We've been talking all month about beginnings, in books and in our lives. It made me think about how perfect the beginning of the Bible is.
Genesis 1:1 (NIV Version)
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Right away, I know when, who, and what. When? In the beginning. Who? God. What? Created the heavens and the earth.
There are no clever use of flashbacks, no meandering details of eternity before God created the heavens and the earth. Not even a disclaimer about why the book is being written. This first line states simple, clear facts, and, trust me, I want to keep reading.
I believe the Bible is God's word, that every word in the Bible is true, and that the Bible was written by divine inspiration by God's apostles. I remember discussing this with a fellow student one day in college and I was shocked and saddened when she claimed not to believe anything "written by a few monks back in the fifteen hundreds."
It's important to be informed. No, monks did not originate the Bible five hundred years ago. The Bible has existed in some form throughout the ages, whether as the ten commandments written on stone, later as individual books or letters on ancient scrolls, or in modern times with all of the books and letters bound together as chapters in one tome. It's a living history, with incredible details of various periods, with moral warnings, proverbs to live by, and promises of an everlasting future.
I repeat my affirmation that I believe every word in the Bible is the true word of God. It gives me hope, brings order to a disordered world, and I can't imagine even a moment without God's love. And this, all because, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
Amazing.
I agree. It doesn't get better than this. And talk about a hook line. Some being just said they created the heavens and the earth. I gotta know more!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Jill!
ReplyDeleteAmen! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's sad how many misperceptions there are about the Bible.
Good morning!
ReplyDeleteTabitha: I know! I've got to find out what happens next. :)
Heather: Thanks!
Jessica: It is. But how can I fault someone who has never been taught about the Bible? It's so important to teach our children.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I'll be taking on a new adventure in May, beginning my first on-line bible study. What a perfect post for me today. Then again, God created world, a perfect beauty, and the bible is His guide for us to experience the beauty, yes?
ReplyDeleteI too have had conversations with non-believers, and even read books on why NOT to believe, to try to understand the other side. I cannot fault those who don't believe but be guided from the bible on how to treat others, no matter who they are. Happy Wednesday, Jill!
Talk about an effective opening line ... great hook that has captured the hearts of millions :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteIs that a photo of the St. John's Bible?
AMEN! I believe every word also. Talk about a great beginning.
ReplyDeleteGuess direct and to the point is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteAMEN!!!
ReplyDeleteLynn: Enjoy your on-line Bible study. It sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteJoanne: That's right!
Julie J: Thank you!
Erica: It's the Gutenburg Bible. Pretty, isn't it?
Georgiana: It's reassuring to hear others who share the faith. Thank you. :)
CJ: Direct and to the point--right on!
Melissa: :)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Cindy -
ReplyDeleteWe can learn a lot about writing from the Word of God. The Lord uses illustrations and stories, songs, and poems to get His points across.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Preach on, Sista! I LOVE the Word of God and my time digging into the crinkly pages.
ReplyDeleteP
Powerful post, Jill.
ReplyDeleteWe can learn so much from the Bible. Not just as immortals and children and sinners, but as writers. The Scriptures have every kind of tale, and the truth is what makes it so powerful.
Susan JR: Very true. Even the mechanics of writing, as in grammar and punctuation, are meticulous.
ReplyDeletePatti: Me too!
Janna: There's a whole lotta drama in those pages, too!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
The best beginning ever! Amen and Amen!
ReplyDeleteFirst I have to tell you that I love the photo! When I look at it, I feel calm and blessed.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible opening line. No matter how many times you hear it, it's awe inspiring. Beautiful post today!
Sherrinda: That's the truth!
ReplyDeleteCMOM: It's beautiful, isn't it?
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jill:
ReplyDeleteThis post is superb. We can learn so much about how to live if we would take the time and meditate on God's Word.
Wow, Jill. What a statement of faith. Bravo. All of it is true. Love that.
ReplyDelete