The Fast Facts Bible

Zondervan has released the Fast Facts Bible.  It could also be called the Trivia Bible because in a nutshell that is what it is.

With over 1,000 facts about God's Word trivia nuts can find lots of tidbits of information.  Sadly not all of it is useful.  I am not sure what to do with some of the info.  Each book introduction has a By the Number fact which includes the number of chapters, verses and words.  Interesting but not really useful.

I was expecting a lot more from the trivia sections.  Most of the stuff included is just pointing you to specific passages.  I thought the facts would be more background stuff which would be far more helpful for Bible Study. 

So each book begins with a fast fact page and ends with a trivia quiz.  The quizzes are designed to see how well you read each book and the answers are at the bottom of the quiz page (albeit upside down to prevent peeking!)  The quizzes are really helpful to see if you are taking in what you read.

The rest of the Bible is pretty standard.  Basic NIV text, no concordance or other features. 

Overall I can see this as a great Bible for a teen/young adult/new Christian but not a great Bible for in depth study.

I received a copy of this Bible for review via bookbloggers.com

Does Leviticus Still Belong in the Bible?

Leviticus. The 3rd book of the Bible! Apparently no longer applicable to the Christian life.

Recently I have seen a few posts, on this blog and elsewhere, where people seem to discount an opinion if Leviticus is quoted! Now I know that Leviticus is in the OT, the cleaner and crisper part of many Bibles, but does this mean that it is irrelevant?

Jesus quoted from the book of Leviticus. He quoted from the OT quite often. Yet many believers operate as if Christianity started in the NT! The entire Bible is one long story and transitions from book to book, with a steady thread of redemption, grace and mercy throughout.

The issue, as I see it, is when the Bible, Old or New Testament, contradicts our current worldly morality. I mean who wants to read a book that condemns drinking blood and witchcraft when both are popular in society today. Why read a book that condemns unhealthy and sinful sexual practices when society, and many believers, feel these practices are ok.

Sure there are some laws that aren't applicable anymore...like women being put outside the camp for an issue of blood. God was trying to teach the Israelites about purity. I am not saying we need to follow EVERY dot, comma and dash. I am saying God does not change his mind about sin. Drinking blood was considered a sin, witchcraft - sin, homosexuality - sin. Just because it's in Leviticus does not invalidate God's truth.

Why read the OT at all. Aren't we under grace now? I mean God couldn't have had a good reason for us to still pay attention to all that old stuff could He? I'm sure God is ok if we throw out the parts we don't like or that society considers archaic.

Or maybe he wants us to speak against sin while also showing His grace and love to the sinner!

What do you think?

The Bible....boring?

Is the Bible boring? I have heard people say that before. These same people have no problem going to the latest action movie, reading romance novels, war stories, adventure novels, etc. They'll scour the Internet looking up all kinds of stuff, read the news and try to fill their day with "excitement".

So is the Bible boring?

I read the Bible and I find a book filled with romance, murder, the supernatural, intrigue and mystery. There are historical battles, deception, adultery and good people who make bad choices.

Boring?

Never.

"God's word is living and active. It is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet. God's word judges a person's thoughts and intentions." (Hebrews 4:12)

The Bible is filled with stories of life. The Life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. It contains the Words of God!

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." (Psalms 119:105)

"From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures. They have the power to give you wisdom so that you can be saved through faith in Christ Jesus. Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things." (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Sure, I'll be honest, there are times I don't feel like reading the Bible. However this is NOT because it is boring. It's because I choose to not give God and His word the priority I should. There are times it feels like everything in the world is more of a priority than His Words to me as found in the Scriptures.

When I am participating in sinful activity I find it difficult to seek Him! Especially when I might feel convicted.

I have a choice each day. I can choose to run away from Him or to draw closer to Him. I can feed on His Words or choose to eat from less nourishing sources. The choice is mine. So are the consequences!

Boring...hardly! Exciting...definitely!

Life changing......undoubtedly!

Read the Word of God with fresh eyes. Let God speak to you today.