Isabella D. Bunn - 444 Surprising Quotes About the Bible. A Treasury of Inspiring Thoughts and Classic Quotations

Dr. ISABELLA D. BUNN is both an international lawyer and a theologian specializing in Christian social ethics. She serves as Associate Director of the Center for Christianity and Culture at Regents Park College, Oxford University. Isabella collaborates with her husband, novelist T. Davis Bunn, on a variety of writing projects. Having spent years rummaging around antiquarian bookstores and academic libraries, Isabella is pleased to share some of the compelling thoughts that have captured her mind and imagination.

2005 Isabella D. Bunn

Published by Bethany House Publishers
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Ebook edition created 2013

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ISBN 978-1-4412-6287-5

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations identified KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Cover design by Kevin Keller

CONTENTS

The POWER of the BIBLE to ...

PREFACE

The Bible is often called the Book of books due to its unique standing in history, religion, and literature. It is also, quite literally, a Book of books in that it encompasses sixty-six distinct works written by scores of authors over a span of centuries. The Bible contains remarkable examples of prose and poetry, of oratories and admonitions, of songs and celebrations, of narratives and genealogies, of insights and instructions, of prophesies and parables and prayers. Indeed, the Bible can be seen as an entire library rather than just a single booka library that is both ancient and yet continually new.

My first serious engagement with Scripture began some dozen years ago while studying theology at Oxford University. I quickly felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the Bible and the breadth of biblical scholarship. But the transforming power of the Word of God, as expressed by various writers over the ages, made a deep impression on me. I started to collect some of these observations in a file that I labeled Words on the Word .

My Words on the Word file prompted me to reflect on dimensions of Scripture that go beyond the printed page. The Word can be understood as Christthe expression of Godthe eternal Logos instilling order in the universe. In another sense, the Word is also our appropriation of that truth by making it our own here and now. The file gradually became filled with clippings and scribblings and excerpts about the Word of Godquotations that tended to uplift, challenge, inspire, amuse, comfort, instruct, or otherwise provoke a reaction.

With time this file began to take shape as a book, expanding to cover a diverse range of themes and materials. And the publishers gave it a zingy title. From these origins, it is clear that my selection process has been more random than systematic. I did not set out to compile a volume on the most important thoughts of the most important people. Often a quote presents an especially well-turned phrase. Some crystallize a complex idea or hold a singular beauty of expression. Some are notable due to their history. Others are significant due to their source. I have included dates and designations, as indeed, it does matter whether the attribution is to a medieval mystic or a modern-day movie mogul.

All of us have experienced that slight catching to our breath upon beholding an especially splendid sight. This perhaps best explains my selection criteria: which ideas have caught my mind or heart or soul? My hope is that this treasury of inspiring thoughts and classic quotations about the Bible imparts the same feeling in the reader. And that it invites us to delve again into the Book of books, fathoming our own response.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wish to thank my friends and colleagues at Oxford University, especially at Regents Park College and the Centre for Christianity and Culture. Their formidable intellects, imaginations, and love of God leave me both humbled and inspired.

For their early encouragement of this book, a note of appreciation to Janet Thoma and Shannon Hill. Through their creativity and dedication, many aspiring writers have become published authors.

I am enormously grateful to Bethany House Publishers, and especially to Gary Johnson and Carol Johnson, who are true leaders and mentors in the publishing industry. Our friendship enriches me in countless ways. My editorial team at Bethany House, notably Kyle Duncan and Julie Smith, is graced with a rare combination of grand vision and attentiveness to details. They aim to serve the kingdom of God through good books, but are careful to select the right typeface for the job. I also appreciate Steve Oates, the resident marketing genius, for his valuable insights on the ever-changing world of commercial publishing.

My greatest expression of gratitude must be bestowed upon my husband, Davis. He has offered support through every stage of this project, and has patiently endured being interrupted at all hours to hear yet another quotable gem. I was deeply touched when he chose to read my first draft of the manuscript, not with the eyes of a professional author, but with the openness of a spiritual seeker. More important, it was Davis who presented me with my first Bible. Inscribing it as a Christmas gift in the early days of our courtship, he wrote: For Isabella, On the occasion of our growing love for God and for one another. And that is the single most life-transforming quotation about the Bible I have ever encountered.

The POWER of the BIBLE to

ENCOURAGE FAITH

F or the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart....

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we possess.

H EBREWS 4:12, 14

Never approach the words of the mysteries that are in the Scriptures without praying and asking for Gods help. Say, Lord grant me to feel the power that is in them. Reckon prayer to be the key that opens the true meaning of Scriptures.

I SAAC OF N INEVEH ( SEVENTH CENTURY )
SYRIAN SPIRITUAL WRITER

The Scripture was written that we might know what to hope for from God.

M ATTHEW H ENRY (16621714)
ENGLISH BIBLE COMMENTATOR

It is less important to ask a Christian what he or she believes about the Bible than to inquire what he or she does with it.

L ESSLIE N EWBIGIN (19051998)
BRITISH REFORMED THEOLOGIAN, MISSIONARY AND ECUMENICAL LEADER

Walking in faith brings you to the Word of God. There you will be healed, cleansed, fed, nurtured, equipped, and matured.

K AY A RTHUR
AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF PRECEPT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL