Looks like we made it! I write “we” because I could not celebrate 200 Bible studies without you — my loyal readers. Most importantly, I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for guiding me to write about His Word. Also, thanks to the Townhall team for their weekly time and attention. Then, a giant shout-out to The Husband, who is always the first to read and often suggests a few theological and grammatical tweaks.
Two weeks ago, I began thinking about the fast-approaching Vol. 200. That milestone upped the pressure to do something different centered around a suitable topic. As is often the case when you turn your dilemmas over to God, the answers come a-flowing.
The topic turned into a question: “Why is reading and studying the Bible more important than ever?” Then “something different” soon followed — to ask three nationally recognized Bible-knowledgeable friends who have participated in this study to answer the question. Fortunately, I was honored that they all said “yes.”
Our first special guest is Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, who contributed to Bible study volumes 50, 93, 94, 113, 114, 125, and 135. Rabbi Cahn leads Hope of the World.org. He is the author of several No. 1 best-selling books, hosts a popular YouTube channel, and has nearly 300,000 Facebook followers. Here is how he answered: “Why is reading and studying the Bible more important than ever?”:
“In the days in which we live, when nothing seems certain, when the ground appears to be shifting beneath our feet, and when people on all sides of the ideological spectrum are asking ‘What is happening?’ and ‘What is the answer?’ — it is more important than ever that we find our grounding, guidance, strength, and hope in which is sure, never changes, and yet is new every day — the Word of God. For the grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God endures forever.”
Yes, the Word of God is our lighthouse in the sea of uncertainty. However, only those who feel called to read His Word can understand that the Word is “our grounding, guidance, strength, and hope.” Thank you, Rabbi Cahn, for speaking the Truth.
Next is Dr. Jerry Newcombe, who joined us for Christmas season volumes 194, 195, and 197. Jerry has authored/co-authored 33 books —19 of which were written together with the late great minister D. James Kennedy. He is also a Townhall contributor. Jerry answered my question by writing:
“Ever since I was a freshman in college, I discovered the great gift we have of reading the Bible for yourself. I remember when I first started reading it — this small little Gideon’s New Testament — I was amazed at how many everyday phrases come from that book, both Old and New Testaments. Phrases like ‘turn the other cheek,’ ‘go the extra mile,’ ‘do to others as you would have them do to you,’ the ‘good Samaritan,’ and the like. But most importantly, through the years, I have read the Bible all the time and found important principles about how to live. In this world of chaos and uncertainty, the Holy Bible is my true north.”
Thank you, Jerry, for your “true north” message because most compasses are broken.
The third answer is from Russ Breault, a dear friend and colleague featured in Volumes 5, 24, 66, 74, 109, 130, 131, and 160. Russ is a renowned evangelical speaker and Shroud of Turin expert who brilliantly and creatively connects the Shroud to Scripture. He has numerous national television credits, including a forthcoming Shroud episode on the History Channel’s “History’s Mysteries.” Russ is also an executive team member of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, with our mission to produce a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C., titled “World’s Greatest Mystery.” Below is how Russ answered, “Why is reading and studying the Bible more important than ever?”:
“Any person committed to the Christian faith must have a diet that consists of daily or at least frequent partaking of God’s Word found in the pages of the Bible. Jesus himself said, when tempted by Satan, that ‘man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Father.’ Jesus also said, ‘the words I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.’
“The world is dominated by lies, half-truths, spin, and pure deception. Many are tossed back and forth from one opinion to the next, wondering what is true. Praying to his Father, Jesus said, ‘Thy word is truth.’ The beauty and wonder of God’s Word is that the pages do not lie. They tell the Truth about man’s condition and our need for a Savior. Nobody gets out of here alive except for The One who defeated the power of death. His resurrection is an exclamation point validating the Truth of what Jesus said and did. Our job is to follow Him who blazed a path to eternity, and it starts with knowing, believing, and obeying His Word. Those of us who do are his disciples.”
Thank you, Russ! You are one of His disciples by demonstrating your love for The Word and sharing it with those who need to hear the Truth.
Finally, it’s my turn to answer the question. Initially, a one-word answer came to mind — “Truth.” We must read the Bible to understand God’s Truth in a world where Truth is now relative. But with Jesus, Truth is NOT relative. He is “Truth,” as He said when He revealed His identity: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Jesus states the Truth without any wiggle room or relativism, proclaiming, “… and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). We all have free will to study and know the Truth — to follow, believe, or deny the Truth. There is no mushy middle. Many people say, “I am spiritual but not religious.” But Jesus is not pleased with that lame philosophy — either you believe in Him, or you don’t.
Meanwhile, I am blessed to continue writing about the Truth in God’s Word and also blessed with loyal readers who seek the Truth. Why do we seek the Truth? I requote Rabbi Jonathan Cahn: “For the grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God endures forever.”
Amen, and thanks be to God for 200 studies!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible,” reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are educational donor–supported ministries dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. Visit the life-sized Shroud replica in D.C. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com.
