time is really awesome.
In Isaiah 40:22 the Bible states, "He sits enthroned about the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers." The earth is a circle; it is stated right here in the Bible. During all those "dark ages" where people believed the earth was flat! All they had to do was read the Bible. Of course, with most not being able to read, it's no wonder why people didn't know the truth!
In Job 26:7 the Bible states, "He spreads out the northern skies, over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing." So right here it clearly states that the earth is suspended without being attached to anything. No turtle, elephant, or string. Right here in this verse the axis is described. I find this so cool!
I also asked a question that was brought up at the Genesis Bible study earlier this morning. Someone asked if animals and people lived in harmony before sin. Bascially, could people pet a lion; and could man lead the way God requested when he created man? There was not a definite answer given, so I asked the ladies this afternoon. They were quick with a response. Isaiah 10:6-9 describes the way things will be in the new system. Therefore, this is how things "used" to be before sin came.
"The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
thier young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the vipers nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea."
As the day comes to a close, I am so glad to have spent another Wednesday afternoon with Bonnie.
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