English PDF - The Bible Advocate Online

[Year of the Bible]
What the
www.designpics.com
In our January-February issue, readers were
invited to write on “What the Bible Means to
Me.” Below are excerpts from essays received
by May 15.
The contest continues. To be considered for the
grand prize, write your 200- to 600-word testimony
and submit it by August 31, 2011. All writers,
published or not, will receive a copy of How We
Got the Bible, by former BA editor Jerry Griffin.
Essays should be e-mailed to the Editor
(bibleadvocate@cog7.org).
The Bible served as my disciplinarian. During
my high school and early college years, I was a
bit mischievous while at the peak of life changes
and explorations. This led to easy recognition and
often to quick acceptance by others. However,
the Word of God knocked some sense into my
young, silly head. I was reprimanded — I admit it
now — with some little divine spankings. But it’s
for my spiritual growth according to God’s perfect
plan.
— Manasseh Mark Bombeo
Philippines
If you were stranded on an island, what book
would you want to have with you? To me it would
be the Bible, as it would surely keep my attention.
It truly is the only book one would need to cover
every facet of life. Perhaps that is why it is called
the Book of Life.
— Donna Dailey Alvarez
Santa Monica, CA
I hear God speak to me in many ways, from
His fingerprints in creation wonders to the shadow
of His love as I held my newborn children. But
only in the Bible does God’s voice speak clearly
from heaven. Only there do I have the voice interpreted
by my Lord Jesus Christ.
— Timothy Chaffee (inmate)
Midway, TX
Most Christians know and read the Bible, the
basis for doctrine and peaceful living.
Misunderstood if not properly examined, this
book requires constant reading so we will know
the truth. Believing it will lead to eternal life. Just
practice opening it to be familiar with its books.
Memorize chosen verses or chapters for your
protection and guidance. It illustrates the love of
God.
— Diosdada Caser
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
I’ve made many mistakes in my 42 years,
all because I turned from God’s truth, assuming
I was wise enough to live by my own morality.
Rather than inventing our own truth, it’s our responsibility
to discover God’s truth by reading the
Bible. Discovering it is like opening a window to
new knowledge that has always existed, like finding
the place I belong as a human — especially as
a child of God.
I don’t know if these words will ever
touch your heart. They definitely touched mine
— from depression into abundance, from mistaken
paths into righteousness. Thank You, Father,
for showing me the way through Jesus. Your
Word is indeed the truth that sanctifies (John
17:17).
— Ramiro Palacios
Aurora, CO
The most discussed book on earth, the Bible
is a veritable book of life, as God willed it — not
written for a special people or class but for every-
16 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org