Tag Archives: Bible

The Teacher

Bible General, Church Bulletin, Doctrine, , ,

The Gospels present the life of Jesus. Acts gives us a history of the earliest church. The letters offer us insight into the early church problems and challenges. Revelation gives hope for the future. But what about the Old Testament? If you look carefully at the pages of your favorite Bible you may find the pages of the New Testament worn, ragged and filled with notes. But the pages of the Old Testament are almost pristine from lack of use. Few would argue that we need to improve our knowledge of the Old Testament.

The writings of the Old Testament bring us from Creation to within about 400 years of the birth of Christ. And then, it stops. In fact, it ends with a depressing rebuke from God when the people are told  their sacrifices have been rejected (Malachi 1:10). Yet the prophet still holds out hope and points to the coming redeemer (Malachi 3:1-5).

Four centuries later the prophetic voice would resume from a strange man who wore rough clothing and ate locusts for his meals. John the Baptist would speak the Lord’s words (Matthew 3:1-6).

The Old Testament consists primarily, but certainly not exclusively, of the Mosaic Law given at Sinai. The Law was given through Moses. The prophets tried to call the people back to that Law. But that covenant was brought to an end by Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:10-11; Galatians 3:21-29; Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 12:25-29). So if it was “nailed to the cross” how should we view it? Is there any value in t he Old Testament today? Continue reading The Teacher →

Understanding Bible Covenants

Bible General, Doctrine, ,

You must understand covenants in the Bible if you want to understand the Bible. Although God himself never changes (Hebrews 6:17; Hebrews 13:8) he does change the way he deals with man. God does not deal with us today the same as he dealt with Adam and Eve. He did not deal with the Israelites the same as he dealt with Adam and Eve. Understanding these differences will help better appreciate the glory of Jesus Christ and his perfect law while becoming better students of the Bible.

Bible Covenants

For our purposes we are only interested in covenants between God and man. These are a special kind of covenant called a “suzerain” treaty or covenant. Arnold and Beyer  describe a suzerain treaty as a political covenant between unequal partners.” ((Bill T. Arnold & Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Old Testament, Baker Books, 1999, pg 149)) In the case of Jehovah there is no political aspect but nonetheless it is an agreement between unequals. As such, there was, and is, no negotiating to be done. God simply pronounced the covenant along with blessings and punishments. The people were free to comply to rebel.

Although their are many covenants between God and individuals in the Bible ((1 Kings 3:10-14; 1 Kings 6:12-13)) there are only three major covenants under which God has bound himself. Each is similar but there are striking differences too.

For example, in all covenants God is always supreme and is always sovereign. In all covenants man is to obey God and serve him. In all covenants man enjoys blessings for obedience and consequences of punishment for disobedience. Man is never left to himself or allowed to craft his own response to God (Judges 21:25; Acts 4:19). Man has never been left to himself. God has always directed him.

Three covenants, sometimes spoken of as dispensations, can be divided as follows: 1.) The Patriarchal; 2.) The Mosaic; 3.) The Christian. We will look at each in turn

The Patriarchal Period

The Patriarchal period begins at the beginning of time and continues to the Cross of Christ. It and the Mosaic share some of the same time period but are quite distinct. This period is marked by a more direct approach by God to his people. For example, we have God speaking directly to Adam and Eve in Eden (Genesis 3:9-19), to Cain (Genesis 4:6-15), to Noah (Genesis 7:1 ff), and to Job (Job 38:1 ff). Although the father of the Jews, Abraham lived and died under the Patriarchal system. We also see God calling entire nations back to Him through prophets even though those nations are not Jewish (Jonah 1:2; Nahum 1:1; Daniel 4:28 ff).

Until Sinai (Exodus 20) all people were under this kind of guidance or direction from God. At Sinai God would finish separating out the Hebrews into his chosen people and would give them their own laws or covenant. Except for the Jews, the Patriarchal age continued until Christ died at Calvary.

