BIBLE: BASIC INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LEAVING EARTH

It might sound a bit sacrilegious to reduce the word "Bible" – God's Holy Word to Mankind – to a simple acronym. And I certainly am not one to diminish the inerrancy, infallibility, and inspiration of the written word of God. I hold a very high view of the Bible, personally. But the popular view of the Bible comes from a multitude – vast majority – who will not stand for its teachings. The veracity of the Bible is continually in question. Those who believe as I do are ostracized, belittled, and all too often ignored. I'm not here to whine about that. I'm here to remind whomever reads this post of one thing: Life is sweeter, better, and works more smoothly here on earth when our society will at least follow the basic teachings of the Bible in terms of getting along with one another, family life, work life, and church life. I'm not trying to avoid the gospel – the Good News that there is ONE SURE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE. I'm not debating that issue here. However, I AM saying that much of the pain in the lives of those we love (not all, mind you) is the direct result of not following the instructions found in the Bible. Will you consider studying it and seeing if it works? Of course, following it will NOT gain you instant popularity – it might even make some enemies of those who stubbornly hold to the "anti-Bible, new ways" of doing life on earth.

Many of the moral issues of the day – sexual relationships, marriage, sanctity of life, and basic justice – are addressed in the Bible. The instructions found in the Bible are not complete until the whole teaching of the Bible is done. Old Testament alone without the New Testament teaching gives a much-skewed view of these issues and what should be done. But when put together, the teachings, if followed by society, make for a wonderfully productive, peaceful, purposeful, and fulfilling way of life that those who refuse such a lifestyle in exchange for any other can never understand. Much of today's pain, fear, and distrust stems from an unbiblical lifestyle. The dishonesty, selfishness, and, frankly, sinful ways of relating to one another can only damage society – and that for generations on end as each successive generation takes us further into these unbiblical ways of relating to one another. And so the pain, fear, and distrust grows along the way.

But repentance means to acknowledge this, and go back to the Word of God. If one will turn back, and influence those whom he/she loves to do likewise, we will slowly become a society that follows the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth – and our lives, consciences, and legacies will become much brighter.

So, will YOU consider joining a BIBLE study group this week? You'll be glad you did. Not only will you find your own life getting better as you live what you learn, you will find friends like you've never had before who study with you and encourage you along the way.

That's the Bible As I See It for today.