Many who have read the Bible for years often experience the joy of finding new insights into scriptures, even passages they've read time and again. Such is the nature of God's inspired Word. Its riches are truly inexhaustible! This book is essentially a compilation of deeper insights or another view of scriptures which we have read over and over again, and is offered with the hope and prayer that they may offer encouragements and instruction to all who love God's Word.

Occasionally I run across stories of folks who stored hand-me-downs in their attic or basement for years, not wanting to discard a sentimental family possession. Then one day they discover that, for some reason they have previously overlooked, the old chair grandpa gave them years ago, or the out-of-style vase bequeathed to them by a great aunt, was more valuable than they ever imagined.

Over the years, God's Word has been like that to me. It has been handed down for generations, sometimes at great peril. In my personal life, my parents instilled in me love for God's Word, and I have valued it like a family heirloom. But there have been moments along the way when something special caught my eye that caused me to take a second look at a familiar passage of scripture. Like old furniture in the attic or outdated books on a forgotten shelf, when I took time to dust if off and examine it more closely, I discovered that what was already valued possessed even greater worth than I originally thought.

For this reason, when I was asked to write for the Revivalist, the official publication of God's Bible School and College, I chose to entitle my column "Second Thoughts - A Deeper Look at Scripture." These essays gave me the opportunity to share with readers a few of the "buried treasures" that I have discovered along the way. I'll admit, many of these discoveries were brought to my attention by others - friends, teachers, authors, preachers - much like an experienced dealer would point out to an unwitting antique owner value not obvious to the untrained eye. At other times I have stumbled upon new insights during my own personal Bible study times, or in preparation to teach a class or preach a sermon. In each case when I took a second look and dug deeper into a passage, I was not disappointed.

This writing project is essentially a compilation of those articles, with a few exceptions. Many of these article eventually morphed into a sermon or Sunday School lesson, so pastors and teachers might look for ways to take these ideas - for what they're worth - and expand on them in their own public ministry. For those who are not preachers and teachers, my prayer is that these truths might provide helpful instruction and encouragement as you walk with Christ. —Ben Durr, Jr.