Light of the Word - by Susan C Lim (Paperback)

About the Book

The more we understand how Scripture came to be, the more we discover its power and truth. Unpacking how the history of the Bible bolsters our faith, historian Susan Lim explains how Christians came to accept certain documents as inspired and how the books we now call the Bible came to be assembled and canonized as authoritative.

Book Synopsis

The more we understand how Scripture came to be, the more we discover its power and truth. Unpacking how the history of the Bible bolsters our faith, historian Susan Lim explains how Christians came to accept certain documents as inspired and how the books we now call the Bible came to be assembled and canonized as authoritative.

Review Quotes

"Susan Lim's book Light of the Word is a fascinating and learned exposition of its subject. Not only does the author teach us about the history of the Bible, but she also demonstrates the diverse ways the Bible has functioned in the Christian religion across the centuries. Easy to read, her book does not confront readers with off-putting technical detail. Instead, Lim welcomes us into the company of fellow Bible readers across the centuries."

"Light of the Word is a wonderful introduction to the Bible. Along with addressing some of the big questions about how the Bible was put together and reasons we have to believe it is true, Susan Lim shares her personal story of leaving Buddhism and becoming a Christian. She also recounts how-years later-she came to embrace the Bible as God's Word. This is a fascinating book that will help readers better engage the Bible."

"Light of the Word is an engaging journey into the trustworthiness of the Bible. Susan Lim serves as a helpful companion, navigating the intricate complexities of Scripture and stimulating deep reflection through her thought-provoking questions. In an accessible way, she uncovers a treasure trove of resources that showcase the necessity, sufficiency, clarity, and authority of Scripture. Susan's winsome and captivating voice, coupled with her infectious passion for the Word, will rekindle your own enthusiasm and make it irresistible to set aside her book without feeling a renewed desire to immerse yourself in the Scriptures and hear God speak."

"Light of the Word is an impassioned history of the Christian Bible. . . . Lim's enthusiasm for her topic is palpable. . . and she never sacrifices close historical detail. New Christians will gain particular energy from Lim's heartfelt promise that scripture can reveal 'moments when the miraculous converges with the ordinary.'"

"A warmly personal story of how Susan Lim's heart and head both came to a genuine transformative faith. Through a story that is uniquely hers and yet also everyone's, you will see how historical facts strengthened her conviction in Scripture as the Word of God. Lim invites you to walk alongside, to see how faith in Jesus is enriched by faith in God's Word."

"An insightful, practical, and honest book, which my dear friend Susan Lim shares from her heart. She challenges us to cultivate a daily habit of reading God's Word, Genesis through Revelation, so we can grow deeper in our faith. It is refreshing to read her prayer that 'we would dance with the Lord-absorbing, meditating, responding, and living out his love by the power of the Spirit.'"

"As both a Christian and a pastor, I know the essentiality and importance of having confidence in the fact that our Bibles are truly the Word of God. Having spent many years teaching the Bible and calling others to trust it explicitly, I'm especially thankful for this new and thoughtful book by Susan Lim on this crucial topic of the trustworthiness of Scripture. Looking at the Bible through the historical lens, Susan substantiates over and over again that all Scripture is indeed God-breathed. This book will be high on my recommended reading list."

"As followers of Jesus, we are regularly told the Bible is God's personal communication to us. If we are honest, many of us struggle to fully accept this profound truth. Often, we have nagging doubts about whether such extraordinary stories can really be true. It's comforting to know we are not alone. I can personally attest to Susan Lim's scholarship and her deep search for an authentic faith-a faith rooted in the Scriptures. I was struck by both her candor and careful approach. At many points, I was deeply moved, challenged, and comforted. What a gift."

"Being in a Bible study with Susan and her family for the last five years, I have witnessed firsthand Susan's passion for the Scriptures and the powerful and gracious work God has done in her life through the Scriptures. My confidence in Scripture has been strengthened and my heart has been refreshed by reading Light of the Word, and I believe this book will serve you well, no matter where you are in your faith journey. It is a book I will come back to again as a trusted resource."

"I absolutely love how Light of the Word reads like a poignant memoir and drops wisdom like a well-researched history book. Not only does Dr. Susan Lim contextualize the Bible with historical gems and vulnerable truths from her own spiritual journey, but she also inspires you to (re)read Scripture with a renewed fervor."

"I was delighted to discover that this academic, historical book read so easily. Susan Lim's inclusion of personal stories and 'Questions to Ponder' allowed me to reflect on how the Word of God is continuously active and vibrant in my own life. As I finished the book, I found myself rekindling my love for God's Word once again. Without hesitation, I am delighted to include this book in my collection of valuable resources that I will share with others."

"In our age, it is not unusual to hear baseless criticism of the Bible's authenticity, accuracy, and historical viability. Many Christians don't have access to resources to combat these attacks. Susan Lim gifts us with an accessible, rich, and personal account of discovering (or rediscovering!) the truth that the Bible is in fact the Word of God. Read, learn, and recommit yourself to saturating yourself in Scripture!"

"Lim argues that Christians can trust the 66 books of the Protestant canon as God's word by realizing that the stories recorded in it were corroborated by ancient literature and archaeology. Best for readers interested in the historical context of biblical scripture and evangelical beliefs."

"Susan Lim offers an impressive and inspired blend of disciplinary expertise and personal candor that invites the reader to not only consider their relationship with God but also to critically examine their relationship with his Word. Her novel concept of a second confession to receive God's Word as authoritative is both provocative and convicting. Skillfully employing robust factual inquiry, relatable human narrative, and intelligently reflective questions, Dr. Lim creates needed space for wrestling with some unresolved issues in the Scriptures, and as a result readers glean opportunities for working out our salvation to the glory of God."

About the Author

Susan C. Lim (PhD, UCLA) is a historian and writer. She has been a professor of history at Biola University in La Mirada, California, and is a speaker at conferences, churches, and retreats. She loves to share God's Word and serve at her home church, Mariners Church in Irvine, California. She resides in Southern California with her husband, Brian, and their two children.