As I said in an earlier post, I have recently been reading through the book of Proverbs. This book is intended to show how God’s people can avoid peril and enjoy life by living in the way God intended. A key term in this book is “Wisdom.” Below I have picked up where I last left off and have listed some truths about and characteristics of godly wisdom. I have also included Scripture references from the book.

A wise person has discernment.
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way. Proverbs 14:8

A wise person does not rely solely on intuition.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

A wise person uses critical judgment.
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. Proverbs 14:15

A wise person is cautious.
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. Proverbs 14:16

A wise person has self-control.
A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated. Proverbs 14:17

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

A wise person is generous.
Blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 14:21

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. Proverbs 14:31

A wise person speaks softly.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

A wise person welcomes reproof.
Whoever heeds reproof is prudent. Proverbs 15:5

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. Proverbs 15:32

A wise person shares knowledge.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge. Proverbs 15:7

A wise person seeks council.
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

A wise person earns an honest living.
Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. Proverbs 15:27

A wise person weighs matters carefully before giving advice.
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Proverbs 15:28

Wisdom is better than worldly wealth.
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16

There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs 20:15

A wise person is humble.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:18-19

One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23

A wise person improves with experience.
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. Proverbs 17:3

A wise person is teachable.
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:10

Listen to advise and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Proverbs 19:20

Reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. Proverbs 19:25

A wise person listens before speaking.
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13

A wise person values integrity.
Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. Proverbs 19:1

A wise person is generous.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17

A wise person fears the Lord.
The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. Proverbs 19:23

A wise person is not controlled by substances.
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

Human wisdom does not compare to God’s.
No wisdom, no understanding, no council can avail against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30

A wise person desires a good reputation more than high social status.
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

A wise person does not accrue debt.
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7

A wise person does not withhold discipline from his/her child.
Do not withhold discipline from a child. Proverbs 23:13

A wise person does not envy sinners.
Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18

Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. Proverbs 24:19-20

A wise person chooses friends carefully.
Hear my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. Be not among drunkards, or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags. Proverbs 23:19-21

A wise person does not give false witness.
Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. Proverbs 24:28

A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow. Proverbs 25:18

A wise person does not seek revenge.
Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.’ Proverbs 24:29

A wise person humbles himself/herself and is then exalted.
Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great, for it is better to be told, ’Come up here,’ than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. Proverbs 25:6-7

A wise person does not rush to judgment and seek justice in haste.
Do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? Proverbs 25:8

A wise person shows love toward his/her enemy.
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink…and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:21-22

A wise person learns from his mistakes.
Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. Proverbs 26:11

A wise person understands that time is precious.
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Proverbs 27:1

A wise person interacts with others of the same character.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

A wise person confesses and forsakes sin and finds mercy.
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13.

A wise person trusts in the Lord.
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26.

"Quote" of the Week

“In Proverbs, the words wise and wisdom are used at least 125 times, because the aim of the book is to help us acquire and apply God’s wisdom to the decisions and activities of daily life.” –Warren Wiersbe

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Luke 2:14

‘God’s works of providence are, His most holy, wise, and powerful; preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions’(Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q. 11). If creation was a unique exercise of divine energy causing the world to be, providence is a continued exercise of the same energy. By it the Creator, according to His own will, keeps all creatures in being, involves Himself in all events, and directs all things to their appointed end. God is completely in charge of His world. His hand may be hidden, but His perfect rule extends to all things.’

It is sometimes supposed that God knows the future but does not control it; that He upholds the world, but does not intervene in it; or that He gives general direction, but is not concerned with details. The Bible emphatically rules out all such limitations of His providence.

‘The Bible clearly teaches God’s providential control (1) over the universe at large, Ps. 103:19; Dan. 4:35; Eph. 1:11; (2) over the physical world, Job 37; Ps. 104:14; 135:6; Mt. 5:45; (3) over the brute creation, Ps. 104:21, 28; Mt. 6:26; 10:29; (4) over the affairs of nations, Job 12:23; Ps. 22:28; 66:7; Acts 17:26; (5) over man’s birth and lot in life, 1 Sam. 16:1; Ps. 139:16; Is. 45:5; Gal. 1:15, 16; (6) over the outward successes and failures of men’s lives, Ps. 75:6, 7; Luke 1:52; (7) over things seemingly accidental or insignificant, Pr. 16:33; Mt. 10:30; (8) in the protection of the righteous, Ps. 4:8; 5:12; 63:8; 121:3; Rom. 8:28; (9) in supplying the wants of God’s people, Gn. 22:8; 14; Dt. 8:3; Phil. 4:19; (10) in giving answers to prayer, 1 Sam. 1:19; Is. 20:5, 6; 2 Chr. 33:13; Ps. 65:2; Mt. 7:7; Lk. 18:7, 8; and (11) in the exposure and punishment of the wicked, Ps. 7:12, 13; 11:6. (L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology 2d rev. ed. [Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1941], p. 168.).’

Describing God’s involvement in the world and in the acts of rational creatures requires complementary statements. For example, a person wills an action, an event is triggered by natural causes, or Satan shows his hand—yet God overrules. Again, people may go against God’s will of command—yet they fulfill His will of events. People’s motives may be evil—yet God uses their actions for good (Gen. 50:20; Acts 2:23). Although human sin is under God’s decree, God is not the author of sin (James 1:13-17).

