Biblical Financial Principle #18 - Follow Wise Godly Counsel

Search out, listen to and follow wise godly counsel:

Talk radio and TV news shows really “bug” me because they can be so deceptive. We are willing to take advice from KABC talk radio or CNN and make life changing decisions about our finances but we do not listen to God.

In the Book of Psalms we read: “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)

Solomon has more insight in the Book of Proverbs:
Proverbs 1:5 – “…let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…” Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” Proverbs 12:15b – “…a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 15:12 – “A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.” Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

If we want to cooperate with the Lord and His plan we need to listen to godly advice, but where do we find it? One place is from the video seminars available on the “Life Navigation” ministry web site (http://sites.google.com/site/lifenavigationinturbulenttimes/). Another is from someone trained by Christian organizations such as Glass House Ministry (http://www.glasshouseministry.org/) or Crown Financial Ministries (http://www.crown.org/)

The key to success in all areas of life (including money management) is having a correct set of priorities. That means putting God first in every area of our lives. Many of us have tried in our own strength to set up and maintain a budget but we have failed. One reason for that is that we are sinners and by nature we are not able to do “the right thing.” We keep sinking lower and lower.

How do we change this downward spiral? By establishing a personal relationship with our creator God and giving our lives over to Him. CLICK HERE to find out more.

If you live in Southern California visit Cypress Church at 6143 Ball Road near Valley View. Sunday Services are at 8:45 am and 10:30 am.

Biblical Financial Principle #17 - Choose Your Friends Wisely

Choose your friends wisely:

Have you ever noticed how much we humans tend to reflect the manners, speech and dress of those around us? If you are not certain you agree with this idea, just spend a few moments watching Junior High or High School kids on their way to and from school. You will see small groups of two, three, four or several students that have very similar clothing. If you listen to them speaking they will be talking about similar subjects and using similar slang expressions. God's word tells us: "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20)

If we want to develop good habits we need to be cautious who we become friends with. Psalms 1 gives us excellent advice: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." (Psalms 1:1) Solomon agrees and tells us: "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men." (Proverbs 4:14) In our age of internet and TV this advice applies to choosing our “virtual” friends as well.

If we are tempted to stray from God's directives we need to stand firm in the truth. Country Western singer (and esteemed Bible commentator?) Aaron Tippin cautions us that "...you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything..." The Bible states: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them." (Proverbs 1:10)

In the New Testament the Apostle Paul advises us: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.' (1 Cor. 15:33)

Here are a few more Bible references on this topic: Proverbs 4:19 - "…the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." Proverbs 5:3-4 - "…the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword." Proverbs 22:24 - "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered." Proverbs 23:20-21 - "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 24:1 - Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company."

So if we are not supposed to keep company with "wicked men" who should we "hang out" with? Solomon tells us in Proverbs 18:24: "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Who is that friend? Many Bible commentators see this as a reference to Jesus Christ. Is Jesus your friend? Would you like to know more about starting a personal relationship with Jesus? If so CLICK HERE. For video seminars on the economy and job search topics visit the Life Navigation web site.

Biblical Financial Principle #14 - Be Patient and Wait On God

Be patient – God does things in His timing – Do not act hastily:

In our culture of "instant gratification" we may be tempted in interact with God as if He was a "Designer Diety." We pray as if to "our butler in Heaven." But this approach does not work in God's economy. Let's see what God's Word has to say.

Prov. 13:3b – "…he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Proverbs 19:11 - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."

David was a great example of patience. He was annointed as the new king of Israel as a teenager but did not actually gain the throne for more than a decade. Psalm 37:7 tells us - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."

Solomon got impatient and decided to try every possible road "under the sun" to find happiness and satisfaction. Here is some of his inspired, sage advice from Eccl.7:8 - "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."

Proverbs 14:15 - "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Proverbs 21:5 - "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." So we need to give thought to our steps, not rush into financial decisions and if we are diligent we are apt to be lead to profit but if we are hasty we are very likely heading towards poverty.

Paul includes patience as part of the fruit of the spirit - the evidences of true conversion: Gal. 5:22 - "…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" When we exhibit patience it is one of the outward signs that our heart has been changed through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

How about you? Are you a patient person? Do you wait on God's timing? Do you have a personal relationship with God? CLICK HERE to discover more.

Biblical Financial Principle #13 - Don't Worry - Be Content

Be content with what you have – Do not worry:

God’s Word is chock full of admonitions about being content ... Prov. 15:16 - "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil." Eccl. 5:19 - "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God." Heb. 13:5 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Phil. 4:11b - Paul tells us: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

Jesus was clear in His teachings that we should not worry. Luke 12:22-23 - "Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.'" Luke 12:29 - "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it."

Most of the things we worry about never happen anyway. We need to start our day with prayer and continue to talk to God throughout our day. As God leads us we must take responsible action to follow His directions. He will meet our needs.

Paul provides us with some great counsel: 1 Timothy 6:6 - "…godliness with contentment is great gain." Phil. 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Our biggest problem with this concept is that we fail to separate “needs” from “wants.” We continue to try and do things our way instead of trusting God and His plan.

God has a plan and purpose for your life. CLICK HERE to find out more.

Biblical Financial Principle #12 - Do not be envious or greedy

Do not be envious or greedy:

Many years ago I read an article in the Readers' Digest that made a lasting impression on me. I believe the title was "Keeping Up With The Jones." The writer's main point was that we really do not know how others are spending their resources.

One family might be putting 4 kids through college. Another might have a motorhome and their friends might take a trip to Europe each year. Someone else might have a Harley and their next door neighbor might spend a good deal of money on insurance policies.

There is no way we can even begin to keep up with everything that everyone we know is doing so don't even bother to try. Be content with what God has given you and be a good steward of what you have. Here are a few Scripture verses that bear on this topic:

Proverbs 14:30 - "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."

Proverbs 23:17 - ":Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord."

Job 5:2 - "Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple."

Luke 12:15 - "Then he (Jesus) said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"

As Christians our inheritance is the Lord and we have been blessed with access to all of His many resources. We need to keep Him at the very top of our priority list. If you would like to discover how to begin a relationship with God - CLICK HERE. For information and video seminars on the economy, resume writing and job interview tips visit: Life Navigation In Turnbulent Times

Biblical Financial Principle #11 - Treat Other Christians Well

According to Jesus the “acid test” of our faith is how we treat other Christians:

Jesus gave a very telling illustration about end times events: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Mat. 25:34-40)

Jesus said: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

The Apostle John asks us: "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17)

Review your checkbook or whatever record you keep of how you spend your financial resources. What have you spent on assisting other Christians who are in need?

Biblical Financial Principles - A Note Of Caution

Warning about false financial teaching:

Recently in this blog we have set forth ten Biblical Financial Principles. Now it's time for a note of caution. In our "something for nothing," "immediate gratification" culture we are often looking for quick fixes. Even in the community of so-called "Christian" teachings there are issues with improper Biblical interpretation.

When reading, studying and applying Biblical Principles:
1) We must be certain that we understand who is speaking. The Bible quotes Jesus and also quotes Judas and Satan.
2) We also need to know who the writer is speaking to. For example some Biblical injunctions apply specifically to the nation of Israel.
3) We need to keep everything in context of the full counsel of the word of God (the entire spectrum of Biblical teaching).
4) We must recognize figures of speech, parables, prophecy, poetry and other literary and cultural features in Scripture.
5) We need to compare Scripture with Scripture before applying Biblical teachings to our lives.
6) We must to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide our study and show us how to discern the truth.
7) We can also use conservative, evangelical commentaries to make certain we are not going off on an incorrect tangent.

