(Guidelines) Preservation
The preservation of the Bible is a testament to its enduring popularity and relevance, despite attempts to suppress and destroy it.
In this sermon, the preacher discusses one of the external proofs of the Bible's authenticity, which is its remarkable preservation throughout history. He mentions instances where the Bible was reduced to just one volume and even burned, yet it still exists today. The preacher highlights the antagonism towards the Bible, with current attempts to outlaw it in schools and other places. He also laments that the Bible is no longer the bestseller it once was, indicating a decline in its significance in contemporary society.
Full Transcript
One of the objective proofs, one of the external proofs, has been the marvelous preservation of the Bible. There have been times when actually the Bible has been reduced to just one volume. And there was a king of old, we read about him in Jeremiah, and when the word was sent to him, he took a penknife and he cut it to pieces.
But it's quite interesting that we have that word today. There have been a great many Bible burnings. There's a great deal of antagonism to it.
They don't burn it today because we're a little too civilized, we think, in this country. So the way they do is just outlaw it in our schools and in many other places. And yet we talk about that we have freedom of religion and that we have freedom of speech today.
And wouldn't a person be free if he wanted to read the Bible? And as we've suggested before, they deny themselves of the greatest literature when the Bible is denied to young people today. In spite of all the attacks, though, that have been made upon it, why, it still exists. And, of course, it's one of the bestsellers.
There were for many years it was the bestseller, and it's not today. I regret to have to say that, but it is true that it's not the bestseller at the present time. And that is certainly a commentary on our contemporary society which reveals that the Bible is not really occupying the place that it once did in the history and the life of this nation.
Now, I think the preservation of it is worthy of consideration.
Sermon Outline
- The Objective Proof of Preservation
- The Bible's Enduring Popularity
- The Bible is one of the bestsellers
- The Bible's impact on society and culture
Key Quotes
“In spite of all the attacks, though, that have been made upon it, why, it still exists.” — J. Vernon McGee
“And, of course, it's one of the bestsellers.” — J. Vernon McGee
“It's quite interesting that we have that word today.” — J. Vernon McGee
Application Points
- We should prioritize the preservation and protection of sacred texts like the Bible.
- We can learn from the Bible's impact on society and culture, and strive to make it a central part of our lives.
- We should not take the Bible's preservation for granted, but rather continue to study and appreciate its significance.