God’s 'concurrent' or 'confluent' involvement in all that occurs does not violate the natural order, ongoing casual processes, or the free, responsible agency of human beings. God’s sovereign control does not take away the responsibility and power of second causes; on the contrary, they are created and have their roles by His appointment.

Of the evils that infect God’s world (spiritual, moral, and physical) the Bible says: God permits evil (Acts 14:16); He uses evil as a punishment (Ps. 81:11-12; Rom. 1:26-32); He brings good out of evil (Gen. 50:20; Acts 2:23; 4:27-28; 13:27; 1 Cor. 2:7-8); He uses evil to test and discipline those He loves (Matt. 4:1-11; Heb. 12:4-14); but one day He will redeem His people from the power and presence of evil altogether (Rev. 21:27; 22:14-15).

The doctrine of providence teaches Christians that they are never in the grip of blind fortune, chance, luck, or fate. All that happens to them is divinely planned, and each event comes as a new summons to trust, obey, and rejoice, knowing that all is for one’s spiritual and eternal good (Rom. 8:28).

Sproul, R.C. Providence. The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando: Ligonier Ministries, 2005. 900.

I have recently been reading through the book of Proverbs. This book is intended to show how God’s people can avoid peril and enjoy life by living in the way God intended. A key term in this book is “Wisdom.” Below I have listed some truths about and characteristics of godly wisdom and have included Scripture references from the book.

A wise person fears the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7

A wise person does not walk in the way of the wicked.
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us…” do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths. Proverbs 1:10-11, 15

Wisdom is a divine gift and a human task.
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:23

A wise person receives wise instruction.
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding…then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-2, 5

A wise person trusts in the Lord instead of human understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes. Proverbs 3:6-7

Wisdom is better than worldly wealth.
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. Proverbs 3:13-14

Wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. Proverbs 8:11.

A wise person welcomes instruction.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:8-9

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1

A wise person knows when to be quiet and listen.
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Proverbs 10:8

A wise person is humble.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

A wise person practices self-control.
The annoyance of a fool is known at once, but the wise ignores an insult. Proverbs 12:16

A wise person speaks kindly.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.

A wise person speaks truthfully.
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Proverbs 12:19

A wise person partakes in honest hard work.
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11

A wise person keeps good company.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. Proverbs 13:20

More words of wisdom from Proverbs to come when I complete my study of the book.

"Quote" of the Week

"Proverbs shows that humans may live by a right way or a wrong way, a wise way or a foolish way. The right way is not the easy way, but those who live by it find great reward." -Kendell H. Easley

Most people, if asked, have an image of Jesus ingrained in their mind, especially around Christmas. Many stories are told and songs are sung of a child wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger. Although this image communicates truth, it is only truth in part emphasizing Jesus' humanity, which could unintentionally deemphasizing deity.

I have recently noticed some confusion with the kids of Fellowship Fort Smith, during our Sunday morning study of the life of Christ, about who Jesus is and how he relates to God the Father. For example, after a lesson discussing Jesus' life on earth and how He was subservient to the Father when fulfilling His will, some students informed me that they thought of Jesus as being less than equal to the Father. Although evangelicals believe this conclusion to be false, this answer is an indication that the kids are wrestling with the difficult balance of Jesus' deity and humanity.

Yesterday we discussed John 1 because the beginning of the chapter gives a clear teaching of both Jesus’ distinctiveness from and likeness to the Father. Below is the outline I used, which can be found in chapter 5 of J.I. Packer’s classic book entitled, “Knowing God.”

Jesus is eternal (v. 1)
In the beginning was the Word

• Jesus, like the Father (Genesis 1:1), had no beginning. He has always existed and will continue to exist forever.
• A side note I shared with them was that the Holy Spirit (The Third Person of the Godhead) also had no beginning and will continue to exist forever (Genesis 1:2b).

Jesus is distinct from God the Father (v. 1)
And the Word was with God

• Here there is a distinction made between the Father and the Son.
• Jesus is not the Father, but with the Father. The Father is not the Son and neither are the Holy Spirit and vice versa.
• Because this is true one can safely assume that God exists in three persons.

Jesus is God (v. 1)
And the Word was God

• Jesus and the Father are one.
• Although the Bible is clear that God exists in three persons, it also emphasizes God’s oneness (1 Timothy 2:5).
• One must then conclude that God is one in essence and three in person.

Jesus is the Creator (v.3)
Through him all things were made

• Like the Father and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1), Jesus is involved in the creation process.
• Scripture teaches, “For by (Jesus) all things were created” (Colossians 1:16a).

In Jesus is Life (v. 4)
In him was life

• Packer affirms, “There is no physical life in the realm of created things except in and through (Jesus)…Life is given and maintained by the Word” (56).
• In other words, “If Jesus did no exist, neither would we.” He gives life and maintains it. This means that he has given us life and is actively involved in keeping us alive.

Jesus became a man (v. 14)
The Word became flesh

• The baby in the manger = the second person of the Godhead made man.
• According to Packer, “The Word had become flesh: a real human baby. He had not ceased to be God: he was no less God then than before; but he had begun to be man. He was not now God minus some elements of his deity, but God plus all that he had made his own by taking manhood to himself (57).

Let us remember this Christmas season that the baby in the manger was God made man. According to Packer, “The Christmas message rests on the staggering fact that the child in the manger was—God” (57).

A SHORT PSALM THAT SAYS A LOT

Below is a great Psalm that speaks of God as being both transcendent and immanent. When explaining Psalm 113, author R.C. Sproul affirms, "God is both transcendent (vv. 4-6) and immanent (vv. 7-9); (meaning) above creation but present with His people."

