The Essential Christian Library 1 - Introduction

When I was in school, I needed to study my textbooks. Why? Because they amplified and reinforced the words I heard in the classroom. Most of us were told by our parents to "study hard, get your college degree and you will go far in this life." But what about the next life? Is it enough to just show up for class (worship) every Sunday or do you need to study for the final? Does God grade on a curve? What textbooks do you need?

This series will focus on that last question by helping you build the Essential Christian Library. I hope you are thinking, "Now wait just a second, Stephen. It sounds like you are promoting works-righteousness when you toss out, 'test' and 'need' and 'essential' as if my actions provide eternal life. What gives?"

To that I respond, "Well done, Grasshopper!" I am certainly not advocating that you are saved by your own actions. The Bible teaches clearly that you are saved through faith in the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Since Jesus died for you, doesn't it follow that you would want to learn as much as you can about Him? To me, the answer is, yes. I want to understand the man who gave up His life for this "poor, miserable servant."

The Essential Christian Library series can provide the tools to help you further your personal relationship with God. The tools won't build your mansion in heaven, but they will help you to know the Architect.

Any guesses on the first book for the library? Yep, the Holy Bible. I'm going to get into more detail next time but wanted to get started with a quick introduction.

In the beginning, ....

OK, let's just jump forward to around 1300-1400 A.D. The Bible was considered a "dark, mysterious book" that was too difficult for the commoners to comprehend. Bibles were not widely available because they were hand-copied and almost exclusively in Latin. No one but the clergy spoke or read Latin. Faithful Christians tried translating the Bible into their common language but that practice was met with stiff resistance from the Roman Catholic Church. Today, the Wycliffe Bible Translators report the full Bible is available in more than 400 languages (the New Testament in more than 1,000 languages). In English alone, dozens of translations are available to you.

So, which Bible should be in your library? Stay tuned.

Stephen
Sola Gratia - Sola Fide - Sola Scriptura