This period sees a very direct interaction between individuals and God. God dealt with the heads of the families who were instructed in issues of righteousness.

The Mosaic Period

Beginning in Genesis 12, God began to speak of a special group of people. This nation would be even more special to him than the others. He would actually create this nation from the offspring of Abraham (Genesis 12:2). These people were chosen by God even before they were born and even before they were more than a small family. They were chosen out of the sovereign will of God. It would take almost 500 years for these people to actually grow into a nation and occupy their own land but it was coming.

God rescued his people from Egypt and brought them into the wilderness where he would give them a law. Every nation must have law and God’s people were no different. So at Sinai he gave them their own unique law. We usually call it the Law of Moses but Moses was only the man to whom the law was given. It was created by God.

Included in the Law of Moses are the 10 Commandments. These commands form the basis for what will follow in the larger codex of law. Exodus 20:2 makes it clear that when this law was given it was given to a certain group of people. Specifically it was given to those God brought “out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Although the Children of Israel ((Children of Israel, Hebrews and Jews are all terms for the same group.)) were under the law of Moses no other nation was subject to it. That is not to say other nations were under no law at all, just that they were not under the law given at Sinai.

This period runs from Sinai concurrently with the Patriarchal period until the cross of Christ. It applied only to the Jews. God deals with his chosen people first through Moses, then the Law of Moses and then through the Levitical priests and the national judges and kings.

The Christian Covenant

Everything changed at Calvary. When Jesus died, was buried, raised and established his church, all men were now under his law. There was no longer a need for the sacrifices of the Temple. Indeed the Most Holy Place was thrust into view when the veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38). Suddenly the Levitical (Mosaic)  priesthood was obsolete for a new Priest, Jesus Christ, had been installed in Heaven itself (Hebrews 4:14 ff). Now He alone was the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). The old law of ordinances was “nailed to the cross” and no more applied unto any person (Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 3:1-11).

The priesthood of Moses could never take away sin fully, only could it set aside the sins until the coming of Jesus (Hebrews 8). Now all may be saved through Jesus. His blood covers all from the beginning of time into the future.

But Jews are not the only ones subject to Christ. Speaking to a predominantly Gentile audience in Acts 17:30 Paul said that God commanded “all men everywhere to repent.”

Today, we no longer live under Moses’ law. We do not do the things done under that period or dispensation. We honor the Old Testament and learn from its true stories and examples but we worship as the Christians did in the 1st Century (Galatians 3:24;-25 ). This is the reason we do not reach into the Old Testament for authority in worship. Animal sacrifices were an integral part of the Old Testament but have no place in the New. Mechanical Instruments of music were important in the Temple but not in the church. Worship is no longer on the Sabbath but on the “Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10) which is the first day of the week, Sunday.

Properly understanding the various covenants will aide us in serving God as he intends in the present age.

Read The Bible Daily

Church Bulletin,

God began speaking to man even before man existed. He revealed his words of Creation to us in Genesis 1 through Moses who wrote thousands of years later. Dozens of times the Bible says “God said…” The entire Bible is a revelation of God’s mind given through the Holy Spirit.

God’s word is truth. Jesus said so in John 17 as he prayed in Gethsemane (John 17:17). The Holy Scriptures are from God and are given by him to men so that those men might have truth (2 Timothy 3:16). Indeed, Paul’s statement to Timothy declares the usefulness of the Bible for a variety of uses including teaching and training. In a time such as ours when so little truth seems to be known, it is comforting to know that there is a place where real truth can be found.

The Elders at Eastern Shore have challenged us to read the Bible daily. They know the importance of Bible study and of a relationship with God based in the truth of his own words. But daily Bible reading is more than just checking off an item on a to-do list. When done well, daily Bible reading will almost always bring change into the life of the Christian.

You should approach your reading with the expectation that you will discover something you have not seen before. Some new application to your life can be uncovered; some new fact that gives deeper meaning to the Scripture. We have often said Scripture is like an onion. As you peel away layer after layer deeper meaning is found and understanding grows.

