The Importance of the Bible

"All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness. That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Bible was inspired by God - men wrote it as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. It is very important and uplifting in spirit for us to continue reading our Bibles daily; we can follow the table plan of Brother Robert Roberts.

What does it mean that the Bible is inspired?

When we speak of the Bible as inspired we refer to the fact that God divinely influenced the human authors of the scriptures in such a way that they wrote the Word of God exactly as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Other verses are which claim that the Bible comes from God, 1 Cor.2:12-13, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God, and we impart this in words that are not taught by human wisdom, but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual". 2 Peter 1:21, "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit".

These verses teach us that though God used men with their distinctive personalities and writing styles, He divinely inspired the very words they wrote. Jesus himself confirmed the verbal plenary inspiration of the scriptures when he said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law..." Matt.5:17-18. In these verses Jesus is reinforcing the accuracy of the scriptures because it is the Word of God.

May God bless all those involved in making it possible for us to have this. Thanks to all the brothers and sisters, especially those in Africa, who made appeals and requests for more Bibles to use in their ecclesias and for their contacts. Carelinks, as a small organisation of brethren and sisters, saw that a complete Bible was needed to help brethren and sisters who do not have a Bible of their own. I thank all those who donated funds towards this project as this is the only way we can minister to people and encourage our friends to read the Bible for themselves.

In conclusion, a correct view of God will lead us to a correct view of the Bible. God is all- powerful, all-knowing and completely perfect. His Word, is the same in nature and in characteristics. The same verses that establish the inspiration of the scriptures also establish that they are both inherent and authoritative. Without a doubt the Bible is what it claims to be. I can sum up the Bible as the undeniable, authoritative Word of God to humanity and a recommended resource for our own spiritual growth. May God bless us all as we journey towards the Kingdom.

Bro Gideon Hankomone

Bro. Gideon Hankomone, (Mazabuka, Zambia)