The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

To be a Christian and not read the Holy Bible is counterproductive to one’s spiritual growth.

However, some followers of the faith have never cracked the pages of the Bible nor hardly ever set aside time to engage in consistent study of scripture.

The reasons for that are numerous - some people are fed the word straight from the pulpit or via media, find the Bible challenging to read and understand or simply do not believe it is entertaining enough to pay attention to.

A Bahamian teacher said he was prompted to release a book of “Bible Riddles, Poems and Stories Volume 1” after encountering many people who professed to be followers of the faith but knew very little about what the Bible teaches.

Reginald Forbes’ new book aims to share the Bible in an enjoyable way and can be used to complement one’s study time.

The book covers a wide variety of topics in a simple, unique style. Mr Forbes said the book will take readers on an exciting adventure as they learn about biblical characters, places, events, joys and sorrows - from Genesis all the way to Revelation.

“No matter how the book is used, people’s lives will be enriched. It is my hope that the reader’s relationship with Christ will improve as they get more acquainted with the Bible. I pray that their lives will not only be enriched but that they will experience the purpose for Christ coming to this earth,” he said.

Mr Forbes said his objective was not to write a tell-all book, which is the reason why many details relating to the biblical stories shared have been omitted. “The main reason is to encourage the reader to search the Bible for more insight,” he said.

Above all, Mr Forbes hopes the book give the believer strength and presents Jesus Christ as the one true saviour of the world.

“The overall message of the book is that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all, through Christ Jesus, His Son, can be saved. I found it important to share the contents of the book with readers because I believe that it is only through knowing Christ Jesus that we can truly be happy, and the Bible makes Jesus known. So through my writings, it is hoped that people, both young and old, will be led to read, study and cherish the Bible again.

“I want people to cherish God’s Holy Word, that was written for us to get to know Jesus, whom to know is life eternal,” he told Tribune Religion.

Mr Forbes is music teacher at Temple Christian and also volunteers with the children’s ministry at his church, Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church. He loves playing the piano, dramatising stories, writing poems, composing scripture songs and spreading the good news about the love of Jesus Christ.

Mr Forbes is also completing “Bible Riddles, Poems and Stories Volume 2” which will be released in the near future.

• “Bible Riddles, Poems and Stories Volume 1” is available at Chapter One Bookstore, Joseph’s Bookstore, Logos and Adventist Book Centre.