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1

A COMPARISON/CONTRAST OF CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM

Rhodes, Ron. Islam: What You Need To Know. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House, 2000.

"Quote" of the Week

"Pray...that the Muslim will see the futility of trying to live a life good enough to earn God's favor. Even the smallest failure brings condemnation (James 2:10). By contrast, talk about the wonderful grace of God and how God has offered salvation as a free gift for those who believe in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). -Ron Rhodes

HOW THE TWO MAIN BRANCHES OF BUDDHISM CONTRAST WITH CHRISTIANITY

Two of the most practiced schools of Buddhism are Theravada and Mahayana. There is a good chance that if one encounters a Buddhist, they will be associated with one of these two schools. The lesser known and practiced sects are Vajrayana, folk and Zen Buddhism. Below are charts that explain how the two main branches of Buddhism contrast with Christianity.

THERAVADA BUDDHISM/CHRISTIANITY

MAHAYANA BUDDHISM/CHRISTIANITY

Halverson, Dean C. The Illustrated Guide to World Religions. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996. pp. 59-60.

FINDING COMMON GROUND FOR EVANGELISTIC PURPOSES

Everyone has a unique view of the world that has been shaped by culture. This view determines how one understands the Gospel of Jesus Christ when it is presented. That is why it is essential for believers to become knowledgeable of differing belief systems when sharing Christ with others. The youth of Fellowship Bible Church in Fort Smith are learning about the major world religions and cults so they can properly communicate the Gospel message to people who have dissimilar beliefs and practices.

Yesterday we discussed Buddhism. When giving suggestions for evangelism, I shared with the youth a major point made by author and editor Dean C. Halverson. He asserts that Christians have to find common ground with Buddhists. Finding common ground involves reaching an agreement without compromising the truth of Scripture. For example, Buddhism teaches that desire causes suffering. Christians can also affirm that suffering can be caused by desire, but that not all desire is wrong. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). According to Halverson, “The issue is having right desire, not eliminating desire” (61).

Christians can also agree with Buddhists that discipline is necessary although the two disagree on why it is necessary. Buddhism is a “works-based” religion that teaches one can only achieve enlightenment by saying and doing only that which is required and through monastic living. Christianity is “grace-based,” which means that one is saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Christianity, however, does teach that God’s people are to discipline themselves spiritually after conversion. Paul affirms that Christians are to “…discipline (themselves) for the purpose of godliness” (1Timothy 4:7).

There are also bridges of understanding that can be built for Buddhists by believers. The Mahayana Buddhists have bodhisattvas who have refused nirvana to assist others in achieving enlightenment. It is believed that they can transfer their merit to others who place their faith and trust in them. Believers can use this concept to communicate the truth of who Jesus is and what he has done. Buddhists need to learn that if they trust in Christ for salvation, they can be forgiven of sin, have Christ’s imputed righteousness and be restored to a right relationship with God.

Halverson, Dean C. The Illustrated Guide to World Religions. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996. pp. 49-64.

"Quote" of the Week

"If the person who comes from a Buddhist background rejects your message, ask why. It might be more an issue of misunderstanding than of a conscious rejection. As one author wrote, 'Most Buddhists have never heard the Gospel because they have misheard it' (Weerasingha, 62). It often takes several attempts to learn how to communicate the Gospel clearly to a Buddhist." -Dean C. Halverson

WHY IS HINDUISM SO APPEALING?

There is no doubt that our society has been influenced by Hinduism. All I have to do to prove my point is to mention words such as “karma, reincarnation, and dharma.” Because this is true one must ask the obvious question, “Why is Hinduism so appealing?”

One reason is because we have taken these foreign concepts and have made them more desirable in our cultural context. For example, some believe that because of reincarnation, one can attempt to learn more about who he/she was in a past life. Many have consulted psychics to see if they were, at one time, a famous celebrity or a powerful world leader.

Hinduism, however, teaches that reincarnation is not an exciting and/or desirable thing. In fact, their beliefs and practices are meant to liberate them from the endless cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Hinduism also teaches that human beings may have, at one time, been something as insignificant as an insect or plant. Hindus from Southeast Asia also teach that one cannot know who or what they were in a previous life.

Our society also teaches that that the effects of bad karma can be changed in this life. This is the concept of the hit TV show “My Name is Earl.” This show is about a man (Earl) who comes to realize that his bad fortune can be reversed by correcting all the wrongs he has committed.

Hinduism teaches, however, that the effects of karma are permanent until the end of a life cycle. For example, a person who is in a horrible way must remain in that condition as punishment for bad karma. Only when their life comes to an end do they have the chance to be reborn into a better situation.

Our society has taken a belief system and has added elements that are more hopeful and promising even though they did not exist originally. Elements of the Christian faith, however, provide hope that have not been added, but declared by God Himself. God’s word affirms that those who are in Christ will be glorified. This means that when one dies, he/she will not return to a life of suffering, but will enter into the presence of the Lord. There believers will no longer experience pain and death, but will be given resurrection bodies, like Jesus' resurrection body, and will live life as God intended.

Another element of the Christian faith that has not been altered is the teaching of forgiveness. Unlike karma, sin is not simply failing to fulfill specific duties, but is moral rebellion against God. Bad karma results in living life in a worse situation than experienced previously; whereas sin results in separation from God. The results of bad karma are fixed and cannot be overcome in a lifetime, but sin's removal is free.

Even though all have turned away from the profitable path; God demonstrated his love for us by sending Christ who lived the perfect life that we could never live and died as our substitute and perfect sacrifice (Romans 5:8). If we trust in Him for salvation we can be rescued from this desperate state of existence and restored to a right relationship with him. This message of hope should be shared with people of all faiths, especially Hindus. No world religion offers forgiveness of sins. What Jesus offers is extremely unique and is appealing to many who hear.

"Quote" of the Week

Bakht Singh, a convert from Hinduism and an Indian evangelist, once said, “I have never yet failed to get a hearing (with a Hindu) if I talk to them about forgiveness of sins and peace and rest in your heart.”

For the next few months I am teaching the youth of Fellowship Bible Church about differing belief systems within our culture and around the world. My aim is to help them mature in their faith and equip them so that they can be protected from adopting unbiblical philosophies that are ever present in our world. My prayer is that each student would develop a biblical worldview and teach/demonstrate to others that trusting in Christ for salvation is profitable for all.

A CHRISTIAN'S INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD

There are many passages of Scripture that speak of a Christian’s influence in the world. None, however, are more descriptive than what Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:13-16. This was spoken during His famous Sermon on the Mount, which creatively communicates what Jesus wanted His followers to be and to do.

It is clear from many of Jesus’ teachings that he wanted His followers to be set apart from, however, very much involved in their world. According to John Stott, “Jesus emphasized that His true followers, the citizens of God’s kingdom, were to be entirely different from others. They were not to take their cue from the people around them, but from Him, and so prove to be genuine children of their heavenly Father” (7).

Jesus asserts in vv. 13-16 that His followers are to be both salt and light in the world. Both of these complement one another even though one impedes and the other improves. For one to understand the salt/light reference, he or she must first understand the context. In those days, salt was valuable because of its ability to preserve not season. Salt was used to prevent decay, while light was responsible for illuminating the darkness. When explaining this passage, Stott affirms that believers are called by Christ “…to stop the spread of evil…(and) promote the spread of truth, beauty and goodness” (59).

When believers are not functioning as salt/light in their world, two negatives occur. First is that they lose their effectiveness. Just as tasteless salt is worthless, so is a Christian that is not combating evil in the world. The second negative is that their light is hidden. If Christians do not let their light shine, they look no different from anyone else and are unable to demonstrate to nonbelievers the glory of God and/or the love that comes from Him. According to Stott, “Probably the greatest tragedy of the church throughout its long and checkered history has been its constant tendency to conform to the prevailing culture instead of developing a Christian counterculture” (59).

Stott, John. Sermon on the Mount: 13 Studies for individuals or groups. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. 1987.

"Quote" of the Week

"Jesus says we give light by our 'good deeds.' It seems that 'good deeds' is a general expression to cover everything Christians say and do because they are Christians, every outward and visible manifestation of their Christian faith. They express not only our loyalty to God, but our care for others as well. Indeed, the primary meaning of 'deeds' must be practical, visible acts of compassion. It is when people see these, Jesus said, that they will glorify God, for they embody the good news of his love which we proclaim. Without them our gospel loses its credibility and our God his honor." -John Stott

HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!!!

Today is the anniversary of the day when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. This event took place on October 31, 1517 and launched the Protestant Reformation. Christians should be thankful for the way God used Martin Luther. The two doctrines he is most known for are sola scriptura and sola fida, which teach that Scripture alone is our sole authority and that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works.

ORIGINAL SIN AND TOTAL DEPRAVITY by R.C. Sproul

Scripture diagnoses sin as a universal deformity of human nature, found at every point in every person (1Kin. 8:46; Rom. 3:9-23; 7:18; 1 John 1:8-10). Both Testaments describe sin as rebellion against God's rule, missing the mark God set for us to aim at, transgressing God's law, offending God's purity by defiling oneself, and incurring guilt before God the Judge. The moral deformity is dynamic: sin is an energy of irrational, negative, and rebellious reaction to God. It is a spirit of fighting God in order to play God. The root of sin is pride and enmity against God, the spirit seen in Adam's first transgression, and sinful acts always have behind them thoughts and desires that one way or another express the willful opposition of the fallen heart to God's claims on our lives.

Sin may be defined as breaking the law of God, or failing to conform to it, in any aspect of life, whether thought, word, or deed. Scriptures illustrating different aspects of sin include Jer. 17:9; Matt. 12:30-37; Mark 7:20-23; Rom. 1;18-3:20; 7:7-25; 8:5-8; 14:23 (Luther said that Paul wrote Romans to "magnify sin"); Gal.5:16-21; Eph 2:1-3; 4:17-19; Heb. 3:12; James 2:10-11; 1 John 3:4; 5:17.

"Original sin," meaning sin derived from our origin, is not a biblical phrase (it comes from Augustine), but it does bring into focus the reality of sin in our spiritual system. Original sin does not mean that sin belongs to human nature as such; "God made man upright" (Eccl. 7:29). Nor does it mean that the processes of reproduction and birth are sinful...Rather, "original sin" means that sinfulness marks everyone from birth, in the form of a heart inclined toward sin, prior to any actual sins; this inner sinfulness is the root and source of all actual sins; it is transmitted to us from Adam, our first representative before God. The doctrine of original sin makes the point that we are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners, born with a nature enslaved to sin.

