Seeing God “Face to Face” by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=2682&b=John

Seeing God “Face to Face”

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

In the Kyle Butt/Dan Barker debate, Dan Barker alleged that He “knows” the God of the Bible cannot exist because “there are mutually incompatible properties/characteristics of the God that’s in this book [the Bible—EL] that rule out the possibility of His existence” (2009). One of the supposed contradictions that Barker mentioned was that God claims invisibility, yet has been seen. (His assertion is found 10 minutes and 55 seconds into his first speech.) Since biblical passages such as Exodus 33:20-23, John 1:18, and 1 John 4:12 teach that God cannot be seen, while other scriptures indicate that man has seen God and spoken to him “face to face” (Exodus 33:11; Genesis 32:30), allegedly “the God of the Bible does not exist.”
Although in modern times words are regularly used in many different senses (e.g., hot and cold, good and bad), Barker, like so many Bible critics, has dismissed the possibility that the terms in the aforementioned passages were used in different senses. Throughout Scripture, however, words are often used in various ways. In James 2:5, the term “poor” refers to material wealth, whereas the term “rich” has to do with a person’s spiritual well-being. In Philippians 3:12,15, Paul used the term “perfect” (NASB) in different senses. Although Paul had attained spiritual maturity (“perfection”) in Christ (vs. 15), he had not yet attained the perfect “final thing, the victor’s prize of the heavenly calling in Christ Jesus” (Schippers, 1971, 2:62; cf. Philippians 3:9-11). Similarly, in one sense man has seen God, but in another sense he has not.
Consider the first chapter of John where we learn that in the beginning Jesus was with God and “was God” (1:1; cf. 14,17). Though John wrote that Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us” (1:14), he indicated only four sentences later that “no one has seen God at any time” (1:18; 1 John 4:12). Was Jesus God? Yes. Did man see Jesus? Yes. So in what sense has man not seen God? No human has ever seen Jesus in His true image (i.e., as a spirit Being—John 4:24—in all of His fullness, glory, and splendor). When God, the Word, appeared on Earth 2,000 years ago, He came in a veiled form. In his letter to the church at Philippi, the apostle Paul mentioned that Christ—Who had existed in heaven “in the form of God”—“made Himself of no reputation,” and took on the “likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7). Mankind saw an embodiment of deity as Jesus dwelt on Earth in the form of a man. Men saw “the Word” that “became flesh.” Likewise, when Jacob “struggled with God” (Genesis 32:28), He saw only a form of God, not the spiritual, invisible, omnipresent God Who fills heaven and Earth (Jeremiah 23:23-24).
But what about those statements which indicate that man saw or spoke to God “face to face”? Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face” (Genesis 32:30). Gideon proclaimed: “I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face” (Judges 6:22). Exodus 33:11 affirms that “the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” First, although these men witnessed great and awesome things, they still only saw manifestations of God and a part of His glory (cf. Exodus 33:18-23). Second, the words “face” and “face to face” are used in different senses in Scripture. Though Exodus 33:11 reveals that God spoke to Moses “face to face,” only nine verses later God told Moses, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live” (33:20). Are we to believe (as Barker and other critics assert) that the author of Exodus was so misguided that he wrote contradictory statements within only nine verses of each other? Certainly not! What then does the Bible mean when it says that God “knew” (Deuteronomy 34:10) or “spoke to Moses face to face” (Exodus 33:11)? The answer is found in Numbers 12. Aaron and Miriam had spoken against Moses and arrogantly asked: “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” (Numbers 12:2). God then appeared to Aaron and Miriam, saying: “If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings; and he sees the form of the Lord” (Numbers 12:6-8, emp. added). Notice the contrast: God spoke to the prophets of Israel through visions and dreams, but to Moses He spoke, “not in dark sayings,” but “plainly.” In other words, God, Who never showed His face to Moses (Exodus 33:20), nevertheless allowed Moses to see “some unmistakable evidence of His glorious presence” (Jamieson, 1997), and spoke to him “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (33:11), i.e., He spoke to Moses plainly, directly, etc.
The Bible does not reveal “mutually incompatible characteristics of God” as Barker has alleged. His assertions in no way prove that the God of the Bible does not exist or that the Bible is unreliable. In truth, Barker’s comments merely reveal that he is a dishonest interpreter of Scripture. If Barker can work “side by side” with a colleague without literally working inches from him (Barker, 2008, p. 335), or if he can see “eye to eye” with a fellow atheist without ever literally looking into the atheist’s eyes, then Barker can understand that God could speak “face to face” with Moses without literally revealing to him His full, glorious “face.”

REFERENCES

Barker, Dan (2008), godless (Berkeley, CA: Ulysses Press).
Butt, Kyle and Dan Barker (2009), Does the God of the Bible Exist? (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).
Jamieson, Robert, et al. (1997), Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Bible Commentary (Electronic Database: Biblesoft).
Schippers, R. (1971), “Telos,” The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, ed. Colin Brown (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan).

Beware of dogs ... and people! from Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/056-beware.html
Beware of dogs ... and people!

This mosaic is in the Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy.

They say that barking dogs never bite. This is true. They always stop barking before they bite!

The dog that bit me, did not bark. When I was twelve, I was distributing advertising for my father’s TV repair business. An elderly dog silently walked up behind me and left a clear set of teeth marks in my leg. He obviously had an intense dislike of advertising distributors!

Roman villas in Paul’s day often had a floor mosaic in the entrance showing a dog on a chain, sometimes with the words, “CAVE CANEM” (Beware of the dog)!

It is wise to beware of dogs, but when Paul tells us, “Beware of dogs” in Philippians 3:2, he is referring to dogs of the human variety. Jesus tells us, “Beware of people” (Matthew 10:17).

“Beware of” means to be on guard against, to be cautious about, to be alert to potential danger from, to be ready to avoid danger from.

People are dangerous!
Humans are the most dangerous creatures on earth. What other form of life has destroyed cities with atomic bombs, and maintains huge stockpiles of nuclear weapons?

The most powerful hydrogen bomb ever detonated (by the Soviet Union on Severny Island above the Arctic Circle on October 30, 1961) had 1400 times the power of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs combined, and ten times the power of all other explosives used in World War II. This picture was taken at a distance of 160 km. The atmospheric shock wave broke windows in northern Norway and Finland, a thousand kilometers away.

In 1985 there were 68,000 active nuclear weapons. In the meantime this has been reduced to about 20,000 that are active or could easily be reactivated. Some of this reduction comes from treaties, but most of it results from decommissioning outmoded, obsolete weapons. Although there are fewer bombs, their destructive capability has been increased.

This is not something that mankind may be proud of. Consider the resources this gobbles up, when much of the world lacks food.


Yet, spiritual dangers are even greater.

A volcanic eruption in 79 AD buried Pompeii, Italy under five meters of ash, killing 15,000 people. Excavations have unearthed several “Beware of the dog” mosaics. Someone should have warned: “Beware of the volcano!” There are greater dangers than dogs.

Although the danger of nuclear destruction threatens us like a smoking Mount Vesuvius, we live in a world that is even more dangerous spiritually. God warns us about spiritual dangers that threaten our souls. Satan has laid spiritual landmines along both sides of the narrow way that leads to life.

We must beware of falling away because of sin. We must beware of false teachers, of religious leaders who exalt themselves, and of persecutors.


Beware of falling away because of sin.

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12, 13).

The deceitfulness of sin is our greatest spiritual danger. We must beware of anything that tempts us to sin and leads us away from God.

Sin is glorified in the media, on the Internet, on television, on the radio, in magazines.

At school, young people are taught how to be immoral, and are fooled into thinking that immorality has no negative consequences.

The fashion world emphasizes sensuality. Social pressure encourage us to be “like everyone else.”

We must beware of these corruptive influences.

We must exhort one another not to depart from the living God through sin.

Referring to people who twist the Scriptures “to their own destruction,” Peter gives a similar warning: “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:17, 18).

These verses refute the false doctrine of “Once saved, always saved”!

We must beware lest we “fall from our own steadfastness”; we must beware lest we “depart from the living God”!

To avoid falling away through the deceitfulness of sin, we must beware of anyone who tries to lead us into sin.

This includes being alert to dangers from false teachers, religious leaders who exalt themselves, and persecutors.


Beware of persecutors.

Jesus warned His followers: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues” (Matthew 10:16, 17).

How do Christians react to persecution? Jesus said: “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another” (Matthew 10:23). “Do not fear them” (Matthew 10:26). “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).

Paul warned Timothy: “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words” (2 Timothy 4:14, 15).

Paul was thankful that God had protected him: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:17, 18).

We must beware of persecutors. Yet, we need not be afraid. An eternal home with God is waiting, whatever happens to us.


Beware of religious leaders who exalt themselves.

Jesus warned, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers” (Mark 12:38-40).

Pretentious religious leaders glorify themselves, not God. We must beware of them.


Beware of false teachers.

We must beware of those who introduce teachings and practices that are contrary to sound doctrine, that deviate from the original teaching of Christ and His apostles: “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1).

Jesus warns about their deceptive appearance and tells us how to identify them: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15, 16).

Jesus warned His followers against two prevalent errors: “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6). The disciples did not know what He meant by leaven until He clarified it. “Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:12).

The Pharisees and Sadducees were the two major denominations among the Jews at the time of Christ. They both taught false doctrine.

The Sadducees rejected most of the Old Testament outright, recognizing only the five books of Moses. They did not believe in a resurrection, in angels, or in spirits (Acts 23:8). They were liberalistic in their interpretation and application of Scripture.

The Pharisees were “the strictest sect” of the Jews (Acts 26:5), but their piety was superficial. Jesus told them, “You pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith” (Matthew 23:23); “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark 7:9). They were also “lovers of money” (Luke 16:14).

Thus, we are duly warned to beware of these doctrinal errors, which are still prevalent today: a liberalistic interpretation and application of Scripture, and a superficial piety that exalts human doctrine above the word of God.

Jesus refers to these errors as leaven because they spread easily.


Beware of those who base doctrine on the Old Covenant.

In the early church certain false teachers tried to impose requirements of the Old Covenant, such as circumcision and Sabbath-keeping, on Christians (Colossians 2:11-17). Paul warns against them in the harshest of terms, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:2, 3).


Beware of those who base doctrine on philosophy and human traditions.

Paul warns: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8, 9).

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).

Referring to John’s baptism, Jesus asked the Jewish leaders, “Was it from heaven or from men?” (Mark 11:30). We ought to ask this question about all religious principles, doctrines and practices: Is it from heaven or from men? Everything that is not from God must be rejected.

Beware!
During a recent walk I saw on a gate: “Beware! Poisonous frogs!” Although I doubt that poisonous frogs were lurking behind that gate, they really do exist! Touch the moisture on the back of a Yellow Golden Poison Dart Frog and put your finger in your mouth, and almost instantly you die. As the name indicates, their poison was used on arrows. They are among the most poisonous creatures on earth.

It is certainly wise to be wary of poisonous frogs, vicious dogs, and a nuclear holocaust. But even more we must beware of spiritual dangers.

“Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 17:3). “Take heed what you hear” (Mark 4:24). “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4). “Take heed , watch and pray” (Mark 13:33).

God warns us to beware of falling away through the deceitfulness of sin, to beware of persecutors, to beware of money-loving religious leaders who exalt themselves, to beware of false teachers who interpret the Scriptures liberalistically, to beware of false teachers who follow their own rigid regulations rather than the Scriptures, to beware of false teachers who base doctrine on the Old Covenant, on philosophy or on human traditions.

Peter’s warning in 1 Peter 5:8, 9 is applicable: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.” Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

The difference that makes a difference by Gary Rose

I seem to remember that brother Ed Healy posted the picture of a cat on Facebook this week. I liked it so much that I shared it and to my surprise, quite a few people "liked" it as well. This "puddy cat" with tiger markings made me think of a tiger so much that I downloaded this picture of a real tiger as well.

If you compare them, I think you will be able to see the differences. 

Humm, what about those who claim to be followers of Jesus???

And the Scripture says...

Matthew, Chapter 7 (WEB)

 ²¹  Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  ²²  Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’   ²³  Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’ (emp. added GDR)

  ²⁴  “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.  ²⁵  The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.   ²⁶  Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand.   ²⁷ The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

 AND

Matthew, Chapter 17 (WEB)

 ¹ After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.  ² He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.  ³ Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. 

  ⁴ Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 

  ⁵ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” (emp. added, GDR)

The point here is this: true followers differ from "look-a-likes" in that they really listen and actually do what Jesus wants them to do. And ultimately, it will be the difference between being with Jesus or not!

Question for the day: Into which category do I fall???

"THE BOOK OF PROVERBS" Wisdom Regarding Riddles by Mark Copeland

                         "THE BOOK OF PROVERBS"

                        Wisdom Regarding Riddles

INTRODUCTION

1. In the prologue of Proverbs, among the purposes of the book stated is
   this one...
   a. "To understand a proverb and an enigma,"
   b. "The words of the wise and their riddles." - Pr 1:6

2. According to the Preacher's Commentary...
   a. "Proverbs that begin with clusters of questions may be classified
      as riddles or their offspring (see Pr 23:29-30; 30:4)"
   b. "As may be some of the numerical sayings in chapters 6 and 30."

3. Among the more picturesque riddles are the numerical sayings of King
   Agur...
   a. Containing observations of common things in groups of four or more
      - Pr 30:1,11-31
   b. Shedding light on human behavior and conveying moral truth - Roy
      Harbison

[In this study, we shall consider the numerical sayings of King Agur,
first posing them in the form of actual riddles.  For example...]

I. WHAT ARE FOUR CLASSES OF EVIL DOERS?

   A. THOSE THAT DESPISE THEIR PARENTS...
      1. Who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers - Pro
         30:11
      2. Whose end is graphically depicted later in this chapter - Pro
         30:17; cf. also 20:20

   B. THOSE THAT ARE BLIND TO THEIR FAULTS...
      1. Who are clean to their own eyes, but not washed of their filth
         - Pr 30:12
      2. Who may justify themselves, but will be judged by the Lord
         - Pr 21:2

   C. THOSE WHO ARE ARROGANT...
      1. With lofty eyes, who lift their eyelids high - Pr 30:13
      2. Clearly condemned elsewhere in Proverbs - Pr 6:17; 21:4

   D. THOSE WHO CONSUME THE POOR...
      1. With teeth like swords, and fangs like knives - Pr 30:14
      2. Who will themselves come to poverty - Pr 22:16

[Such conduct is indicative of an evil generation, and evidenced by some
living in the "last days" (2Ti 3:1-5).  Continuing with the numerical
sayings, we ask in the form of a riddle...]

II. WHAT THINGS ARE NEVER SATISFIED?

   A. THE LEECH...
      1. Who has two daughters:  Give and Give! - Pr 30:15
      2. The leech depicts those filled with insatiable greed, they are
         never satisfied - cf. Ec 5:10

   B. THE GRAVE...
      1. The grave (Sheol, the Hebrew word for the dead) can never be
         filled - Pr 30:16
      2. And so covetousness is insatiable like Hell (Sheol) and
         Destruction - cf. Pr 27:20

   C. THE BARREN WOMB...
      1. The woman who desperately wants to conceive and give birth
         - Pr 30:16
      2. Like Rachel said to Jacob, "Give me children, or else I die!"
         - cf. Gen 30:1

   D. THE EARTH...
      1. The dry earth that absorbs rain, soon wanting more - Pr 30:16
      2. Another illustration of insatiable greed

   E. THE FIRE...
      1. Which consumes as long as combustible matter is available - Pro
         30:16
      2. The final example of things never satisfied

[These five images appear designed to illustrate covetousness and greed.
Now for another "riddle"...]

