1/31/22

Attitude–The Decisive Difference in Leadership by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2020/03/10/attitude-the-decisive-difference-in-leadership/#more-15609

Attitude–The Decisive Difference in Leadership

“It is one’s attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its successful outcome” wrote William James, often called “the father of modern psychology.”

Today’s Bible reading, Numbers 12-14, is a great illustration of that fact. It describes a familiar Bible narrative when Israel stood on the brink of inheriting the land of Canaan. Moses sent out 12 men to spy out the land and their report resulted in death and disaster for Israel.

By the way, do you know how many men of war died during the wilderness wanderings? (I’ll give you the answer at the end of this post).

It’s important to note from Numbers 13 that Moses chose the best of the best from every tribe of Israel. They were called the “heads.” “The chief among them.” “Leaders of the Israelites.” You know their names, right?

Shammua. Shaphat. Igal. Palti. Gaddiel. Gaddi. Ammiel. Sethur. Nahbi. Geuel.

No, I would guess no one knew the names of these 10 men. But every child who has attended Bible classes knows the names of the other two–Caleb and Joshua.

Why?

Because they possessed a different attitude. Their outlook on the 40 days of Cannan’s surveillance was in stark contrast to the other 10 spies, who brought back a “bad report.” One version rendered it “an evil report.”

Even though they admitted the land “flowed with milk and honey” and even brought its fruit, they didn’t believe they could conquer Canaan.

Note the difference in attitude.

The 10 said, “The people are strong.” Caleb and Joshua replied, “Don’t fear the people.”

The 10 observed, “The cities are walled.” Caleb and Joshua countered, “Their defense is departed from them.”

The 10 trembled, “We saw giants.” Caleb and Joshua assured, “They are bread for us.”

The 10 worried, “They are stronger than we.” Caleb and Joshua reminded, “The Lord is with us.”

The 10 felt, “The land devours its inhabitants.” Caleb and Joshua insisted, “The Lord will give us the land.”

The 10 conceded, “We are not able.” Caleb and Joshua defended, “We are well able.”

Finally, the 10 spies dejectedly viewed themselves as mere grasshoppers in the sight of the Canaanites. On the other hand Caleb and Joshua saw God’s favor, blessing and delight in this endeavor.

The 10 spies were self-effacing. Ungrateful. Rebellious. Fearful. And doubted God’s guidance, protection and deliverance.

In contrast, Caleb and Joshua were confident. Thankful. Obedient. Courageous. And faithfully trusted God’s providential care and His promises.

Unfortunately the negative report prevailed. The attitude of the 10 spies permeated the entire congregation. They cried and complained. They saw themselves as victims. And were ready to elect a new leader and return to Egypt. As a result, God punished Israel. So they were confined to wander in the wilderness another 38 years.

“Attitude is the little thing that makes a big difference,” opined the great British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. It was true in ancient Israel. It’s true today.

We need leaders in our homes that fear God. Who will bring up their children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).

We need older women who will teach the younger women what it means to truly be a Christian wife and mother (Titus 2:3-4).

We need older men to exhort younger men to be God’s man and learn to lead (Titus 2:6-8).

We need Christian teachers who are faithful and able to train others to be teachers of God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:2).

We need preachers who will “preach the Word,” whether folks like it or not. And who will not shun to “declare the whole counsel of God (2 Tim. 4:1-2; Ax 20:27)

We need pastors who will Shepherd the flock of God. Tend to spiritual matters. And cast a vision that will lead God’s people to greener pastures and more fruitful fields.

In short, we need more men and women with the attitude of Caleb and Joshua, whose actions ultimately brought them to the promised land.

As we live in uncertain times with negative forces trying to distract our focus, let us never forget the Lord is on our side. And we are well able to overcome.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

BTW, the answer? 603,548 men of war died in the wilderness (Num. 1:46; 13:29-30). They are legacy of the 10 negative spies.

Do not be deceived! by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/202101-DoNotBeDeceived.html

Do not be deceived!

There are many warnings about deception in the Scriptures.

What is deception?

One is led to believe something that is not true or not to believe something that is true.

We must avoid deceivers.

Paul wrote: “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). “For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped” (Titus 1:10).

We may not deceive others!

“You shall not bear false witness” (Matthew 19:18).

“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).

We must be careful not to spread the lies of others, either by mouth or by keyboard. Brainwashing and propaganda are powerful tools of deception used by the devil. Especially via the Internet, false ideas and slogans quickly spread to millions because people pass them on without checking whether they are true. Christians should be careful not to be virtual liars. Do not forward something without checking to be sure it is true.

“Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

In churches of Christ we are careful to avoid deception in religious matters. I assumed that Christians would be cautious in other areas as well. In recent months, however, I have been disappointed that many Christians have forwarded false statements without checking whether they are true!

Alertness is required!

“Let no one deceive you by any means” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). “Many deceivers have gone out into the world” (2 John 7).

“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:13-15).

Know the Scriptures!

To avoid being deceived, we must know the truth revealed in the Scriptures.

Jesus prayed for His followers: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). In Psalm 119 we read: “The entirety of Your word is truth” (verse 160). The Scriptures give warnings about deceivers: “These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you” (1 John 2:26).

Do not mislead yourself!

“Let no one deceive himself!” (1 Corinthians 3:18). “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless” (James 1:26). “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

Don't be fooled by pride.

“The pride of your heart has deceived you” (Obadiah 1:3). “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3).

Don't be fooled by associating with bad people!

“Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Don't be fooled by liars!

Lies abound, especially in the fields of religion and politics. Beware of people who repeatedly say things that are not true! There is a name for them: “Liars”!

God said about Israel in Jeremiah's day: “Everyone will deceive his neighbor, and will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies” (Jeremiah 9:5).

Why do people lie?

Some lie to harm others. A girl lied to the fiancé of her girl friend because she was jealous, and caused them to break up.

Secret services spread misinformation in an enemy country to harm its people and government.

People can die because of misinformation about an illness. Politicians spread lies about their opponents. People lie to hide something they have done wrong. People lie to hide a previous lie. Many lies are spread for financial gain. Some people are habitual liars; they lie their way through life.

Some lie for the fun of it. For ten years a false story has been spread on the Internet about a dog named Daisy who supposedly saved a thousand lives on 9/11. People like the story and forward it. The person who wrote the false story is probably “proud” that people are still being fooled by it!

Don't be fooled by the majority!

Just because many people believe something, does not make it true. Ten of the spies who went to see the promised land were wrong. Only two were right (Numbers 13:1-33).

"You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice" (Exodus 23:2).

The power of propaganda is that repeating a lie over and over, especially in the form of a slogan, causes many people to think it is true!

Don't be fooled by the smooth words of people who depart from the original gospel!

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17, 18).

“Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words” (Colossians 2:4). “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).

Don't be fooled by false prophets!

“For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed” (Jeremiah 29:8).

Jesus warned: “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).

John warned: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Don't be fooled by signs and wonders!

Jesus predicted: “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).

Don't be fooled by people who say, “The time is near!”

Jesus warned: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them” (Luke 21:8).

Don't be fooled by unrighteousness!

“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 John 3:7).

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called 'Today,' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).

“For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:5-7).

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

What have we learned?

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16).

There are many deceivers. Alertness is required. To avoid being deceive, we must know the truth revealed in the Scriptures. Don't be fooled by pride. Don't deceive yourself. Don't be fooled by associating with evil people. Beware of liars. Don't be deceived by blindly following the majority. Don't be fooled by the smooth words of people who depart from the original gospel. Don't be fooled by false prophets! Don't be fooled by signs and wonders. Don't be fooled by people who say, “The time is near!” Don't be deceived by unrighteousness.

The Bible contains many warnings that can help us distinguish between what is true and what is false. Do not be deceived!

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.

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

"CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?" Regarding Its All-Sufficiency For Salvation? by Mark Copeland

 








"CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?"

Regarding Its All-Sufficiency For Salvation?

INTRODUCTION
  1. Even though the Bible...
    1. Has been faithfully preserved and translated
    2. Contains the books that serve as our authority (canon) in religion
    3. Is inspired by God
    4. Can be understood
    -- There are some who deny the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures
  2. For example, some accept in addition to the Bible...
    1. Traditions of their church which have developed over the years
    2. Papal or ecclesiastical decrees
    -- Who allow such 'traditions' or 'decrees' to take precedence over the Scriptures
  3. Others accept in addition in to the Bible...
    1. Latter-day prophets
    2. Modern-day revelations
    -- Who allow such 'revelations' to take precedence over the Scriptures
  4. When people appeal to other sources for their authority in religion...
    1. They reject 'the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures'...
    2. Religious confusion is the fruit!
    -- The way out of religious confusion is to recognize the need for the same standard of authority, which ought to be the Scriptures alone!

[But are the Scriptures alone an all-sufficient guide? Consider the following arguments for 'the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures'...]

  1. THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD HAS BEEN PROCLAIMED
    1. IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE EPHESIAN ELDERS...
      1. Paul said he had held nothing back - Ac 20:20
      2. He had proclaimed "the whole counsel of God" - Ac 20:27
    2. HE ENTRUSTED THEM TO THE WORD OF GOD...
      1. Which was sufficient to "build you up" - Ac 20:32
      2. Which was sufficient to "give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" - Ac 20:32

      [Paul did not leave them to 'revelations' or 'apostles' yet to come, but to the Word of God which was sufficient to save them! Now let's turn to the words of Peter...]

  2. WE HAVE ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO LIFE AND GODLINESS
    1. PETER WROTE IN HIS SECOND EPISTLE...
      1. That God has given us "all things that pertain to life and godliness" - 2Pe 1:3
      2. Through the knowledge of Him who called us - 2Pe 1:3
    2. NOTE WELL WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN US...
      1. He has not given 'some' things, but 'all' things
      2. He has not given 'some' things now, with 'more' things to come later

      [Whatever I need for 'spiritual life' and 'godly conduct' has been revealed in God's Word! Regarding that revelation, let's now consider the words of Jude...]

  3. THE FAITH HAS BEEN REVEALED ONCE FOR ALL
    1. JUDE WROTE OF 'THE FAITH'...
      1. I.e., those things in which we are to believe
      2. That is was "once for all delivered to the saints" - Jude 3
    2. DELIVERED 'ONE TIME FOR ALL TIME'...
      1. In the Greek, 'once for all' is literally 'one time for all time'
      2. I.e., the faith (that body of knowledge we are to believe) was delivered one time for all time
      3. The faith wasn't partly revealed, with more to come through later revelations years later!
      4. The faith wasn't revealed just for that generation, with a different faith to be revealed for a generation yet future!

      [Therefore the task we have is "to contend earnestly for the faith", not be looking for a new faith to fit our desires or expectations! Finally, we turn now to the writing of Paul...]

  4. THE SCRIPTURES MAKE US COMPLETE, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK
    1. PAUL WROTE OF THE VALUE OF THE SCRIPTURES...
      1. That they are inspired of God, and profitable for:
        1. Doctrine and reproof
        2. Correction and instruction in righteousness - 2Ti 3:16
      2. They are capable of making one "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work"
        1. Not partial, but complete!
        2. Not some good works, but every good work! - 2Ti 3:17
        -- What tradition, decree of man, or modern day revelation, can do any more than the inspired Word of God?
    2. IN THE SCRIPTURES, WE HAVE ALL WE NEED...
      1. To believe in Jesus - Jn 20:30-31
      2. To have life in His name - Jn 20:30-31
      3. To have fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the apostles - 1Jn 1:3
      4. To have joy that is full - 1Jn 1:4
      5. To have help when we sin - 1Jn 2:1
      6. To know that we have eternal life - 1Jn 5:13
      7. To understand the revelation of the mystery of God - Ro 16:25-26; Ep 3:3-4
      8. To be fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom - 2Pe 1:8-11
      -- What else must one know or have?
CONCLUSION
  1. I hope I have given you reasons to place your faith in the Word of God, and it alone...!
    1. The whole counsel of God has been proclaimed!
    2. We have all things pertaining to life and godliness!
    3. The faith has been revealed once and for all!
    4. The Scriptures can make us complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work!
  2. Can we trust the Bible...?
    1. Yes, for it has been faithfully preserved and translated!
    2. Yes, for it contains the books that rightly serve as our canon (authority)!
    3. Yes, for it is inspired of God!
    4. Yes, for it can be understood!
    5. Yes, for it is an all-sufficient guide for salvation!
  3. Those who would deny such things are either...
    1. Atheists and skeptics who wish to reject the Bible which condemns their lifestyle
    2. Leaders of cults or man-made religions who desire your full allegiance to themselves

But in the words of the apostle Paul...

"I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)
Place your faith and trust in God and His Word alone, and you cannot go wrong!
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?" Regarding Its Ability To Be Understood? by Mark Copeland

 








"CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?"

Regarding Its Ability To Be Understood?

INTRODUCTION
  1. Some will acknowledge that the Bible...
    1. Has been faithfully preserved and translated
    2. Contains the books that serve as our authority (canon) in religion
    3. Is inspired by God
    -- Yet they contend that Bible cannot be understood
  2. Or at the very least they will argue...
    1. That we need a guide to help us (such as some church authority)
    2. Or that we need the help of the Holy Spirit to understand it
  3. Can the Bible be understood...?
    1. Is it so difficult that the common man cannot understand it?
    2. Is it so mysterious that only 'Spirit-led' people can comprehend it?

[In answer to such questions, let's first note that...]

  1. THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD
    1. REGARDING THE OLD TESTAMENT...
      1. It was written for our learning - cf. Ro 15:4
        1. Jesus expected people to understand it ("Have you not read...?") - Mt 12:3,5; 19:4
        2. Paul expected unbelieving Jews to understand it - Ac 17:2-3
        3. The Berean Jews were commended for searching the Scriptures - Ac 17:11
        4. Timothy understood much of it as a child - 2Ti 3:14-15
      2. Didn't some people need help to understand it?
        1. Such as the disciples? - Lk 24:25-27,44-47
        2. Such as the Ethiopian eunuch? - Ac 8:30-35
      3. Yes, because it contained a mystery yet to be revealed
        1. A mystery kept secret since the world began - Ro 16:25
        2. A mystery now made manifest to all nations - Ro 16:26
        3. A mystery now revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets - Ep 3:3-5
        -- With the aid of the New Testament, what was a mystery in the Old Testament can now be understood!
    2. REGARDING THE NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. The writers expected their readers to understand
        1. Luke wrote his gospel that one might know - Lk 1:1-4
        2. John wrote his gospel that one might believe - Jn 20:30-31
        3. Paul wrote for people to understand, to have his knowledge - 2Co 1:13; Ep 3:3-5
        4. John wrote his epistle that one might know - 1Jn 5:13
      2. Aren't some things hard to understand?
        1. Like some of the things Paul wrote? - 2Pe 3:15-16
        2. Like the book of Revelation?
      3. Yes, but that does not mean they cannot be understood
        1. It is the "untaught and unstable" that have problems - 2 Pe 3:16
        2. We are expected to grow in knowledge - 2Pe 3:18; Col 1:10
        3. As we mature, we are able to handle the "meat" - cf. He 5:11-14
        -- The New Testament was written to be understood, though in progressive stages

      [Not only was the Bible written to be understood, but consider this...]

  2. GOD EXPECTS US TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE
    1. HE EXPECTS US TO UNDERSTAND HIS WILL...
      1. He desires all men to come to a knowledge of the truth - 1 Ti 2:3-4
      2. He commands it of His children - Ep 5:17
      -- Would God desire and command that which is impossible?
    2. HE EXPECTS US TO UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE...
      1. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers - Jn 17:20
      2. Paul commanded Christians to have the same mind - 1Co 1:10-13; Php 2:2
      3. There are essentials on which we must be united - e.g., Ep 4:3-6
      -- Did Jesus and Paul demand that which is unattainable?

    [Yet is evident that many do not understand the Bible, nor do they understand it alike. Why...?]

  3. WHY SOME DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE
    1. REASONS OFTEN GIVEN...
      1. "It can't be understood"
        1. We seen that it was written to be understood
        2. To say that man cannot understand is to impugn God's ability to provide a revelation
      2. "Only 'Spirit-filled' people can understand it"
        1. This belief actually contributes to much misunderstanding and division over the Bible
          1. Everyone claims the Spirit is leading them to their own understanding
          2. Others are wrong because they don't have the Spirit's leading
        2. It is based upon a misreading and misapplication of 1Co 2:14
          1. That one cannot understand spiritual things without the help of the Spirit
          2. Including understanding the Bible, that it requires the Spirit's aid
        3. But note the context - 1Co 2:6-13
          1. Paul is contrasting God's wisdom with the wisdom of this world
          2. The world with its wisdom cannot know what God has prepared
          3. What is known in the mind of God comes only through divine revelation
        4. Note carefully the process:
          1. God has prepared things which man cannot perceive on his own - 1Co 2:9
          2. God has revealed them to the apostles through His Spirit who alone knows the mind of God - 1Co 2:10-11
      3. The apostles received that which the Spirit revealed, that we might know the things given to us by God - 1Co 2:12
      4. The apostles speak that which they received, using words of the Spirit, not words of human wisdom - 1Co 2:13
      5. Here, then, is the proper meaning of 1Co 2:14-16
        1. The 'natural man' is one who depends upon human wisdom (such as the 'rulers of the age')
          1. Without the benefit of divine revelation
          2. Who therefore is unable to receive the things of the Spirit of God
          3. Who depending only on human wisdom considers the things of God foolishness
          4. The 'spiritual man' is one who has the Spirit (such as the apostles)
            1. Who has been given divine revelation of God's will
            2. Who is therefore able to judge all things, and is judged by no one
            3. For such has been given the mind of the Lord (Christ)
          5. Paul is therefore contrasting himself (and the apostles) with uninspired men
        2. Remember now what Paul wrote in Ep 3:3-5
          1. God has revealed what was unknown (the mystery) to the apostles and prophets by His Spirit
          2. Who in turn have written what they received
          3. Whereby when we read, we can now understand their knowledge!
          -- We don't need some special guidance of the Spirit to understand the Word; the Word of God itself is the Spirit's own revelation of God's will!
    2. THE REAL REASONS...
      1. Many make little or no effort
        1. They rarely read and study the Bible
        2. They therefore remain ignorant
        3. They remain babes in their knowledge and understanding
      2. Many study for the wrong reasons
        1. They may spend a lot of time studying, but with improper motives
        2. To prove themselves right (reading only to justify their conduct or beliefs)
        3. To prove others wrong (reading only to find arguments to support their position)
      3. Many fail to apply their God-given common sense
        1. Such as looking up words they don't understand
        2. Such as defining words in their context
        3. Such as taking into consideration all that God's word says on a subject
        4. Such as studying the Bible the way it was written
          1. Book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse
          2. Starting at the beginning, reading through to the end
          -- The problem is not with God's Word; the problem is slothful, sloppy handling of God's word - cf. 2Ti 2:15
CONCLUSION
  1. The Bible can be understood...
    1. By children
    2. By truth seekers
    3. By babes in Christ
    -- Though parts of it will always challenge even the mature Christian
  2. God desires that all be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth - 1Ti 2:4
    1. He gave His Son as a ransom - 1Ti 2:5-6
    2. He sent His Spirit to guide us into all the truth - Jn 16:13
    -- Through His apostles and prophets His truth and salvation can be known!

The question is not whether God's word can be understood, but whether we will make an honest and sincere effort to understand and obey it!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?" Regarding Its Inspiration By God? by Mark Copeland

 








"CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?"

Regarding Its Inspiration By God?

INTRODUCTION
  1. Christians accept as their "canon" the 66 books of the Bible...
    1. The 39 books of the Old Testament
    2. The 27 books of the New Testament
  2. They view the Bible as "inspired" of God...
    1. Literally, "God-breathed" (Gr., theopneustos)
    2. That its scriptures were given by the Holy Spirit, and are not simply the words of men
  3. The Bible claims such inspiration...
    1. It speaks of scripture inspired of God - 2Ti 3:16-17
    2. It tells of men speaking as they were moved by the Holy Spirit - 2Pe 1:20-21
    3. It contains claims by those who spoke words revealed by the Spirit - 1Co 2:9-13

[But what evidence is there that Bible is actually inspired of God? There are several which we will briefly enumerate...]

  1. THE UNITY OF THE BIBLE
    1. THE BIBLE CONTAINS 66 BOOKS, WRITTEN...
      1. Over a 1600 year span
      2. Over a period of 40 generations
      3. By approximately 40 authors from every walk of life; e.g.:
        1. Moses, political leader trained in the universities of Egypt
        2. Peter, fisherman
        3. Amos, herdsman
        4. Joshua, military general
        5. Nehemiah, cup bearer to a king
        6. Daniel, prime minister
        7. Luke, a physician
        8. Solomon, king
        9. Matthew, tax collector
        10. Paul, tentmaker and rabbi
      4. In different places
        1. Moses in the wilderness
        2. Jeremiah in a dungeon
        3. Daniel on a hillside and in a palace
        4. Paul inside prison walls
        5. Luke while traveling
        6. John in exile an the isle of Patmos
        7. Others in the rigors of military campaign
      5. At different times
        1. David in times of war
        2. Solomon in times of peace
      6. During different moods
        1. Some writing from the heights of joy
        2. Others from the depths of sorrow and despair
      7. On three continents: Asia - Africa - Europe
      8. In three languages: Hebrew - Aramaic - Greek
      9. Which subject matter includes hundreds of controversial topics
        1. The origin of man and the universe
        2. The nature of God
        3. The nature of sin and man's redemption
    2. YET THERE IS HARMONY AND CONTINUITY...
      1. For example:
        1. "The Paradise Lost of the book of Genesis becomes the Paradise Regained of Revelation"
        2. "Whereas the gate to the tree of life is closed in Genesis, it is opened forevermore in Revelation."
        -- Geisler and Nix
      2. Compare the continuity of the Bible with any other such writings of man
        1. Imagine what you would have if you just took ten authors...
          1. From one walk of life, one generation, one place, one time, one mood one continent, one language
          2. Speaking on one controversial subject
        2. You would have a conglomeration of ideas, not harmony!

