Bible Bus–June Update

During our Caribbean cruise last week I finished reading through the Bible. When we left San Juan, I had some reading left to do in Romans and Matthew. By the end I had finished them both, thus reaching my goal of reading through the Bible in 2009. I have since started reading it through again, this time beginning with Ezekiel, a book I found both fascinating and mysterious the first time around. God willing, I hope to make it through the Bible again by the end of the year.

What stands out as a result of reading all 66 books? From the Old Testament side, I came away impressed (not depressed) with how messed up people can get when they go their own way and forget about the Lord. That pretty much covers most of the Old Testament. The prophets especially kept reminding people of the consequences of disobedience. Against that backdrop the grace of God shines brighter and brighter. If we weren’t so messed up, we wouldn’t need a Savior. But we are and we do. That’s why God sent Jesus.

And that last sentence covers the New Testament. John Newton’s dying words come to mind as I think about the message of the whole Bible. The former slave trader testified that at the end of his earthly journey, he knew two things for certain:

“That I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

Riding the Bible Bus this year has convinced me all over again (and happily so) that what John Newton said is true of Ray Pritchard too. 

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