Category: Bible
Subject: Bible
That Which is Perfect
The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians serves as a parenthetical discussion of the importance of love, within the greater context of spiritual gifts. In the twelfth chapter, Paul admonished the Corinthians not to turn their use of spiritual gifts into a contest. The gifts all emanate from the Holy Spirit, and He gives the gifts “to each one individually as He wills.” (11). Since this is so, no man should be seeking to elevate himself above another based upon the gift the Holy Spirit has given him. Nor should any Christian perceive his own gift to be insignificant or unneeded.
Paul ends the chapter with these questions, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (29-31).
So, what is that better way? It is the way of love. Tongues and prophecy without love do no good (cf. 13:1-2). Even charity or self-sacrifice, if love is not present will be of no profit (cf. 13:3).
Entrusted with the Gospel
The apostle Paul considered himself a steward. God had given him responsibilities as an apostle, and he took those responsibilities seriously. He wrote to the Thessalonians, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). As he wrote on another occasion, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
What is interesting about the Thessalonian text is how Paul defines faithful stewardship. “…even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.” In the proclamation of truth it is important to please only one, God. That doesn’t mean that others will not be pleased, but that is not the mandate.
We need to understand this as well. When we preach God’s word, our intent must be to please Him. Whether or not men approve in the telling is not only not our concern, but not in any way within our control. Peter preached the gospel, leading to many conversions, (cf. Acts 2). Stephen preached the same gospel, leading to his own death (cf. Acts 7). Both pleased God in the telling. Jesus Himself had those who “heard Him gladly”, and those who put Him to death for what he had to say.
Do you want to be God’s faithful steward in the spread of the gospel? Then handle it in such a way as to please God, not men.
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Sermon: God’s Mirror
The word of God is His mirror for us to gaze into, and see what manner of Christian we are. We must know how we look to God that we might approve our appearance, and make whatever changes are necessary to please Him.
COVID-19 (3) I Have an Idea
People are bound to be going stir crazy with the shelter in place orders here and around the nation. There have been quite a few jokes about sitting on the couch binging favorite Netflix shows. I’m showing my age. I have never associated binging with watching TV. In my day binging had to do with a half gallon of Bluebell icecream!
The New Testament Texual Witnesses
The New Testament that we have in our possession today is the product of a multitude of manuscripts. The word manuscript in general has reference to any handwritten document. However, when referring to the Bible, it references handwritten copies that are in the original Koine Greek language.
The fact that we no longer have the original manuscripts penned by the New Testament writers would seem to be a concern. However, the multitude of copies that we have in our possession serve to assuage any concerns about whether we have the actual words of Paul, Peter, John and the others who wrote by inspiration of God.
Sermon: God’s Word is Excellent!
The text of Psalm 119 is devoted to expressing to man the blessings which come from God’s excellent word. It guards and directs us, brings us comfort and wisdom, and ultimately brings salvation to mankind.
Exhortations to Reading
“Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16).
Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians clearly shows the importance of reading scripture. He intended that his epistle (letter) be read by the Colossians, and then sent to the Laodiceans that they might read it as well. And vice versa. Why? Because the principles found in them have universal application to believers. When combined, all the writings of scripture (God’s revelation) perfect a man, equipping him for every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Those principles are equally applicable in our time. We too should read scripture. In this way, as Paul states, we can fully understand God’s revelation to man.
“How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:3-4).
Do you like to read? Maybe not. Some don’t have the love of reading that others do. Here’s another question. Do you love reading God’s word? That’s different. Even if reading in general is “not your thing”, surely an opportunity to know the revelation of God to man is something that piques the curiosity, and overcomes any resistance to the work of reading. The reward is well worth the effort!
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The Origin and Composition of the Bible
The Bible, from the Greek biblia (the books), is a library of 66 volumes of various lengths. The 39 Old Testament volumes were written over a period spanning 900-1,000 years, from about 1400 B.C. to 500 B.C. The New Testament consists of books and letters written in a 50 year period, from about 50 A.D. to 100 A.D.
Since these books were written by numerous authors over many centuries, they were not immediately gathered into the single volume we enjoy today. The compiling of the Bible took time. To understand how it came about, we need to discuss an important innovation of the first century called the codex. (Actually, we don’t know exactly when the codex came into use, though many scholars believe that it was around 90 A.D.).
Is It Possible?
When the question is asked, “Can the Bible be God’s inspired word?”, the simple answer is, “Yes!” As has been previously noted, the concept of inspiration presupposes the existence of God. While it is not the purview of this study to argue God’s existence, we agree with Paul’s contention, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20). As the Psalmist testified, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The contention of scripture and those who believe it is that the very existence of the universe demands the hand of a divine Designer. If an omnipotent and omniscient God exists, then nothing could preclude Him sharing His will with man through any means He chooses. This truth is axiomatic.
The Bible
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Bible is a familiar book to many. It is actually a library of 66 different books, 39 of them in what has been designated the Old Testament, 27 of them in the New Testament. There are books of history, law, poetry and prophecy, as well as gospels (volumes of “good news”) about Jesus Christ, and letters, both private, and public in nature. The Old Testament is a foundational text of the religion of Judaism. The entirety of the Bible is respected by those who call themselves Christians.
Sermon: Meditations on God’s Word
The text of Psalm 119:73-80 consists of a number of meditations of the Psalmist upon God’s revealed word, the holy scriptures. They teach the basis of our relationship with God, God’s justness, God’s provision for the obedient, and the shame of man’s disobedience.
The Patternists: How to View the Bible
There is a large disparity in thinking among religious people regarding how to view the Bible. Among those who self profess as Christians, some view the Bible as the product of ancient men who were plagued by superstition and fallibility. Others view the Bible as a simple declaration of love by God for man. While common in centuries past, few today consider the Bible God’s will for man, to be heeded, obeyed, and used as the guiding pattern for a life acceptable to Him.
Sermon: God’s Mirror
The text of James 1:22-25 teaches us that we must know how we look to God, that we should seek to improve our look, and that we must look to the reliable “mirror” to ensure that we please Him.
Sermon: Tim Stevens Meeting, Spring 2019
1 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to the Future of the Church?
2 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Forgiveness?
3 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Anger?
4 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Time?
5 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Attitude Toward God’s Word?
6 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Influence?
7 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Humility & Servitude?
8 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Repentance?
9 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Persecution & Endurance?
Reminding You
Most people enjoy learning new things. Gaining new knowledge is exciting and important. This is certainly so when God’s will is the subject being considered.
What is rare is the mastering of a subject. We are in awe of those individuals who show such a mastery. A philatelist who can discuss the value of an inverted Jenny, or the 1847 issue of the block of 16 Ben Franklins is pretty impressive to those of us who had to look up the term “philatelist” (stamp collector), and have no idea what an inverted Jenny is! Conversely, those of us who know Dirk Nowitzki’s rank on the list of career NBA scorers (6th), and who he last passed to get there (Wilt Chamberlain) may be considered a little crazy. (Note: I didn’t have to look those up).
Familiarity and relative mastery of God’s revealed will is impressive (few make the effort), and important (the subject is impactful of our final standing in eternity). As such it is worthy of our effort to not only learn new things, but to become completely familiar with what we already know. With that in mind, consider Peter’s words:
“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease” (2 Peter 1:12-15).
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