Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, is now for sale.
Event Alert: My friend, Rabbi Aaron Allsbrook, is hosting a Messianic Jewish Passover Seder on April 6 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Brown – well known to Townhall readers. Buy tickets early!
Thanks for joining our study. Today I am launching a new series encouraging Townhall readers to participate and share their biblical knowledge. However, first I must explain the rationale. Anyone who attends a weekly small group Bible study knows that close and lasting friendships develop among members who share the Word of God and pray for each other's requests.
Since beginning this weekly study on Feb. 2, 2020, through the comment section I have often felt that readers are virtually sitting together discussing/arguing about Scripture. And I am uplifted by the private emails you send. Thus, I want to operationalize this in-person Bible study feeling by starting an occasional series where readers will be my co-writer. The series topic is today's headline: "Top Ten Favorite Bible Verses and What They Mean."
Using the format below, I encourage Townhall readers to submit their 10 favorite verses and why they are meaningful. Send to the email address at the end.
Please keep submissions to a maximum of 750 words so that I can add some commentary. Then, once a month, I will select the best submission for that week’s Bible study. The winner can be credited by name and location or remain anonymous. That said, let's get started with Myra's Top 10 Bible Verses.
Note: Since I equally love all these verses, they are listed in biblical order.
1. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." (Genesis 50:20).
Joseph said that verse to his brothers, who sold him into slavery. But, because of their evil act, Joseph was able to save his brothers from famine. The verse offers a long-term godly view I relate to because of when I was betrayed. But ultimately, the Lord worked out the “harm” for a glorious life-changing reason. The verse offers a perspective on faith and trust in Him that helps explain God's plan for our life. (See Vol. 31.)
2. “Moses said to God, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” Then what shall I tell them? God said to Moses, "‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you'" (Exodus 3:13-14).
That pivotal verse establishes God's identity and relationship with Moses and the Israelites. Then, in the New Testament, while preaching in the temple, Jesus says, “...before Abraham was born, I am!" (John 8:58). The Pharisees were outraged and threw stones at Him. (Also, see Vol. 21.)
3. “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he [Job] has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.’ Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord” (Job 1:12).
God defines how much suffering we can and will endure. God is in control of Satan's power, as shown when he instructs Satan that he could make Job’s life horrendous but could not kill the man.
4. “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me’" (Isaiah 6:8).
Isaiah's answer is my answer and my prayer.
5. "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
This verse is taped to my computer because it inspires me on good days and bad.
New Testament:
6. “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’" (Matthew 28:18-20).
At the end of Matthew's gospel, after Jesus was resurrected, He gave His disciples marching orders. Those “orders” called "The Great Commission" were then and now the basis for worldwide evangelization. (See Vol. 12.) Moreover, the Great Commission is among the Bible's most influential verses. It is a mission statement to spread Christ's teachings that consequently had the greatest impact on humankind. I recommend reading the classic book, "What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?"
7. “For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37).
Never, never forget that!
8. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).
I love the definitiveness of Jesus’s answer. There is no wiggle room. What part of this verse don't you understand?
9. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
The operative word is "all things," which means terrible/tragic/painful parts of our lives are “all” connected to God's purpose for those who love Him. This verse is both comforting and a "reality bites" reminder that life can be difficult for even the most faithful. It represents a mature way of looking at and coping with adversity.
10. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
That statement of faith is so extraordinary, complete, and absolute. It is a divine Pledge of Allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Whew! That was hard, and I could have written a “Top 50.” Yet, I was faithfully and spiritually refreshed after composing the list. Therefore I pray you will have a similar experience if or when you are inspired to submit your "Top 10." This worthwhile exercise makes you think about all the truth and wisdom that is the Word of God. Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, two ministries dedicated to Shroud of Turin education. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com and Twitter @MyraKAdams.
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