III. WHAT THINGS ARE A WONDER TO BEHOLD?

   A. THE WAY OF AN EAGLE IN THE AIR...
      1. The grace and speed of an eagle in flight - Pr 30:18-19
      2. Soaring high in the sky, but then leaving no evidence behind

   B. THE WAY OF A SERPENT ON A ROCK...
      1. The slithering of a serpent - Pr 30:19
      2. Who leaves tracks on the sand, but not on a rock

   C. THE WAY OF A SHIP IN THE SEA...
      1. The sailing ship, tacking back and forth - Pr 30:19
      2. Progressing forward, but whose waves soon dissipate

   D. THE WAY OF A MAN WITH A VIRGIN...
      1. The mystery of courtship - Pr 30:19
      2. The exchange of affection and attraction between them

   E. THE WAY OF AN ADULTEROUS WOMAN...
      1. How she can commit adultery, and then claim innocence - Pro
         30:20
      2. Note:  "This is the way..." - tying this verse with the
         proceeding verses
      3. Thus she maneuvers, toying with affection and attraction like a
         man and a virgin, but like the eagle, serpent, and ship,
         believing she leaves nothing of substance behind

[These five images illustrate the ultimate wonder of adultery that
claims innocence.  The next "riddle" might be expressed in this way...]

IV. WHAT THINGS CAUSE TURMOIL?

   A. A SERVANT WHEN HE REIGNS...
      1. It normally is not fitting - Pr 30:21-22; cf. 19:10
      2. He becomes arrogant and overbearing, drunk with his new
         position - Believer's Bible Commentary (BBC)
      3. Like Jeroboam, such is the rule - Joseph was the exception

   B. A FOOL WHEN HE IS FILLED WITH FOOD...
      1. Having all that he desires to eat - Pr 30:22
      2. His prosperity causes him to be more insolent than ever - BBC

   C. A HATEFUL WOMAN WHEN SHE IS MARRIED...
      1. Who finally succeeds in getting married - Pr 30:23; cf. 21:9,
         19
      2. Her wretched disposition would normally have kept her single,
         but by some fluke, she lands a husband. Then she becomes
         imperious and haughty, taunting those who are still unmarried.
         - BBC

   D. A MAID SERVANT WHO SUCCEEDS HER MISTRESS...
      1. Who now rules over those who were once her equals - Pr 30:23
      2. She doesn't know how to act with refinement and grace, but is
         coarse, rude, and vulgar - BBC

[These scenarios contribute to social chaos.  Our next "riddle" reveals
examples of wise behavior...]

V. WHAT THINGS ARE LITTLE BUT WISE?

   A. THE ANTS...
      1. They are not strong, but they prepare their food in the summer
         - Pr 30:24-25
      2. A lesson for all, especially the sluggard - Pr 6:6-8
      3. The lesson:  plan ahead

   B. THE ROCK BADGERS...
      1. They are feeble, but they make their homes in the crags
         (cliffs) - Pr 30:26
      2. Where they are able to escape animals of prey or human hunters
         - Ps 104:18
      3. The lesson:  make wise choices

   C. THE LOCUSTS...
      1. They have no king, yet all advance in ranks - Pr 30:27
      2. Like a well-drilled army - cf. Joel 2:7-11,25
      3. The lesson:  work in unison with others

   D. THE SPIDER (LIZARD)...
      1. Skillfully grasps with its hands, and is in kings' palaces
         - Pr 30:28
      2. Newer translations have "lizard"; probably like a gecko
      3. The lesson:  skillfully persevere

[Much wisdom can be gleaned from observing God's creation, even its
smallest creatures.  Finally, we ask again in the form of a riddle...]