Begin your reading with preparation. An organized plan of reading is always useful. Tailor your reading plan to the needs in your life. For example, if you are striving for a deeper relationship with Jesus spend your time in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you seek comfort or deliverance from trial you might read the Psalms. A desire to walk wisely is suited to a study of Proverbs or James. Whatever your need is it can be served through Scripture.

Part of preparation is having pen and paper nearby. Jot down questions you have or unknown words. These items provide a “hook” for future Bible study. Make use of Bible dictionaries or encyclopedias available in the library to complement your efforts.

Do your readings with dedication. Hopefully you are developing a lifelong practice of daily Bible reading. Some passages are more difficult than others and may require more time to unravel and appreciate than others but with dedication comes reward. A prospector panning for gold may come up empty many times before finding that small nugget. But his find is a great reward for his effort.

Expectation, preparation and dedication are the keys to this challenge set before us. Let’s all grow together!


Did A Fish Really Swallow Jonah?

Jonah

The story of Jonah and the whale is beloved by children. It’s a fantastic adventure! But some adults are skeptical. It just seems too fantastic to think that a great fish (that’s the Bible’s phrase) could swallow a man, hang on to him for three days and nights and then vomit him up on dry land and the man walk away. Many reason that this is a myth or legend much like one of Aesop’s Fables. It’s fun to read and it teaches an important lesson, but it didn’t really happen.

Uh, yes it did. Continue reading Did A Fish Really Swallow Jonah? →

A Reasonable New Year’s Resolution

Bible General, Daily living,

The giant Moonpie has dropped (Mobile, Alabama’s version of the Times Square Ball) and the New Year has begun. Resolutions will soon be dropping by the wayside. “Resolution Reduction” occurs because we bite off too much. For example, if I declare I will loose 100 pounds by April 1st I will certainly fail. Instead a resolution to eat more fruits and vegetables is more reasonable.

Spiritual resolutions suffer too. Many beginning reading the Bible all the way through in one year. Genesis, Exodus and Numbers are  interesting but Leviticus becomes an impenetrable wall. Many readers are stopped by the minuscule detail of the Leviticus.

Let me suggest this: Resolve to the Bible everyday. Be a Daily Bible Reader.

As a minister, I am not worried about where you are reading. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16). I am, however, worried that you read something everyday. God’s word is a “light to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). You cannot navigate the obstacles of life without the Bible anymore  than you can walk through dense woods without light. You must know God’s word.

Make your daily Bible reading a part of a daily devotional. Choose your time and place and do not fail to meet with God.

Reading the Bible through in a year, or even twice in a year is a fine goal. But it  is unattainable for many. Avoid the disappointment. Read the Bible every day!

What are your thoughts? Please share them with us in the comments section below.

Should Mark 16:9-20 Be In The Bible?

Bible General, Mark,
(This article and the linked paper are from an old Freed-Hardeman friend, David Hester. This is an important scholarly work which should be considered by mature Christians. I think David has reached some very valid conclusions here and I commend his article to your reading. As always, please post your comments below and we will ask David to address them here -jbe)

We live in a world that is more hostile towards the Bible than ever before. No longer can one assume that all people are familiar with Scripture. As a result, infidelity is gaining ground. The Jesus Seminar—a group of theological liberals who deny the deity of Jesus and His miracles—dominates mass media. TV shows such as “Frontline” and cable channels such as the Discovery Channel frequently showcase such liberals as the “experts” in religion. One such liberal had the audacity to write a chapter for a book entitled, “The Irrelevancy of the Empty Tomb.”

In such a climate, the Lord’s church needs reasoned, informed individuals responding to such attacks. It does not necessarily take advanced degrees to be able to be effective. We must get back to what we are best at—familiarity with the Word of God. And, we must hold up the hands of those who are on the front lines of the battle for the minds of men.

Mark 16:9-20 is a passage that has been rejected by many. In the first edition of the New International version (NIV),  the passage was nowhere to be found (though in subsequent editions, it was included).Denominational preachers argued in debate that Mark 16:16 is irrelevant, because it “doesn’t belong in the Bible.” The scholarly world, for many years, agreed with this view.

However, that view is changing. In recent years, there has been a reevaluation of the evidence. And, it is about time. Gus Nichols, Guy N. Woods, and B. C. Goodpasture were right. May their tribe increase.

Please read the article on Mark 16 here.

Understandable Truth | 20 Reasons

Bible General, , ,

Have you ever heard someone say, “I just can’t understand the Bible!” Or maybe this one, “Well, that’s just your interpretation. Ask 10 people what a verse means and you will get 10 different answers.” I’m sure you have either heard these comments or maybe even made them yourself. Truthfully, they are bogus. That’s right, nonsense. Don’t you think that sometimes those are just convenient crutches to avoid a teaching or conclusion that people do not like? I think so.

My thesis is that the Bible can be understood. Let me make my case.

Truth Comes from God

To some this is a truism that really doesn’t need repeating. To others it is hogwash. We have previously talked about the inspiration of the Bible and have argued that the inspiration of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) is so important because it means the words of Scripture are from the very mind of God.

But for our purposes now we understand that any communication from God can be understood. God is not the author of confusion in spiritual matters (1 Corinthians 14:33). He seeks to be understood. Even in the early days of the church the Christians were reminded not to speak in tongues unless someone was present who could interpret (1 Corinthians 14:27, 28). Since the Bible comes from God it can be understood. If God created us then he can communicate with us.

Think about it. If you can read the manual and understand how to program a DVD recorder, you can certainly understand God. God is all-knowing while the DVD people are not. He knows you personally, the DVD people do not. The issue really boils down to a single question. Can God communicate with his creation? The answer must be “yes!”

It is God’s desire that we all speak the same thing and stand in the same mind or agreement (1 Corinthians 1:10). Divisions are opposed by the Lord ( 1 Corinthians 1:10-18). If these things are true – and they are – God would play no role in creating or contributing to religious misunderstanding and division. Truth comes from God. Men are the source of confusion.

Confusion Comes from Men

If we are correct that the Bible can be understood and if God is able to communicate with us, then why all the confusion? That’s a really good question. Hundreds of denominations and sects, each teaching something different makes for an embarrasing religious landscape. It is the not the Bible’s fault.

We struggle with understanding the Bible because of one of four reasons:

  1. We have not yet studied enough to come to an understanding;
  2. We do not like what it says;
  3. We have been taught wrong by someone else who does not like what it says;
  4. We are too lazy to study for ourselves and have entrusted a mortal to teach us what we should learn on our own.

Pretty harsh assessment? You are correct. But argue against it and please leave your comments here so they can be seen by all readers. Keep in mind a few key verses as you comment. (To my facebook friends I invite you to comment here if you like. On FB is fine too.)

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy is of any private interpretation.” (2 peter 1:20)

“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32)

“…so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:4)

God’s word can be understood. While there may be some questions that are not answered in Scripture God has given us all we need for our salvation. Let us all try to speak the same truth and stand on the same ground so that the unbelieving world can be saved.

U.S. Government Burns Bibles

Bible General, Culture, Islam, , , , , , ,

Yes, it is true. To avoid offending muslims the U.S. Army burned Bibles written in the language of the Afghan people. Here’s the link to a report.

Now I have a few questions:

  1. Who gave the order?
  2. How many Korans should we burn?
  3. Has the Army ever, at any time deliberately burned a Koran?
  4. Are soldiers expected to jettison their faith when they enlist? If so does that raise any serious questions for anyone else?
  5. Simply – why?

I assure you I have my own opinions but I want to hear yours.

Add your comments below and speak out boldly!