By LEROY COLE

Libraries have been established for a long time. One of the oldest was in a place called Nineveh.

The ancient library of Nineveh is considered the first systematically collection of writing in history. Dating back to the 8th century B C… This library is not the most famous.

That distinction goes to the library of Alexandria.

I cannot remember the first time I went to a library.

I guess the first one was at school.

We would go to our school library and select a book to read.

Every school has one and any town of any size has one.

I was enrolled in the summer reading program for many years.

I have a collection of books that I have obtained through the years.

Books are written for many reasons; to preserve historical events, to help educate others on various subjects, and to share fantasized stories for enjoyment.

However, there is one collection of books that stands out above all libraries and books.

It is a collection of 66 books.

It is given the title of The Holy Bible.

It was written by more than 40 authors over a period of time from 1400 B.C. to 100 A.D. it was penned on three continents in three languages.

The writers came from various backgrounds.

And they wrote under diverse circumstances.

Despite its many authors and countless subjects, the Bible has an amazing continuity.

It is cohesive in its information and consistent in its instruction.

The Bible stands out as a literary marvel.

There is not any writing that can compare to it.

The Bible compared to all the others books ever written, tens of thousands, cannot teach more about the fundamental realities of the universe and of human life than we can learn from the scriptures contained in the Bible.

Since the Bible is a collection of 66 separate writings.

It is a library you can hold in your hand.

There are incalculable benefits to visiting the library of God’s word.

First, the Bible does not just give information; it imparts wisdom.

It presents a divinely revealed framework for interpreting all the other facts in the universe it gives us the grid for understanding.

Second, the Bible can make us wise unto eternal life.

The message of the Bible is that people need a relationship with God.

God has provided the way that all people can have this relationship through salvation in Jesus the Christ.

Third, every area for the issues of life is included in the Bible.

Every circumstance or situation is addressed in the scriptures.

It contains the promises of hope and helps for plight. Fourth, for the Christian it is source for growth.

Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Many people think the Bible is confusing.

A public or school library would be confusing and it would impossible to find a particular book if it was not organized.

Melvil Dewey realized that there was the need to place books into categories and topics. Every library is now organized with the Dewey Decimal System.

The Bible is organized simpler than any library.

It is divided into two sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each section is subdivided into books.

The Old Testament has 39 books and the New Testament has 27. Each book is divided into chapters, and each chapter into verses. With this system it is amazing how easy it can be to locate truths that it contains.

I was given a pocket size New Testament from the Gideons International ministry that the following was on the inside cover.

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here paradise is restored, Heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed Christ is its grand subject, our good the design and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Isn’t it amazing that we can hold in our hand the Bible that surpasses all the libraries. Let me encourage you to not only read it but study it. It contains all the answers to the all the issues you will deal with in your life time and prepare you for eternity.