At all costs we must avoid "cut and paste" theology. One of the best examples I know of to illustrate this point is to take Judges 7:17 and combine it with Matthew 27:5b. If you do this you get a paragraph that reads: "'Watch me,' he told them. 'Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do.' Then he went away and hanged himself."

We should be cautiously optimistic when listening to Bible teaching messages. Everything we hear and read must be seen through the lens of Scripture. Since God does not contradict Himself we should not accept teaching that conflicts with God's written word, the Bible. This applies even if someone claims a Divine revelation or a specific message to them from God or an angel.

When listening to secular advice (whether in person, on radio, on television or from the newspaper, books, etc.) we must be firmly grounded in Scripture and be certain to sort out truth from fiction. There is a story (perhaps an urban legend) that the way banks train tellers to recognize counterfeit bills is to instruct them primarily about the characteristics of the "the real deal." By knowing what an actual $100 bill looks and feels like, the teller is quickly able to detect a fake one.

So let's get specific, who should we listen to for sound, Biblical financial advice? Visit the Life Navigation website for some good leads. Also, Glass House Ministries and Crown Financial Ministries offer excellent resources.

Whom should we avoid? Stay away from TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and from touted advice peddlers like Suze Orman and Oprah Winfrey. The Bible tells us that we should evaluate individuals like a fruit inspector. If you investigate the life styles, values and teachings of Suze and Oprah you will discover that they are outside the boundaries set by Scripture.

In addition steer clear of any teaching that claims to be Biblical and yet promises a formula for success. This would include teachings that might be described as word-faith, word of faith, seed faith, name it and claim it, health and wealth, the prosperity doctrine and/or positive confession. God is not "our butler in heaven." He is sovereign and that means that He is not obligated to (for example) give you a million dollars just because you gave a seed faith gift of $1,000 to help fill some television preacher's coffers.

In the final analysis all of our efforts to gain wisdom and manage our finances are fruitless unless we are basing everything we do on the foundation of a correct personal relationship with our Lord, our God and our Creator, Jesus Christ.

Here are some suggested books you may wish to consider adding to your library:

Basic Bible Interpretation - Roy B. Zuck

How to Study Your Bible: The Lasting Rewards of the Inductive Method - Kay Arthur

Biblical Financial Study, Collegiate Edition - Crown Financial Ministries

Here are some suggested web site links:

Life Navigation (a ministry of Cypress Church)

Manage Your Money God’s Way

The Life Changing Message Of Jesus

Biblical Financial Principle #4 - We Can Discover God's Will About Money

God’s will, purpose and direction is found through Bible study and prayer:

This includes God's desires about how we are to manage our money!

Proverbs 16:16 - How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

Knowing what God desires (and then doing it) is more important than money.

Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

John 15:17 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

1 Thes. 5:17 - pray continually…

1 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We are called by God to do good works but we are not saved by our works. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.

Click here to discover more about "the life changing message of Jesus."

You Were Made For A Mission

Week Six - Week Six - You Were Made For A Mission:
Purpose Driven Life 40 Days StudyMessage Presented by Bob Koehler at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons StationFor the Military Community Christian Community
Sunday, June 8, 2008

Good Morning. Welcome to our Sunday Bible Study.

Let’s read our Scripture Verse together: “…Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

Sermon Outline Notes:

Welcome to our Sunday Bible study. Let me set the stage … You are in the military. You are off duty for the moment and are at home eating dinner with your family. The telephone rings. Your wife picks up the phone, says “Hello” talks for a moment, turns to you in amazement and says: Honey, It’s the White House. You think she’s pulling your leg, but, to humor her you take the phone. Sure enough, the President’s secretary is on the line. He says: I’m sending you a First Class ticket to Washington, DC. The President has a special mission for you.

You pack your gear, get your dress uniform on, fly to DC, there is a limo with a police escort waiting for you. You get to the White House and are escorted to the Oval Office. The President greets you like a long lost friend. All this time you just can’t figure out what this whole deal is all about. Then The President, your Commander in Chief says: “You are getting a promotion. I want you to be my ambassador. I have a special mission for you.” How would you feel at that moment? Your buttons would be popping off your uniform! You be proud! What a privilege that you were chosen!

That is exactly what happened when you accepted Jesus Christ into your life. God chose you for a mission. He wants you to share the good news about Jesus Christ with the world. He has provided the resources of His Word, the Holy Spirit and the Church to equip you. And he expects you to complete your mission.

At the beginning of your outline you can write in the blank:
MY 5th PURPOSE IS TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS about Jesus Christ. Sharing the Gospel is called Evangelism or Outreach.

The Apostle Paul was given a mission from God. In the Book of Acts in Chapter 20 He is on his way to Jerusalem at the end of his 3rd missionary journey. He sends for the elders of the church at Ephesus and they come to Miletus to have a meeting with him. Paul gives a brief account of some of his mission activities and then he says: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (NKJV)

The most important thing to Paul was for him to complete his mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave him to do and that was to tell people the Good News about God's grace.

The Book of Ephesians is a great place to get a broad sweeping view of God’s master plan. In chapter 3 Paul talks about “…the eternal purpose which He (that’s God the Father) accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eph. 3:11 (NKJV). And what is the plan that God has had since before the beginning of time? In Chapter 1 of Ephesians we find these words: “…having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.” Eph 1:9-10 (NKJV)

So God’s plan is to bring everything together and He is accomplishing this through Jesus. If Jesus is the primary instrument for accomplishing God’s mission, maybe we should ask ourselves:

What was (or what is) Jesus’ mission? Jesus answers that question for us in His own words. He says in Luke 19: “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 (NIV)

He also tells us in John: “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” John 18:37b (NKJV)

Jesus also says: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)

So Jesus’ own view of His mission is to seek and save the lost, to bear witness to the truth, and to give people life and not only just life but life in all of its fullness or abundance. Ok, that is Jesus’ mission. It sounds good, but, other than the fact that I am happy Jesus saved me and that I am going to spend eternity with Him in Heaven (which – don’t get me wrong – is a good thing) … what am I supposed do with this knowledge.

Why Is Jesus’ Mission important to me? Let’s look at 10 Reasons why Jesus Mission should be important to each one of us.

So here is the 1st reason:

1. My life mission must be like His mission.

In the Book of John Chapter 17 Jesus is talking with God the Father. He says: “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” John 17:18 (NKJV) God the Father sent Jesus (God the Son) into the world on a mission. Jesus sends his followers on the same kind of mission. Letting others know how they can have a relationship with God.