The phrase "total depravity" is commonly used to make explicit the implications of original sin. It signifies a corruption of our moral and spiritual nature that is total in principle, although not in degree (for no one is as bad as he or she might be). No part of us is untouched by sin, and no action of ours is as good as it should be. Consequently, nothing we do is ever meritorious in God's eyes. We cannot earn God's favor, no matter what we do; unless grace saves us, we are lost.

Total depravity includes total inability, that is, being without power to believe in God or His word (John 6:44; Rom. 8:7, 8). Paul calls this universal unresponsiveness a form of death; the fallen heart is "dead" (Eph. 2:1, 5; Col. 2:13). As the Westminster Confession (IX. 3) explains, "Man by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able by his own strength to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto." To this darkness the word of God alone brings light (Luke 18:27; 2 Cor. 4:6).

Sproul, R.C. "Original Sin and Total Depravity." The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando: Ligonier Ministries, 781.

WHAT GOD'S WORD TEACHES ABOUT PROSPERITY

From the mid 80s through the mid 90s, Robin Leach hosted a show entitled, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Every week millions of Americans would tune in to watch how the wealthiest people in the world spend their days. At the end of each show, Leach would wish the audience, "Champagne wishes and caviar dreams," as if to say that happiness is defined by what one eats and drinks. In recent years popular shows like MTV’s Cribs and VH1’s The Fabulous Life of have continued with the concept.

People are often fascinated by and envious of those with extravagant wealth. Through this kind of exposure, the audience also discovers that many who are gifted entertainers, athletes, and business people often lack moral integrity. Because this is true, many Christians have asked the age-old question, “Why do immoral people prosper?”

In Psalm 37, David reassures those who question God's fairness. He first shows that the Lord is trustworthy. Notice several statements implied by the Psalmist. He instructs his readers to, “Fret not” (vv. 1-2), “Trust in the Lord” (v. 3), “Delight in the Lord” (v. 4), “Commit to the Lord” (vv. 5-6), and “Rest in the Lord” (vv. 7-11). Being reminded of the fact that God can be trusted should greatly console His people.

David also reminds believers that the Lord is all knowing and in control. He affirms, “The Lord knows the days of the blameless” (Psalm 37:18). God knows everything about His people including how long they will live and what will happen to them. David goes on to say, "The steps of a man are established by the Lord" (v. 23). Because God knows all, is trustworthy and in control, believers can relax knowing that no matter the circumstances, they are not without hope. According to Wiersbe, “Since God can be trusted, we should not (worry), and since God understands our situation, we should not fear” (166).

The third truth that David communicates to his reader is that God blesses His people. Instead of focusing on what one does not have, believers should be thanking God for what He has and will continue to bless them with. David explains that God meets daily needs (vv. 21-22), gives protection (vv. 23-24), will not abandon His people (vv. 25-26), and enables them to live lives that are pleasing to Him (vv. 27-29).

The final point David makes in this Psalm is that the wicked are promised God’s judgment. David says, “Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. But the transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off” (v. 37). David asserts that even though the wicked may prosper for a time it is the righteous that have a glorious future.

As a result, believers should not be envious of, but rather grieve over those who prosper and have no need for God. Although they might experience temporary happiness, they will never know lasting joy because their delight is in terrestrial luxury. Ultimate and lasting joy is found in a relationship with God and can be experienced to a certain degree today only to be maximized in the future.

Wiersbe, Warren. Psalms. The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament Wisdom and Poetry. Colorado Springs: Cook Communications Ministries. 2004. 164-166.

"Quote" of the Week

"It commonly happens that the wicked proper in the business of this world (Luke 16:8). Far from being envied they should be mourned, since their temporary success is but a prelude to eternal loss." -R.C. Sproul

SERMON NOTES FROM OCTOBER 12, 2008...

We often think of the Bible as helpful, applicable and practical. However, if the Bible was only this then there might be more evangelical Christians in the world. There are, however, many truths in Scripture that are upsetting to some and have been rejected by many. One in particular is the fact that sin is universal.

In Romans 3:9-20, Paul speaks of the affects of universal sin. The first is that because sin is universal, all are without excuse. "Without excuse" means that other than through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, no one will be exempt from judgment. Paul asserts, "What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one'" (Romans 3:9-10).

Because sin is universal all are also proven guilty. In Romans 3:11-18, Paul shows that the evidence against mankind is overwhelming. He asserts that mankind has corrupt understanding (v. 11), a corrupt will (v. 12), corrupt speech (vs. 13-14), corrupt actions (vs. 15-17), and a corrupt outlook (v. 18).

Universal sin also means that all are accountable to God. Paul affirms, "Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God" (Romans 3:19). In this verse, Paul turns his emphasis toward the Jewish people, but the point he makes is to be applied to all. Although the Jews were under and failed to keep the written law of God, we are all lawbreakers because we have broken God's moral laws. Because this is true, we are all accountable to Him. This means that we have to answer for our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Lastly, because sin is universal all are in need. This is where the truth of universal sin becomes inconvenient for many. People do not like to think of themselves in need of anyone or anything. Our Society tells us that if you work hard enough you can be whatever you want to be. Scripture, however, teaches that no matter how hard we try we cannot be righteous. In Romans 3:20, Paul explains that the purpose of the Law was never meant to make us righteous through keeping it, but to show us our sinfulness and need.

The good news for mankind is that God provides hope to this seemingly tragic situation. Paul affirms later in Romans 5:8 that, "God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Even though we all stand guilty before God and deserve to be punished by Him for our sins, God sent Christ to live the perfect life for us and lay down his life as our substitute and perfect sacrifice. As a result, if we turn from our sin and trust in Him for salvation we can be rescued from this desperate state of existence.

