Month: May 2016

The Inspiration of Scripture

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“The Bible must be the invention of either good men or angels, bad men or devils, or of God. Therefore, it could not be the invention of good men or angels, for they neither would nor could make a book, and tell lies all the time they were writing it, saying, “Thus saith the Lord,” when it was their own invention. It could not be the invention of bad men or devils, for they would not make a book which commands all duty, forbids all sin, and condemns their soul to hell for all eternity. Therefore, I draw this conclusion, that the Bible must be given by divine inspiration.” —Charles Wesley

Webster defines “unique” as: “1. One and only; single; sole. 2. Different from all others; having no like or equal.” Truly, the Bible is a unique book. It is different from all others in several ways, but especially in its continuity.
Here is a book that was:

  • Written over a 1,500 year span
  • Written over 40 generations
  • Written by more than 40 authors
  • Written in different places
  • Written at different times
  • Written during different moods
  • Written on three continents
  • Written in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic)

Yet it has one theme, one message, and one focus: the coming, death, resurrection, and reign of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Bible, from cover to cover, points to the redemption of man through the Lord’s Messiah.

How can a book written by man, who is fallible, have no errors?
Here are four facts revealed about the Bible’s inspiration, according to 2 Peter 1:20-21:

  1. No prophecy is by man’s own interpretation.
  2. No prophecy is an act of human will.
  3. Men were moved by the Holy Spirit.
  4. Men spoke from God.

God used living men, not dead tools, in the recording of Scripture. He did not set aside human personality, but rather used the very personality and literary talents in the penning of His revelation. Under the complete control and guidance of the Spirit of God, the result in every word of the original documents is a perfect and errorless recording of the exact message which God desired to give to man. This is why it is called verbal inspiration, not mechanical dictation.

What are the proofs of the inspiration of the Bible?

  • Its indestructibility
    Only a very small percentage of books survive more than a quarter of a century; a much smaller percentage last for a century; and only a small number live a thousand years. After years of effort to exterminate the Bible or rob it of its authority, the Bible is still the number one best seller. The fact of the indestructibility of the Bible strongly suggests that it is the embodiment of a divine revelation.
  • Its prophecy
  • Its continuity
  • Its ability to bring salvation

Here are three benefits that will come your way if you study, apply, and rely on God’s Word:

  • Wisdom (Psalm 119:98). How has this benefit been experienced in times of trials?
  • Insight (Psalm 119:99). How might knowing God’s Word give you this benefit in an intimidating situation?
  • Understanding (Psalm 119:100). Are you satisfied with your level of maturity?

What is the proper response to the Word of God?

  • Follow (John 6:68)
  • Study (2 Timothy 2:15)
  • Treasure (Job 23:12; Psalm 19:9-10)
  • Love (Psalm 119:97)
  • Obey (Psalm 119:4)
  • Contend for it. (Jude 3)
  • Preach (2 Timothy 4:2)

Do You Really Believe Your Bible?

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The title of this blog post may cause some Christians to roll their eyes. “How dare you ask that question of a Christian,” some may ponder. After all, the question suggests there can be one of two answers: “yes” or “no.” What Christian in their right mind would ever answer that question with a “no,” right? However, Matthew 7:21-23 clearly reveals to us that many do answer that question with a “no;” maybe not audibly with their mouths, but from the depths of their hearts. Why is that? Well, before I attempt to answer that question let me try and provide some context as to why I posed the question in the first place.

When it comes to our faith and Christian walk, the doctrine of the infallibility or inerrancy of scripture is extremely important because truth really does matter. It’s literally the glue that holds our faith together. Without a firm grasp of this doctrine, we will, like Pilate, find ourselves asking, “what is truth?” as we seek to live a life of obedience to Christ. We must have a high view of scripture if we are to have a high view of God himself. If not, we are bound to be confused and frustrated in our Christian walk, expecting things from God that He never promised in His Word.

