Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-28
avorite Books Of
the Bible, and Why
Text: st. John i. Is: xxi. 2o-25.
Sermon by

/.
We have favoritc chapters and verses
ana many OF us also have favorite books
~ The Bible. In one sense they are all
''Norite books. for every part of the
Iible Is precious to the Christian, and
IN" older we grow the more we delight
'h "a" various divisions of Gods Word,
each having It's own peculiar message.
w" love the historical books because
""r picture SO wonderfully the early
ne or Gods people. We love the pro-
0A"tcal books because they bring us
H'eh splendid warnings and such noble
'NAortations. We love the poetical
looks. which seem to sing for us our
motions which we have no power to
'NpresB. And above all other parts of
ne bible we love the gospels. for they
l'll the "old. old story" which we never
row weary OF hearing. II Is hard TO
elect favorite books in tho midst OF
nus profusion OF richness. Yet there
arc times when we need one thing
'athcr than another. Even in our physi-
al nature. when wc crave some one
sind OF food. IL proves that there is a
want that this food alone can satisfy.
80 in spiritual things there are especial
demands which call for special sup
niles. and God has these supplies ready:
therein lies one OF the many proofs OF
Biolc Inspiration.
SHOWS INFLUENCE or RELIGION
UPON NATIONAL LIFE
II | am studying the history OF ma
IONS. for instance. and wish TO note
he influence Of religion upon national
lie, turn to the Books OF the Kings. or
he Chronicles, and learn the lesson
rom God Himself. Or. IL I have TO write
helpful letter TO some one who is in
doubt. or perhaps in danger, ! turn 10
the cpistles of the New Testament. cs-
peciany those of st. Paul who dealt
With so many kinds of people. and
ind at once an example and an inspira-
tlon for letter writing. Or yet again, ]
Lecl my emotions dead and cannot seem
TO arouse them to earnest prayer and
praise, and then / turn to the Psalms
or TO some OF the great chapters OF
Isaiah, and 10. the Holy Spirit puts
words into my mouth and my cold heart
is made worshipful. All this would DO
wonderful did we not know that tho
bible Is Gods message. designed to help
us In all of our common experiences.
Some OF tho books of the Bible have
an especial lesson 10 carry. Tho Book
Of Esther. for instance, teaches loyalty.
lob teaches patience and the power OF
God TO protect us. ST. Johns Epistlcs
arc essentially messages of lovc-lore
FOR God and for men Romans gives us
strong doctrine, while ST. Jude warns
us against false teachings. II is we'll
cral teaching OF each book. and then
No will know whore TO 20 when
have any especial need. Dr. Campbell
Morgan has two or three volumes
which arc very helpful in this partic-
MAR. and am glad to commend them.
The title is. The Analysed Bible"
SYMBOLS USED FOR
EACH or FOUR GOSPELS
Personally. l love most tho books
which bring my Christ near TO me
through His words and works, or
through His experiences for my sake.
In the early days when signs were
often used to express ideas. they had
symbols for each OF the four gospels.
- Matthew was marked by the lion.
because Jesus Christ was the Lion OF
the Tribe OF Judah" and overcame all
His enemies. not by destruction. indeed,
bg, by salvation. ST. Mark was SYM
bol!zcd by the figure of q man. because
his gospel depicts so clearly the hui
manity OF our Lord ST. Luke has the
OK as it's symbol. for the OK was the
sacrihcial animal among the Jews. and
-. Luke brings before us the wonder
% Christs sacrifice upon the cross.
81 Johns Gospel was marked by the
eagle. because OF the penetrating
words OF his writings and the strength
o! the Masters message, especially in
the I'VE chapters I3-l1). which are the
Christians especial delight. The more
we study the gospels the more i'm
pressed we must be by the person of
christ and by the power OF His life,
and we learn how He is still with us
10 help and bless.
We must guard against choosing GER
tain books, however. and neglccting
others Most of US almost Instructive
~ read the gospels or the Psalms, and
as instnctively turn from I.cviticus.
Numbers and Deuteronomy. Yet these
last three books arc full OF real in
s,ruction for our daily living and also
full of significance as regards the work
az Christ.
Those who have been fortunate
enough to hear Miss SAKE in her Bible
lectures during Mr.. Sundays campaigns
VIII recall how clearly she shows the
Meaning, spiritually interpreted. OF ali
the Old Testament the laws and even
the most minute directions given in
thesc carly books to the Israelites. Ii
Is wonderful, when we study them. to
fud rules having to do with our daily
dutics--cleanliness. purity, health. eNer-
else. guiding OF children and business
Nothing in the Bible is without sig
rifcance. and we can we'll afford % read
:hcse early laws and apply their mes
sage, spiritually unders;o God. to our own
ives remembering how God thus shows
Ills loving interest in all that we have
% do: for He wants us TO be healthy,
happy, kind and unselfish.
CHRIST TO BE FOUND
IN EVERY HOOK
There is ono other lesson for US,
uamely the effor, we should make to
md Christ in every book, either by
prophecy or by illustration. For in
stance, we have the Redeemer referred
80 in the very first part OF Genesis,
where God tells Adam that His Seed
should bruise the serpents head, while
ne serpent should wound His heel
rhat means that Christ. born OF q wom-
,n. would defeat Satan even though
satan would cause is crucinxion And
gain. when God clothed Adam and
we lie gave them coats OF skin: that
mplics the killing of some animal n
sheep probably, and so we have the early
declaration that we shall he clothed in
the garment of Christ's righteousness
Ior He was the Lamb OF God. Who
takes away the sins of the world. So
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