But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:1
Are you mourning, believer, because you are so weak in the divine life: because your faith is so little, your love so feeble? Cheer up, for you have cause for gratitude. Remember that in some things you are equal to the greatest and most full-grown Christian. You are as much bought with blood as he is. You are as much an adopted child of God as any other believer.
An infant is as truly a child of its parents as is the full-grown man. You are as completely justified, for your justification is not a thing of degrees: your little faith has made you clean every whit. You have as much right to the precious things of the covenant as the most advanced believers, for your right to covenant mercies lies not in your growth, but in the covenant itself; and your faith in Jesus is not the measure, but the token of your inheritance in him.
You are as rich as the richest, if not in enjoyment, yet in real possession. The smallest star that gleams is set in heaven; the faintest ray of light has affinity with the great orb of day.
In the family register of glory the small and the great are written with the same pen. You are as dear to your Father's heart as the greatest in the family. Jesus is very tender over you. You are like the smoking flax; a rougher spirit would say, "put out that smoking flax, it fills the room with an offensive odour!" but the smoking flax he will not quench. You are like a bruised reed; and any less tender hand than that of the Chief Musician would tread upon you or throw you away, but he will never break the bruised reed. Instead of being downcast by reason of what you are, you should triumph in Christ. Am I but little in Israel? Yet in Christ I am made to sit in heavenly places. Am I poor in faith? Still in Jesus I am heir of all things. Though "less than nothing I can boast, and vanity confess." yet, if the root of the matter be in me I will rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the God of my salvation.
Thank you Spurgeon!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
1 Samuel 15:22
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice." ~ 1 Samuel 15:22
Saul had been commanded to slay utterly all the Amalekites and their cattle. Instead of doing so, he preserved the king, and suffered his people to take the best of the oxen and of the sheep. When called to account for this, he declared that he did it with a view of offering sacrifice to God; but Samuel met him at once with the assurance that sacrifices were no excuse for an act of direct rebellion. The sentence
before us is worthy to be printed in letters of gold, and to be hung up before the eyes of the present idolatrous generation, who are very fond of the fineries of will-worship, but utterly neglect the laws of God.
Be it ever in your remembrance, that to keep strictly in the path of your Saviour's command is better than any outward form of religion; and to hearken to his precept with an attentive ear is better than to bring the fat of rams, or any other precious thing to lay upon his altar.
If you are failing to keep the least of Christ's commands to his disciples, I pray you be disobedient no longer.
All the pretensions you make of attachment to your Master, and all the devout actions which you may perform, are no recompense for disobedience. "To obey," even in the
slightest and smallest thing, "is better than sacrifice," however pompous.
The first thing which God requires of his child is obedience; and though you should give your body to be burned, and all your goods to feed the poor, yet if you do not hearken to the Lord's precepts, all your formalities shall profit you nothing. It is a blessed thing to be teachable as a little child, but it is a much more blessed thing when one has been taught the lesson, to carry it out to the letter. How many adorn their temples and decorate their priests, but refuse to obey the word of the Lord! My soul, come not thou into their secret.
Thank you Spurgeon for shedding so much light on this issue!
I find so many times that I am trying to do good things and look good for other people, and I am doing that for myself not for the glory of Christ. Even though in my mind I am obeying Him (which I am) but for the wrong reason, and it will still be seen as filthy rags!
So many times I view a small thing as, oh well it isn't that big of a deal, and it follows along with the parable of the talents, just as the one that was given 5 and doubled it was given more. If we can't obey God in the small things, then He will not be as fast to give us bigger things to obey Him in.
I find that I am teachable sometimes, it depends on the teacher, and my respect for them - which is a pride issue. God can use anyone He wants to speak into me, I have to always have an attitude that I am the worst of sinners and that here is someone that God has put into my life to help in my sanctification process!
Saul had been commanded to slay utterly all the Amalekites and their cattle. Instead of doing so, he preserved the king, and suffered his people to take the best of the oxen and of the sheep. When called to account for this, he declared that he did it with a view of offering sacrifice to God; but Samuel met him at once with the assurance that sacrifices were no excuse for an act of direct rebellion. The sentence
before us is worthy to be printed in letters of gold, and to be hung up before the eyes of the present idolatrous generation, who are very fond of the fineries of will-worship, but utterly neglect the laws of God.