I think one reason some struggle with this idea of the infallibility/inerrancy of scripture is they have been disappointed, time and time again, by those whom society have incorrectly given this mantle to. From the Roman Catholic Church, to our government, to civil authorities, society often hold these institutions up as infallible. Yet, when the Priest is exposed for molesting a child, or scandals in our government reveal the greed of politicians, or civil authorities are caught on video abusing those whom they are sworn to protect we soon lose trust.

But God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that “All scripture is God-breathed.” God has revealed to us in scripture His nature, His character, and His essence. And 2 Peter 1:21 assures us that “no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will” so what we read about God in scripture is EXACTLY what He says to be true about Himself. Which leads me back to my original question about why Jesus said what he said in Matthew 7. The whole purpose of the Bible and the Gospel is to bring us in relationship with God (John 17:3). To deny the inerrancy of scripture―in other words, to not believe the Bible—is to deny a relationship with God. And for those Christ says, “I never knew you.”

To Err Is Human

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I learned this phrase as a young lad. The older I get I have come to learn how deep it goes. I was raised by a single parent (like 25% of US households today). I remember answering a judge’s questions with many tears at my parents’ separation/divorce proceedings around the age of five. I remember failed relationships in high school and college.

How can our families thrive with so much failure, which shows itself with so many mistakes? Do we just chalk it up and say, “everyone makes mistakes?” Do we say, “everything that doesn’t kill us makes us stronger?”

I remember sharing Jesus with a co-worker, and one of their responses frighten my inner most being. They made the comment, “I would forgive Jesus.” As I went to further explain to them, how can God be God, if He needs forgiveness? Jesus doesn’t need forgiveness, because Jesus is God, and God cannot fail and therefore cannot err. This simple statement of truth is how my family will thrive in a world surrounded by so much failure and mistakes.

The prize is relationship with the all perfect, all powerful, all amazing, all knowing, everywhere present, all loving, all righteous, all just, Triune God! I was made by God and for God, therefore I have no purpose without receiving it from God. God has given it to us in His Word. His Word, the Bible, is infallible (cannot fail) and inerrant (because it cannot fail, it does not err). The authority of the Bible rests on the authority of Christ; the sinlessness of Jesus.

Below are just 7 scriptures relating to family. Consider, and talk with mature believers about application in your life!

  1. Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” For this reason man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
    Gen. 2:18
  2. House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
    Prov.19:14
  3.  An excellent wife, who can find?…The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
    Prov.31:10-11
  4. Fathers, do no provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
    Eph.6:4
  5.  Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on earth.
    Eph.6:1-2
  6.  Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
    Ps.127:3-5b
  7.  A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.
    Prov.13:22a

 

Are You Truly Rich?

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No one will argue that currency has changed over the years. Financial wealth was once determined by the quantity of livestock or precious metals you possessed. Today it is defined by the sum of your assets, your salary, the value of your home, and your stock portfolio. Even then, the determination of temporal wealth today isn’t necessarily tangible. You can sum up all of the monthly statements you receive and ultimately come up with a number but what is it that you really have? Better yet, how do you know if you are rich?

While currency in its form has changed over time, one thing remains the same: money will never cease being a true indication of the condition of our hearts. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” The Word of God gives us two examples that show what devotion to one or the other looks like. We all know the story of the rich man who desired eternal life but was unable to leave all of his possessions behind in order to receive it. They were simply too important to him and as the scriptures say, he went away grieved because of it. We also know the account in Mark chapter 12 as Jesus observed the people as they came and put money into the treasury. The financially rich individuals were giving large sums of money. Jesus was not impressed by the amount of their giving. Rather, He directed the disciples to the poor widow who contributed two small copper coins, as this was all she possessed.

It’s not difficult to determine who the individuals in these accounts were devoted to. What about you? If you cannot serve God and wealth, then whom or what does your giving indicate that you are serving? If you have allowed wealth to become your master, here are a few simple steps to get you on the right track:

  • Remember that “the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17)
  • Remember that we are merely stewards of what we have been given and will one day give an account of how we have used what He has given us.
  • Remember that you will never find contentment in worldly things and that true contentment is only found in Him!
  • Turn your eyes upon Jesus!