        [The reason for the unity of the Bible? The writers were all moved by the same Holy Spirit (2Pe 1:20-21), providing evidence that the Bible is inspired! There is also...]

  2. THE SCIENTIFIC FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE
    1. THE NATURE OF THIS ARGUMENT...
      1. In the Bible there are scientific truths
        1. Unknown by man with all his wisdom and resources
        2. Stated as facts hundreds of years in advance of the discovery of these truths by men
      2. The writers of the Bible could have known these facts only through inspiration
        1. They could not have known such things on their own
        2. They must have had divine help, i.e., inspiration from God
    2. A FEW EXAMPLES...
      1. The roundness of the earth - Isa 40:22
      2. The suspension of the earth in space - Job 26:7
      3. The currents in the seas - Ps 8:8
      4. The springs in the seas - Job 38:16
      5. All nations of one blood - Ac 17:26

      [Such things were not known or confirmed by man until modern times, with the aid of scientific instruments. Yet such knowledge reveals the Omniscient Mind that moved the writers of the Bible! More evidence of inspiriation...]

  3. THE FULFILLED PROPHECIES IN THE BIBLE
    1. THE NATURE OF THIS ARGUMENT...
      1. The prophecies foretold events in detail that were beyond the scope of human speculation
      2. How did the writers or speakers do it?
        1. They attributed it to God!
        2. And God declared that such evidence was a proof of His existence and superiority over men and all heathen gods - Isa 41:21-24; 42:8-9; 46:8-11
    2. A FEW EXAMPLES...
      1. The fall of Babylon, written two hundred years before it occurred - Isa 13:17-22
      2. The fall of Egypt, that it would be destroyed more by civil war than by outside forces - Isa 19:1-4
      3. The fall of Nineveh, with its utter desolation - Zeph 2:13-15
      4. The fall of Tyre, with its becoming a place for the spreading of nests - Ezek 26:1-5
      5. There are the prophecies concerning Christ - cf. Lk 24:44-45
        1. It has been stated there 332 prophecies fulfilled in Christ - Henry Liddon
        2. The mathematical probability that all could be fulfilled in one person by chance alone has been calculated as one in 84 times ten to the 123rd power (84 followed by 123 zeroes)
        -- Cf. Introduction To Christian Evidences, Ferrell Jenkins, pp. 87-107
      6. There are prophecies by Christ, such as the destruction of Jerusalem
        1. Foretold in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21
        2. Fulfilled in A.D. 70, when Rome destroyed Jerusalem
CONCLUSION
  1. This study barely touches the hem of the garment...
    1. Volumes have been written on the subject
    2. My purpose has been to summarize the evidence
  2. We have examined objective evidence of inspiration, such as...
    1. The unity of the Bible
    2. The scientific foreknowledge of the Bible
    3. The fulfilled prophecies in the Bible
  3. There is also the subjective evidence of inspiration that comes by simply reading and heeding the Bible - cf. Ro 10:17; Jn 7:16-17

There are some who question whether any can understand the Bible by simply reading it. That question we shall address in our next study...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

God, perspective and true obedience

 


Question: how many deer are in this picture? One or three. Depends on whether or not this is a time-lapsed composite picture, doesn’t it? Yes, there are many, many things that are difficult to truly understand.


Yesterday, I enjoyed an excellent sermon by Caleb Colley ( Lakeside church of Christ in Florida) entitled “Choosing friends” see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OIQxwumrHM&t=1680s. He started with the following verse and quoted many, many others, especially from the book of Proverbs.

1 Corinthians 15 ( World English Bible )

33 Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”


Later, in the afternoon I watched a movie called “Arrival”, made in 2016 with Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker. An unusually good Sci-Fi flick with some thought provoking questions about communication, time and others. At the end of the movie my wife Linda said that she missed the point of the ending. I told her what I thought: The movie was about communication; really understanding another person’s point of view and not making too many assumptions. In this movie, aliens used circular forms of “drawings” made with mist to communicate. Unlike humans, these beings did not view time as linear, but rather circular. Now, that is a difficult thing to understand!


Still later that day, I thought about not only choosing friends, but about being one. And then the following passage came to mind…

John 15 ( WEB )

10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love.

11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.


God in the flesh, explaining to mere human beings how to be HIS friend. Sounds simple, but really it is not. God, the creator of the universe, someone for whom time is NOT LINEAR explaining friendship. God, who is a being of absolutes (Love, Perfection, Holiness, Intelligence etc.) schooling beings of many limitations. Then I thought of this passage from the book of Isaiah...

Isaiah 55 ( WEB )

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” says Yahweh.

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

11 so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do.


In both the movie and the John passage the recipients were being given a gift – of friendship. The path forward is a choice of the hearer; accept the gift or not. Only time will tell what we will do. Why not really listen to Jesus and accept his friendship by obeying his commandments while you still have the chance?


1/25/22

A message for today by Gary Rose

 



I listened to this again today and thought to myself how appropriate it is for the year 2022. I remember the original Simon and Garfunkle release as being wonderful, but this new rendition has surpassed their efforts.

 

Today, this song is even more applicable to our country than the original was, many, many years ago. The United States of America is rapidly changing from a Republican Democracy to a totalitarian Communist state. Our freedoms are quickly disappearing before our very eyes.The government wants control of our bodies, our children and frankly our entire lives.

 

Crime and inflation are rampant, our nation is becoming a third world joke as I write this and unless things change  radically, censorship will eliminate any form of dissent by anyone ( except the government elite of course ).

 

Sin has been renamed into something more palatable, then tolerated and now widely accepted. Persecution has begun. Those who do not agree with our Communist representatives will soon be imprisoned or worse. I wonder, how long will it be before anyone who even mentions GOD will have to endure the final form of persecution - DEATH.


Wake up, America! Remove the criminals in government, imprison them for the rest of their lives and those who have committed treason, punish to the uttermost!


Our country needs a spiritual revival. If this isn't done, then Christianity will become illegal. Act before it is too late. Do not resort to violence, but use every legal means to bring about a truly civilized society once again.


 

 



1/24/22

The Power of our Thoughts by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2021/09/16/the-power-of-our-thoughts/#more-20478

The Power of our Thoughts

Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself. He also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace wrote, 19th century British author, James A. Allen.

In this classic book, As He Thinketh, Allen further observes, “By the right choice and true application of thought, man ascends to the Divine Perfection; by the abuse and wrong application of thought, he descends below the level of the beast. Between these two extremes are all the grades of character, and man is their maker and master. “

“Of all the beautiful truths pertaining to the soul which have been restored and brought to light in this age, none is more gladdening or fruitful of divine promise and confidence than this – that man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.”

Allen’s observations only reflect the truth stated in Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” 

Consider these three applications of this Biblical axiom.

#1 Our Thoughts Determine our Character.

The kind of person we are is the result of the kind of thoughts we have been thinking. Jesus affirmed that this is so. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19)

The wise man also said, “The thoughts of the righteous are right; but the counsels of the wicked are deceit” (Prov. 12:5). The righteous don’t think right thoughts because they are righteous, but they are righteous because they think right thoughts.

If we are to become the kind of person that God wants us to be, if must begin with the right kind of thinking. Indeed as Emerson said, “A man is what he thinks about all day long.”

#2 Our Thoughts Precede our Actions.  

Since we are what we think, what we do will be the result of what we are thinking about.

For example, Paul said in Acts 26:9, “I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” Why did he do these things? Because he thought about them. Also, when Simon sinned in Acts 8, Peter indicated that his evil action came about as a result of the thought of his heart (v. 22).

A person’s thinking is so important because it determines his deeds. Good deeds result from good thinking; bad deeds result from bad thinking. While it is important to always correct our wrong deeds, it is more important to correct our wrong thinking.

#3 Our Thoughts Fortell Our Circumstances.

This is a general principle. Obviously, some events beyond our control may happen in life that affect us adversely. But it is usually true that our lot in life has been determined by our thoughts. Solomon said, “The thoughts of the diligent tend to the plenteous; but of every one that is hasty only to want” (Prov. 21:5).

James A. Allen expressed it this way, “The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors; that which it loves; and also that which it fears.

Even when bad things happen to good people who’ve been thinking righteous thoughts, our attitude and thinking will determine the way we deal and feel about misfortune. Paul demonstrated this kind of thinking in the different situations of his life (Phil. 4:11-13).

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:11-13)

Samuel Smiles challenges us to right thinking when he wrote:

Sow a thought, and you reap an act;

Sow an act, and you reap a habit;

Sow a habit, and you reap a character;

Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Does the Water Regenerate? Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/does-the-water-regenerate/

Does the Water Regenerate?


Dave Miller, Ph.D.
 
 
Baptism Doctrinal Matters
From Issue: R&R – November 2021

Q:

Do you believe that when a person is baptized that it is the water itself that regenerates? Or do you believe that when a person is baptized it is the washing by the Holy Spirit that regenerates?

A:

The water certainly has no cleansing power whatsoever. The only reason why Peter could say that “baptism saves” (1 Peter 3:21) is because that is the point at which we are forgiven of sin based on the sacrifice of Christ. Hence, it is Christ’s blood—and only His blood—that cleanses sin (1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 1:5). [Recall that Peter clarified his “baptism saves” statement by adding “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” So baptism “now saves” via the atoning work of Christ, i.e., His death, burial, and resurrection—which is the Gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).] The H2O of baptism is parallel to the water of the Jordan in 2 Kings 5. Naaman’s leprosy was not cleansed by those waters—but by God Himself the moment Naaman met the terms/conditions of cleansing (i.e., immersing 7 times). Similarly, the waters of the Pool of Siloam possessed no healing power. It was solely Jesus who restored sight to the blind man—on the condition that the man would go to that pool and apply the water to the mud Jesus had smeared on his eyes (John 9:7). Neither water nor mud, then or now, has any cleansing capability. They were merely mediums/conduits Jesus used to impart the blessing of physical cleansing to the blind man. The same may be said of the waters of baptism. God has always used physical conditions as preludes to His blessings, but the power remains within God’s own mind. Hence, salvation occurs in God’s mind the very moment a person complies with God’s stipulated condition(s). Water baptism is not the HOW of salvation—but, rather, the WHEN.