"Quote" of the Week

"All people are sinful before God. Scripture in many places testifies to the unversal sinfulness of mankind. 'They have all gone astray, they are all alike corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one' (Ps. 14:3). David says, 'No man living is righteous before you'" (Ps. 143:2). -Wayne Grudem

WHY WAS JESUS BAPTIZED?

Yesterday, I taught our kid’s about Jesus’ baptism. I grew up hearing this story, but was never taught how strange it was for Jesus to request a baptism of repentance. I explained to our kids that we need to learn why Jesus, who was without sin, requested to be baptized.

Many things Jesus did during his earthly ministry surprised eyewitnesses, but his request for baptism was so unexpected that John the Baptist, the one who had a better understanding of who Jesus was than any other, even protested. John understood that the baptism he was calling for was one of repentance (Mark 1:4), which is why it made no sense for him to baptize Jesus. What John failed to understand, however, was Jesus’ role as Messiah.

The apostle Paul explains Jesus’ objective by stating, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4). According to this verse, Christ was baptized for two reasons. The first reason was because he was born under the law. This meant that he was to identify with sinners. R.C. Sproul asserts, “Although Christ was without sin (2 Cor. 5:21), he was born under the law…as one identified with sinners who are under the curse of the law” (1698).

The second reason Christ was baptized was to redeem those under the law. Jesus not only had to submit to, but also meet all of God’s requirements for his people. According to Sproul, “Jesus had to submit to all God’s requirements for Israel, and to identify with those whose sins he had come to bear. His baptism proclaimed that he had come to take the sinner’s place under God’s judgment” (1415). I often explain to our kid’s that because Jesus identified himself with us, perfectly met the requirements we failed to meet and took the punishment for our sins, even though he was innocent, redemption has been made available for all who trust in him for salvation.

Sproul, R.C. The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando: Ligonier Ministries. 2005. 1415; 1698.

"Quote" of the Week

"Jesus knows (His baptism) to be part of the divine plan 'to fulfill all righteousness' (Matt. 3:15), by which, in His humanity, He identifies fully with the human condition, and begins the process of bearing the sins of humanity." -R.C. Sproul

THE IMPORTANCE OF PURSUING GODLINESS

During yesterday’s sermon, Chris mentioned the fact that many have a tendency to over think themselves when explaining what God is like and how he works in the world. He spoke in reference to God’s knowledge of the future and human responsibility. Many have concluded that God’s knowledge of the future conflicts with ones freewill. Some have even responded with apathy because they believe the outcomes are solely determined by God. Scripture is clear, however, that God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility are not at odds, but go hand in hand.

Last night, I spoke with our youth about the importance of spiritual growth. After quoting Romans 8:29 that says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son,” I asked our youth, “Since God has predetermined that we will be like Christ, then why do we have to discipline ourselves to grow spiritually?” Donald Whitney provides the answer in his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. He affirms,

“Although God will grant Christlikeness to us when Jesus returns, until then He intends for us to grow toward that Christlikeness. We aren’t merely to wait for holiness; we’re to pursue it. ‘Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy,’ we’re commanded in Hebrews 12:14, for ‘without holiness no one will see the Lord’” (6).

The fact that God is in control and will accomplish his purposes in his people and world should not move us toward apathy, but activity. He has given us the wonderful privilege of taking part in what he is going to do in us and through us. My prayer for our entire church family is that God would create in us a desire to be more like Christ and that we would respond by pursuing godliness. I also hope that each of us would find enjoyment in becoming more like Christ and that God would be glorified in our quest for holiness.

Whitney, Donald. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life: A Study Guide. Colorado Springs: NavPress. 1994. 6.

"Quote" of the Week

“My central claim is that we can become like Christ by doing one thing—by following him in the overall style of life he chose for himself. If we have faith in Christ, we must believe that he knew how to live. We can, through faith and grace, become like Christ by practicing the types of activities he engaged in, by arranging our whole lives around the activities he himself practiced in order to remain constantly at home in the fellowship of his Father.” -Dallas Willard

"WHAT IF YOU LIKE PREACHING, BUT NOT THE TRUTH?" by John Piper

Below is something for all preachers/teachers to consider.

My preparations for the Desiring God National Conference this month and the Pastors’ Conference in February flowed together while I was reading about Benjamin Franklin’s appreciation for George Whitefield.

My task at the NatCon is to speak on the question, “Is There Christian Eloquence?” My task at the Pastors’ Conference is to speak on the life and ministry of George Whitefield.
What I saw this week is that Whitefield’s gifts of “eloquence” pose the very problem I must deal with at the NatCon. He was so good, you could like his sermon while not believing a thing he says.

For example, in the spring of 1740 Whitefield was in Philadelphia preaching outdoors to thousands. Benjamin Franklin attended most of these messages. Franklin, who did not believe what Whitefield was preaching, commented on these perfected sermons:

His delivery...was so improved by frequent repetition, that every accent, every emphasis, every modulation of voice, was so perfectly well turned, and well placed, that without being interested in the subject, one could not help being pleased with the discourse: a pleasure of much the same kind with that received from an excellent piece of music. (emphasis added) (Harry Stout, The Divine Dramatist, 104)

Here was preaching that was so well-delivered you could like it enough to ignore it’s convicting truths. What should I say about this? More: What should I do about it? Paul said,
Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.... My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1Corinthians 1:17; 2:4-5)
Was Whitefield right to perfect his delivery to the point where unbelieving Benjamin Franklin would enjoy it like a piece of music?