VI. WHAT THINGS ARE MAJESTIC?

   A. A LION...
      1. Mighty among beasts, turning away from none - Pr 30:29-30
      2. Majestic and unruffled as it walks - BBC

   B. A GREYHOUND (STRUTTING ROOSTER)...
      1. The Hebrew is uncertain (lit., "girded at the loins") - Pro
         30:31
      2. Whether greyhound or strutting rooster, both are stately in
         their walk

   C. A MALE GOAT...
      1. "a picture of noble bearing as it strides at the head of a
         flock" - BBC
      2. "which marches in the head of the flock in grave and stately
         manner, conducting them with great courage and resolution, and
         being ready to fight for them, either with beasts or men that
         oppose him" - Poole

   D. A KING WITH HIS TROOPS...
      1. "against whom there is no rising up" (KJV) - Pr 30:31
      2. How foolish then, to lift up oneself, to think evil, or to be
         angry (against such a king?) - cf. Pr 30:32-33

CONCLUSION

1. These "riddles" that we've considered are not always easy to
   understand...
   a. The Hebrew word actually means "dark saying, hard question" - cf.
      KJV, ASV
   b. Scholars vary quite a bit in their interpretation and application
      of these riddles

2. But for the most part, the riddles offer illustrations and lessons
   providing wisdom...
   a. On human behavior
   b. On moral truths

Such is the nature of the book of Proverbs.  Like the Old Testament as a
whole, it was written for our learning and admonition (cf. Ro 15:4; 1Co 
10:11).  I hope this study has increased your appreciate for Proverbs,
which like all Scripture...

   "...is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
   for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that
   the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good
   work." - 2Ti 3:16-17

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

"THE BOOK OF PROVERBS" Wisdom Regarding Money by Mark Copeland

                         "THE BOOK OF PROVERBS"

                         Wisdom Regarding Money

INTRODUCTION

1. People often have conflicting ideas about money...
   a. Some say that it is sinful to be rich; others, that it is a virtue
      to be poor
   b. Many think that money provides the ultimate security

2. The Bible says a great deal about money...
   a. It speaks about earning and spending, saving and giving
   b. It even warns about wasting our money

3. The Book of Proverbs in particular discusses issues related to
   money...
   a. Such as wealth and poverty
   b. Such as generosity and greed

[What wisdom can be gleaned from Proverbs concerning money?  Let's first
consider what is said regarding...]

I. WEALTH AND POVERTY

   A. REGARDING WEALTH...
      1. Wealth does have its advantages
         a. A degree of security - Pr 10:15; 18:11; e.g., 13:8
         b. Companionship of 'friends' - Pr 14:20; 19:4,6-7
         c. Power or influence - Pr 22:7
         d. The ability to speak more freely - Pr 18:23
      2. But wealth does not provide everything
         a. It does not deliver us from death - Pr 10:2; 11:4
         b. Those who trust in their riches will fall - Pr 11:28
      3. The acquisition of wealth
         a. Must be gained honestly, such as through labor - Pr 13:11
         b. Best if by labor, not inherited - Pr 20:21
         c. Best if gained gradually, not with haste - Pr 28:20,22
         d. Wealth acquired unscrupulously is temporary and bitter - Pro
            20:17; 21:5-6; 28:8
      4. Keeping wealth in perspective
         a. Do not overwork to be rich - Pr 23:4
         b. Riches easily disappear - Pr 23:5
      -- Wealth can be blessing, but it can easily become a curse;
         wisdom makes the difference!

   B. REGARDING POVERTY...
      1. Some are poor because of circumstances beyond their control
         a. The greed of others - Pr 30:14
         b. Usury and extortion - Pr 28:8
      2. Others are poor because of their own sinful conduct
         a. Laziness - Pr 6:6-11; 10:4; 14:23; 20:13; 24:30-34
         b. Refusing to heed correction - Pr 13:18
         c. Pleasure seeking - Pr 21:17
         d. Drunkenness, gluttony - Pr 23:21
         e. Wasting time on frivolous things - Pr 12:11; 28:19
      -- Poverty is not always self-inflicted, but in many cases it is!

