THERE IS at least one in nearly every reader’s home. Barna.com reports that in 2021, approximately half of American adults go to it at least occasionally and that half of the U.S. adults believe it is without error. While many of us possess it and use it regularly, how much do we know about its history? What is it? It’s the Bible, and for the first time in Shelbyville, an exhibit of the history of the 1611 King James Bible is open to the public.
The Bible and Literature Missionary Foundation (BLMF) is now home to The Biblical Heritage Exhibit, a display of timelines and materials historically reproduced from original artifacts. Individually or guided by Shannon or Tiffany Lemmon, you’ll walk through time beginning with Moses and follow the royal leaders, translators, martyrs, and historical players who preserved the Word of God for all mankind. Even those who tried to stop it were instrumental in continuing its existence despite their intent to destroy it and keep it from the common people.
From the time you reach the top of the stairs that lead to the exhibit, you are immersed in the rich journey of the 1611 King James Bible.
Turn the pages of copies of rare Bibles. Look into the eyes of John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, John Calvin, William Tyndale, and others through murals, portraits, and busts. Consider their commitment to preserving the Bibles we possess today and their sacrifices, even their very lives. Listen to the evolution of the translation of the Word from Hebrew and Greek to Latin, German, and English. See a true-to-scale reproduction of Gutenberg’s printing press. Touch the velvet robing of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth.
Spend time at your own pace studying the pieces of the collection, free to touch, read, ask questions, and explore the history of the Bible in ways never before so accessible.
It’s a history at the heart of all that’s done at BLMF, a faith-based printing ministry of Victory Baptist Church. BLMF has printed over 65,000,000 Bibles in 57 languages and shipped them to 125 countries.
Tiffany said, “We want people to have confidence in the preserved Word of God. The goal of this exhibit is for its viewers to see that God is more than capable of preserving His Word in writing. It’s to give confidence to those words coming straight from the Lord, not from a secretary who penned it or a printer. God’s Word is God speaking to each individual.”
It’s also a history dear to the heart of Shannon Lemmon’s mother, Linda Lemmon, who passed away in 2017. It was Linda who encouraged Shannon to study the history of the King James Bible in-depth, beginning the journey that has culminated with this exhibit.
“I believe we’ve fulfilled my mother-in-law’s dream. We’ve come full circle,” said Tiffany.
Individually or with a group, check out the exhibit for yourself. Immerse yourself in the journey of your Bible and experience your studies in a new way, fueled by respect and appreciation for those who God used to make it possible.