Be it ever in your remembrance, that to keep strictly in the path of your Saviour's command is better than any outward form of religion; and to hearken to his precept with an attentive ear is better than to bring the fat of rams, or any other precious thing to lay upon his altar.
If you are failing to keep the least of Christ's commands to his disciples, I pray you be disobedient no longer.
All the pretensions you make of attachment to your Master, and all the devout actions which you may perform, are no recompense for disobedience. "To obey," even in the
slightest and smallest thing, "is better than sacrifice," however pompous.
The first thing which God requires of his child is obedience; and though you should give your body to be burned, and all your goods to feed the poor, yet if you do not hearken to the Lord's precepts, all your formalities shall profit you nothing. It is a blessed thing to be teachable as a little child, but it is a much more blessed thing when one has been taught the lesson, to carry it out to the letter. How many adorn their temples and decorate their priests, but refuse to obey the word of the Lord! My soul, come not thou into their secret.
Thank you Spurgeon for shedding so much light on this issue!
I find so many times that I am trying to do good things and look good for other people, and I am doing that for myself not for the glory of Christ. Even though in my mind I am obeying Him (which I am) but for the wrong reason, and it will still be seen as filthy rags!
So many times I view a small thing as, oh well it isn't that big of a deal, and it follows along with the parable of the talents, just as the one that was given 5 and doubled it was given more. If we can't obey God in the small things, then He will not be as fast to give us bigger things to obey Him in.
I find that I am teachable sometimes, it depends on the teacher, and my respect for them - which is a pride issue. God can use anyone He wants to speak into me, I have to always have an attitude that I am the worst of sinners and that here is someone that God has put into my life to help in my sanctification process!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Question for this Generation
The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there? ~ John Piper
Mid Semester
So, I have not added anything for awhile because statistics has been kicking my butt. I have however been posting things on my Facebook status, so I figured that I could just put them in here and then copy and paste them there. So I am going to see how that works. Much of it has been by Spurgeon's book Morning and Evening, the book has been a banquet for the soul as far as I am concerned!
Hymn of the Week
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hymn of the Week
Arise My Soul Arise
Arise my soul arise,
shake off your guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice,
in my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above,
for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love,
His precious blood, to plead;
His blood atoned for every race,
His blood atoned for every race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears;
received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
they strongly plead for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"
The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
the presence of His Son;
The Spirit answers to the blood,
The Spirit answers to the blood
And tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled;
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child;
I can no longer fear
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And "Father, Abba, Father," cry.
Arise my soul arise,
shake off your guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice,
in my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above,
for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love,
His precious blood, to plead;
His blood atoned for every race,
His blood atoned for every race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears;
received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
they strongly plead for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"
The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
the presence of His Son;
The Spirit answers to the blood,
The Spirit answers to the blood
And tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled;
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child;
I can no longer fear
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And "Father, Abba, Father," cry.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Scripture
Scripture
Kevin DeYoung
Why should I believe the Bible?
1)The spirit testifies to us that it is the word of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11-12
For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
-To truly see and believe you must have the spirit in you.
Mark 4
- Parables about the seeds and sewers.
- Some will get what Jesus is saying and some will not.
- Jesus gave parables so those who got it would keep getting it and those who don't get it won't get it.
John 10
The Sheep know the masters voice.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 3 Question - "Has God really said"
-Has God spoken this word - or is it something else - when we believe it is God's word we have the ability to confess.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
- We all have a starting point.
- We all start with some sort of basis of knowledge.
- We must not concede that fallen human reason is the starting point for trying to prove that scripture is the Word of God.
They who strive to build up firm faith in scripture through disputation are doing things backwards, let this point therefore stand that those whom the Holy Spirit has inwardly taught truly rest upon scripture and that scripture is self authenticating - it is not right to subject it to proof and reasoning. ~ John Calvin
- We do not put scripture on trial.
- We have to start with God Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning GOD"
- It is realistic about what reasoning can and can't accomplish.
- Spurgeon spent less time defending the Bible and reading from it - let the word go forth like a tiger.
2) It is reasonable to trust this book
- We are not against reason.
