Give Me the Bible

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Give Me the Bible

Hymn written by Priscilla J. Owens

Introduction:

This hymn powerfully expresses the Christian’s longing for divine truth. In a world filled with error, darkness, and confusion, we need the light of God’s word. “Give Me the Bible” is more than a song—it is a plea for guidance, comfort, and hope found only in the inspired Scriptures of God.

**Stanza 1: “Give me the Bible, star of gladness gleaming,

To cheer the wanderer lone and tempest-tossed;
No storm can hide that radiance peaceful beaming,
Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost.”**

God’s word is a shining star in a dark and stormy world. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The Bible is not just information—it is illumination. Its light never dims, even when the storms of life rage. And what gives it its brilliance? The redeeming mission of Jesus. Luke 19:10 tells us, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” The Bible is the record of that mission. It brings hope and peace to the soul battered by sin.

**Chorus: “Give me the Bible, holy message shining;

Thy light shall guide me in the narrow way;
Precept and promise, law and love combining,
Till night shall vanish in eternal day.”**

The chorus anchors the hymn’s theme: the Bible guides us in the narrow way of truth (Matthew 7:14). It combines all we need—commandments, promises, laws, and grace—perfectly woven together for our salvation. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 affirms that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” and is sufficient to make us “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The end goal is eternal life—the vanishing of night in the glory of heaven.

**Stanza 2: “Give me the Bible when my heart is broken,

When sin and grief have filled my soul with fear;
Give me the precious words by Jesus spoken,
Hold up faith’s lamp to show my Savior near.”**

When the heart is shattered, no man-made solution can heal it—but God’s word can. Romans 15:4 says, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” The words of Jesus bring healing (John 6:63). They assure us that He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). The Bible doesn’t just reveal facts—it reveals the Savior Himself and lights the way back to Him.

**Stanza 3: “Give me the Bible, all my steps enlighten,

Teach me the danger of these realms below;
That lamp of safety o’er the gloom shall brighten,
That light alone the path of peace can show.”**

The Bible is our moral compass. It shows us not only what is right, but what is dangerous. Proverbs 6:23 tells us, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” The path of peace does not come from culture, emotion, or tradition—it comes from the inspired word alone. Psalm 19:8 says, “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” In a dark world, only Scripture reveals the safe path.

**Stanza 4: “Give me the Bible, lamp of life immortal,

Hold up that splendor by the open grave;
Show me the light from heaven’s shining portal,
Show me the glory gilding Jordan’s wave.”**

Even in death, the Bible speaks. It points to the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” The Bible opens heaven’s door and shows us glory beyond the grave. It shines at the graveside with promises that nothing—not even death—can break. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 gives hope beyond the tomb to every faithful child of God.

Sermon Outline:

• Introduction:
  • The hymn is a plea for guidance, truth, and eternal hope.
  • It emphasizes the Bible as God’s all-sufficient light.
• I. Stanza 1 – A Light for the Lost
  • Psalm 119:105 – God's word is a lamp
  • Luke 19:10 – Jesus came to save the lost
• II. Chorus – The Bible’s All-Sufficiency
  • Matthew 7:14 – The narrow way is found through Scripture
  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – The word is fully sufficient
• III. Stanza 2 – Comfort for the Broken
  • Romans 15:4 – The Scriptures bring hope
  • John 6:63 – The words of Christ are life
  • Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
• IV. Stanza 3 – Moral Clarity and Peace
  • Proverbs 6:23 – Commandments are a lamp
  • Psalm 19:8 – The word enlightens the eyes
• V. Stanza 4 – Victory over Death
  • John 11:25 – Jesus is the resurrection and the life
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 – Hope even in death
• Conclusion:
  • The Bible is more than a book—it is our only roadmap to God.
  • May our hearts always say, “Give me the Bible.”

Call to Action:

Do you treasure the Bible as your light, your hope, and your guide? It alone can lead you to Christ. Will you open it, believe it, and obey it? Jesus says we will be judged by His word (John 12:48). Don’t follow tradition, emotion, or assumption. Follow the word. It will lead you home.

Scripture Reference List:

• Psalm 119:105 – The Bible is a lamp to our path.
• Luke 19:10 – Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
• Matthew 7:14 – The narrow way leads to life.
• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – All Scripture is inspired and sufficient.
• Romans 15:4 – The Bible gives comfort and hope.
• John 6:63 – Christ’s words are spirit and life.
• Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near the brokenhearted.
• Proverbs 6:23 – Commandments are the way of life.
• Psalm 19:8 – The word enlightens the eyes.
• John 11:25 – Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 – Comfort concerning those who sleep.
• John 12:48 – We will be judged by the words of Christ.

Give Me the Bible Lyrics

By Priscilla J. Owens (Public Domain)

1. Give me the Bible, star of gladness gleaming,
    To cheer the wanderer lone and tempest-tossed;
   No storm can hide that radiance peaceful beaming,
    Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

Chorus:
Give me the Bible, holy message shining;
Thy light shall guide me in the narrow way;
Precept and promise, law and love combining,
Till night shall vanish in eternal day.

(Chorus)

(Chorus)

(Chorus)

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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