Defend the Bible the Way You Would Defend a Lion

Tim Challies quoting Max McLean:

“The Bible is its own evangelist. I came to faith because I was deeply affected by the words of the Bible. The famous British preacher Charles Spurgeon was once asked how he responded to criticisms of the Bible. “Very easy,” he responded. “I defend the Bible the same way I defend a lion. I simply let it out of its cage.” That quote captures our vision for this book and for the growth of ministries that are committed to the passionate, articulate, and powerful reading of Scripture. Isn’t it time to let the Bible out of the cage, or (to borrow from the title of this book) to unleash God’s Word?

When I tell a Bible story, I have a quiet confidence that God is going to do a mighty work by the very act of reading his Word. Therefore, my objective is to engage hearers and draw them into the Word of God. My role is to use my skills and abilities, as best I can, to draw them into an experience with the Word.” (Max McLean, Unleashing the Word: Rediscovering the Public Reading of Scripture)

Amen!

And what a great reminder that most people who “don’t like” the Bible or “don’t believe in” the Bible have never actually READ the Bible.

Maybe they’ve had a verse here and there yanked out of context and thrown in their face as a judgmental attack. But rarely have they been helped to understand the arc of history—Creation, The Fall, Redemption; and the One Who holds eternity in the palm of His hand.

No need to get defensive! The Bible needs defending like a lion needs defending. Interesting word picture, eh?

I’m off to my first of three airports now—
Hope you have a blessed Sabbath!

Yours,
Tara B.