Topical Bible: Books: Memorials of Conversation and Conduct of Men

◄ Books: Memorials of Conversation and Conduct of Men ►

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The concept of books as memorials of conversation and conduct is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where the recording of words and deeds serves as a testament to God's interaction with humanity and the moral and spiritual lessons derived from these interactions. The Bible itself is a compilation of such memorials, capturing the divine revelation and human response throughout history.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of recording significant events and conversations is evident in several passages of Scripture. In Exodus 17:14, the LORD instructs Moses, "Write this on a scroll as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." This command underscores the importance of documenting divine acts and instructions for future generations.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle John emphasizes the purpose of his writings: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31). Here, the written word serves as a memorial to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, intended to inspire faith and guide conduct.

Role in Spiritual Formation

Books as memorials play a crucial role in spiritual formation, serving as tools for reflection, instruction, and remembrance. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often refers to the importance of adhering to the teachings and traditions passed down through written and spoken word. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, he exhorts believers, "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."

The preservation of conversations and conduct in written form allows for the transmission of wisdom and moral guidance across generations. Proverbs 22:20-21 highlights this purpose: "Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge, to show you true and reliable words, that you may give a sound answer to him who sent you?"

Historical and Theological Significance

Throughout church history, the compilation of books and writings has been instrumental in shaping Christian doctrine and practice. The early church fathers, councils, and reformers relied heavily on the written word to articulate and defend the faith. The Bible itself, as a collection of divinely inspired books, stands as the ultimate memorial of God's conversation with humanity and the conduct expected of His people.

Theologically, the concept of books as memorials aligns with the biblical theme of remembrance. In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, the Israelites are commanded to keep God's words on their hearts and to teach them diligently to their children, ensuring that His commandments are remembered and followed. This practice of remembrance is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to remember the teachings of Christ and the apostles.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian life, the use of books as memorials continues to be relevant. Devotional writings, theological treatises, and personal testimonies serve as modern-day memorials, capturing the ongoing conversation between God and His people. These writings provide guidance, encouragement, and correction, helping believers navigate the complexities of life with a biblical perspective.

Moreover, the practice of journaling and recording personal spiritual experiences can serve as a personal memorial, allowing individuals to reflect on their journey of faith and God's faithfulness in their lives. This aligns with the biblical practice of setting up memorials, as seen in Joshua 4:7, where stones were set up as a reminder of God's miraculous provision.

In summary, books as memorials of conversation and conduct hold a significant place within the biblical tradition, serving as a means of preserving divine revelation, guiding spiritual formation, and fostering a culture of remembrance and obedience to God's word.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 7:10
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 3:16
Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought on his name.
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Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... His life and conversation were described as scandalous; his hymns ... that time the number
of hymn-books in England ... if he knows where to look, memorials of their ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... one of the most amiable, guileless men I ever ... By the parent society books were issued,
agents ... of the Protestant Episcopalians chose to conduct their schools ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Soul Winning
... winner, blessed of God, shall have memorials of his ... not read and for the days when
books were scarce ... mean preaching by your life, and conduct, and conversation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/soul winning.htm

Book 1.
... among them) that have preserved the memorials of the ... captives, as suspecting that
they had conversation with some ... had not perused our sacred books; yet have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Life of Sir Thomas Browne.
... life, and has, therefore, few memorials preserved of ... years had read all the books
against religion ... men of rigid orthodoxy, cautious conversation, and religious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/the life of sir thomas.htm

Documents Connected with the Council of Tyre.
... Besides whereas Ischyras said that certain books had been ... I did not however enter
into any conversation with him ... And they are memorials and records against the ...
/.../chapter vi documents connected with the.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 20
... Testament, the Law: both the prophets and the historical books. ... But these are only
signs and memorials of those ... church is not a place of conversation, but of ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxvi 1 cor xiv.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... with one another, and so renewing the memorials of this ... in detestation; and do you
avoid any conversation with them ... although he wrote in the holy books that he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... 443]441; his many engagements, [444]441; his books on marriage ... Burial, in the memorials
of Martyrs, [593]539, [594]542, [595 ... Feast, conversation at a, [1298]357 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... life of godliness, and join in a holy, heavenly conversation. ... Thomas Fuller, the
author of the incomparable books on Church ... Memorials of Westminster Abbey, pp. ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm