I really enjoyed this book. It provided a great overview of the Bible, whether you've never read it before or have read cover to cover several times. I loved all the connections Sproul and Wolgemuth drew between the Old and New Testaments, and how they highlighted the theme of redemption throughout each book. I was also grateful for their explanations for some of the "weird" things in Scripture, like the Old Testament sacrifice system.
Here are a few quotes that really stuck with me:
"The history of man's relationship to his heavenly Father is not one of him chasing after God. No, the accounts in the Bible, the stories of history, and the reality of today are filled with the miracle of God pursuing His creatures. God stoops to clothe our nakedness. He soothes our embarrassments and pain. He covers our guilt and restores us to our position as His image-bearers and vice-regents. God takes the first step." (9)
"God will use whatever or whomever He wants to use in order to accomplish His purposes." (135)
Talking about the prophet Habakkuk: "Habakkuk had learned his lesson. He could wait on the blessings of the Lord as well as the justice of God, and be of good courage because God alone knew the right time to deliver them both." (172)
When writing about miracles and how we have such a hard time understanding them today, Sproul and Wolgemuth point out, "The all-powerful, self-existing God created the vast universe and chose to visit the earth. If we take this as our starting point, then we can embrace what the angel said to Mary: 'Nothing is impossible with God.'" (234)
"In the world's economy, suffering is something to be avoided, a meaningless interruption, and a waste of time and energy. But in God's economy, suffering is critical to our spiritual growth. Because 'perfection' and 'completion' are desirable characteristics for all believers, suffering is not to be sidestepped; it's to be welcomed." (373)
"Suffering is not God's great mistake; it is at the core of His plan for us." (378)
I so want to have God's attitude when it comes to suffering, but unfortunately, I respond like the world - something to avoid at all costs! But, when I focus on God's Sovereignty and trust His perfect plan for my life, and more importantly, for my children's lives, and don't fret over what suffering might come, then I know with everything in me that I can trust Him and that brings great peace.
ReplyDeleteLove you sweet daughter.