Pray for me. This is not an academic issue for a preacher.

P. S. Lest the generation of younger preachers who don’t give a fig for eloquence think they have this one solved, beware. There is an “eloquence” of “hip” and “dress” and “slang” and “savvy” and “casual” and the “appearance of artlessness” that can have the exact same mesmerizing effect in our day that Whitefield’s eloquence had in his: People like it without sharing any of the convictions.

Posted September 8, 2008 on www.desiringgod.org/Blog/

LOOKING FOR JOY IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES

In 2006, Will Smith starred in an inspiring true story entitled, The Pursuit of Happiness. The film was about a struggling salesman named Christopher Gardner who pursues a career as a stockbroker. This business venture takes him and his son from rags to riches.

Although everyone will agree that this film properly represents the idea of "The American Dream," one must ask, "Does a lucrative career bring joy that lasts?" People universally pursue happiness and invest their lives in all types of endeavors hoping to fill the void inside them. The problem they find, however, is that the “pursuit of happiness” can be endless leaving them ultimately unsatisfied.

When one pursues created things rather than the creator, they settle for far less than what was intended. John Piper affirms, "None of us has trusted and treasured God the way we should. We have not been satisfied with his greatness and walked in his ways. We have sought our satisfaction in other things, and treated them as more valuable than God."

Those who delight in created things will only find temporary happiness because only the creator provides lasting joy and because those who do not enjoy God in this life are subject to His just condemnation in the life to come. According to Piper, "We have all belittled the glory of God. How? By preferring other things above him. By our ingratitude, distrust and disobedience. So God is just in shutting us out from the enjoyment of his glory forever.”

Only through Christ can lasting joy be found. Because of his death and resurrection, believers are rescued from the misery of sin and death and are also able to experience the joy God intended. According to Piper, "Coming home to God is where all deep and lasting satisfaction is found."

Piper, John. "Quest for Joy: Six Biblical Truths" www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary

"Quote" of the Week

"God made us to magnify his greatness-the way telescopes magnify stars. He created us to put his goodness and truth and beauty and wisdom and justice on display. " -John Piper

SALVATION IS FREE BUT NOT CHEAP

Last night, during youth, we discussed the fact that “Nothing is free.” One should realize that when a gift is received, although it did not cost the recipient, it was given at a price. This is especially true of a Christian’s salvation. Although it can not be earned or bought, it was provided at a price. Jesus suffered both physically and spiritually to provide redemption for God’s estranged people. Notice three ways he suffered to purchase salvation.

Christ suffered during his earthly life. Wayne Grudem affirms, “In a broad sense the penalty Christ bore in paying for our sins was suffering in both his body and soul throughout his life…His whole life in a fallen world involved suffering.” We certainly see this at the beginning of His earthly ministry when He is tempted by Satan for forty days in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). Many believers have been also comforted by the writings of the author of Hebrews who assures believers that Jesus sympathizes with human weakness because of what he endured during his time on earth. He states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

A second way salvation was purchased was through the physical pain of the cross. According to Grudem, “Death by crucifixion was one of the most horrible forms of execution ever devised by man.” A physician in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1986 explained,

“Adequate exhalation required lifting the body by pushing up on the feet and by flexing the elbows…However, this maneuver would place the entire weight of the body on the tarsals and would produce searing pain. Furthermore, flexion of the elbows would cause rotation of the wrists about the iron nails and cause fiery pain along the damaged median nerves…Muscle cramps and paresthesias of the outstretched and uplifted arms would add to the discomfort. As a result, each respiratory effort would become agonizing and tiring and lead eventually to asphyxia.”

A third and lesser know way Christ suffered involved the pain of bearing sin. According to Grudem, “More awful than the pain of physical suffering that Jesus endured was the psychological pain of bearing the guilt for our sin.” Our sins were placed upon Christ. Isaiah 53:6 affirms, “The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Grudem explains, “In the same way in which Adam’s sins were imputed to us, so God imputed our sins to Christ; that is, he thought of them as belonging to Christ, and since God is the ultimate judge and definer of what really is in the universe, when God thought of our sins as belonging to Christ then in fact they actually did belong to Christ.”

These biblical truths should cause us to be grateful not just because salvation is free, but because of what it cost our Lord. John 3:16 is one of the most well known verses in all of Scripture, but has a word within it that is often overlooked. The word “so” emphasizes that God’s love for the world is “so” great that he bankrupted heaven and sent His son to die so that we might have eternal life. May the cost of salvation move believers hearts toward worship.

Grudem, Wayne. The Atonement. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994. 571-574.

"Quote" of the Week

"Some have objected that it was not fair for God...to transfer the guilt of sin from us to an innocent person, Christ. Yet we must remember that Christ voluntarily took on himself the guilt for our sins, so this objection loses much of its force. Moreover, God himself (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is the ultimate standard of what is just and fair in the universe, and he decreed that the atonement would take place in this way, and that it did in fact satisfy the demands of his own righteousness and justice." -Wayne Grudem

IF THERE IS A GOD...WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN?

If you speak to unbelievers frequently for any length of time, it should not take long for you to be faced with the question of the origin of evil. Many have been silenced with questions like, "Where was God, when my mother suffered and died from cancer," or "If God is real, why did all those people die during Hurricane Katrina?" Many atheists argue that the existence of evil challenges the existence of God. According to Ravi Zacharias, "Atheists say that the reality of evil proves that God isn't real."

