What is the Bible?

What is the Bible? This seems like such an easy and straight forward question... but is it?

I once had a Pastor that considered the Bible to be nothing more than a mine where you find "nuggets of truth" - and if you found enough of these nuggets of truth that applied to your life, then you would have a rich life.

In the 80's - it was broken down as the acronym "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth" - or a set of rules that you had  to follow if you wanted to make it to heaven...

To others, it's history - and you read it like a history book - it's a series of events that happened 2000 and more years ago.

But really... what is it and why is it important to read it, spend time in it and know it?

The Bible is really just a collection of words... the thing that makes the words important is that they are the words of a Holy God, and as a result are true words that have the power to change lives. They are the words that teach us the will of a living God who cares for us and wants to get to know us intimately.

The words have the power to change our lives and give us the ability to overcome sin.

Thy word have I hid in my heart, so I won't sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)

 The words helps us know what to ask for to stay in the will of God.

...But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted. (John 15:7)

 Words build relationship

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and the Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 4:23)

 God's word is eternal - even when we get to heaven, his words will still be true!

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. (Luke 21:33)

 I can go on and on with scriptural references about what the word of God is and how it applies to our lives and why it's important... but I just want to leave you with this one thought...

Can you name one person that you have a good relationship with where you don't understand their words? If Christianity is a relationship with God through Christ, shouldn't we... understand his words?