Big Doors Swing on Small Hinges: A Little Word Can Make a Big Difference

Roger D. Mardis. Bloomington, Ind. WestBow Press, 2014. 161 pp. (Paperback).

Ever notice how often the Bible uses the word “but”? According to author Roger D. Mardis, pastor of Agape Baptist Church, Scottsboro, the little conjunction is the hinge that many passages in the Bible turn on, indicating a change — like Solomon, who ceased to follow the Lord — or a contrast — like Noah, who was the only one among the people on earth at that time who found favor with God. 

The book is divided into 31 short chapters intended for use as daily readings. Each chapter introduces a situation and explains the “but,” then the author turns around and faces the reader, asking convicting questions and pointing out issues in our own lives that need to be addressed. Entertaining and engaging as well as convicting, the book is beautifully illustrated by Carol Caudle with drawings of famous doors from Washington to Florence, Italy. 

After I read this book I did a search through the Bible on my iPad for the “buts” and scrolled and scrolled, finally giving up without counting them all. Mardis only used 31 of them to include in his book. Maybe there will be a sequel. I hope so.