The atheist’s blog that started the whole discussion that prompted the series “Was Nan Right?” posted a new blog that made the statement that most Christians say they believe the Bible, but they, for the most part, don’t know what it says. They don’t know because they don’t read it. If they read it, then they would be able to see all the contradictions and falsehoods, and, if they weren’t afraid to be honest with themselves, they would realize that their religion is just like all the other religions.

The writer was correct about one thing.

Many Christians do not read their Bibles.

I remembered the before and after of the time I was born again.

Growing up in church, I did not love the book we used.

Frankly, to me it was quite boring.

My friend, Earl (preacher’s son) showed me the revelation story about the dragon and the beast when we were in the 4th or 5th grade.

That was pretty cool.

But overall, I had little interest. I didn’t hate it, I just didn’t get it.

When I was born again, Wendy bought me a little burgundy pocket New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs in the back. NIV version.

I began to carry it in my pocket.

When I was waiting in line, waiting at a back door of a store to be checked in, waiting for Wendy; any time I was waiting, I would read this little book. (“They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…”)

When I would read it, it was almost as if there were a light shining on the individual verses.

Verses I had heard hundreds of time, and knew from repetition, suddenly took on a new, deeper meaning. It was like the words were alive. (“The word of God is living and active and sharper than any double edged sword….”)

The words began to pierce my heart, push me to read more and more and more.

It was almost like food to this New Life. (In the beginning was the Word. …I am the Bread of Life…If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will be my disciple.)

I was becoming a disciple of Jesus.

The new life that had been given to me had to be fed.

Because this new life was spiritual, it had to be fed with spiritual food. (God is Spirit.)

The Word of God didn’t touch me until I had received the spirit of God.

And every time now that I would read these words, I would grow stronger.

I would want more.

The atheist would pour through the Bible to find “contradictions” so he could convince Christians how blind and stupid they are to believe this book.

I would read through and discover new facets and understanding of this incredibly infinite God, who created everything.

And that He loves me?

How can this be?

I know how weak I am.

And yet, in my weakness, He displays His strength.

How could I ever find His purpose for me, if I didn’t treasure the book He provided to lead me to it?

To Him.

How could you?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

John 1:1-5 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.1.1-5.HCSB

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/jhn.1.14.HCSB

“Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.”

Ephesians 6:17 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/eph.6.17.HCSB