What is the Bible Basically About?

The Bible's not about you...

It has been said that we are all the stars in our own life story. Everyone else is just a supporting actor. Without realizing it, we also begin to regard God in this way; we treat God as a supporting actor in OUR life story. Then it is no surprise that we have carried that sentiment over into the Church, and our reading of Scripture has become me-centered rather than Christ-centered. We have turned the Bible into a moral guide for self-improvement or a charm for self-empowerment.

Perhaps we read Scripture for tips on how to have Our Best Life Now, rather than to understand who Christ is and what He has accomplished. Maybe we read Scripture in an effort to add to our salvation. But, if we truly understand who Christ is and what He has done, we would find rest in Him. We would find that He is altogether glorious and "the things of earth would grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." We would find that we are transformed by seeking and beholding the face of Christ in Scripture.

In this short clip, Tim Keller explains what the true focus of Scripture is, and why it is more about Christ, and less about us.

Related articles:

• Look to Christ and away from self (ictabletalk.blogspot.com)
• Audio download: Tim Keller - Gospel centered ministry (theresurgence.com)
• Imperatives - Indicatives = Impossibilities (thegospelcoalition.org)

Free audio book

This month Christianaudio.com is offering Tim Keller's Ministries of Mercy free of charge. Coupon code is AUG2010. Prepare to be challenged.


Tim Keller: The Gospel and the Poor: A Case for Compassion from Here's Life Inner City on Vimeo.

Speaking of Tim Keller, he also taught an excellent series from his recent book, The Prodigal God, in which he examined the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son.

You can download the series here, and they are also linked below (click to listen or right click to download). I can't recommend them enough. This is the kind of insightful teaching that stirs the faith and kindles the heart.

1. He Welcomes Sinners

2. Give Me Mine

3. He Came to Himself

4. To Be Called Your Son

5. And Kissed Him

6. We Had to Celebrate

7. The True Older Brother

All things Lord of the Rings

"The value of myth is that it takes all the things you know and restores to them the rich significance which has been hidden by the veil of familiarity... By dipping them in myth we see them more clearly." - C.S. Lewis

The Lord of the Rings is a magnificent story rich with meaning. If you have spent even a minute pondering this grand tale by Tolkien, you recognize how he weaved elements of real life into this mythic tale. Themes of good, evil, loss, death and sacrifice. Nevertheless, it is still easy to miss some of the subtleties of the story. The following resources will give you a deeper appreciation for this trilogy and how the themes in The Lord of the Rings echoes a Christian world-view.

Tim Challies:

• The Stone Chair

Tim Keller (audio):

• Frodo as Christ Figure
• Tolkien's Imagination...

Peter Kreeft (audio):

• 10 Uncommon Insights Into Evil from The Lord of the Rings
• Christianity in The Lord of the Rings
• The Language of Beauty 

Tim Keller on prayer and devotion

In this brief article, Tim Keller shares his thoughts on prayer and devotions and offers some great tips in the process.

Evidence of a changed heart

"If grace has really changed our hearts, we don’t ultimately care if life goes the way we want it, as long as we have him. The joys of acclaim, wealth, and power are nothing compared to the eternal acclaim, wealth, and power we have in him. A “weaned child” is not just someone who knows this in principle, but who has worked gospel truths into his or her soul as spiritually sensed realities. Internally, this quiets the soul into profound contentment and poise. Externally, it means humility, a willingness to learn from others and also to trust God. The believer realizes that the reason God’s actions are often opaque is not because we are wise and he is foolish, but because he is too “great” and “wonderful” for us." 

- Tim Keller

Tim Keller - Responding to the New Athiest