On this Sunday of Worship I thought I would share as promised my thoughts and more relating to the increased use of electronic Bibles in Bible Study groups and Worship Services. As the growth of this occurs I think there are some questions that we need to ask and some serious thoughts that we to discuss.
The Questions
We begin with an understanding that yes, using the Bible electronically is still using the Bible. I do not think that the use of projection equipment etc. take away from but rather add to the total focus on the Word when used correctly. Often I hear people promoting an idea that when used in Worship, people are tempted to leave their Bibles at home. This has more truth to it than we imagine yet I think we need all of the above. After this question is really the key question: Can I interact effectively with my electronic Bible as I do with a paper one? I say NO! Granted some like my wife can really keep great notes, most do not and would not. There is a difference when using a paper Bible in Bible Study and Worship. How much? Great question. I am not sure I have that one nailed down.
But there is another point that I think needs to be made. A point that is more important than any ideas or arguments. It is the point of Legacy. When we interact with God's Word, we need to literally interact with it! We need to write in our Bibles. We need to highlight. We need to jot down notes. We need to be in it. One cannot do this with an electronic Bible. And more, when the gadget dies, the interaction if any is lost for eternity. Not so with a paper Bible.
The Word Legacy reminds us that we are to write down and thus pass down our spiritual journey. I have benefited from receiving Bibles of Pastors who have passed. I have read Bibles from Grandparents and cherished the notes they made and the special things they underlined. I love being able to see first hand someone's spiritual journey. How much more do we today in a society where the Bible is being removed right before our eye's need to leave a living testimony and obvious interaction with Gods Word for those who come behind us!
I use electronic daily. I love my Logos software and have it synced to my phone and iPad. I love being able to pick up where I left off studying no matter where I am. But I love opening the leather cover and turning the pages of my paper Bibles even more.
I say use all but in Worship and Bible Study groups use the paper Bible! Interact with it and leave a legacy of your spiritual journey with God and His Word!
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