Crosstalk: August 16, 2017

​​Rick Bach is the manager of the VCY Bookstore & Outreach Center. They are more than just a distributor of Christian materials, but also an instruction center where weekly classes are taught on such matters as evangelism, Christian essentials, apologetics and other topics. The VCY Bookstore & Outreach Center is celebrating 21 years of ministry this month.

Many people may try to excuse themselves out of Bible study, claiming to be a mechanic, housewife or salesman. They think that Bible study is just for pastors and Christian leaders. Rick disagrees. In fact, he believes Bible study is for people of all ages, including youngsters, who can begin by having the Bible read to them.

Why should we engage in Bible study? What's the purpose? Rick referenced 2 Timothy 3:16-17. He told listeners that each time you see the word, 'doctrine' that identifies the right path to be on. When you see the word 'reproof', that shows us if we are off the right path. Then the word, 'correction' tells us how to get back on the right path if we've strayed. The phrase 'instruction in righteousness' shows us how to stay on the right path.

All of this comes down to one thing that Rick believes overrides everything: It's not just to obtain a bunch of knowledge or to impress other people. It's not so that you can give good answers at Sunday school class. Instead it's to grow in our personal, intimate relationship with God by getting to know him better because he wants us to do that.

Does this sound exciting? It gets better. Jim had Rick talk about several resources (at 50% off!) to help believers in this endeavor of Bible study.

The first was the paperback called 'How to Study the Bible for Yourself' by Tim LaHaye. The goal of this book is to help readers develop study habits that will make God's Word come alive. It talks about 4 methods for reading the Bible, how to be consistent in your Bible reading, how to study the Bible by books, chapters and subject, and also gets into memorization. This book is available through the VCY bookstore for the sale price of just $7.

The next resource discussed was the hardback version of the 'Reese Chronological Study Bible' (KJV). This resource arranges the Bible in the time frame the events took place, from eternity past to the writings of John in Revelation. This Bible allows God's story to unfold progressively in a way that will help you understand the plan of God while growing in your understanding of who He is. This book is available for the sale price of just $19.99.

Next on the discussion list was 'Bible Atlas and Companion'. This is a spiral bound book with 75 full-color maps containing the summary of the place or event on the facing page. It's organized in biblical order. There are sections dealing with Israel entering the promised land, the divided kingdom, Nehemiah rebuilding the Jerusalem wall, Jesus' ministry in Galilee, there's over 50 full color photos, charts and more. This resource is available for the sale price of just $7.50

The final resource mentioned was the 3 volume set called 'Treasury of David: Classic Reflections on the Wisdom of the Psalms'. This set, written by Charles Spurgeon, is a verse-by-verse commentary that takes 17th and 18th century scholars and adds their comments to some of the verses and chapters of Psalms. This resource is available for the sale price of just $24.99.