Next…

2. Jesus expects me to continue His mission.

Our Scripture verse today from Matthew has been called “The Great Commission. But there are actually 5 Great Commissions. One in each Gospel and one in the Book of Acts. One principle of Bible interpretation is that when God repeats a certain message in many different places it is especially important. So let’s review what the Bible says about our mission. Each of these 5 Great Commissions was spoken by Jesus Himself to the 11 remaining Apostles after He was risen from the dead during the 40 days he was on earth before He ascended back into Heaven. First from Matthew:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Mat 28:19-20 (NKJV)

Now Mark: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 (NKJV)

Next Luke: “…“Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47 (NKJV)

The Apostle John quotes Jesus saying: “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you." John 20:21 (NIV)

And finally Jesus says in Acts: …you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

Putting all five of these verses together we find that the basic concept is action. We have been sent, we are to go, we are to go out, we are to tell others about Jesus, we are to teach them to do what Jesus has commanded, we are to disciple them, we are to be witnesses to the power of Jesus we have seen in our own lives. We do not do this in our own power or strength because Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit and our mission is not optional. Jesus does not say “If you feel like it or when you have a little extra time.” The Great Commission is not the Great Suggestion.

3. Sharing the Good News is my responsibility.

Let’s go to the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel and find out how God commissioned his servants a few hundred years before Christ. Ezekiel’s ministry was during the time of the Babylonian captivity about 575 BC. God tells Ezekiel: “When I (God) say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you (speaking of Ezekiel) give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” Ezek. 3:18-19 (NKJV)

A person that God has appointed as his servant has obligations. Has God changed His mind since then? I don’t think so and Paul agrees. In 1 Corinthians he says: “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” 1 Cor. 9:16 (NKJV) If you are a Christian sharing the Gospel is not optional.

Now on to reason number 4…

4. Sharing the Good News is a privilege.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation … Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:18 & 20 (NKJV)

“…I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

Paul says that he is not ashamed. What is the opposite of being ashamed? It’s being proud! Paul has the special privilege of sharing the life changing message of Jesus. He is proud about that!

5. I am grateful for what Jesus has done for me.

Paul tells us to remember that before we were saved we “were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” Eph. 2:12 (NKJV)

He also says that “…the love of Christ compels us…” 2 Cor. 5:14 (NKJV). The idea here is that we were hopelessly lost, God sought us out and He saved us. We are so glad that God has forgiven us and cleansed us that we can’t hold it back. We can’t stop ourselves. We are bursting with enthusiasm. We’ve just got to share this great news with people around us. Is that how you feel? Are you excited about your relationship with Jesus? Are you grateful enough to Jesus that you share Him with others?

That brings us to reason number 6:

In the Bible in the Book of Acts after the Apostle Peter had been used of God to heal a man who had been lame from birth - he takes this opportunity to explain God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Peter says about Jesus: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

6. People are hopeless without Christ.

The Book of Romans tells us that: “…“whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That’s great, that’s the Gospel in a nutshell. We need Jesus. But so does everyone else in the world, so Paul goes on the say: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” How shall they hear without a preacher!

Who is that preacher? It’s you and it’s me and it’s everyone who calls Jesus his or her lord. We are all called to tell others about Jesus because anyone who does not know Him and trust Him alone for their eternal life is hopelessly lost and will die in their sins without Jesus, everybody in the world needs to know this, they cannot know this unless they are told, and they won’t get told unless you and you and you and you I tell them.

Why does God want us to tell others? This moves us along to reason number 7…

7. God wants everybody to be saved.

In 1 Timothy Paul reminds us that God “…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:4 (NKJV)

Peter tells us in 2nd Peter that the Lord is: “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

God loves us. He does not want to see us get punished. He does not want anyone to end up in Hell. He wants to forgive us. He gives us many opportunities to spend eternity in Heaven with Him. In fact, to end up in Hell a person literally has to trip over God to get there … and they do! Jesus is referred to in Scripture as a stumbling block. But it’s our choice to accept or reject that offer of forgiveness. God will not violate our free will. If we do not want to obey the Lord and join Him in that special place He is preparing for us He won’t force us to do it.

8. I will be rewarded for eternity.

Paul counsels us that “…whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:23-24 (NKJV)

Some of Paul’s final words to Timothy are: “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:8 (NKJV)

Have you loved His appearing? Are you a faithful servant of Jesus? Are you sharing the Good News with others? Are you looking forward to Christ’s return? Then you will be rewarded.

The subject of Christ’s return is an interesting one. Near the end of Jesus’ ministry His disciples had some questions on the subject of the end times. In Matthew Chapter 24 Jesus tells them that “…this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Now I have to be honest with you, I don’t have all the answers to what this means but one thing is clear - in some way …

9. God’s timetable for history is linked with my mission.

God wants every one to be saved, but there will come a time when the door to salvation will be shut. In the Book of Romans, Paul talks about some special events that will happen “when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Rom. 11:25 (NKJV) God has appointed a time and when He is ready Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to rule and reign. “Every eye will see Him.” Rev. 1:7 (NKJV)

If you know Jesus then you are looking forward to that day. If you do not know Jesus, if you have not been walking closely with Him, if you are not certain about your salvation, then you are probably not very excited about having Him return any time soon, if at all.

10. Heaven rejoices when people turn to God.

In Luke Chapter 15 we find the parable of the lost sheep. We are going to talk about this in detail during our series on the parables of Jesus which is starting the last Sunday in June. In this illustration Jesus teaches that there is joy in heaven when even one sinner repents.

Ok, there are our 10 reasons why Jesus’ mission should be important to us. We know we have a mission and that our mission must be like that of Jesus. But what steps do we need to take to do what the Lord wants us to do? Well fortunately He gave us specific instructions – marching orders if you will - about how we are to go about completing our mission.

COMPLETING MY MISSION:

The Chapter 1 of the Book of Acts Jesus tells His followers: “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV)

So here is the game plan: First we are to go to:

“Jerusalem” which would be the people closest to us, then to
“Judea and Samaria.” That would be people who are geographically close to us but are culturally different from us. Then we are to go to the “Ends of the earth” and that means everybody else! So next on your outline …

1. I MUST SHARE WITH THOSE IN MY WORLD.
In Luke Chapter 8 is the account of Jesus casting demons out of a man who lived in a graveyard. Christian recording artist Bob Bennett sings a great song about this called “Man of the Tombs.” You may recall that Jesus sent the demons out of this man and into a herd of pigs. Some believe that this is the first mention in history of “deviled ham.” At any rate after the herd of “deviled ham” ran off a cliff into the sea we read: “Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, and “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:38-39 (NKJV)

This is just one of the many examples in Scripture of evangelism close to home. The woman at the well in John 4: “…left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” John 4:28-29 (NKJV)

We need to start close to home, but then...

2. I MUST DARE TO REACH BEYOND MY WORLD.

In 1 Corinthians Paul says: “…I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more … I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” 1 Cor. 9:19 & 22 (NKJV) The idea here is that whatever a person was like, Paul tried to find common ground with them so that he would have an opportunity to share Christ.

How can we do this in the year 2008? In Galatians 6:2 Paul tells us that we should “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” We are supposed to reach out to people who are poor, needy and oppressed. At Cypress Church we go into the Central part of Los Angeles on holidays like Thanksgiving and feed meals to the homeless. We also have a ministry that provides blankets for homeless people in Orange County. There are all sorts of opportunities available to serve others. The Book of James says that we should: “visit orphans and widows in their trouble.” (James 1:27) When we do things like this we build bridges that can open up opportunities to talk about how to know Jesus.

Jesus gives us a great lesson on this subject in Mathew. He says that when we do good things for others in need it is like doing them for Jesus Himself. “I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.” Mt. 25:35-36 (NLT)

And lest we think that there is all give and no take in this life of sacrificial service … just read in Mark Chapter 10 where Jesus tells us that those who give their lives to Him will be rewarded 100 times over.

