Let's Talk Bible, Cont.

All scripture is from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

By H. Janet Stephens Sacarello, BA, MA

Following one of our morning devotionals featuring Dr. Billy Graham, Dr. Charles Stanley, and Dr. W. A.  Criswell’s devotionals, our discussion centered around what if all the content of the Bible was not accurate?  When we read different versions of the Bible involved in these devotionals, most scriptures were worded differently. Those differences spurred our conversation. Don't get me wrong, we both believe that the King James Version (KJV) is the one most accurate and inspired by God.

      Are you aware there are other books not included in the King James or other Bible versions? KJV originally contained 80 books until 14 Deuterocanonical, sometimes called Apocryphal, books were removed because protestants considered them helpful but not inspired. Those books are part of the Old Testament in Catholic Bibles, but not in Protestant Bibles nor in Jewish Bibles. (Google)

      In talking to a dear friend recently, she was excited about acquiring an Ethiopian Bible.  Not having ever heard of an Ethiopian Bible, I checked with my friend Google and learned the “Ethiopian Bible is the sacred cannon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church,” containing 81 books.  Its books include “Ancient scriptures widely read by early Christians but .… rejected by the Western Church.”  The Ethiopians “view their Bible as the most complete collection … and is considered an authentic ancient Christian Bible.”  Who Knew?

      In the Bible, we are given a road to walk down – a blueprint for happiness. Yes, some of it, especially in the Old Testament, is difficult to understand, but it’s a history textbook containing all the historic information that came before us. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17 – verses (2 & 3), (4, 5 & 6), 7, (8, 9, 10, &11), 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) provides guidelines to achieve happiness and contentment. Other scriptures, such as First Timothy Chapter 6 in the New Testament, provide a good set of directives for happiness and success.

      If you’re sad, stressed or depressed you can always go to the Bible to find words of encouragement. You can always depend on the Holy Spirit to provide you comfort.

      But what about God and Jesus?  Do you believe they exist?  Many people do not, and some Christians shy away from testifying as to miracles and healings rendered by the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit). If you’re ever in a position where you’re approached by someone who does not believe God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit are real because you cannot see them, I will give you a response I recently learned from Dr. Tony Evans, a minister we watch at 6:30 a.m. every Sunday morning. Do you believe George Washington or Abraham Lincoln existed?  Have you ever met George Washington or Abraham Lincoln?  If you’ve never met them, how do you know they even existed? When they refer you to history books giving proof of their existence and accomplishments, refer them to the greatest history book of all, the Bible, and testify as to what God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have done for you, personally.

      If you’ve lived as long as I, you know through experience that the words in the Bible are true, maybe different writers presented events in different ways, as two journalists attending the same meeting might write two separate columns reporting the events as he/she saw and heard it, both totally true. In my opinion the Bible, written by the authors as recorded, is true, inspired by God and passed down through the ages.  Abide by the Ten Commandments and other guidelines in the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament and you will venture on a journey to peace, contentment and happiness, voiding suffering consequences of your sins, even though forgiven. (My opinion, take it or leave it.)