- We are not rationalists - but we are not irrational.
- Rationalists take reason alone, irrational is false.
- Why do we believe the Bible - the gospels.
- There are reasons that we think this book is reliable.
- If we can believe the gospels the rest will fall in place.
- C.S. Lewis - Liar, Lunatic, Lord, Legend
- We have a lot of legends - what can we trust?
- How do we know the Bible is not legend?
Can we trust the Bible?
- External written sources
- Archeological discoveries
- Manuscript evidence
- Eye witness testimonies
2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
- If the Bible says it we must believe it.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
- He was an eyewitness - it is in the category of historical fact - it is true - that is where the gospel there.
- Christianity is an entirely different religion - from the very beginning it tied itself to history.
- Bring non-Christians back to history.
- Christianity is historical fact plus theological interpretation.
- The law of non-contradiction matters.
- Christianity had a stubbornly historical basis.
- The nature of the gospels themselves - suggest that there was no effort to make it really smooth from book to book - and people still accepted them.
What Should I believe about the Bible
1) The Necessity of Scripture
- Scripture is needed of those that have come to God.
- General revelation - what we know about God through creation.
- General revelation is inadequate - we can see it but it cannot tell us how to be saved.
Romans 10:14
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
- Preach the gospel and if necessary use words - it is not correct - you can adorn the gospel but you must use words - it is a message!
- Lifestyle evangelism is important - but no one is going to come up to you and say - "Hey man - you don't swear, how can I get saved?"
- We need to speak something.
- I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen - not only because I see it but by it I see everything else. ~C.S. Lewis
The Scripture is our:
- Seed by which we are born again - 1 Peter 1
- Light - Psalm 119
- Food - Hebrews 5
- Foundation - Ephesians 2
2) The Sufficiency of Scripture
- The Bible contains everything you need to know to come to Christ and live a life pleasing to Him.
2 Timothy 3:15
...and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Revelation 22:18-19
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul...
- The word of God gives us what we need to know to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.
- All things pertaining to life and Godliness - knowing God - we have all we need to live a life pleasing to God an abundant life.
- Biblical knowledge is like blood - if you have blood flowing through vessels it is working like it is supposed to - if you collect blood in a vat - then your weird - some Christians get all this theological knowledge.
- People carry their bucket of blood around saying - hey I have a lot of blood in a bucket - look at me - and sometimes when people are no looking they pour it on you - and people don't like them.
- Then people say they don't want doctrine.
- Blood is supposed to be moving throwing.
- Realize that in the Bible - you already have everything you need for life and of godliness.
Two Dangers when it comes to Christian growth and Godliness
1) Dreamy Danger
- Idolize Christian heroes
- Idealistic about how fast we can grow
- Underestimate the power of indwelling sin
- Unrealistic about how growth actually takes place
2) Disbelieving Danger
- No heroes
- Cynical about growing
- Hard heart
- Underestimate the reality of the Holy Spirit
- Unconcerned to utilize the means that God has given us to grow
- We must be aware of both these dangers and realize that we have the power to combat both these dangers.
3) The Clarity of Scripture
- This is the attribute of scripture that is so under attack today.
- So many interpretations.
- Do we believe human language is a gift from God - God is the first one to speak in the Bible and the universe - there is no universe until he speaks.
- He came to Adam and Eve and expected them to obey.
- The ability to communicate meaningfully through words is one aspect of being made in the image of God.
- God's word is not beyond us - He gave us His word and He wants to be known.
- God is a God who wants to be known.
- The Holy Spirit is no skeptic.
- Jesus believed the Old Testament scriptures to be understandable and accessible.
- In appealing to the Old Testament, Jesus assumed that they could read it, understand it, and were responsible to obey it.
- Apostles approached the New Testament in the same way.
Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
2 Kings 22
- The found the law and repented – they saw that it had a clear discernable message.
- The clarity of the scripture tells us that everyone can learn the way of salvation – even the hard parts can be understood correctly with skill and time and the Holy Spirit.
- We have a God that wants to be interpreted correctly – God has something to say and He is very good at saying it.