3. I MUST CARE ABOUT THE WHOLE WORLD.

The idea of reaching out to the world did not begin in the New Testament. God’s mission for the Jewish nation was to be a witness to the world. In the Psalm 67 we find these words: “God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us … That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.”

Jesus said to His followers in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. .” Mark 16:15 (NKJV) In Acts 1:8 He says we are to be his witnesses “to the end of the earth.”

Many of you know the popular worship song: “Come, now is the time to worship.” But do you really know it? Let’s look at some of the words in that song:
“One day every tongue will confess You are God.One day every knee will bow.Still the greatest treasure remains for thoseWho gladly choose you now.”

Those words were not the figment of Brian Doerksen’s imagination when he wrote those lyrics.

Let’s look at Philippians 2:10 & 11: “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

You see some day there will come a time, the Day of Judgment, when every person will have to confess that Jesus is Lord. If you know Jesus and are trusting in Him alone for your eternal life then you will already be ruling and reigning with Jesus on that day. Those who have not accepted Jesus as their Lord during the time that the gift of God’s grace was available will hear God say: “…’Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth…” Luke 13:27-28 (NKJV) Why? Because those who do not know Jesus will spend all eternity separated from God. The Book of Revelation tells us: “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:15

So let’s summarize what we have talked about today up to this point. We were made for a mission - to share God’s Good News, the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Our mission is like Jesus’ mission, He expects us to continue His mission. Jesus’ mission of sharing the Good News is not optional, it is our responsibility and it is also our great privilege. We do it because we are grateful that Jesus saved us and we know that everyone who has not accepted Jesus as the Lord of their life is absolutely lost, hopeless, destitute, and bankrupt. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to partner with God and be His body, his arms, his legs, his mouth and share Jesus with others during our time on planet earth. We will be rewarded eternally for fulfilling our mission, our mission is part of God’s overall plan and timetable for history and Heaven rejoices when people turn to God. We are to begin close to home and move out from there to other cultures and areas.

Ok, we know that we need to (and want to) share the Gospel, the Good News, the life changing message of Jesus, with others. But just exactly what do we say. How to we take this idea and put it into action?

First we develop our own personal testimony or our God story and then we make use of that to share Jesus with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Here is an example for you. In this illustration I am going to be having a conversation with my friend named “Bill.” Bill has just told me about some problems he has been having at work and that has opened the door for me to talk about Jesus.

Wow! Bill that’s a tough situation, but I want you to know you’re not alone. Several years ago I was having a number of issues in my life. I had a good job, but I also had a bad attitude. My boss gave me an ultimatum to shape up or I would get fired. I was worried about finances, wasn’t being a good husband or a good father, had few close friends and was drifting along with no real focus except how to have a good time.

One day a friend of mine helped me discover that I was definitely on the wrong track. From that point on my life changed dramatically. Now things are going very well at work, my family situation has improved; I am not worried as much about finances and have lots of friends. Sure I have problems to deal with just like everybody else. But I know where to turn for solutions. And the greatest thing of all is that I know for sure, if I were to die today, that I have eternal life![1]

May I ask you a question, Bill? Have you come to the place in your spiritual life where you know for certain that if you were to die today you would go to Heaven? Or is that something you would say you’re still working on? Bill’s response is that he does not think he can say for sure.

You know, Bill, God tells us in His Word “I write these things to you … so that you may know that you have eternal life?”[2] May I share with you how I came to know I have eternal life and how you can know it too? Bill says: “OK, I guess so.” May I ask you another question so that I can be more clear for you? Bill says: “Sure, Go ahead.”

And I continue … suppose you were to die today and stand before God[3] and He said to you, “Bill, why should I let you into My Heaven?” What would you say? Bill responds: Well, I guess I’m good enough, I mean I’ve done a few bad things, but I’m not as bad as some people I know.”

You are right on target with the majority of folks, Bill. Many people think the same way you do about this. But I’ve got some really good news for you. God tells us that Heaven, or eternal life, is a free gift.[4] Now I know that is hard to believe, I mean we all know that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, right? But this situation is different. Even if we were to try to pay to get into Heaven in some way,[5] God tells us in His Word that it is not earned or deserved.[6] Sure there is a price;[7] the good news is that it has already been paid.[8]

But there is a problem that needs to be solved.[9] As we look around us we can see that there are some major problems in the world[10] and even in us. These are due to something that God calls sin. Man is a sinner.[11] God says that everyone has sinned.[12] How would you define sin, Bill? Bill says: “Something bad, like stealing, I guess.” Well, God says that sin is anything that falls short of His perfect standards. He tells us in the Bible that we need to be perfect![13] How hard is that? I know there’s no way that I’m perfect. How about you? Bill says: “I don’t think I could ever be that good.” I continue: Ok, suppose that I invited you over for breakfast and fixed you an omelet with 2 good eggs and one rotten egg. Would you want to eat that omelet? No way! And we can’t ask God to accept us into heaven based on our imperfect lives. He doesn’t grade on a curve.[14] What this means is that man can’t save himself.

Why can’t we save ourselves? Because of what we know about God. The Bible tells us that God is love.[15] He is merciful and does not want to punish us,[16] but the same Bible also says that God is just[17] and will by no means let the guilty go unpunished.[18] The wages of sin is death[19] and so sin must be punished. Let’s suppose that I robbed a bank, got caught and stood before the judge. Even if I gave all the money back and promised never to rob another bank the law demands that a penalty be paid. So, how does God get us out of this mess?[20]

His solution for us is Jesus Christ! We all know the Christmas story and we’ve seen the nativity scenes with Jesus as a baby in the manger.[21] The incredible thing is that Jesus Christ is both 100% God and 100% man at the same time.[22] God tells us that the Word (that’s Jesus[23]) was God[24] and that the Word became flesh and lived here on earth among us![25] Jesus came to earth,[26] lived a sinless life,[27] died on the cross[28] and rose from the dead[29] to pay the penalty for our sins[30] and purchase a place in heaven for us.[31]

Let’s go back to the bank robber situation, God the judge[32] declared us guilty,[33] pronounced the penalty[34] and then stepped down from the bench, took off His robe[35] and paid our penalty for us.[36] Now that the penalty has been paid we are free to have a personal relationship with God.[37] Isn’t that incredible?

I remember when my son was about 4 years old. We visited the Grand Canyon. When he looked over the edge he said, “Daddy, I think God lives here.” Imagine that you are standing on one side of the Grand Canyon and that God is on the other side. The Canyon itself represents our sin. There is no way we can jump over to the other side. But God built a bridge in the person of Jesus Christ. God tells us that Jesus is the only way for anyone to reach Heaven.[38] God put all of our sins on Jesus when He was on the cross.[39] When Jesus had paid the penalty for our last sin He said, “It is finished.”[40] The phrase He used is exactly the same as the word the Greeks use for a debt that is “paid if full.” Now forgiveness and the free gift of eternal life are available to all.[41]

But … it’s not automatic.[42] How do we take advantage of this free gift of Heaven? By faith.[43] Now this faith that God talks about is not just head knowledge. The Bible tells us that even the demons know about Jesus,[44] but they aren’t going to heaven.[45] And this faith is more than just trusting God to provide us with a place to live or food to eat or praying when we’re sick or in trouble. That may be only a temporary, crisis kind of faith.[46]

True saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for our eternal life.[47] It means transferring our complete trust away from ourselves and anything we ever thought we could do that would get us into Heaven[48] and relying on Jesus. The Bible tells us that if we “believe on (or trust in) the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved.”[49] It’s sort of like this chair next to me. I know the chair can support me. That’s head knowledge. But until I actually sit in that chair, I don’t really have faith.[50] We need to get up out of the chair we are sitting on that we made ourselves and sit in the chair that God provided, Jesus Christ.