There are several arguments that one could make for the existence of God. One, for example, is the reality of an objective moral law. According to Zacharias, "If evil exists, then we have to assume that good exists...If good exists, we have to assume that a moral law exists...If a moral law exists, we have to say that there is a moral lawgiver-or we would have no basis for an objective moral law." Other examples that have been used are intelligent design, and the law of cause and effect that reasons that there has to be an uncaused cause (God).

Although these arguments are valid, they do not answer questions pertaining to the existance of evil. Since we as believers know God is good and is not to blame for our peril, we must then ask in return, "If God is not to blame then who is?"

The Bible affirms that human beings are responsible. Zacharias states, "Evil isn't just something outside of us that inflicts suffering on us. Evil is something inside of us that inflicts suffering on others." Many may answer, however, "But God created us." Because like produces like, it would not make since for a perfect God to create something that is flawed. He created all things perfect including man. Even though, Adam, our representative, was created in God's image, he was given complete freedom. As Genesis 3 demonstrates, he chose disobedience. Through one act of disobedience, sin entered into the world ruining God's perfect creation and contaminating the entire human race.

It is God, however, that provides a solution for the evil we cause. It did not take long, after the fall, for God to provide hope to a seemingly hopeless story. He tells the serpent that the Messiah will come and crush his head in Genesis 3:15. Jesus did this by taking on flesh, meeting God's standard for living, and dieing as our substitute so that through him we could be brought back into a right relationship with our creator. According to Zacharias, "The death of Jesus on the cross shows the reality of evil—and God's solution for it."

Zacharias, Ravi. Jesus Among Other Gods. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2000. 89-101.

"Quote" of the Week

"Some people refuse to believe in God because admitting He exists means having to answer to their Creator. The same people reject Jesus because receiving the good news of Christ means accepting a set of instructions to agree with God about sin and to allow Christ to be the Master of their lives." -Ravi Zacharias

"THE BIBLE IS BETTER THAN BEING THERE" by Tyler Kenney

Before we begin our study of Christian Theology, I thought I would share with you an article posted on John Piper's blog concerning how we should think about Scripture.


When it comes to knowing and believing the truth, are we worse off today than the Israelites who heard God speak from heaven or the apostles who physically sat at Jesus’ feet when he taught?

Or could having the Bible be better than actually being there when its events took place?

Here are 3 reasons we’re better off with our Bibles.

1. Scripture interprets the biblical events for us.

First-hand exposure to the historical acts of God isn’t always the best path to understanding. When Jesus foretold his death and resurrection to the disciples—even giving details about how he would be flogged, spit upon, killed, and raised on the third day—Luke states clearly that “they understood none of these things” (18:34). The disciples were unable to grasp what he said, though they heard the very words of Jesus.

We, on the other hand, the readers of Luke’s Gospel, know exactly what Jesus meant. We have the event interpreted for us in Scripture, clearly shown to be the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies and an accurate prediction of the events that would soon take place.

That’s not to say that Scripture is better just because it contains more facts. Even after witnessing Christ’s death and resurrection, and having him stand in their midst and show them his scars, the disciples still doubted. They didn’t understand what was going on even though all the historical facts were right in front of them.

What they needed was help to process and place those facts within the framework of God’s revelation. Thus Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” and showed them from the Old Testament the significance of what they were witnessing (see Luke 24:36-48).

Like the disciples, we need an interpretation of history in order to grasp God’s meaning in it. We need someone with understanding to take the data, select the significant things said or done, and portray them in an understandable way.

This is precisely what Scripture is: a selective (John 21:25) yet entirely sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3-4) depiction of what God has done.

2. Scripture’s interpretation is inspired.

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. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

We need an interpretation of the past, but we don’t want just any interpretation. We want the Holy Spirit’s. We want an explanation by God himself that accurately conveys the true significance of what he has done and then penetrates our stubborn hearts with it.

Because the Holy Spirit inspired it, Scripture has the precision and power to teach people in a way that supersedes what they could ever learn on their own through direct exposure to the events. As Jesus says,
It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.… When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:7, 13)

3. Scripture appeals to our inner being.

One danger of having front row seats to God’s actions in history is that we could confuse our response to the mode of revelation with our response to the meaning of it.

We would certainly marvel to hear the Father speak through a thundercloud or to see Jesus walk on water. But we could easily come away from such events with only a natural thrill, rather than any spiritual apprehension of what they meant.

Scripture guards us from this danger simply by being a book. It wasn’t written to wow our physical senses, but, rather, as an appeal to our spiritual sense.

Wouldn’t God know the best way to reveal himself in order to build an authentic body of believers?

Yes. So he inspired men to write, “that [we] may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing [we] may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

What Difference Does Believing This Make?

There are at least two effects of realizing that we are better off with our Bibles than with a time machine to the past.

1. More appreciation for having the Bible.

Rather than using Scripture as a tool for conducting our own analysis of historical events, we can read it as already being its own perfect analysis. The investigation has been done (Luke 1:1-4). We don’t have to “wish we’d been there.” We have what we need in the text.

2. More encouragement to share the Word.

In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man is in hell pleading with Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to convince his still-living brothers to repent.

But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead’ (Luke 16:29-31).

We don’t need supernatural signs to have an effective witness. We just need to present the Word of God. It is supernatural in itself and more powerful to convince hard-hearted sinners than anything else.

Posted July 16, 2008 on www.desiringgod.org/Blog/