[Poverty also comes from other causes (natural disasters, God's
chastisement, persecution, even voluntary choice).  But as most
Christians today are blessed with relative wealth, let's now consider
what wisdom can be gleaned from Proverbs regarding the use of our
money...]

II. GENEROSITY AND GREED

   A. REGARDING GENEROSITY...
      1. The expression of generosity
         a. Toward the needy (giving to the poor) - Pr 28:27
         b. Toward the Lord (honoring Him with our first fruits) - Pro
            3:9
      2. The benefits of generosity
         a. Natural benefits (the inherent joy of giving) - Pr 11:17;
            14:21
         b. Divine benefits (the blessing of the Lord) - Pr 3:10; 11:
            24-25; 19:17
      -- For true happiness, with the Lord as our Benefactor, we must be
         generous

   B. REGARDING GREED...
      1. The qualities of greed
         a. Insatiable desires (like a leech) - Pr 30:15-16
         b. Laziness - Pr 21:25-26
         c. Hypocrisy - Pr 23:6-8
      2. The danger of greed
         a. Troubles one's self - Pr 1:19
         b. Troubles one's family - Pr 15:27
   -- To avoid misery, for ourselves and others, we must not be greedy

CONCLUSION

1. With the aid of the Book of Proverbs, we can have wisdom regarding...
   a. Wealth and poverty
   b. Generosity and greed

2. With the blessing of the Lord, we can experience both...
   a. Wealth that comes from honest labor
   b. Generosity that springs from a merciful heart

Certainly there is no place for arrogance and abuse when we have been
materially blessed:

   The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker
   of them all. - Pr 22:2

   He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors
   Him has mercy on the needy. - Pr 14:31

May the Lord give us the wisdom and grace to use our wealth properly...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

"THE BOOK OF PROVERBS" Wisdom Regarding Authority by Mark Copeland

                         "THE BOOK OF PROVERBS"

                       Wisdom Regarding Authority

INTRODUCTION

1. Throughout life, we must deal with the matter of authority...
   a. Sometimes we find ourselves in positions of authority (boss,
      parent, elder, president)
   b. Most of the time we find ourselves having to submit to authority
      (employee, child, citizen)

2. Wisdom regarding authority is a virtue often lacking...
   a. People with authority frequently do poorly, even abusing their
      authority
   b. People under authority don't always handle it gracefully, making
      their situation worse

3. In Proverbs, we find wisdom regarding authority...
   a. Mostly spoken in terms pertaining to the rule of a king or prince
   b. Which can easily be applied to other areas involving authority
      (work, family, church)

[In this study, we shall seek to summarize what is said in Proverbs
about the subject of authority, beginning with some...]

I. WISDOM FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY

   A. THEIR DUTIES...
      1. To make judgments - Pr 16:10; 25:2
         a. Those in authority are often called upon to make decisions
         b. Decisions that affect those under their authority
      2. To administer justice - Pr 20:8,26; 29:4a,14
         a. Such is the responsibility of those in authority
         b. Not for their personal benefit, but for those under their
            authority
      -- Whether one is a king, a company CEO or manager, an elder, or a
         parent, God expects them to exercise authority with justice

   B. THEIR QUALITIES...
      1. They must be righteous - Pr 16:10,12
         a. Necessary to administer justice
         b. To judge righteously and fairly
      2. Free of evil influence - Pr 25:4-5
         a. Such as covetousness, the love of material things - Pr 28:
            15-16
         b. Such as bribery, the tool of many 'lobbyists' - Pr 29:4
         c. Such as women and alcohol, bane of many politicians and
            businessmen - Pr 31:1-5
      3. They must be fair and merciful - Pr 31:8-9
         a. For those unable to speak for themselves
         b. For those who are poor and needy
      -- Those in authority need the qualities that will ensure
         righteous and merciful judgment

[In other words, the same sort of judgment they would want if they
themselves were not in positions of authority!  Now for some...]

