I was asked recently what my favorite book of the Bible is. I realized that it depends a lot on my mood that day, my circumstances and other factors. My usual answer is Romans.
Romans is a concise, systematic summary of core Christian doctrine, laying out themes like sin, grace, justification, and salvation in a unified argument. It answers so much about the faith and Paul lays it out clearly.
Martin Luther said, in his Preface to the Epistle of Romans. “This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest gospel.” He goes on to say, “It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.”
Yet, there are days when one of the gospels will be my favorite. They tell the stories of Jesus and fill my mind and heart with the love he shows and the miracles he has worked. If I had to pick a favorite gospel, it would be John.
Some days it’s Isaiah, because there are passages that I rely on for encouragement, or it might be the Psalms for the same reason
I could go on and list every book of the Bible for one reason or another because even the hard ones have encouraged, disciplined, strengthened or taught me. Something I needed on a particular day. I will confess that books like Numbers and Deuteronomy are less likely to be on my favorites list, but there have been days when they would have been my answer.
It gets even harder when someone asks for my favorite Bible passage or story. There are many of those that have done what the individual books have done.
It’s great to have a favorite book or passage of Scripture, UNLESS, it becomes all that we read.
Timothy writes: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Keep your faves by all means, but do not neglect the whole counsel of God.
Read the Word. Read the Word. Read the Word.
Be blessed
Kevin
All contents, “Gleanings From the Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God
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