A faith leader encourages Christians to cherish their Bibles, asserting its authenticity and reliability.

The 'Jesus Book' is suitable for individuals at any stage of their faith journey, according to the author and pastor.

A faith leader encourages Christians to cherish their Bibles, asserting its authenticity and reliability.
A faith leader encourages Christians to cherish their Bibles, asserting its authenticity and reliability.

A Texas pastor aims to assist individuals in applying Bible lessons to their daily lives through the use of a new book titled "The Jesus Book: Interpreting and Applying the Bible to Your Own Life."

Jack Graham stated in a telephone interview with Planet Chronicle Digital prior to the Nov. 5 release of his book that the subtitle accurately conveys the message of reading and comprehending the Bible on one's own.

Prestonwood Baptist Church, with locations in Plano and Prosper, Texas, is led by senior pastor Graham.

He stated that his objective is for individuals to comprehend the essence of the Bible and the fundamental reasons for believing its authenticity and reliability.

In the book, Graham discusses the history of the Bible, including its compilation and the reasons why Christians consider it to be divinely inspired.

A split image of an inset of "The Jesus Book" cover, which is gold with "THE JESUS BOOK" written in white. It is over two people pointing at the bible, a man and a woman.
With "The Jesus Book," Pastor Jack Graham of Texas hopes people will "understand what the Bible is all about and the basics of why we believe the Bible."  (iStock; Prestonwood Baptist Church)

Despite being the bestselling book of all time, some argue that the Bible may be the least read bestseller. Although many people own a copy, few have actually read it.

"The Jesus Book" is suitable for both new believers and experienced, Bible-versed Christians.

According to Graham, every Christian should comprehend the message conveyed in the Bible.

The book has the potential to help everyone grow in their faith, as he stated.

"The Jesus Book" encompasses the "essentials" of the Christian faith, outlining the distinctions between the Old Testament and the New Testament, and elucidating "the purpose of the Gospels."

Person with their hands clasped in prayer on the open pages of a Bible.
"The Jesus Book" has something for every believer in Christ, Graham said.  (iStock)

The book discusses manuscripts that verify the accuracy of scripture, we address apologetics to justify the reliability of the Bible, and we explore worldviews, which are complex topics.

The author emphasizes the importance of interpreting scripture in shaping one's worldview, rather than allowing the world to influence one's understanding of scripture.

"Everyone will find something in the broad and large subject, as Graham stated," he said.

Although Graham has authored numerous other books, he stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that "The Jesus Book" is the defining work of his life.

"The ministry that I've been given is the foundation of my life and work," he stated.

Picture of Dr. Jack Graham, a white man with gray hair, wearing a plaid shirt under a blue blazer. He is smiling.
Jack Graham is senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas.  (Prestonwood Baptist Church)

He stated that his life serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the Bible and how God's word has impacted him and others through him.

"Nothing is more crucial than knowing Christ, except for Christ himself," he stated.

The way to know Christ is not through human experience, but through the Bible and God's spirit working through the Bible.

Graham mentioned that another part of the book focuses on meditation and scriptural interpretation.

As he stated, "When you're reading the Bible, God's spirit communicates with us through His word, affecting both our hearts and minds."

A picture of the Bible. The Bible is bound in a reddish leather.
Graham is hoping people use "The Jesus Book" to better understand the Bible.  (Getty Images)

As a person meditates on scriptures, they gain a new understanding of it, he stated.

As we ponder, contemplate, and deeply reflect upon scriptures, I believe it is during this meditation on God's word that we begin to understand it for ourselves and live it out. Through this process, we receive a message from God.

Graham aims to inspire many individuals and improve their comprehension and promotion of God's word through "The Jesus Book."

Graham stated that his hope is for readers of the book to become advocates for the Bible's message, embody the truth of the Bible, and live in accordance with its teachings.

He stated that he desired for individuals to develop a love for their Bibles and apply God's teachings in their daily lives.

"The Jesus Book" is published by Bethany House Publishers.

by Christine Rousselle

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