Well, Bill, you’ve just heard the greatest offer of all time. Does this make sense to you? Would you like to receive God’s free gift of eternal life right now? If you would, I can pray for you and then, if you wish, I will lead you, step by step, in a prayer asking Jesus to come into your life.[51]

Bill says: Wow, this seems like a really big step. I’m not sure I’m ready right now. This sounds almost too good to be true.” I respond: “Tell you what Bill, I found out about God’s Free Gift of Eternal Life at the Sunday Bible study right here on the base. How about I come by Sunday morning about 10:30 and we can go over there together and get some of your questions answered, what do you say? Bill responds: “OK, you know where my place is, I’ll see you at 10:30.”

Now in this scenario Bill did not want to make a decision right away and that is OK. The main thing is he has heard the Gospel, I have shown that I love him enough to care about his future and I have invited him to investigate further. You can do this too. You have many relatives and friends who need to hear about Jesus Christ.

Friday when I was at work in Long Beach Harbor I was piloting a big container ship. While I was up on the bridge of the ship I went to get something to drink. The cup I picked up had the ship owner’s company logo on it and these words in bold type: “Take it personally!” When I looked at that cup I thought, these guys definitely have the right idea. When you have a job to do the way to be successful to really care about what you are doing. As members of the body of Christ we have a job to do. We are on a mission from God. We need to tell the world about Jesus. In order to be successful in completing our mission we need to “Take it personally!”

Let’s pray: "Father God, more than anything else, I want to fulfill the purposes you made me for. So today, I accept this fifth purpose, my mission to tell others. I want you to use me any time, any way, any place. I want to bring others to you. I want to serve your purpose in my generation. And I want to be a part of what you are doing in the world. From this day forward, I want to build my life around Your eternal purposes, and I want to help our church do the same. Help me to reach one more person for Jesus. I take my mission personally. In Jesus Name. Amen.”
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Outline for this message drawn from material provided by Rick Warren & Saddleback Church. Some content drawn from "Share Your Faith" workhop resources.
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Footnotes:

[1] 1 John 5:13
[2] 1 John 5:13
[3] Revelation 20:11-12
[4] Romans 6:23 (NLT)
[5] Matthew 7:22-23
[6] Ephesians 2:8-9
[7] Romans 6:23
[8] 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NLT)
[9] Isaiah 59:2
[10] John 3:19
[11] Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8-10
[12] Romans 5:12
[13] Matthew 5:48
[14] James 2:10
[15] 1 John 4:16
[16] John 3:16-18
[17] Isaiah 45:21
[18] Exodus 34:7
[19] Romans 6:23
[20] Ephesians 2:8-9
[21] Luke 2:7, 12 & 16
[22] 1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 9:5
[23] 1 John 1:1; Revelation 19:11-13
[24] John 1:1; 1 Timothy 2:5
[25] John 1:14; 1 John 5:20
[26] 1 John 4:2
[27] 1 John 3:5
[28] 1 Corinthians 5:3
[29] 1 Corinthians 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14
[30] 1 John 4:10
[31] John 14:2-3
[32] Romans 2:16
[33] Numbers 5:6
[34] Ezekiel 18:4 & 20
[35] Philippians 2:8
[36] 1 Corinthians 6:20; Hebrews 9:15
[37] 1 John 1:3
[38] John 14:6
[39] Isaiah 53:6, Hebrews 9:28; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 2:24
[40] John 19:30
[41] Acts 16:31, 1 John 2:2
[42] 1 John 2:12 (NASB)
[43] Romans 1:17, Galatians 2:16
[44] James 2:19
[45] Matthew 25:41
[46] Matthew 7:22-23
[47] Acts 4:10-12
[48] Titus 3:5
[49] Acts 16:31
[50] John 6:29; James 2:17
[51] Romans 10:9:

You Were Shaped For Serving God

You Were Shaped For Serving God:
Purpose Driven Life 40 Days Study - Week 5
Message Presented by Bob Koehler at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station
For the Military Community Christian Community
Sunday, June 1, 2008

Good Morning. Welcome to the Seal Beach Military Christian Community.

Deep down inside we all want to be successful – we need to believe that our lives have meaning. But most people feel uneasy about where they are at in life. They want something more.

The literary genius Henry David Thoreau said, "Most men live lives of quiet desperation." H. G. Wells, the famous historian and philosopher, said at age 61: "I have no peace. All life is at the end of the tether."
Ralph Barton, a top ranked cartoonist, left this note pinned to his pillow before taking his own life: "I have had few difficulties, many friends, great successes; I have gone from wife to wife, from house to house, visited great countries of the world, but I am fed up with inventing devices to fill up twenty-four hours of the day."

So how do we find meaning and success in our lives? Here is what Kareem Abdul-Jabar has to say about the subject: "Ive had enough success for two lifetimes. My success is talent put together with hard work and luck."

Here is another idea from a web page called “Top 7 Business/Life quotes: "The perfectness of who you are, knows which direction is right for your life. In order to discover this path, you must be quiet, calm your mind, and LISTEN intently to your subconscious mind as it will guide you to what your role on Earth is supposed to be." Now those are some the ways that “the world” tells you to find meaning and success.

Today we’re going to find out more about God’s way as we continue our 40 Days of Purpose Bible Study. In our first week we asked the question “What on earth am I here for? We discovered that God has five primary purposes for our lives: We have studied worship, fellowship and discipleship. Today we are going to look at God’s fourth purpose for your life, there on the top of your outline…you were Shaped For Serving God.

“We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:10 (NIV)

Now whenever God gives us an assignment to do something, He never gives it to us without equipping us first. As Job was talking about God he said: “Your hands have made me and fashioned me, An intricate unity;” Job 10:8a (NKJV)

God uses five things to fashion or shape you: Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. That spells ‘SHAPE’. Those five things make you who you are and God uniquely shapes you, different from anybody else in the world, for a purpose. And that purpose is to serve Him.

Let’s look for a moment at 1 Peter Chapter 4 Verse 10. Take a look at your outline and you will see the first part of the verse:

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to “make lots of money???” Is that what the Bible says? No

“Each one should use whatever gift he’s received to serve others.” 1 Pet. 4:10 (NIV)

Do you remember the first line in the Purpose Driven Life book? “It’s not about you.” Your purpose in life is to be what God made you to be. And He gave you gifts and talents and abilities and background and experiences and all these things for the benefit of other people, to be used in serving others.

So write this down:
MY 4th PURPOSE IS TO: SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS

Let’s turn in our Bibles to Mathew Chapter 20 … move down the page to verse 27. Two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, the “Sons of Thunder,” have just asked Him (through their Mom!!!) if they can get promoted. They want to sit on either side of Jesus when He rules in His kingdom. Jesus tells them that the people who will sit in those places of honor have already been pre-determined by God the Father. Then He uses their question to teach an important lesson.

Listen to the words of Jesus Christ on the subject of service and ministry: He says: “…whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mt. 20:27-28

So Jesus has told us that : Our attitude … must be like His attitude … Because He did not come to be served, but to serve...”

So let’s talk about LEARNING TO SERVE LIKE JESUS:
First of all SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING AVAILABLE.

One of the interesting things about Jesus’ teaching method is that He almost always gives us a principle that is closely linked to an example of He … Himself … doing what He wants us to do.

Let’s look at verse 29: “Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him.” So Jesus is with his entourage. He is in the limelight. He is being admired. People are following Him. He is BUSY!!!

Verse 30: “And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”

These guys know that Jesus is someone special. They have never seen Him but they have heard about Him. They believe that He is the Messiah. They believe He can help them.

Let’s listen to the normal human reaction to this situation. Vs. 31:
“Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”

The crowd has pre-judged these blind men. They probably thought, as many of us do in our hearts, that the reason these guys have a problem is because of some sin or personal failure in their lives. The crown is selfish. They want Jesus for themselves. After all just a few chapters back he fed them for free. They react as many of us normally react. We do not want to interrupt the flow. We do not want to stop what we are doing. We are TOO BUSY to help anybody else.

But look at what Jesus does! In verse 32: “So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
Jesus stopped – He took the time to care – He made Himself available. Verse 33: “They (the blind men) said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”

Verse 34: So Jesus … said He had to hurry and find a room at the inn and He might be able to see them tomorrow??? NO
So Jesus … said call Mary and make an appointment??? NO
So Jesus … said its not in my job description. You see, I’m in my civvies today but I am actually the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I’m in a hurry to get to Jerusalem because I’m scheduled to be Grand Marshall of the Triumphal Entry parade. These Spec Four Healers here can take care of you!! No!

The Bible tells us in Verse 34: “So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

Jesus took the time to care and to actually do something for people in need. The Bible tells us in the Book of Proverbs: “Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.” Prov. 3:28 (NKJV)

What is the matter with us? Why is it that we are so unwilling to actually stop what we are doing and serve other people? Let’s talk about three barriers or mental roadblocks we have that can keep us from doing what God has told us to do:

Write this down … the 1st Barrier is: SELF-CENTEREDNESS

In Philippians Paul says: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
This means we need to “Forget (ourselves) long enough to lend (others) a helping hand.” Phil. 2:4 (MSG)

Let’s turn to the Gospel of John the 15th Chapter: Jesus and His disciples have just finished the last supper. He is giving them final instructions because He will soon be going to the cross. He has just talked with them about bearing fruit and shared with them that the only way a person can bear fruit that is pleasing to God is to be connected with or to abide in Him - Jesus Christ.

Let’s go to verse 9: Jesus is speaking:
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

OK – so how do we have a joy filled life, how do find purpose and meaning? We love others and we serve them by laying down our lives for them. If you are in the military you may actually be called to put your life on the line. You might have to go to Iraq. You might get shot at. You might have to risk your life to save someone else. You might die for your country. If you have a civilian job you go to work and you follow the boss’s instructions. You know what it means to serve. That’s your job.

So yes, you are serving when you are at work. You follow orders. But while you are wearing your uniform or while you are at your job, are you serving your fellow soldiers or the other men and women in your unit or your department? When you get back from drill or from work, when you are on leave or vacation with your family, when you are out in the community, are you making sacrificial service to others a priority?

We need to have correct priorities. The military is loaded with alphabet soup acronyms. Here is one to help you remember a biblical truth:

JOY: J = Jesus; O = Others; Y = Yourself. Put Jesus first, then you will want to serve others, and you will have plenty of time to spare for yourself. The result of this will be a joy-filled, purposeful and successful life.

Now we turn to the 2nd Barrier, you can jot this in your notes:

The 2nd Barrier is: PERFECTIONISM

When I was in charge of a boat group for the SEAL Team in Viet Nam, the SEAL platoon leader would always plan our missions very carefully. One false move might mean detection by the enemy. Careful planning is important but when our goal is actually accomplishing a mission there is a time to stop planning and move out.

Using the example of agriculture, the Book of Ecclesiastes says: “He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap” Eccl. 11:4. Now what is this verse talking about. If the farmer waits for absolutely perfect conditions the job will never get done. And there will be no crop – i.e. no fruit.

I am a student in Bible College. When Cypress Church opened the door last fall and asked me to be responsible for Outreach I could have said, “I’m not sure this is the right time. I still have some more classes to take to finish the program.” Instead I recognized the need and asked God to use me, as an admittedly imperfect tool, to accomplish His purpose on a moment by moment basis. We need to train to expect the unexpected. We need to pray for God to open doors of opportunity. When the door for service opens we need to move out.

Now on to the… 3rd Barrier which is: MATERIALISM

In the Gospel of Luke we read: “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Or “money” in the NIV.

All of us like money. Why? Because we use money to buy stuff or go on vacation or go out to dinner or go to a Lakers game. Speaking of money, I’ve got some good news for military families. The House of Representatives has just approved a possible 3.9% pay increase starting in 2009. Assuming this goes through, where will that extra money go?

I would like to invite you to give yourself a couple of little tests. First, open your checkbook or look at your last couple of bank statements or credit card statements and see where you spend most of your money. Have you given any to charity? Have you contributed to God’s work?

Next, start keeping track of how you spend your time. How much time do you spend studying God’s word and praying for your family, your church, your community, your nation and the world? How much time do you spend actually doing something for someone else?

You have control over two very basic assets in your life: Time and money. Whenever you spend time or money doing one thing you are sacrificing the opportunity to have or to do something else. You will spend the most time and the most money on what you care about the most. Whatever that thing is … it is in essence your Lord and Master or your God.

Paul tells us in the Book of Romans: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? Romans 6:16

Romans 12 Verse 1 tells us: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Jesus tells us that as his disciples we must be obedient to His word and sacrifice our time and energy and money … the things that the world thinks are valuable … so that we will be able to devote our time, our energy and our money (everything available to or produced by our bodies) as a living sacrifice to serve God by serving others. In the process of serving others, we (that is our character) will be gradually transformed into the image of Christ.

We have all seen the bumper sticker that reads “He who dies with the most toys wins.” But that is a very short sighted, secular, non-Christian viewpoint. How many of you have ever seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer to the cemetery. You can’t take it with you! Invest in God’s kingdom and you will receive eternal rewards in heaven and a joyful, abundant life here on earth.

Next - #2 - SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING GRATEFUL.

In the Gospel of John Chapter 11 we read: “Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard Me. I knew that you always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here...’" John 11:41-42 (NIV)

The Book of Psalms says to: “Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.” Ps. 100:2 (NKJV)

Paul writes in Philippians: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6 (NKJV)

And later in 1 Thessalonians he tells us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes. 16-18 (NKJV)
I want you to notice that each of the last three verses we just looked at were not suggestions but commands. We must find ways to be thankful for the opportunities God gives us to serve.

But, once again, there are barriers in our path. Serving others is not always easy. Our sinful human nature tells us that we really need to compare ourselves with others, see ourselves as overburdened and be critical. The first barrier that keeps us from following God’s command to be thankful as we serve others is:

1st Barrier: COMPARING & CRITICIZING

How many of you have every tried to get some help with a project and run into some of the members of the Tate Family? They are everywhere. You find some of them at work, some right here on the base, some in your family and also some at church.

There is old man Dic-Tate who wants to run everything, while Uncle Ro-Tate tries to change everything. There's sister Agi-Tate who stirs up plenty of trouble, with help from her husband, Irri-Tate. Whenever new projects are suggested, Hesi-Tate and his wife, Vege-Tate, want to wait until next year. Devas-Tate provides the voice of doom, while Poten-Tate wants to be a big shot. Then there is Aunt Imi-Tate, who wants her church to be like all the others.

In Romans chapter 14 Paul says: “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” Rom 14:4 (NKJV). So Paul is telling us here: “Who are you to criticize someone else's servant? The Lord will determine whether His servant has been successful.” Rom. 14:4 (GW)

Jesus says in Luke Chapter 6:37-38: “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Now the 2nd Barrier: WRONG MOTIVATIONS

Self-promotion and servant hood don’t mix, but it’s easy to get them mixed up. A lot of our service, let’s just be honest, it can be self-serving at times. Sometimes we serve to get others to like us. We serve to be admired. We serve to achieve our own goals. We serve as sort of a bargaining chip with God. You know … we say: “God, I’ll serve and You take care of me over here.” There are all kinds of wrong motivations.

Jesus said: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Mat. 6:1 (NKJV)

So this means that when you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from God.

# 3. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING FAITHFUL.

Now what does that mean? It means you don’t give up. You keep on going. You don’t quit in the middle of your assignment. At the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth, Jesus said this in John 17:4: “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” John 17:4 (NKJV) In the NIV this verse reads: “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.” John 17:4 (NIV)

We need to be faithful not just because it sounds like it might be a good idea. We need to be faithful because God tells us to do so:

Look at the next verse in your outline (1 Cor. 4:2 and Fill in the blanks): “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1 Cor. 4:2

Paul tells us: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58 (NKJV) Another way to say this might be: “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.” 1 Cor. 15:58 (MSG)

In the book of Hebrews we read: “He (that’s Jesus) will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other Christians.” Heb. 6:10 (NLT)

Some of Paul’s final words in 2 Timothy are: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Tim 4:6-8 (NKJV) That’s you and me he’s talking about. Because we love God we will love our others and serve them and God will give us a reward.

So how do we find meaning and success in life? We serve Jesus by serving others. We make ourselves available to Him. We do this by having our hearts and minds God centered instead of self centered. We do not allow the barriers of perfectionism and materialism to slow us down. We are thankful to Jesus for saving us and opening doors of opportunity for us to serve others. We avoid comparing ourselves to others and criticizing them. We search our hearts regularly to be certain that our motives are pure. And we determine to be faithful to whatever God has called us to do.

This sounds like a hard job and if we try to do it in our own strength it is absolutely impossible. But if we rely on the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit we will one day hear Jesus say: “'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things so; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” Matt. 25:21 (NIV)

Jesus is telling us here that as we serve others and are obedient to Him in small tasks, He will use our obedience in small things to train us and change our character so that we will be ready for more. And that this process of fulfilling His purpose for us, through serving others, gives our lives meaning and as a result we will be successful in God’s eyes and we will share in His happiness.

Let’s pray together: Father I realize that I was shaped to serve You by serving others. Forgive me for the times I’ve put a “do not disturb” sign on my heart. Help me to see the interruptions as opportunities to serve. Help me to make time for what matters most. You’ve been so good to me. I want to give something back. I want to serve You freely and gratefully and faithfully, and I want to practice before I get to heaven so one day I can hear You say “Well done, good and faithful servant … Come and share your master's happiness.” In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

(Above message outline and materials drawn in part from resources provided by Saddleback Church and the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren)

Now let’s turn to the subject of Communion:

Let’s open our Bibles John Chapter 6. Here we have one of the Gospel accounts of Jesus miraculously feeding the 5,000. Afterwards He goes across to the other side of the lake and the people follow him. Jesus knows that they are following him in hopes of another free meal.

In Verse 26: “Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” 28Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” 30Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 31Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” 35And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:26-35 (NKJV)

Then skipping down to verse 53: “Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:53-54 (NKJV)

So let’s unpack this concept. Jesus says that we are not supposed to work to get stuff … because “stuff” is the food that perishes. We are to work for the food that endures forever … the food that will give us everlasting life. Then Jesus tells us that we must “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood” in order to have eternal life. But … we know from the book of Ephesians that we are not saved by anything we can do. We are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. When we admit we are sinners, believe that Jesus’ finished work on the cross has paid our sin debt in full, confess our sins to God, turn away from our sins and commit our lives to Jesus by asking Him to be the Lord of our lives … at that moment we have partaken of Jesus because we have fully joined our new lives to Him.

Once we have been born again in Christ we will desire to be obedient to Him. We are told in Ephesians 2:10: “For we (that means every Christian believer) are His (that is God’s) workmanship (that means that your new life in Christ is all God’s doing), created in (meaning we trust and abide in) Christ Jesus for good works (we are supposed to serve others), which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (that means to actually serve others – not just talk about doing it).”

From the beginnings of the early church, believers have gotten together on a regular basis to study God’s Word, worship Jesus and fellowship with each other. From the very start we, as Christians, have observed two customs or ordinances: Baptism, that we talked about 2 weeks ago, and communion. At Cypress Church our custom is to offer communion to believers on the first Sunday of each month.

How did communion originate? At the last supper, just before He went to the cross, Jesus explained in detail about how Christians should remember Him. Paul tells us about this moment in 1 Corinthians Chapter 11:

23For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.27Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Cor. 11:23-28 (NKJV)

Let’s bow out heads. As our heads are bowed and are hearts are turned towards God, let’s silently ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us anything sinful in our lives that we need to confess. I’m going to give you a moment to talk silently to God and then we will pray together asking Him to forgive us.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for sending Jesus to die on the cross and pay the penalty for our sins. Lord we know that we have not always done what is pleasing in your eyes. We confess our sins to you and we turn away from them now. Thank you Lord that your Word promises us “If we confess our sins, (You are) faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We believe in you Jesus and we place our eternal destiny in your hands. Thank you for the free gift of eternal life. Amen

When you are ready you may take the elements. The bread represents (but does not literally become) the body of Jesus Christ that was broken for you. The grape juice represents (but does not literally become) the blood He shed to pay the price for your sins. Please take a piece of bread, dip it in the juice, and we will partake of the elements together.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your finished work on the cross. We do this in remembrance of you. Thank you for giving us new life so that we can use our time, our energy and our resources to serve others in your strong Name. Amen

The Reliability of the New Testament

The Reliability of the New Testament

Prepared for TH365 "Apologetics Evangelism" at Calvary Chapel Bible College
By Bob Koehler - March 24, 2007

“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’”[1] This is the most critical question we will ever have to answer because our eternal destiny depends on what we believe about Jesus Christ.[2] Most of our information about Jesus comes from the Bible and, more specifically, the New Testament. How do we know that we can trust what we read in the pages of Scripture? How do we know that what we are told about Him in the New Testament is the truth?