- If scripture is obscure or ambiguous – what point is there in God giving it to us? Are we not obscure and ambiguous enough? ~ Luther
4) The Authority of Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
- God breathed out this word – He exhaled
2 Peter 1:20-21
...knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
John 10:34
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in) your Law, 'I said, you are gods'?
Psalm 82:6
I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you.
- Scripture has unrivaled power
- Ephesians 6 – you are given one offensive weapon – the Word of God.
- When Jesus was tempted in the dessert – He quotes the Bible to do battle with the devil – three times says “It Is Written!”
- When God wants to create the universe all He has to do is speak.
Psalm 29:5
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
- God does what God says and what scripture says Gods says.
Romans 9:17
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
- What God says scripture says.
Matthew 19:4-5
He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
- What scripture says God says.
Acts 4:25
who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?
Psalm 2
Hebrews 3:7
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice.
-The scriptures were not just spoken out by God – they speak for God, wield the power of God and are as truthful as God.
- It is possible to handle the Word of God wrongly but it is not possible to ascribe to the Bible too much authority.
How Should I Approach the Bible?
1) Frequently
- For starters – frequently – we do not know the Bible as well as previous generations.
- The Bible has become the greatest story never read – we do not know the Bible – our knowledge of the Bible is very thin.
Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
- Read often.
2) Humbly
- Approach the Bible with humility.
- We should have the same reverence in approaching the scriptures that we do when we approach Christ.
- We are far too quick to separate the Word of God Scripturated and the Word of God incarnated.
- The Word of God is His self disclosure to us.
Acts 1:1
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.
- Luke was about what Jesus began to do and teach, therefore Acts is about what Jesus continues to do and teach.
- How often is Jesus in Acts? – He ascends into heaven in Chapter 1 – to the work of Christ I being carried out by the apostles.
John 16:12-15
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.
- It is a foundational passage for our understanding of the Spirit’s work and the scriptures work in our lives.
- The Spirit will lead you into all truth – He is talking to the disciples.
- Jesus’ disciples will lead you into all truth.
- Do not pit Jesus against Paul – Jesus says that is His continuing word to us through the apostles.
Matthew 10:14
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
- He equates rejection of His disciples words with rejection on Himself.
John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
- Jesus equates His words abiding in us as He is abiding in us.
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.
- Israel’s relationship with God is determined by their relationship to His words.
Exodus 33:19
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
- Moses asks for God to show His glory and He responds with words.
- He declares His sovereignty.
- God is present in His Word
- God has invested Himself in words.
3) Confidently
Mark 4:26-29
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
- The farmer does not know how the seed sprouts.
- The germinating power to grow is in the seed not the farmer.
- The ground bears fruit by itself.
- What is the kingdom? - We DO NOT build the kingdom – we may do kingdom work – but we do not work to expand or establish the kingdom – it is a God-wrought miracle.
- The kingdom grows by the Word – Do you trust in the Word of God to do the work of God?
Isaiah 55:10-11
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
- We are after good soil and faithful sewing.
- A seed that is sown faithfully will sprout eventually.
- Just keep sowing – that is what we are to be like with Christ – just keep sowing and He will bring the increase – we have such little faith.
- The only hope we have in ministry is the power of the Word of God inspired by the Spirit – we are to have no other confidence.
- The devil wants us to believe that there is no power in the Word of God – but there is.
- The kingdom cannot be explained by human effort.
- The things that we want to do in ministry are often the things that we are absolutely powerless to do – this should be the most freeing thing in our life – all the things that we can do are the least important in the ministry.
- All of the things that will last through eternity require God working through His Word – so we wait for God’s Word to be accomplished in His way.
- Put your hope in God’s Word and you will be surprised but you will not be disappointed!
Kevin DeYoung
Why should I believe the Bible?
1)The spirit testifies to us that it is the word of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11-12
For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
-To truly see and believe you must have the spirit in you.
Mark 4
- Parables about the seeds and sewers.
- Some will get what Jesus is saying and some will not.
- Jesus gave parables so those who got it would keep getting it and those who don't get it won't get it.
John 10
The Sheep know the masters voice.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 3 Question - "Has God really said"
-Has God spoken this word - or is it something else - when we believe it is God's word we have the ability to confess.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
- We all have a starting point.
- We all start with some sort of basis of knowledge.
