100 Minute Bible July 9, 2017

100 Minute Bible? 
Several years ago a publishing company in Great Britain released, “The 100-Minute Bible.” Below are some claims made by its author (Michael Hinton of the Church of England) and publisher (100-Minute Press), along with pertinent statements from theACTUAL BIBLE.
 
According to the author and publisher, the 100-minute Bible:
 
Summarizes “EVERY TEACHING from the Creation to the Revelation…”

• But since “…the entirety of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160), isn’t it presumptuous to

summarize the Bible and then claim that it contains “every teaching?”  In reality the 100-Minute Bible contains “every teaching” Mr. Hinton thinks is important, as opposed to what God does – Isa. 55:8-9; II Tim. 3:16-17.
 
“Is…intended for people who want to know more about Christianity but who do NOT HAVE THE TIME to read the original Bible...

• However, Joshua, was commanded to “meditate in it (Book of the Law) DAY and NIGHT” Josh. 1:8. Timothy was likewise instructed, “…GIVE ATTENTION to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (I Tim 4:14). Those who lack the time (or desire) to read the actual Bible will gain little or nothing from a 100-minute glimpse.

 
“…picks out the PRINCIPLE STORIES of the life and ministry of…Jesus Christ.”

• Didn’t the Holy Spirit already do that, as reflected by the four gospels? (John 20:30-31; 21:25; Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3). Can a mere mortal do a better job than the God's Spirit? (John 16:13; II Pet. 1:3; II Tim. 3:16-17; Rev. 22:18-19).

 
“…IDEAL for an upcoming RAIL OR AEROPLANE journey.”

• Are we to believe that the actual Bible is not ideal for such trips? Describing a blessed man, David wrote, “…his DELIGHT is in the LAW of the LORD, and in His law he meditates DAY and NIGHT” (Psa. 1:2).

 
“…a NEW WAY of looking at the Bible.”

• Do we really need a NEW WAY of looking at God’s word? It may be that those who feel such a need are dissatisfied with God’s word “as is”. This is dangerous! Jeremiah wrote, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We WILL NOT walk in it.'” (Jer. 6:16)

 
Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Mat. 4:4)  I'll take Jesus’ word over Mr. Hinton’s.
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis