Searching the Scriptures

From the flap: A TestimonyFor more than sixty years, I have cultivated a love for the Bible and have pursued an understanding of it. My purpose in writing this book is to help you do the same.First, I'd like to offer an explanation of how this love affair started. As early as my late teens, I was drawn to the truths of God's Word and captivated by its wisdom. My interest in the Bible can be traced in large part to the fact that I was reared by a mother and a father who believed in God and respected the Scriptures. They used the Bible's counsel as a guideline for our home, often quoting from its pages as my older brother, Orville; my older sister, Luci; and I were growing up. It was back then that the Bible first began to make sense to me.Because scriptural truth served as our domestic foundation, ours was a home where respect for authority was expected and lovingly enforced. At the same time, my parents allowed for open discussion and gave us the freedom to speak our minds. Disagreements in our home didn't fester and lead to unending arguments; rather, they were resolved quickly and correctly, just as the Bible teaches. Ours was not an uptight, frowning family marked by harsh demands or mindless rules and regulations. On the contrary, while my parents honored, taught, and respected the Bible, they also encouraged lighthearted fun. In our home, laughter was loud and frequent, and the sounds of music--both vocal and instrumental--were heard every day. In that happy, balanced setting, I never felt abused or exploited by overbearing, obsessive parents who hammered us children with a long list of legalistic requirements underscored by Bible verses yanked out of context. On the contrary, grace flowed often and freely.I want the same for you: a joy-filled life lived in light of God's wisdom as the Bible states it. That's why I've written this book.Years ago, I learned at the feet of Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, who taught the Bible Study Methods course at Dallas Theological Seminary. To this day, I have not delivered a sermon, conducted a teaching session, released a broadcast or podcast, or given even a brief devotional without first putting the principles I learned from him to use in my preparation. Because these principles have served me so well for more than fifty years of ministry, I want to pass them on to others--including you--on the pages of this book.As a result of learning them and putting them into practice, you, too, can know the fulfillment of opening the pages of your Bible with confidence.--Chuck Swindoll