- We must not concede that fallen human reason is the starting point for trying to prove that scripture is the Word of God.
They who strive to build up firm faith in scripture through disputation are doing things backwards, let this point therefore stand that those whom the Holy Spirit has inwardly taught truly rest upon scripture and that scripture is self authenticating - it is not right to subject it to proof and reasoning. ~ John Calvin
- We do not put scripture on trial.
- We have to start with God Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning GOD"
- It is realistic about what reasoning can and can't accomplish.
- Spurgeon spent less time defending the Bible and reading from it - let the word go forth like a tiger.
2) It is reasonable to trust this book
- We are not against reason.
- We are not rationalists - but we are not irrational.
- Rationalists take reason alone, irrational is false.
- Why do we believe the Bible - the gospels.
- There are reasons that we think this book is reliable.
- If we can believe the gospels the rest will fall in place.
- C.S. Lewis - Liar, Lunatic, Lord, Legend
- We have a lot of legends - what can we trust?
- How do we know the Bible is not legend?
Can we trust the Bible?
- External written sources
- Archeological discoveries
- Manuscript evidence
- Eye witness testimonies
2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
- If the Bible says it we must believe it.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
- He was an eyewitness - it is in the category of historical fact - it is true - that is where the gospel there.
- Christianity is an entirely different religion - from the very beginning it tied itself to history.
- Bring non-Christians back to history.
- Christianity is historical fact plus theological interpretation.
- The law of non-contradiction matters.
- Christianity had a stubbornly historical basis.
- The nature of the gospels themselves - suggest that there was no effort to make it really smooth from book to book - and people still accepted them.
What Should I believe about the Bible
1) The Necessity of Scripture
- Scripture is needed of those that have come to God.
- General revelation - what we know about God through creation.
- General revelation is inadequate - we can see it but it cannot tell us how to be saved.
Romans 10:14
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
- Preach the gospel and if necessary use words - it is not correct - you can adorn the gospel but you must use words - it is a message!
- Lifestyle evangelism is important - but no one is going to come up to you and say - "Hey man - you don't swear, how can I get saved?"
- We need to speak something.
- I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen - not only because I see it but by it I see everything else. ~C.S. Lewis
The Scripture is our:
- Seed by which we are born again - 1 Peter 1
- Light - Psalm 119
- Food - Hebrews 5
- Foundation - Ephesians 2
2) The Sufficiency of Scripture
- The Bible contains everything you need to know to come to Christ and live a life pleasing to Him.
2 Timothy 3:15
...and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Revelation 22:18-19
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul...
- The word of God gives us what we need to know to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.
- All things pertaining to life and Godliness - knowing God - we have all we need to live a life pleasing to God an abundant life.
- Biblical knowledge is like blood - if you have blood flowing through vessels it is working like it is supposed to - if you collect blood in a vat - then your weird - some Christians get all this theological knowledge.
- People carry their bucket of blood around saying - hey I have a lot of blood in a bucket - look at me - and sometimes when people are no looking they pour it on you - and people don't like them.
- Then people say they don't want doctrine.
- Blood is supposed to be moving throwing.
- Realize that in the Bible - you already have everything you need for life and of godliness.
Two Dangers when it comes to Christian growth and Godliness
1) Dreamy Danger
- Idolize Christian heroes
- Idealistic about how fast we can grow
- Underestimate the power of indwelling sin
- Unrealistic about how growth actually takes place
2) Disbelieving Danger
- No heroes
- Cynical about growing
- Hard heart
- Underestimate the reality of the Holy Spirit
- Unconcerned to utilize the means that God has given us to grow
- We must be aware of both these dangers and realize that we have the power to combat both these dangers.
3) The Clarity of Scripture
- This is the attribute of scripture that is so under attack today.
- So many interpretations.
- Do we believe human language is a gift from God - God is the first one to speak in the Bible and the universe - there is no universe until he speaks.
- He came to Adam and Eve and expected them to obey.
- The ability to communicate meaningfully through words is one aspect of being made in the image of God.
- God's word is not beyond us - He gave us His word and He wants to be known.
- God is a God who wants to be known.
- The Holy Spirit is no skeptic.
- Jesus believed the Old Testament scriptures to be understandable and accessible.
