July 2007 - Southern Adventist University

Vantage PointThe B-I-B-L-E: Yes,That’s the Book for MeGordon RetzerSouthern UnionPresidentGeorge Washington Carver, the African-American genius of Tuskegee Institute,has been called the world’s greatest biochemist. He is best known for his discoveryof hundreds of valuable uses for the peanut and sweet potato. I read that in 1921, Dr.Carver was invited to testify before the United States Senate Ways and Means Committeeon the possibilities of the peanut. Though initially given 10 minutes to speak, heso captivated the committee that the chairman gave him unlimited time, and Carverspoke for one hour and 45 minutes.At the conclusion of his presentation, he was asked, “Dr. Carver, how did youlearn all these things?”Carver replied, “From an old Book.”“What book?” the Senator continued. The famed scientist replied, “The Bible.”“Does the Bible teach about peanuts?” The surprised Senator inquired. “No, Sir,”Dr. Carver replied, “but it tells about the God Who made the peanut. I asked Him toshow me what to do with the peanut, and He did.”I believe every friend of God should read some portion of Scripture every day.No matter how many times we’ve read the Bible, it is still fresh for each day and stillapplicable for each person and circumstance. We all have different ways of studyingScripture and learning from Scripture.In the past four years, I’ve found it quite revealing to read through the Bible fromGenesis to Revelation several times a year. That means that, in the past four years,I’ve read the Bible 14 times. Please, this isn’t bragging, only testifying that when onereads through the entire Scriptures over and over again, it becomes clear what themain theme is. The theme is repeated in many ways, in many stories, in many forms,but it’s the same theme. It’s the same theme from beginning to end. It’s an inescapablemessage that really only comes through when looking at the whole.You know what the theme is, I’m sure. It’s just that my Bible reading plan hasseared this theme into my mind and heart. At the end of the day, there’s one message:Humans beings are desperately wicked and selfish; God is infinitely good andmerciful. And in Jesus, human beings can become righteous by the grace of God.“But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering andplenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15Daily Bible reading is still a must for the Seventh-day Adventist Christian. Ifyou’ve become a little lax, I invite you to begin again in the morning. It is the bestpart of the day—the time to listen to God speak. “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart,that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:112 T IDINGS • J u l y 2 0 0 7