IN ORDER FOR GOD TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIS CREATION; HE GAVE US A REVELATION WHICH WE CALL THE WORD OF GOD

                       The Bible is the Word of God

 

TEXT: 1 Pet. 3:15; Heb. 1:1-2

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

A. WE ARE TO BE READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE.

 

B. IT IS ONLY REASONABLE THAT GOD, HAVING CREATED US, REVEAL

 

HIMSELF TO US SOMEHOW.

 

C. WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE, INSPIRED OF GOD, IS THAT REVELATION.

 

D. THIS LESSON GIVES REASONS FOR BELIEVING THAT.

 

Part One

 

I. UNITY.

 

Not one, but 66 books written by about 40 men over a period of approximately 1500 years. They had different backgrounds, spoke several languages, lived in different areas, yet their writings made a complete and harmonious whole. There are links or threads of evidence that tie all of these books together and prove that they all stemmed from one mind, the mind of God. There is one underlying theme of the Bible. That theme is of man’s reconciliation to God through Christ.

 

II. ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE.

 

A. GENERAL EVIDENCE.

 

1. Common origin of civilization – The Fertile Crescent.

 

2. Jewish history as recorded in the Bible as compared with other

 

contemporary histories.

 

B. SPECIAL EVIDENCE.

 

1. Early writing. Until fairly recently it was thought that writing was not known until after the time of Moses. The Code of Hammurabi, the Weld Prism, and the Pre-flood Tablets have now proven the use of writing in Abraham’s day, and in some cases, much earlier.

 

2. Early use of metals. Until recently the “Iron Age” was supposed to be from 1200 BC onward. Now the “Iron Age” has been pushed back another 1500 years to 2700 BC.

 

3. The flood. Geologists are daily finding evidence that large areas of the earth were once covered by water. Many other ancient histories record great floods.

 

4. Solomon’s wealth has been established by extensive digging and searching in the Palestine area.

 

5. The building of the great Egyptian cities of Pithon and Ramses was by slave labor about the time of the Exodus. At Pithon the bricks which are in the lower walls are full of straw; the higher you go, the less straw you find until there is none in the top (Compare Ex. 5).

 

6. King Belshazzar of Babylon (Dan. 5). For many years all Babylonian records give no such name, listing Nabonidus as the last king before the Persian invasion. However, the British Museum discovered a number of clay tablets that listed Nabonidus as having a son, Belshazzar, who ruled jointly with him and was killed in the Persian conquest. (See Archaeology and the Bible, J.A. Thompson for more.)

 

III. SCIENTIFIC ACCURACY.

 

A. ALTHOUGH OVER 1900 YEARS OLD, THE BIBLE CONTAINS NONE OF THE GEOGRAPHIC, HISTORIC, AND SCIENTIFIC MISTAKES THAT CHARACTERIZE THE WRITINGS OF ITS TIMES.

 

B. THOUGH NOT A SCIENCE TEXT-BOOK, THE BIBLE CONTAINS AN INTRIGUING AMOUNT OF WHAT WE CALL “SCIENTIFIC FORE-KNOWLEDGE.”

 

1. The rotundity of the earth (Prov. 8:27; Isa. 40:22).

 

2. The suspension of the earth (Job 26:7).

 

3. The paths of the sea…Matthew Fontaine Maury charted the currents of

 

the sea after reading Psa. 8:8.

 

IV. STYLE.

 

The writers of the Bible were completely impartial, unlike others. The worst moments of the greatest heroes of the Bible are presented in glaring candidness. Such as Noah’s drunkenness, Abraham’s lie, Jacob’s deceit, David’s adultery, Peter’s cowardice, Paul’s blasphemy, etc.

 

V. THE BIBLE’S MORAL STANDARD.

 

The Old Testament writers lived in a country surrounded and influenced by heathens whose religions and immoralities are shocking to think about. The New Testament writers were surrounded by the immoralities and vices of pagan Rome and Greece. Yet the moral standard they set forth is far above anything known to their generations. How can the skeptic account for the fact that the world’s greatest literature and highest moral standard comes not from the geniuses of Rome, the philosophers or of Greece, or the scholars and moralists of today, but from a handful of Jewish fishermen who never went to college and never had another book published? What is the basis for the Bible’s moral standard?( Mat. 22:37-40; Rom. 13:8ff. ).

 

Part Two

 

VI. FULFILLED PROPHECY.

 

A. CONCERNING ISHMAEL( Gen. 16:10-12; 17:20 ).

 

B. CONCERNING ISRAEL.

 

1. Balaam’s prophecy( Numbers 23:9-10; 24:17-18 ).

 

2. Concerning Israel’s downfall( Deut. 28:14-64 ).

 

a. 400 years before their king( vs. 36 ).

 

b. “Hiss & byword”( vs. 37; Jer. 29:18 ).

 

c. Captors speak a strange tongue( vs. 49-50 ).

 

d. Siege, cannibalism, death( vs. 49-57 ). Literally fulfilled in the Syrian

 

siege( 2 Kings 6:24-31 ) and the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

 

e. Many Jews would perish( vs. 62 ). 1,200,000 died in the

 

destruction of Jerusalem.

 

f. Slavery( vs. 68 ). 99,000 Jews were sold by Rome.

 

C. CONCERNING THE NATIONS.

 

1. Babylon( Isa. 13:17-22 ).

 

2. Cyrus and the Medo-Persian Empire( Isa. 41:21-27; 44:6-21; 44:22-5:7 ).

 

VII. SURVIVAL.

 

No book has been so loved and so cherished as the Bible. Yet no book has come under greater attack than this book. Voltaire boasted that by the end of his life or shortly thereafter, the philosophers of his day would cause men to forget the Bible. Today who remembers Voltaire?

 

CONCLUSION:

 

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall never pass away”( Mark 13:31 ). We believe the word of God is in our possession right now. We believe it is complete( 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ). We believe it is indeed what it claims to be( 1 Thes. 2:13 ). We believe it to be verbally inspired( 1 Cor. 2:13, 16 ).

 

 

 

THE BIBLE IS GOD’S COMMUNICATION, HIS REVELATION TO MAN.

 

THE FOOL HATH SAID IN HIS HEART, THERE IS NO GOD. WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR HIS EXISTENCE?

 

 

                                      God Is!

TEXT: Psa. 53:1

INTRODUCTION:

 

A. IS THERE A GOD?

 

1. We are not able to prove either an affirmative or negative answer.

 

2. Yet God expects us to defend our belief in him ( 1 Pet. 3:15 ; Jude 3 ).

 

3. We can only give our reasons for believing in God

 

in hopes that you will find it reasonable to believe.

 

B. WE CANNOT DECIDE THIS QUESTION SIMPLY ON THE BASIS

 

OF WHAT WISE MEN BELIEVE OR TEACH.

 

1. They disagree.

 

2. Wise and ignorant are both believers and infidels

 

C. IN THIS LESSON WE WANT TO GIVE SOME REASONS FOR OUR BELIEF.

I. THE EXISTENCE OF THE UNIVERSE.

 

A. SOMETHING CAN’T COME FROM NOTHING, THEREFORE SOMETHING HAS

 

ALWAYS BEEN.

 

B. THE ATHEIST MUST ARGUE THAT THE FIRST CAUSE WAS MATTER.

 

C. WE ARGUE THAT BECAUSE OF THE SUPERIOR NATURE OF MIND, MIND

 

CAME FIRST.

 

1. Matter, in and of itself, is dead has no power. Without something acting on it,

 

matter will not even move.

 

2. Matter is dead! Mind is alive! What is the origin of life?

II. THE UNIVERSE SHOWS SIGNS OF DESIGN AND PURPOSE

( Rom. 1:20; Psa. 19:1-4).

 

A.

 

invisible things: God’s power & divinity

 

are clearly seen thru

 

things made the universe – order & design

 

 

 

B. ILLUSTRATIONS: Bear’s footprint. Fine Swiss Watch.

 

C. EXAMPLES: Human Body. The Earth as an environment.

 

D. WHEN WE SEE THE THINGS WHICH ARE MADE, WE KNOW THAT

 

THERE IS ON WHO IS POWERFUL ENOUGH AND INTELLEGENT

 

ENOUGH TO MAKE THOSE THINGS … FOOTPRINTS, WATCHES, OR THE UNIVERSE.

III. THE UNIQUE NATURE OF MAN.

 

A. Man has the capacity for rational thought. Animals can be trained to do certain things

 

by use of their instincts, but they never train themselves. Man alone has the ability of rational thought.

 

Man is left to reason out his destiny while animals perform upon instinct.

 

B. Man alone has a sense of morals – a moral standard. “Man alone of all earthly creatures does wrong.

 

Willfully or ignorantly he disobeys the laws of his nature or fails at complete fulfillment,

 

even when desiring it. Theft is no crime in a monkey or a bear. Bloodthirstiness is no vice in a tiger,

 

nor vanity in a peacock. A dishonest or cruel or vain man breaks the laws of his own nature”

 

(Hamilton, Basis of Faith, p. 221 ).

 

Consider any argument between young children. Cries of “He hit me first,”

 

“She got more than I did,” “I was in line first,” are mere appeals to

 

a standard of conduct. We call this a “moral standard.” Animals and

 

outlaws are not concerned with such a standard. They live by the law

 

of the jungle, “Might makes right.” Where did man’s sense of morals come from?

 

C. Man has a conscience. When man violates his standard of conduct and those laws

 

which he has learned, he feels guilt. What animal has ever stayed awake all night

 

worrying whether or not the days activities were moral or immoral. ( A man’s

 

conscience may be seared, 1 Tim. 4:1-2 ).

 

D. Man has an esthetic nature. Man is able to create and appreciate beauty, art, poetry, etc.

 

Can a cow be moved by a beautiful painting, a sunset or a poem?

 

E. Man is inherently religious. Even the most primitive civilizations have a sense

 

of a higher being, a basic fear of death, a conception of life after death, and a form of worship.

 

Animals are completely devoid of any inherent religious intuition.

 

F. All of these marks of personality in man prove two things: Man is created in the

 

image of a “personal God” with those same qualities of intellect, free will, moral

 

sense, etc., and was not the product of so called “resident forces” in the material

 

universe. Second, there is something in man that is not material.

IV. WE BELIEVE IN GOD BECAUSE ALL THE OBJECTIONS TO

BELIEVING IN GOD LIE WITH EQUAL FORCE AGAINST

ATHEISM.

 

Every objection which the atheist can make against the existence of God can be

 

made against his belief in the eternal existence of matter! Where did matter come

 

from? Atheism has insuperable difficulties of its own. How can life, intelligent

 

planning, and law come from dead matter?

 

“THE FOOL HATH SAID IN HIS HEART, THERE IS NO GOD”( Psa. 53:1 ).

 

HERE WE GO AGAIN; ANSWERING ONCE AGAIN AN AGE OLD QUESTION: “WHY DOES YOUR GOD ALLOW SUCH TRAGEDY TO HAPPEN?

                      Why Does God Allow Evil?

 

 

There is no doubt that sin, and the evil that accompanies it, exists in this world. When atrocious examples of evil come to our attention, people commonly wonder why God allows such evil to happen. Atheists will use the very existence of obvious evil to argue against God. “If God were so good,” they smirk, “why is there evil in the world?” Since evil exists, these people conclude that God must not exist.

 

Have you ever thought about reversing the argument? If evil is so prevalent, why is there righteousness in the world? Since righteousness exists, should we conclude that evil does not exist? Obviously the existence of one extreme does not preclude the existence of the other extreme.

 

Yet, still the question needs to be addressed. As Christians we are to have a ready answer for every question regarding our faith (I Peter 3:15). Perhaps you have studied this question in the past, but given the tragedies of recent days, it will do each of us good to review the Scriptures so we may answer the questions that are bound to come up.

 

But, before addressing why evil is allowed to exist, we need to define what is evil. We don’t have to look far to find recent events that most people agree are evil. There is no doubt that the taking of thousands of innocent lives in Colorado, New York, Washington, D.C, and Pennsylvania is a prime example of evil at its worse.

 

In fact, we can go farther and note that evil always involves sin. The two are equivalent: Sin is evil. Some sins are much more abhorrent than others. The loss of thousands of innocent lives strikes us as more evil than an individual’s lie. Yet, we must understand that both are wrong. Both are different facets of evil.

 

John defines sin as the breaking of law (I John 3:4). The very existence and recognition of evil argue that a law or several laws are being broken. The tragedy of September 11, 2001, and Aurora, Co.was evil because innocent people were murdered. This means that we recognize the fact that murder is wrong. In other words, we acknowledge that a law exists making murder sinful. If such a law did not exist, then there could be no violation of that law (Romans 4:15).

 

Recognizing this, some have foolishly argued that here lies a quick way to remove evil from the world – remove every law! Too hard to believe? We all recognize that this nation has a drug problem. What has been touted as a solution to the drug problem? Why, legalize the drugs! As if this would solve the problem!

 

It was once against the law to have sex outside of marriage. Those laws have been dropped from the books as being unenforceable. Has the sin of fornication therefore disappeared with the removal of the law? Has it even decreased? No, the exact opposite effect has been recorded. People are living together in staggering numbers and the rate is increasing phenomenally.

 

The problem we must face is that evil still exists even when we do not acknowledge it in our laws. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned – for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses …” (Romans 5:12-14). Notice that even before God gave the law to Moses, sin was still in the world. Yet, God did not impute the punishment for sin against mankind.

 

Consider the age-old exclaim, “I didn’t know that was illegal!” Does our ignorance of a law mean the law doesn’t exist for us? Obviously no. We are still held accountable to uphold a law even if we did not know of its existence. Yet, if we truly had no way of knowing the law, the judge might be lenient in passing sentence.

 

In a similar vein, though people sinned (broken the law) before God gave the law to Moses to record, he did not count the sins against the people who broke the law. Yet, the consequences of sin, in this case death, remained even though sin was not imputed.

 

To summarize, sin exists even when the written laws do not acknowledge a particular action as sinful. Putting on blinders to avoid seeing evil does not make the evil go away, nor does it make it any less evil. In other words, laws do not create evil.

 

Where, then, does sin originate?

 

If we come to a fork in a road, we must choose which direction we will take. Because a decision must be made, I can guarantee that everyone approaching the fork will not choose the same path. Even if I put up a sign explaining the desirability of one direction over the other, I can still guarantee that the less desirable path will still be used.

 

James 1:12-18 explains that sin comes from people making the wrong choice. Sin comes from man and not from God. We all have desires that are necessary for us to live. Satan uses these natural tendencies to put us in situations where the satisfaction of our desire would cause us to break a command of God. It is a trap, but it is a snare that we willingly walk into because we want what is offered.

 

Not only does Satan tempt us, but our fellow men, already caught up in sin, will use our desires to gain their own goals (II Peter 2:18-19). Temptation is so prevalent in this world that none are immune to sin (I Corinthians 10:12). Yet, the situation is not hopeless. God remains in control, even when we are tempted to violate God’s laws (I Corinthians 10:13).

 

Yet, if evil exists, and people will choose to do evil, why did God bother giving men a law? Paul explains that the law does not cause people to sin, but it does clarify our sins (Romans 7:7-12). The law, being from God, is holy and good. It defines for man what God sees as sin. It helps us understand the nature of sin and of evil.

 

Unfortunately, the law is also exploited by Satan. By defining sin, it lets us know about options we might not have considered before. Every parent faces this dilemma. We want to warn our children against the dangers present in this world, but we don’t want our children to lose their innocence toward life. Paul spoke of this same problem in Romans 7. He, by nature, would not be one to covet what belongs to another man. But when he learned about coveting through the law, he faced the temptation to covet from the simple fact that he was now aware of the possibility.

 

This does not excuse our decision. We have been warned in advance by the law. Hence, the law leaves us with no excuse when we violate the law.

 

Perhaps now we can address why evil continues to exist in this world. Sin exists because people want it (Jeremiah 5:30-31). God tolerates its existence because it creates a distinction between the righteous and the wicked (Romans 7:13). When we sin, and we see the affect of evil on our lives, then we learn, however reluctantly, that God was right. We are forced to see that God’s laws are actually the best path because we see the devastation caused by people who sin. The existence of sin and the existence of people willing to commit sin show us just how bad off mankind is (Ecclesiastes 3:16-18).

 

When we battle against sin, we are strengthened by the effort (James 1:12). What kind of shape would I be in if I laid in bed all day? Many of us work out in some type of physical exercise. Yet, why do we bother? Simply because we understand that exercise, even when we don’t fully enjoy it, helps us to enjoy life more fully. What kind of shape would I be in if I never exercised my faith? Even though the choices are not always enjoyable, I need the opportunity to make them so that I may be better able to serve God.

 

We must also acknowledge that evil continues to exist in this world because we refuse to recognize sin. This is the trap the Jews fell into (Romans 2:17-24). When you don’t pay a bill, are you not stealing? If you leave out some of your income at tax time, are you not lying? How can a person lead others out of sin if they wallow in sins that they feel are not so bad?

 

This was a major point in Jesus’ sermon on the mount. Murder is awful, but it is preceded by the sin of anger (Matthew 5:21-22). Adultery is evil, but it is preceded by the sin of lust (Matthew 5:27-28). We cannot make a half-hearted stand against evil. Evil will not go away if we accept some sins but reject others. This is an all-or-nothing war. Evil cannot be defeated if we allow sin to continue to exist in our own lives.

 

Where do you stand in this battle against evil? Either you are for righteousness and God or you are against him (Matthew 12:30). There is no middle ground. May God bless and use this article and message to challenge us to be more conformed to the image of Christ.

 

OUR MONDAY MORNING MESSENGER—ONE OF MY FAVORITE WRITERS’

 

                       Struggling with Life’s Injustices

                                   By Wayne Jackson

 

A gentleman who professed an identification with the Lord, became quite disenchanted with Christianity. When an interested friend inquired as to the nature of his problem, he replied:

 

According to the Bible, God promised that those who follow him will be blessed with health and prosperity. As I observe Christian people, I see vast numbers who are sick and poor. I can no longer believe in the promises of God.

 

What response should be made to this troubled man? There are three possible ways to evaluate the argument stated above.

 

First, there is the charge that God has failed in his promises. This suggests either he is unable to complete his pledges (in which case he is impotent), or else he had no intention of fulfilling his bargain (which would make him deceptive). In either event, the fault would lie with God.

 

Second, one may suppose God is both willing and able to bless humanity with physical-material health and wealth; and, invariably, he does. Those who enjoy wholeness and prosperity are the righteous; those who do not are flawed in character. Any lack, therefore, is with man.

 

Third, another possibility is that the assumptions of the argument cited above are grounded in a misunderstanding of certain passages relating to physical and material well-being. In this case, the problem would be with the critic’s misinterpretation—not with the texts of the Bible.

 

Let us give consideration to each of these possibilities.

The Skeptical Theory

 

The first of the above listed propositions partakes of the nature of that ancient argument employed so often by skeptics. If God cannot do it, he is powerless, hence, not God; if the Creator will not do it, he is malevolent, thus, not God. If he has both the power and the will, why the seeming injustice?

 

The assumption in this position, of course, is that ignorant man is qualified to pass judgment upon divine actions. Consequently, if the Maker of men is not operating according to how we might do it, he is faulted as lacking either ability or will. But the “ways” of Heaven are beyond human analysis (Job 9:12b; Isaiah 55:8; Romans 11:33).

 

The fact of the matter is, God, in real history, has demonstrated both his ability and integrity in keeping his promises. Twenty centuries before the birth of Christ, Jehovah promised Abraham that through his “seed” all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). The prophecy pointed to the coming of Christ (Galatians 3:16).

 

Even though Abraham and Sarah were aged, and without offspring at the time, the patriarch never wavered concerning the promise, for he knew that “what [God] had promised, he was able to perform” (Romans 4:21). Too, God’s integrity was never suspect, for, as the writer of Hebrews noted (in discussing this very circumstance), it is an immutable proposition that it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:13-18).

 

The messianic prophecies of the Old Testament, combined with the facts relative to Jesus of Nazareth, confirm both the integrity and ability of the Almighty.

The Character Argument

 

The idea that one’s character can be determined by his physical well-being, or his material prosperity, though widespread, reflects an erroneous generalization. While it occasionally is the case that the Bible provides examples of prosperity as a result of righteousness, that is far from the rule. Consider two cases from the Old Testament.

 

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar insisted that Job’s plight (during which he lost all his material resources and his health) was a result of his lack of spirituality. The patriarch supposedly had committed grievous sins; if he would only repent, God would restore his well-being. The truth was otherwise. Job’s losses were the result of his goodness; he was Jehovah’s unique servant (Job 1:8; 2:3). The Lord permitted Job’s deprivation because he was proud of him, and knew he could maintain his integrity (13:15).

 

Reflect upon the case of Asaph (Psalm 73). He surveyed society and noted the “prosperity of the wicked” (v. 3). He almost abandoned his faith at this seeming inequity—until Jehovah showed him the “latter end” of evil people (v. 17), and he learned the lesson that godliness cannot be judged by material status.

 

And what of this?: (a) Jesus’ circumstances during his earthly sojourn were those of the impoverished (2 Corinthians 8:9); the Son of man did not even have a place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20). Did these meager conditions reflect God’s lack of fidelity? (b) Paul frequently was in situations where he lacked material prosperity (2 Corinthians 11:27); in addition, he was afflicted with a terrible physical malady (12:7). Surely it will not be suggested that these difficulties were the result of the apostle’s evil way of life.

Misunderstood Texts

 

Without doubt, there are biblical passages that promise prosperity and well-being, in some sense, to those who are faithful to God.

 

When the nation of Israel left Egypt, Jehovah informed them: “I will put on you none of the diseases which I have put on the Egyptians: for I am Jehovah who heals you” (Exodus 15:26). And Isaiah declared that “by [Christ’s] stripes we are healed” (53:5).

 

Solomon affirmed that the one who honors God with his substance, with his first-fruits, will have overflowing prosperity (Proverbs 3:9), and Malachi described the Lord as opening the “windows of heaven” and pouring out a blessing too bountiful to receive (3:10).

 

How are these passages to be explained? There are a number of scriptural truths that will help bring balance to this oft misunderstood subject.

Principles of Well-Being

 

Death was visited upon man because of his transgression of divine law (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). In this earthly environment, therefore, humanity will never be exempt from sickness and death. Be that as it may, there are principles within sacred Scripture that will, as a general rule, enhance longevity.

 

There were many sound principles in the Mosaic code that facilitated the good health the Israelites generally enjoyed. Dr. S. I. McMillen has discussed this theme in his book, None of These Diseases (1963). (See also our chapter, “The God Who Heals,” in Jackson, 2000.)

 

As a rule, it is assumed that parental love will motivate mothers and fathers to train their children in sound health principles, so that it “may be well” with them, and that they “may live long upon the earth” (Ephesians 6:3). This certainly does not mean, though, that the Christian’s children are immune to illness, or will never die prematurely. This is a principle, not an inflexible law.

 

The proverb cited above (3:9) contains a secluded truth supplied by the subsequent context. Derek Kidner has observed that generously giving to God of one’s first and best in “the face of material pressures” is, in truth, a test of faith, and is a vivid commentary on a man’s character (1964). Such a person, who so selflessly serves God, will be honor-bound to treat his fellows fairly. The practice of noble ethics in business (discussed in vv. 27ff) will generate respect and rebound to the righteous man’s personal prosperity.

 

Again, though, this is not an iron-solid rule; obviously there will be times when the generous and honest Christian becomes the victim of those who take advantage of him. Such cases, however, do not invalidate the principle.

The Use of Figurative Language

 

The Bible abounds with figures of speech. Hyperbole (exaggeration for emphasis) is common (cf. John 21:25), and metonymy (one thing put for another) is a frequent teaching device. In his classic book, Hermeneutics, D. R. Dungan consumed more than forty pages in discussing this latter figure alone. How does an understanding of this type of expression fit into our discussion?

 

There are occasions in Scripture when spiritual concepts are conveyed in physical or material terms. A failure to recognize this teaching mode can result in the misinterpretation of important biblical texts.

 

(1) When Isaiah declared that “healing” would result from the benefits of Jesus’ death, he was not speaking of physical healing, but a healing (forgiveness) from sin, as the immediate context reveals (53:5-6; note “transgressions,” “iniquities”), and this was confirmed later by Peter (see 1 Peter 2:24-25).

 

(2) The prophet Joel spoke of “those days” when Jehovah would pour out his Spirit and supernatural phenomena would result (2:28-30). In Acts 2, Peter informed his Hebrew auditors that the events of that day (the apostles being overwhelmed by the Spirit’s power – v. 4; cf. 1:5) were a fulfillment of Joel’s oracle (2:16). This was the commencement of the Christian age.

 

In connection with this wonderful era, Joel announced that “the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk,” etc. (3:18ff). The prosperity here described is not an agricultural boon; rather, the material is used to depict the spiritual. Those who attempt to literalize all the prosperity passages should take note of this idiom.

 

A survey of the terms “rich” and “riches,” as used in the New Testament, will demonstrate that these words are employed far more frequently of spiritual prosperity than they are of material wealth.

The Mysteries of Providence

 

We do not deny that God can, and does, bless his people in a physical-material way, consistent with his own will, by means of his providential activity upon the earth (see A Study of Divine Providence).

 

God had mercy on Epaphroditus, who had been “sick to the point of death” (Philippians 2:25-27)—with apparently no miracle involved. This does not mean, though, that every child of God will recover from terminal conditions. To draw general conclusions from isolated Bible examples can lead to a variety of errors.

 

The Lord providentially directed his ravens to provide Elijah with bread (1 Kings 17:4, 6), and he has urged us to petition him for our daily sustenance (Matthew 6:11); but that does not mean that the child of God will never be bereft of food. He may be in need due to self-sacrifice, persecution, natural disaster, or plain laziness (see 2 Corinthians 11:27; Acts 11:28; 27:21; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

 

One’s level of physical-material well-being, or lack thereof, is: (a) not a reflection upon God’s ability or his concern, and (b) not the measure of a person’s standing before the Lord.

A Concluding Point

 

There is a strong argument that may be made against the position being reviewed that almost seems too obvious to mention. If it were the case that an inflexible rule obtains in the divine order of things, that spirituality produces health and wealth, the following would clearly result:

 

(1) Little children, the purest of earth’s society, would never get sick and die; yet, in many third-world nations, sweet children starve, their bodies are racked with disease, and they prematurely go to God.

 

(2) The wicked of the earth sometimes are more prosperous than the godly, and the righteous do not always outlive the non-Christian population.

 

(3) If wealth was the direct result of becoming a Christian, men would be prone to accept the gospel, not because of their convictions regarding God’s Son, but merely out of materialistic self-interest. Such would bring no honor to either the Creator or the creature. The Almighty expects motives nobler than this.

 

One should never allow life’s difficulties to distort his view of God.

 

A BRIEF MESSAGE FROM VERTICAL VIEWER

Good evening to everyone out there in the blogger world. I trust you all had a great weekend, just a short note to inform everyone that I will be out the office for at least close to two weeks. So until we meet again, stay faithful serving the Lord, be the salt and light we were meant to be, be a witness for the Lord. Again let me just say; Thank You So Much For Your Prayers And Support. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since I created Vertical Viewer, it’s been quite challenging to say the least but worth every moment of preparation. Trust me I know there are other blog site’s that put mine shame but I do the best I can.So until next month my friends, I bid you farewell.

 

GOD IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD “REAL MEN”

“WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT REAL MEN”  HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL OUR DADS!!

Real men are becoming a lost commodity. Men who know their role in the family, in society and the world are harder and harder to find.

 

The feminist movement, which has entered its second generation, has failed utterly in its mission to liberate women but has caused many men to lose their sense of masculinity and purpose in marriage and the home. Most men, it would appear, have abdicated their role as family leaders under societal pressures initiated by the feminist movement.

 

Today’s talk shows, classrooms and workplaces repeatedly are heard to advocate the creation of unisex or androgynous human beings with no difference in functions, despite the never-greater volumes of data about the physical and emotional differences between the sexes.

 

The feminist goals include complete mutual decision-making and shared authority in the home, equal sharing of the role of supporting the family financially, and full sharing of home-making and child-care functions. This has been sold as a “fair” system and compared negatively with “traditional” arrangements where separate roles were identified for husbands and wives.

 

While these “goals” have been identified and approved by society in general, the “results” have been catastrophic.

 

Shared leadership concepts have resulted in no leadership because equality of authority is antithetical to the very concept of leadership.

 

With the majority of women insisting on sharing in the income production role that once was the male domain, larger and larger numbers of children are being surrendered to the care of modem day “orphans homes” the day care center and the public school system.

 

As biblical patterns for marriage roles and family life are abandoned there is emerging a rapid increase in sexual dysfunction in marriage and, sometimes, abandonment of natural sexual roles for homosexual perversions. Divorce and the broken home are now more normal in many communities than the intact family.

 

And, without functioning families, children are left without the environment necessary to teach love, morality and personal responsibility. Our overburdened judicial and prison systems are but another manifestation of the end results.

 

What is needed critically today are men who understand their purpose and roles as leaders of their families. Needed are men who carry out their God-ordained duties to wives and children.

 

The Bible teaches, in passages like I Corinthians 11:3 and Ephesians 5:23, that husbands are to be the “heads” of their wives and families. To people who reject the Bible outright this means nothing but to those who respect God’s word it clearly asserts a husband’s leadership, authority to direct and rule in the home.

 

By understanding the concept of “headship” one can see God’s wisdom. Just as a human body with two heads would be a paralyzed monstrosity so is the home with two heads.

 

Men today need to re-learn what home leadership is all about. Issuing orders, receiving deference and respect may be a part of it but much, much more is involved.

 

God tells the man to be the “provider” for his family in I Timothy 5:8. The authority given a man also calls for him to be a primary teacher and guide to the family, both in word and example.

 

Unlike most typical homes today, God’s ideal home has the husband and father being the principal disciplinarian responsible for training, development, and correction of his children. Passages in the Bible like Ephesians 6:4 show a man he has this responsibility. When he abdicates this job or delegates it completely to his wife, he has failed.

 

The real model for husband-like leadership is found in the example of Jesus himself, not in the macho-ism of the contemporary scene. Jesus led by love, sacrifice and submission of personal well-being and desires to the well-being of others.

 

The feminist movement is not totally responsible for the negative attitudes toward male leadership in the home today. Men who have abused or abdicated their responsibilities in the past are partially the cause.

 

But whatever the past failures and their causes, the crying need today is for men to re-assume their responsibilities and to lead, guide and love their wives and families through the morass of evils that today threaten our homes, nation and world.

 

Leadership will not be easy in our unisex society. But, then, leadership never has been easy. Real men are needed for the task.

 

QUESTION: DOESN’T ANYBODY STAY TOGETHER ANYMORE? WHY DO WE MAKE VOWS AND THEN NOT KEEP THEM?

        The Marriage Vow– DOES IT MEAN ANYTHING ANYMORE?

 

Intro.

 

1. Marriage is under assault:

 

a. Five states plus D.C. have legalized same-sex marriage.

 

b. 5.4 million lived together without marriage in 2005 (RayFowler.org).

 

c. “Unmarried couples made up 12% of U.S. couples in 2010, a 25% increase in 10 years, according to Census data out Thursday.” (“Fewer couples embrace marriage; more live together”, Haya El Nasser and Paul Overberg, USA Today, 6/2/11).

 

2. Marriage is also dishonored when we fail to keep the marriage vows we have made.

 

 

 

I. YOUR MARRIAGE VOW WAS BEFORE GOD AND TO YOUR SPOUSE.

 

A. A Vow to God: Honors and Obeys God’s Arrangement of Marriage, Gen 2:24; Matt 19:4-6; Heb 13:4.

 

1. Do not make this vow rashly, Eccl 5:2; Prov 20:25.

 

2. Keep the vow you make, Eccl 5:4-6. (The folly of “annulment”)

 

3. Fundamental issues: Accountability to God, integrity before men.

 

B. A Vow to Each Other: God Approves the Marriage Covenant made between a Man and Woman who have the God-given Right to Enter that Covenant, Prov 2:17; Mal 2:14 (16).

 

-Vow: “Do you take this woman/man whose hand you now hold to be your lawful and wedded wife/husband?”

 

1. Lawful marriages: God-approved, Matt 19:6; Rom 7:2.

 

a. God joins man and woman together, Matt 19:6.

 

b. God gave marriage to provide a life partner, to populate the earth and to protect against sin, Gen 2:18; 1:28; 1 Cor 7:2.

 

2. Unlawful marriages exist: God-rejected, Rom 7:3; Mk 6:17-18; cf. Jno 4:16-18.

 

a. Such marriages (covenants) are not valid (lawful) before God – even though men (courts) approve them.

 

b. Unlawful marriage is adultery, Mk 10:11-12 (Matt 19:9).

 

-Lessons include:

 

1) Who you marry will affect your standing with God: Be certain it is lawful according to God’s will.

 

2) Take the marriage vows seriously and live by them.

 

 

 

II. YOUR MARRIAGE VOW CONTAINED FREELY ACCEPTED OBLIGATIONS, Rom 7:2; Eph 5:22-33.

 

A. Husband. Vow: “Do you promise to love and cherish her in sickness and in health, and to provide for her in prosperity and adversity…”

 

1. Love her as Christ loved the church, Eph 5:25-27.

 

a. Christ’s love: Sacrificial – to save the church, Eph 5:23, 25.

 

b. Husband’s love: Sacrificial – to help wife be pure (saved).

 

c. Husband who loves sacrificially does not give occasion for his wife to be bitter, resentful or neglectful (sin), cf. 1 Pet 3:7 (1).

 

2. Cherish her as your own flesh, Eph 5:28-29 (Gen 2:23-24).

 

a. Place great value on her.

 

b. Cherish her regardless of the circumstances (sickness, health).

 

3. Provide for her in good and hard times, 1 Tim 5:8.

 

4. Lead and provide as a loving head, Eph 5:23, 33.

 

B. Wife. Vow: “Do you promise to love and honor him in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity…”

 

1. Love and honor him as the church does Christ, Eph 5:22-24, 33.

 

a. Submit to husband: “Obey”, Titus 2:5 – Yield to his leadership.

 

b. Honor him: In words and actions. This validation helps secure him and make his role easier and more willing.

 

2. Regardless of the circumstances (sickness, health, prosperity, adversity), cf. Ruth 1:16-17.

 

C. Husband and Wife. Vow: “to be faithful to her/him, and forsaking all others, cleave unto her/him and to her/him alone…”

 

1. Faithfulness helps secure your marriage for success.

 

2. Infidelity and deceit of adultery is an assault on the purity of the marriage as well as the trust and honor of your spouse: it is hatred (not love) toward your own flesh! (Eph 5:29)

 

3. So severe is this violation of the covenant that God allows the innocent one to be released from its binding nature, Matt 19:9.

 

4. Protect the fidelity of your marriage! Do not put yourself into any situation where you are tempted to yield to sin.

 

 

 

III. YOUR MARRIAGE VOW LASTS A LIFETIME.

 

A. Marriage is Until Death, not “Until Love Dies/Find Someone Else”.

 

1. Vow: “…until death you do part?”

 

2. Marriage is life long, so choose wisely.

 

3. Marriage is life long, calling for all the attributes of Christ to be seen and practiced toward one another, Col 3:12-15.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. Marriage is under assault by the world; its blessings and responsibilities must not be abused and neglected by Christians.

 

2. Strengthen your marriage by remembering and keeping your vows.

 

3. Thank God for marriage, and thank God for your marriage partner; Both marriage and your mate are great blessings from God, Eccl 9:9.

 

 

 

 

 

Marriage Vows

 

 

 

Do you, ____________, take this woman whose hand you now hold to be your lawful and wedded wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her in sickness and in health, and to provide for her in prosperity and adversity, to be faithful to her, and forsaking all others, cleave unto her and to her alone until death you do part?

 

 

 

Do you, ____________, take this man whose hand you now hold to be your lawful and wedded husband, and pledge to do by him the part of the faithful wife? Do you promise to love and honor him in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, to be faithful to him, and forsaking all others, cleave unto him and to him alone until death you do part?

 

TO ALL THE GODLY WOMEN OUT THERE; “THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR THE FAMILY”

                          “HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY”

 TODAY, LET US CELEBRATE ALL OUR MOMS FOR BEING WHO THEY ARE!!! “MOM, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!”

Both men and women need to be taught how to be good parents (Titus 2:3-5). As Christians we have the wonderful opportunity to help people in the world who are struggling with parenthood, and plenty are, for many young parents did not have a good role model of parenting when they were growing up and thus have no clear path to follow. We can show them.

Mothers Worry

 

Mothers worry about all sorts of things. One writer noted a mother who was “worried sick her little girl is going to end up a brat or die young or be disliked or be too impulsive or have addictive tendencies or never develop self-control” (A Mother’s Worries, Amy Henry, Worldmag.com). We can equally disproportionately fret about everything from food preservatives, white sugar, mean kids, their fingers getting caught in the car door, touching something hot, catching the latest flu bug and inexplicable fevers. I like how God helps us with our fears.

 

He first wants to hear every one of them: 1 Peter 5:7

Secondly, He asks us to trade all lesser fears for what really matters. He wants us to come to Him and refinance or restructure our worry debt. If we trust Him, all our fears can be reduced into one simple “payment”, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

That is, our one overriding concern in parenting is seeking to help our kids make it to heaven. If they make it to heaven, then it does not really matter what else happened or did not happen to them, and if they don’t make it, then all the other stuff that we sought to protect them from – was all for naught.

 

A Mother’s Love

 

Being a mother has never been easy, especially when the mother is dealing not only with Satan, that roaring lion who is after her children (1 Peter 5:8), but also all the human expectations that our society tends to place on mothers. Do we have our children in all the right classes at the right ages, how did our kid’s birthday party measure up to the other parties? All these rules and countless others are all in constant flux. Once again, the Bible is our liberator. There are two basic areas that will demand your focus.

 

Love your husband: Titus 2:4

 

If your kids don’t clearly see this, then everything you are doing isn’t going to make much of a difference. Love that dad, speak respectfully and kindly of him, back him up, and stand together as the team you were designed to be (Genesis 2:18). Ayelet Waldman received flack in 2005 over her New York Times essay, ‘Truly, Madly, Guiltily”. She stated that she loved her husband more than her children. That she loved them, but wasn’t ‘in love’ with them. The people who really got on her case, were other moms. I did not read all the article, but she was right about one thing, there is a difference in the love one has for one’s mate and the love one has for one’s children. Be “in love” with you husband. Kindle your romance. The security of knowing the stability of a warm and solid marriage will benefit your child immensely. It creates a burden for the child when the child realizes that a parent is “in love” with them, that is, has all their hopes and dreams wrapped up only in that child.

 

Love your children: Titus 2:4

 

What wisdom was demonstrated when God created the human family to be composed of a union between a man and a woman – that God selected the female to be the mother and the male to be the father. Women can have an abundance of wisdom about really practical things, such as relationships. I am reminded that it was the mother of King Lemuel who gave the excellent advice about sexual fidelity (Proverbs 31:3), the dangers of alcohol (31:4-7), having the courage of speak up when justice is on the line (31:8-9), and the type of woman and a king (and all other men) needs to marry (31:10ff).

To the young, unmarried Christian woman. Do you want to be able to enjoy mothering your children in a peaceful, joy-filled home? Do you want your children to look back upon their childhood with warm, fond memories? Then don’t even date a man who:

 

Physically abuses you (hitting, slapping, pushing, shoving, etc.)

Making excuses for abuse “I was drunk”, “I Can’t control my temper”, “I was joking”.

Makes you feel unworthy, inadequate, or crazy.

Twists the truth to make you feel guilty for their own actions.

Threatens to harm you or harm themselves if you leave the relationship.

Demands to know where you are at all times.

Falsely accuses you of flirting or looking desirously at others.

Becomes jealous when you want to spend time with friends or family.

Pressures you to have sex, or engage in lascivious acts.

Tells you they would not abuse you if you were change.

Tells you what you do is never good enough – constant criticism.

Their emotion for you runs from hot to cold, and is used to manipulate you.

Makes you nervous so that you have to tiptoe around him to avoid his wrath.

Treats you as a servant rather than the love of his life.

Calls you degrading names.

Insists you drink or do drugs with them.

Does things to scare you as a means of punishing you – hits walls, drives dangerously.

Keeps money from you; keeps you in debt; has money secrets.

Breaks things when he is angry – including your things.

Keeps you from getting ahead, going to school, getting a job; wants to keep you dependent on them for everything.

Uses you as a kind of temporary stop-over as they are waiting for the next relationship.

Acts one way in front of others, and another in front of you.

They spend money on you and then expect sexual favors in return.

 

Healthy Relationships

 

They honor and respect you in both deeds and words: 1 Peter 3:7

They seek to understand your needs, thus they listen carefully.

They are joyful to be with you: Ecclesiastes 9:9

They sacrifice for you and protect you: Ephesians 5:25

They bringing out the best in you and help you move closer to spiritual people and God. Nourishing a relationship in which you can grow and thrive. 5:29

They have your back. Genesis 2:18

They do you good. Proverbs 31:12

You fully trust them. Proverbs 31:11

They value the truth, especially the truth about their own short-comings.

They are not suspicious. 1 Corinthians 13:7

They acknowledge responsibility for themselves, and admit their own mistakes.

Together you search for win-win solutions, and do things that each of you enjoy.

They fairly share the work load.

They disagree with you without threats or name-calling.

They giving genuine compliments, not selfishly expecting something in return.

They help without keeping score.

They encourage your success in those things that are meaningful and important to you. They do not ridicule your goals or dreams.

 

Honoring Your Mother as An Adult at Home

 

Turning 18 does not exempt one from the rules and responsibilities of the family. Mom and Dad are still expected to follow the rules and pitch in, so is everyone else in the house, no matter the age.

Parents should never feel like they are strangers in their own homes and should never feel uncomfortable in their own homes. Add to the joy and peace of your home.

Verbal disrespect is never tolerated, “honor” is an ageless principle.(Eph. 6:1-2).

Submit joyfully to the rule of God in your household (Joshua 24:15), and honor him. Be grateful for all the blessings that spring from being in a Christian home.

Parents always have the right to speak the truth. Listen to your mother Prov. 31:1ff

When possible, help with the rent or other household expenses.

Be grateful when your mother allows you to suffer for your foolish decisions, and does not constantly prevent consequences. Consequences can be a good thing. Thank God that He is allowing life to also parent you.

 

I would like to close this lesson by saying, “After all, don’t worry, things will just work out”, they will turn out okay – and yet we know that this is not always the case. Teach them about God, inform them about the devil, give them everything you have, pray hard, reinforce them everywhere you can – and know that you are the best person qualified for this task. God is with you in this! When you give it your all, God promises a “Well done good and faithful servant”.

 

HOW THE SCRIPTURES HELP US TO UNDERSTAND THE SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

“THE SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY”

 

Why Christianity Spread in the Ancient World

 

Persecution: (Acts 8:4)

 

 

“All your ingenious cruelties can accomplish nothing; they are only a lure to this sect. Our number increases the more you destroy us. The blood of the Christians is their seed” (Tertullian)

 

 

Moral Earnestness:

 

 

The high moral standard taught in the gospel repelled the frivolous (Acts 5:13; 24:24-26), yet it could not fail to impress most strongly the deepest and noblest minds.

 

 

Yes it attracted the poor and downtrodden (1 Corinthians 1:26)

 

Yet also the educated and talented:

 

Crispus (Acts 18:8)

 

Lydia (Acts 16:14)

 

Prominent Greek women and men (Acts 17:12)

 

 

“All these facts expose the injustice of the odious charge of Celsus, repeated by a modern skeptic, that the new sect was almost entirely composed of the dregs of the populace—of peasants and mechanics, of boys and women, and beggars and slaves” (History of the Christian Church, Schaff, vol. 2, pp. 15-16).

 

 

Its Own Intrinsic Worth:

 

 

The salvation offered in the gospel is offered to all (1 Timothy 2:4-6).

 

Christianity’s teaching and example of its Founder is absolutely perfect.

 

Christianity is adapted to all classes, conditions, and relations among men, to all nationalities and races, and to all grades of culture.

 

Counter to first century culture, the gospel elevates women and the home life.

 

It’s emphasis on true brotherly love (John 13:34-35).

 

It’s teachings and the churches example of benevolence (Acts 2-4,6,11).

 

The triumphant deaths of its converts (Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 4:8).

 

 

Fulfillment of the Old Testament (Acts 17:2-3).

 

 

Christianity has the advantage of being the only religion predicted hundreds of years and over a century in advance of its arrival. Its Founder was not merely the only fulfillment of prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:15-17; Isaiah 53:1ff; Micah 5:2ff), but so was the church He established (Isaiah 2:2-4) and the glorious new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

 

 

Testimony of the Miracles (John 20:30-31).

 

 

Every miracle that was performed authenticated the claims of those who preached the truth (Acts 2:22).

 

 

The Gospel Contains the Perfect Something for Every Man:

 

 

To the skeptic—truth.

 

To the slave—freedom and worth.

 

To the pessimist—optimism.

 

To a cold world—love, compassion, passion.

 

To the outcast—a family.

 

To the pagan who hated themselves—holiness, and a second chance.

 

To the seeker—genuine worship (John 4:24).

 

To the intellectual and philosopher—the truth (John 17:17).

 

 

“Christ appeared”, says Augustine, “to the men of the decrepit, decaying world, that while all around them was withering away, they might through Him receive new, youthful life”.

 

 

“Heathenism outwardly held sway, but was inwardly rotten and the in process of inevitable decay. The popular religion and public morality were undermined by a skeptical and materialistic philosophy. While the world was continually agitated by wars and revolutions, and public calamities, while systems of philosophy and dynasties were rising and passing away, the new religion, in spite of fearful opposition from without and danger from within, was silently and steadily progressing with the irresistible force of truth, and worked itself gradually into the very bone and blood of the race” (Schaff p. 17).

 

 

Reasons for Rapid Progress: Stated by Edward Gibbon

 

 

The zeal of the early Christians

 

Belief in future rewards and punishments

 

The power of miracles

 

The pure morals of the Christians

 

Compact church organization

 

 

While this is true, as is the statement that the extent, order, and unity of the Roman empire, and the prevalence of the Greek language and culture were also positive helps to the spread of the gospel, we need to remember the ultimate reason why Christianity has survived and continues to spread is that it is the only way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). It is God’s truth to mankind and being created in the image of God, men can see and understand it. Thus, “the victory of Christianity in the Roman world was the victory of Christ, who was lifted up that He might draw all men unto Him” (The Beginnings of Christianity, George P. Fisher, p. 543).

 

 

The Apologists: 1 Peter 3:15

 

 

Christians who lived after the days of the apostles often presented the following lines of evidence when defending the gospel message:

 

 

Fulfilled Prophecy

 

 

The early Christians used the evidence of fulfilled prophecy not only when teaching the Jews (Acts 17:2-3), but also with the Gentiles; since the knowledge of future events can obviously only come from God. Thus the all-knowing God has placed His stamp of approval upon Christianity, for it stands as the only religion whose arrival was predicted centuries in advance.

 

 

The Moral Effect of the Gospel

 

 

“The Christian religion has not only taught the purest and sublimest code of morals ever known among men, but actually exhibited it in the life, sufferings, and death of its founder and true followers” (Schaff p. 118). Justin argued, “Its fruits they may know it. We, who once lived in debauchery, now study chastity; we, who dealt in sorceries; have consecrated ourselves to the good; we who loved money and possessions above all things else, now devote our property freely to the general good; we, who fought and killed each other, now pray for our enemies; those who persecute us in hatred, we kindly try to appease, in the hope that they may share the same blessings which we enjoy” (Apology I. c. 13 and 14).

 

 

The Rapid Spread of Christianity

 

 

And not just the rapid spread, for other religions and error had spread rapidly as well, but the rapid spread of the gospel by purely moral means (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). The gospel was not spread by force, the sword, immorality, underhanded methods, or carnal tactics. “Origen makes good use of this argument against Celsus, and thinks that so great a success as Christianity met among Greeks and barbarians, learned and unlearned persons in so short a time, without any force or other worldly means, and in view of the united opposition of emperors, senate, governors, generals, priests, and people, can only be rationally accounted for on the ground of an extraordinary providence of God and the divine nature of Christ” (Schaff pp. 119-120).

 

 

The Reasonableness of Christianity

 

 

So many of the doctrines of Christianity are already embraced by honest thinking individuals: “For this is right” (Ephesians 6:1);“Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:23); “As even some of your own poets have said” (Acts 17:28).

 

 

The only answer for the deepest needs of man

 

 

That is, the human spirit can only find rest in Christ and in no other (John 4:15). Tertullian made the point that though the human spirit is confined in the body, perverted through bad training, weakened by lusts and passions, given to the service of false gods, it can be quickly awakened, informed, corrected and set on the right path when it embraces the gospel message. The dramatic change that happens when even the most hardened sinner becomes a Christian is evidence of its divine power (1 Corinthians 6:9