The Greatest Treasure

All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 RSV)

According to Microsoft Encarta 2009, the term Bible is derived through Latin from the Greek biblia, or “books”, the diminutive form of Byblos, the word for “papyrus” or “paper,” which was exported from the ancient Phoenician port city of Biblos. The message from the Bible is so important that it has been translated into about 2,000 languages. The Bible was the first book printed for ordinary people. It remains the most printed, circulated and read book of all time. The beauty of the Bible is that forty (40) men wrote it during a period of over 1,500 years and yet all the books agree.

I agree with Charles Godfm who wrote that ‘‘God speak to us when we read study the Bible. He shows us the pitfalls we must avoid and the highway to follow. He shows us the signpost to success and the secrets to a happy life. Wisdom screams from the pages of the Bible and those who listern and apply its lessons to their enjoy the benefits of life’’. There is no history of a single person who has regretted devoting his time to read and to abide by the word of God. The Bible if studied carefully will draw you closer to your creator.

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here Paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a Paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and will be remembered forever.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

God revealed himself throughout all the books of the Bible. Here is how Philip Nation (adult ministry publishing director for LifeWay Christian Resources) summarised how God revealed himself in every book of the Bible;

Genesis-creator and promised Redeemer.
Exodus-the Passover Lamp
Leviticus-High Priest
Numbers-Water in the desert
Deuteronomy-He becomes the curse for us
Judges-Delivers us from in justice
Ruth-Our Kinsman Redeemer
1 Samuel-All in one, He is the Prophet/Priest/King
2 Samuel-King of grace and love
1 Kings- A ruler greater than Solomon
2 Kings-the powerful prophet
1 Chronicles-Son of David that is coming to rule
2 Chronicles-the king who reigns eternally
Ezra-Priest proclaiming freedom
Nehemiah-The one who restores what is broken down
Esther-Protector of his people
Job-Mediator between God and man
Psalms-Our song in the morning and in the night
Proverbs-Our wisdom
Ecclesiastes-Our meaning for life
Song of Solomon-Author of faithful love
Isaiah-Suffering servant
Jeremiah-The weeping Messiah
Lamentation-He assumes God’s wrath for us
Ezekiel-Son of man
Daniel-The stranger in the fire with us
Hosea-Faithful husband even when we run away
Joel-He is sending His Spirit to His people
Amos-Delivers justice to the oppressed
Obadiah-Judge of those who do evil
Micah-He casts our sin into the sea of forgetfulness

Nahum-Proclaims future world peace we cannot imagine

Habakkuk-Crushes injustice
Zephaniah-Prophesises a Messiah pierced for us
Malachi-Son of righteousness who brings healing
Mattew-The Messiah who is King
Mark-The Messiah who is a servant
Luke-The Messiah who is a deliver
John- The Messiah who is God in flesh
Acts-The Spirit who dwells in His people
Romans-The righteous of God
1 Corinthians-The power and love of God
2 Corinthians-He is the down payment of what’s to come

Galatians-He is our very life
Ephesians-The unity of our church
Philippians-The joy of our life
Colossians-Holds the supreme position in all things

1 Thessalonians-Our comfort in the last days
2 Thessalonians-Our returning king
1 Timothy-Saviour of the worst sinners
2 Timothy-Leader of the leaders
Titus-Foundation of truth
Philemon-Our Mediator
Hebrews-Our High Priest
James-He matures our faith
1 Peter-Our hope in times of suffering
2 Peter-The one who guards us from fable teaching
1 John-Source of all fellowship
2 John-God in the flesh
3 John-Source of all truth
Jude-Protect us from stumbling
Revelation-King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End and the one who makes all things new.

The Bible deserves the tittle ‘‘the book of books’’ because it is outstanding and unique among books. The greatest treasure handed to man is the Bible; it is of great value or worth to humanity.

Source: http://www.christiancommunitymirror.com