Regarding the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5) by allowing Scripture to interpret itself [see AP’s book Baptism & the Greek Made Simple, p. 142], it becomes apparent that the Holy Spirit regenerates people via His Gospel message which instructs the individual to be immersed in water. The term “Spirit” in John 3:5, 1 Corinthians 12:13, and Titus 3:5 all refer to the message (“word”—Ephesians 5:26) that the Holy Spirit provided via inspired writers/spokesmen. When that same message is presented to hearers today, requiring them to manifest faith, repentance, oral confession, and immersion in water (Romans 10:17; 2:4; 10:9-10; 6:3-4), and the individual complies with those prerequisites to salvation, when that individual rises from the water of baptism, he/she may then be said to have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit (i.e., based on the blood sacrifice of Christ, the Holy Spirit regenerated the individual by means of His stipulated prerequisites to cleansing by that blood). The Holy Spirit regenerates people via their obedience to the Gospel. Notice how Peter words it: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:22-23). “Through the Spirit” is a textual variant that may not have been in the original text, but it is nevertheless an accurate representation of the facts, since the only way for anyone to receive salvation from God is for Him to tell us how we may do so. God did so via the Gospel message authored by the Holy Spirit. When we read Scripture and implement its instructions in our lives, we are being influenced and instructed by the Spirit.

What is the meaning of life? by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/202102-MeaningOfLife.html

What is the meaning of life?

This question is often asked by someone who feels that his life has little meaning. He wonders who he is and why he is here. Maybe a better question is: “How can I find meaning in life?” or even “How can I make my life meaningful?”

The Bible gives God’s answers to these questions!

Your life can have meaning, from a Christian perspective, through:
1. your family;
2. your friends;
3. your work;
4. your service;
5. your faith.

The Scriptures enable us to live meaningful lives because they teach us truths about ourselves, others, and the world in which we live.

We find many answers in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Our origin, identity and mission are stated.

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

We are created in the image of God!

This explains both our origin and our identity. We are a creation of God. Adam is called “the son of God” (Luke 3:38). We are God’s offspring (Acts 17:28, 29). God is our Father!

Our life, as an image bearer of God, has meaning regardless of our circumstances! We understand our identity better when we learn about God and His attributes from the Scriptures. This enables us to follow our Father’s example and to obey His instructions. This gives meaning to our lives.

Family relationships give meaning to our lives.

God created us male and female. This is an extremely important aspect of our identity and of the meaning of our lives.

The continuation of life is an important part of the meaning of life. “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it’” (Genesis 1:28).

The husband-wife relationship gives meaning to life. “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). “Live joyfully with the wife whom you love” (Ecclesiastes 9:9).

The parent-child relationship gives meaning to life. “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father” (Proverbs 17:6).

These relationships give meaning and great joy to life when the Creator’s instructions are followed.

People who are not blessed with a marriage partner or children, can have spiritual children through the good influence they have on others. The Messiah, who did not have physical children, says: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me” (Hebrews 2:13). Paul, who was single, calls Timothy: “my beloved and faithful son in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17).

Friends give meaning to our lives.

“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel” (Proverbs 27:9).

“Friends” is one of the designations for Christians! John closes his third letter with, “Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name” (3 John 14).

Meaning is given to the life of a Christian by these spiritual relationships in the church of Christ.

First of all, we have a relationship with Jesus who said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14) and “Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Paul encourages Christians: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love” (Romans 12:10).

Productive work gives meaning to our lives.

“Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor” (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

God told Adam and Eve to subdue the earth and to “have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28).

God also works! “Jesus answered them, ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working’” (John 5:17). We are made in the image of our Creator, so we also are able to work and create, and we find fulfilment in doing so!

Because rest is required to enable us to work, rest also adds meaning to our lives.

God created us so that we spend about a third of each day sleeping. After creation, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3). The law of Moses provided for a weekly day of rest. Jesus gives rest to Christians: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Notice that rest is appreciated by those who labor. After our work on earth is done, we can look forward to an eternal rest (Hebrews 4:9).

After a busy time, Jesus told His disciples: “‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31). A well-earned holiday can add meaning to life!

Serving others gives meaning to our lives.

Jesus encourages us to serve others explaining that He himself “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

The life of someone who serves is meaningful.

Paul told the Ephesian elders: “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).

Some people mistakenly think that amassing wealth gives meaning to life. But Jesus warned, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). In Ecclesiastes, Solomon, one of the wealthiest men who ever lived, said that all material gain is vanity.

The Christian faith gives meaning to our lives.

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

A Christian not only knows where he came from, he also knows where he is going. His hope - based on the promises of God - reaches beyond the grave. Like Abraham, he seeks “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

Helping to spread the gospel of Christ gives meaning to the life of a Christian.

What a privilege that we may proclaim God’s message of salvation to the world! What could be more meaningful than helping someone inherit eternal life. Our assignment is: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15, 16).

What have we learned?

In the Bible, God explains the meaning of life. Because we are created in the image of God, we understand the meaning of our lives better, the more we learn about God.

Meaning is given to life by:
our family;
our friends;
our work;
our service;
our Christian faith.

“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). To glorify God is the ultimate meaning of life!
Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers, unless indicated otherwise.

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

"CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?" Regarding Its Canonicity? (New Testament) by Mark Copeland

 








"CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?"

Regarding Its Canonicity? (New Testament)

INTRODUCTION
  1. We are examining the canonicity of the Bible...
    1. The word "canon" means a rule or standard for anything
    2. For early Christians, it meant the rule of faith, what is accepted as authoritative Scripture
  2. Our previous study considered the canonicity of the Old Testament...
    1. Why Christians accept the Hebrew canon as Scripture
    2. Why the Old Testament Apocrypha is not accepted as Scripture
  3. The canon of the New Testament is more universally accepted...
    1. Its 27 books are viewed as Scripture by both Catholics and Protestants
    2. Though other books (over 300) have been proposed by some as Scripture
  4. This naturally raises some questions...
    1. Did the early church acknowledge its own canon (Scriptures)?
    2. If so, upon what basis were some writings accepted and others not?

