(remember, these are unedited/draft show notes, not a transcript — listening is always better — and if you listen AND follow along below, you’ll see why)
Focus Question:
Why be a Bible nut?
Intro:
What do you call someone who is zealous about something? A zealot? Wingnut? Freak?
Hey Hopeful, welcome to ForTheHope’s Daily Audio Bible and a chance to see our stories and work in light of God’s story.
I have never been someone who memorizes Scripture. Some people are dogmatic about it, and I do think it’s a good idea. But whether you do that or just saturate yourself with continual repetition like we do here, there’re at least three reasons why you should be a Bible nut.
NEW TESTAMENT SEGMENT:
Today in our NT segment we get to the part where we hear of the moment in history that is, arguably, the most important in all history past or future — the resurrection.
Passage: Luke 23:26-24:36
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 65
Words: ~1390
One thing to remember about Christianity. There is more and more solid evidence for the historicity of the resurrection than any other event in the history of the Ancient Near East. And if the resurrection occurred, then logically the truth of Christianity follows.
ORIGINAL TESTAMENT SEGMENT:
Today’s passage in the OT is going to be brief…and this wraps up the unified kingdom of David and Solomon, and time of splendor. And then tomorrow? Well, the trouble that begins tomorrow will bring its own spiritual lessons.
Passage: 2 Chronicles 9
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 40
Words: ~1208
Wisdom SEGMENT:
Passage: Proverbs 13:20
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 1
Words: ~16
THE BOTTOM LINE:
So why become a Bible nut?
First of all, to connect the dots. Not only is the NT story richer when you understand the OT story, but Jesus himself demonstrated to the two dudes on the road to Emmaus who He is…out of what we now call the OT.
Second of all, so that God can call his words to remembrance. I remember a music theory teacher once telling us that we should just memorize the concepts, even if we didn’t really understand them…and that later we’d have an aha! moment. Boy was he right. And I think that’s what happened when the ladies at the tomb were reminded by the angels of what Jesus had said. “Oh, now I get it!”
Finally, so we understand the times. Remember Jesus’ stories tell us that, even though we won’t know the day or hour of His return, that we will see signs. How will we know whattup if we’re not bathed in Scripture?
Zealout, wingnut, freak, disciple. Whatever it is for you…God loves spending time with you and, I think pretty clearly, has demonstrated that there’s benefit to you spending time with Him.
ForTheHope is a daily audio Bible + apologetics podcast and blog. We’ve got a passion for just keepin’ it real, having conversations like normal people, and living out the love of Jesus better every single day.
Roger Courville, CSP is a globally-recognized expert in digitally-extended communication and connection, an award-winning speaker, award-winning author, and a passionately bad guitarist. Follow him on Twitter -- @RogerCourville and @JoinForTheHope – or his blog: www.forthehope.org.
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