- In appealing to the Old Testament, Jesus assumed that they could read it, understand it, and were responsible to obey it.
- Apostles approached the New Testament in the same way.
Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
2 Kings 22
- The found the law and repented – they saw that it had a clear discernable message.
- The clarity of the scripture tells us that everyone can learn the way of salvation – even the hard parts can be understood correctly with skill and time and the Holy Spirit.
- We have a God that wants to be interpreted correctly – God has something to say and He is very good at saying it.
- If scripture is obscure or ambiguous – what point is there in God giving it to us? Are we not obscure and ambiguous enough? ~ Luther
4) The Authority of Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
- God breathed out this word – He exhaled
2 Peter 1:20-21
...knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
John 10:34
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in) your Law, 'I said, you are gods'?
Psalm 82:6
I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you.
- Scripture has unrivaled power
- Ephesians 6 – you are given one offensive weapon – the Word of God.
- When Jesus was tempted in the dessert – He quotes the Bible to do battle with the devil – three times says “It Is Written!”
- When God wants to create the universe all He has to do is speak.
Psalm 29:5
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
- God does what God says and what scripture says Gods says.
Romans 9:17
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
- What God says scripture says.
Matthew 19:4-5
He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
- What scripture says God says.
Acts 4:25
who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?
Psalm 2
Hebrews 3:7
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice.
-The scriptures were not just spoken out by God – they speak for God, wield the power of God and are as truthful as God.
- It is possible to handle the Word of God wrongly but it is not possible to ascribe to the Bible too much authority.
How Should I Approach the Bible?
1) Frequently
- For starters – frequently – we do not know the Bible as well as previous generations.
- The Bible has become the greatest story never read – we do not know the Bible – our knowledge of the Bible is very thin.
Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
- Read often.
2) Humbly
- Approach the Bible with humility.
- We should have the same reverence in approaching the scriptures that we do when we approach Christ.
- We are far too quick to separate the Word of God Scripturated and the Word of God incarnated.
- The Word of God is His self disclosure to us.
Acts 1:1
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.
- Luke was about what Jesus began to do and teach, therefore Acts is about what Jesus continues to do and teach.
- How often is Jesus in Acts? – He ascends into heaven in Chapter 1 – to the work of Christ I being carried out by the apostles.
John 16:12-15
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.
- It is a foundational passage for our understanding of the Spirit’s work and the scriptures work in our lives.
- The Spirit will lead you into all truth – He is talking to the disciples.
- Jesus’ disciples will lead you into all truth.
- Do not pit Jesus against Paul – Jesus says that is His continuing word to us through the apostles.
Matthew 10:14
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
- He equates rejection of His disciples words with rejection on Himself.
John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
- Jesus equates His words abiding in us as He is abiding in us.
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.
- Israel’s relationship with God is determined by their relationship to His words.
Exodus 33:19
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
- Moses asks for God to show His glory and He responds with words.
- He declares His sovereignty.
- God is present in His Word
- God has invested Himself in words.
3) Confidently
Mark 4:26-29
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
- The farmer does not know how the seed sprouts.
- The germinating power to grow is in the seed not the farmer.
- The ground bears fruit by itself.
- What is the kingdom? - We DO NOT build the kingdom – we may do kingdom work – but we do not work to expand or establish the kingdom – it is a God-wrought miracle.
- The kingdom grows by the Word – Do you trust in the Word of God to do the work of God?
Isaiah 55:10-11
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
- We are after good soil and faithful sewing.
- A seed that is sown faithfully will sprout eventually.
- Just keep sowing – that is what we are to be like with Christ – just keep sowing and He will bring the increase – we have such little faith.
- The only hope we have in ministry is the power of the Word of God inspired by the Spirit – we are to have no other confidence.
- The devil wants us to believe that there is no power in the Word of God – but there is.
- The kingdom cannot be explained by human effort.
- The things that we want to do in ministry are often the things that we are absolutely powerless to do – this should be the most freeing thing in our life – all the things that we can do are the least important in the ministry.
- All of the things that will last through eternity require God working through His Word – so we wait for God’s Word to be accomplished in His way.
- Put your hope in God’s Word and you will be surprised but you will not be disappointed!
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