[To answer such questions, let's first consider...]

  1. THE RECOGNITION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CANON
    1. THE EARLY CHURCH ADOPTED APOSTOLIC WRITINGS AS CANONICAL...
      1. They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine - Ac 2:42; cf. 2Pe 3:2; Jude 17
      2. They received their words as the Word of God - 1Th 2:13; cf. 1Co 14:37
      3. Paul quoted the gospel of Luke as Scripture - 1Ti 5:18; cf. Lk 10:7
      4. Paul's letters were designed to be circulated among the churches - Col 4:16
      5. Peter equated Paul's letters with "Scripture" - 2Pe 3:15-16
      -- The church accepted the apostles' writings because to accept their teaching was to accept Jesus Himself - cf. Jn 13:20
    2. THE CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTING A BOOK AS CANONICAL...
      1. Written by an apostle (e.g., Matthew, John, Paul, Peter)
      2. Written by a close associate of an apostle (Mark, Luke, James, Jude)
      -- Thus the writing had to be "apostolic" in addition to showing evidence of inspiration
    3. WHEN AN APOSTOLIC WRITING WAS CONSIDERED AS SCRIPTURE...
      1. It was read publicly - e.g., 1Th 5:27
      2. It was circulated widely - e.g., Col 4:16; Re 1:11
      3. Copies of it were collected - e.g., 2Pe 3:15-16
      4. It was often quoted in other writings - e.g., 1Ti 5:18
    4. BOOKS ACCEPTED AS CANONICAL BY ALL CHRISTIANS...
      1. Include the 27 books of our New Testament
      2. Most books were acknowledged from the very beginning
      3. Seven books (Hebrews, James, 2nd Peter, 2nd & 3rd John, Jude, Revelation) were disputed by some at first, but eventually accepted as authentic and apostolic

      [Thus all professing Christians accept the 27 books of the New Testament as canonical. But what about other books supposedly written by or about the apostles? Why are they not accepted? It may therefore be of interest to note...]

  2. THE PSEUDEPIGRAPHA
    1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION...
      1. Otherwise called "false writings"
      2. There are over 280 of these writings
      3. More than 50 are accounts of Christ
      4. The more well-known of these are:
        1. The Gospel of Thomas
        2. The Gospel of Peter
        3. The Gospel of Hebrews
        4. The Protevangelium of James
      5. Their value is limited, but they do illustrate:
        1. Some of the ascetic and Gnostic attitudes opposed by the apostles
        2. The popular desire at that time for information beyond the Scriptures
        3. The tendency to glorify Christianity by fraudulent means
    2. REASONS FOR REJECTION...
      1. They were never considered canonical by respectable leaders
      2. Mainly produced by heretical groups
      3. Containing exaggerated and mythical religious folklore
      4. Most known only through citation or quotation by another author
      5. Thus their historical connection to the apostles is suspect

      [Similar to the Pseudepigrapha is...]

  3. THE NEW TESTAMENT APOCRYPHA
    1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION...
      1. Not to be confused with the OT Apocrypha
      2. These were books written after the time of Christ
        1. Which were accepted at first by some in the church
        2. Which appeared at times in collections and translations of Scripture
        3. They had acceptance in some areas for a temporary period of time
        4. They never enjoyed acceptance by the Church in general
      3. The NT Apocrypha include:
        1. The Epistle of Pseudo-Barnabas (70-79 A.D.)
        2. The Epistle to the Corinthians (96 A.D.)
        3. The Ancient Homily, also known as the Second Epistle of Clement of Rome to the Corinthians (120-140 A.D.)
        4. The Shepherd of Hermas (115-140 A.D.)
        5. The Didache, also known as the Teaching of the Twelve (100-120 A.D.)
        6. The Apocalypse of Peter (150 A.D.)
        7. The Acts of Paul and Thecla (170 A.D.)
        8. The Gospel According to the Hebrews (65-100 A.D.)
        9. The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians (108 A.D.)
        10. The Seven Epistles of Ignatius (110 A.D.)
      4. These are more valuable than the Pseudepigrapha
        1. They provide early documentation of the existence of NT books
        2. They fill in the gap between the teaching of the apostles and the writings of the early church of the third and fourth centuries
        3. They provide clues to the practices, policies and future teachings of the church
    2. REASONS FOR REJECTION...
      1. They never enjoyed more than a temporary and local recognition
      2. Those that advocated their acceptance considered them at best to be "semi-canonical"
      3. No major church council or New Testament collection included them as inspired books
      4. The reason they had some acceptance was because they wrongly attached themselves to references in canonical books (cf. Co 4:16) or alleged apostolic authorship (e.g. the Acts of Paul)
CONCLUSION
  1. Christians believe that God has spoken...
    1. First, through prophets in OT times - cf. He 1:1
    2. Then, through His Son Jesus Christ - cf. He 1:2
    3. Now, through the apostles and inspired writers of the NT - e.g., 1Co 14:37
    -- The record of God's revelation is now contained in the Bible, both the OT and NT
  2. Of course, this belief often raises related questions...
    1. How do we know the Bible is inspired of God?
    2. Can one even understand the Bible as we have it?
    3. Is the Bible an all-sufficient guide?

We shall examine these questions as we continue this series, "Can We Trust The Bible?"...

Please note: Much of this material was gleaned from the following sources...

How the Canonicity of the Bible was Established, By Wilbert R. Gawrisch Theology Survey: The Bible (Canonicity), Valley Bible Church

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022 
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