II. WISDOM FOR THOSE UNDER AUTHORITY

   A. THEIR DUTIES...
      1. To honor those in authority - Pr 24:21-22
         a. To fear (reverence, respect) them like we do the Lord
         b. Avoid those given to 'revolution', who often bring calamity
            on themselves
      2. To gain their favor, when possible and appropriate - Pr 16:15;
         19:12; 20:2
         a. For such favor can be a blessing
         b. And their wrath can be a curse
      -- Those in authority deserve our respect - for the position if
         not the occupant

   B. THEIR QUALITIES...
      1. Wise conduct, not shameful - Pr 14:35
      2. Righteous speech - Pr 16:13
      3. Purity of heart and graceful lips - Pr 22:11
      4. Excellence in one's work - Pr 22:29
      5. Self-control of one's passions and appetites - Pr 23:1-3
      6. Humility - Pr 25:6-7
      7. Patience and gentleness - Pr 25:15
      -- Such are the qualities that gain the favor of those in
         authority

CONCLUSION

1. If such wisdom regarding authority were commonplace...
   a. In nations
   b. In businesses
   c. In churches
   d. In families

2. Where those in authority...
   a. Fulfilled their duties with justice
   b. Were men and women of righteous conduct

3. Where those under authority...
   a. Respected those over them
   b. Gained the respect of those over them through their own conduct

Then how wonderful it would be!  With the aid of such wisdom as that
found in Proverbs, it can happen...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

The Quran and Throwing Stars by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=8&article=299

The Quran and Throwing Stars

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

In order for a book to demonstrate a divine origin, it must possess the attributes that accompany such a claim. For example, it must refrain from making statements that are outlandish and indicative of an author who was a simply a product of his times, and who shared in the common superstitions, mythology, and misconceptions that afflict humans unaided by supernatural agency.
With this in mind, examine the the Quran of the Muslim religion. The Quran makes several statements regarding heavenly “lamps” and their relationship to “devils.”

And verily in the heaven We have set mansions of the stars, and We have beautified it for beholders. And We have guarded it from every outcast devil, save him who stealeth the hearing, and them doth a clear flame pursue (Surah 15:16-18, emp. added).

Lo! We have adorned the lowest heaven with an ornament, the planets; with security from every forward devil. They cannot listen to the Highest Chiefs for they are pelted from every side, outcast, and theirs is a perpetual torment; save him who snatcheth a fragment, and there pursueth him a piercing flame (Surah 37:6-10, emp. added).

And (the Jinn who had listened to the Quran said): We had sought the heaven but had found it filled with strong warders and meteors. And we used to sit on places (high) therein to listen. But he who listened now findeth a flame in wait for him (Surah 72:8-9, emp. added).

And verily We have beautified the world’s heaven with lamps, and We have made them missiles for the devils, and for them We have prepared the doom of flame (Surah 67:5, emp. added).

The reader is given the distinct impression that Allah uses shooting stars, or meteors, as missiles to drive evil spirits or demons away from heaven (to prevent them from listening to heavenly conversations) and to torment them. Such language cannot be dismissed as merely figurative, poetic, or phenonmenal. Of course, Muslim apologists recognize the absurdity of the idea of physical objects being hurled at spiritual beings, so they offer an alternative explanation. They claim the verses in question refer to soothsayers and astrologers who seek signs from the stars, but who become frightened by meteorological phenomena (see Pickthall, n.d., pp. 408,417). We leave the reader to judge whether this interpretation accounts adequately for the wording of the quranic text.

REFERENCES

Pickthall, Mohammed M. (n.d.), The Meaning of the Glorious Koran (New York: Mentor).