Every church and every minister I know gets lots of catalogs. I think I like the book catalogs the best. Last summer I was surprised to get a sizeable one that was just Bibles. Even I find it hard to imagine how many different Bibles are on the market today. Oh, I'm not talking about versions or translations. I'm talking about Bibles with notes and references for specific audiences.
Here's just a small representation of what I found: Bibles for kids, boys, girls, teens, ministers, beginners, adventurers, discoverers and students. I found Bibles for serenity, witnessing, life application, Reformation study, literary study, maximized living, and life recovery. There was a Spirit-filled Bible, a Jewish Bible, an archeological Bible, and evidences, key word and orthodox Bibles. There is a Bible Across America, several camouflage Bibles, and my favorite, the Duct Tape Bible.
Wow, there is something for everyone!
In the last third of the first century, the Apostle Paul wrote the young minister Timothy, "There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (2 Timothy 3:15-17, The Message translation)
The Bible is for every one of us too.
This holiday season would be a great time to begin seriously reading and considering God's Word. We are blessed to have a great Christian bookstore, the Manger, owned and operated by Brian Hodge who has considered this his ministry for more than 25 years. He might even help you find that Duct Tape Bible! Or, remember there are dozens of churches in town who would love to give you a Bible of your own. See you soon?
• Bruce Henderson is the pastor of Airport Road Church of Christ, Carson City.