The Bible came from God to us through four different processes which are like links in a chain. These are inspiration, canonization, transmission and translation.[3] After God had spoken through the inspired authors, their writings were assembled and recognized. From studying the writings of the early church fathers we know that very early in the history of the church the writings of the apostles were spread throughout the Christian world, collected and preserved. According to scholar and theologian Norman Geisler: “The corroborative quotations of the church Fathers from the first few centuries, totaling over 36,000, include almost every verse of the New Testament.”[4]

“The story of the transmission and translation of the Bible is an exciting one, and confirms our confidence in Scripture.”[5] In this paper we will examine the reliability of the New Testament. Since the original Bible documents were written thousands of years ago, what confidence can we have that these writings have been preserved intact down through the ages? Were the scribes faithful in fulfilling their duties? Did they add to or subtract from the original text? Are the manuscripts we have reliable? Are biblical assertions supported by archaeology, science and history?

The first specific area we will examine is the manuscript evidence for the New Testament. Manuscripts are handwritten documents, in contrast with printed copies. An autograph is the first or original document produced by the author. Norman Geisler states: “There are no known extant original manuscripts of the Bible. However, the abundance of manuscript copies makes it possible to reconstruct the original with complete accuracy.”[6]

Critics frequently attack the New Testament’s reliability. But if they throw out the New Testament then they need to question all other ancient literature such as the writings of Plato, Aristotle and others. This is because there are more that 5,600 Greek manuscripts and more than 19,000 non-Greek manuscripts for a total of more than 24,000 documents supporting the New Testament. In comparison there are only about twenty manuscripts of the writings of Plato’s Tetrologies and five for Aristotle’s works.[7] Concerning the reliability of non-biblical ancient writings, Lee Strobel, in his book “The Case for Christ” states that “there is but the thinnest thread of manuscripts connecting these ancient works to the modern world.”[8]

Another very interesting and important fact is that many of the manuscripts supporting the New Testament are very close in date to the time the original “autographs” were produced. For many years skeptics have contended that the Gospels were not composed until many years after the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They claimed that myth and legend had crept in to the historical account. Liberal German theologians have argued that the Gospel of John was not written until the late 2nd century.[9] Their claim was that the manuscript copies were too far removed in date from the originals. The recent discovery of the John Rylands P52 papyrus fragment narrowed the time gap between autograph and manuscript to as little as 25 years.[10]

The next area we will look at is archaeological support for the New Testament. This field of study fascinates me. I am absolutely thrilled beyond belief when I read about discoveries of ancient artifacts from the Bible lands. We know that archaeology “can’t prove whether the New Testament is the word of God”[11] but it can serve to bolster our faith and trust.

One discovery of note is the James Ossuary. This may be the earliest archaeological find related to James and Jesus. In the days of the early church grave sites were at a premium. After a person was placed in a tomb and the flesh had completely decayed, it was common practice for bones to be placed in a special container called an ossuary so that the tomb could be used again. The James Ossuary dates from about 63 AD and bears the Aramaic inscription: “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.”[12]

The Gospels give us accounts of Jesus standing before Pilate and being sentenced to scourging and crucifixion. Many liberal critics discounted this portion of the New Testament due to a lack of any external evidence about the existence of Pilate. In 1961 a team of archaeologists led by Dr. Antonio Frova were digging in an old amphitheatre near Caesarea Maritima. They found a block of limestone with an inscription of dedication to Tiberius Caesar.[13] The Latin lettering on the block showed specifically that the dedication was from: “Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea.” This is the only evidence available outside Scripture that verifies Pilate’s title and name.[14]

A major portion of the New Testament, more than 20 percent, was authored by Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. Conservative scholars have long settled on a mid-first century date for Luke’s writing of the book of Acts. Sir William Ramsay, a noted archaeologist, tried to prove that Acts was written at around 150 AD. During his research he changed his mind and “became a firm defender for the mid-first century authorship of Acts.”[15]

Doubters have assailed Luke’s writings as being unreliable because of his usage of certain words and also his mention of specific locations which had not been verified elsewhere. Researcher Colin J. Hemer has written a book entitled “The Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History.” In this work Hemer defends a 66 AD date for Acts and also Luke’s authorship. He provides extensive evidence from archaeological finds about Luke’s accuracy as a historian. Some examples include: A natural crossing between correctly named ports (Acts 13:4-5); Perga as the proper port for a ship crossing from Cyprus (Acts 13:13): The correct location of Lycaonia (Acts 14:6) and many, many more.[16]

Next we will turn to the area of scientific evidence that supports the New Testament. The Old Testament contains many truthful assertions about our world which are accepted today as fact by the secular scientific community. The New Testament contains declarations by Jesus that the Old Testament writings are inspired. For example in Matthew 12:39 He verifies His belief in the book of Jonah and in Matthew 22:43 He says that David was speaking “in the Spirit”[17] when he wrote the book of Psalms. In an indirect way this shows that the Bible as a whole should be seen as a unified document. The Old Testament looks forward to Jesus through its prophetic statements and Jesus, speaking in the New Testament, agrees with the Old Testament, which includes correctly stated scientific facts.

We have already seen that there is a great body of manuscript and archeological evidence supporting the New Testament. The dates of these manuscripts and archaeological finds have been determined using modern scientific methods. The book of Hebrews speaks correctly about the Second Law of Thermodynamics. In Chapter 1 we read: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment.”[18] Also in Hebrews, long before the discovery of the atom, the New Testament told us that, from man’s observational perspective, everything we see was made from invisible material: “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”[19]

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the central event of Christianity. Many skeptics have attacked the New Testament accounts of these historical happenings. Jesus had to die in order to fulfill God’s righteous requirements as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. If Jesus’ death cannot be verified some might doubt their salvation. But “professional medical opinions are unanimous in concluding that Jesus certainly died as a result of being crucified.”[20]

Now let’s review some of the historical evidence supporting the New Testament. In his book “Vintage Jesus,” Mark Driscoll makes a compelling case for our Christian faith. He states that “Jesus’ death was widely known and reported” among the ancient Romans, Greeks and Jews since they “all agreed” that they “opposed Jesus and wanted him dead.”[21] He then goes on to describe statements in the secular historical writings of Josephus, Suetonius and Pliny the Younger that back up the New Testament accounts.

We know from chapter 27 of the book of Matthew that while Jesus was on the cross “from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.”[22] This is also mentioned by Luke in chapter 23 of his Gospel as well as in Mark chapter 15. In addition we are told: “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”[23] Here are two unusual miraculous events associated with Jesus and the New Testament. Of course many liberal theologians deny even the possibility of the miraculous and these accounts have been criticized as being exaggeration, metaphor or myth.

But here is a very interesting account from Phlegon, a Greek historian who wrote an extensive chronology around AD 137: “In the fourth year of the 202nd Olympiad (i.e., AD 33) there was the greatest eclipse of the sun … it became night in the sixth hour of the day [i.e., noon] so that stars even appeared in the heavens. There was a great earthquake in Bithynia, and many things were overturned in Nicaea.”[24] This event is also spoken of by the ancient historians Africanus and Thallus. We see that manuscripts, archaeology, science and history all help to support the reliability of the New Testament.

The next area we will examine is the development of the modern day English Bible translations. The history of the text of the New Testament is a fascinating story. The King James Version based on the Textus Receptus was widely accepted from its inception in the early 1600’s until the late 1800s.

Since about 1881 there has been a heated debate among scholars and theologians regarding portions of the New Testament text. Rev. Brian Felce describes the controversy: “Until 1880 the Authorised Version (KJV) was used by almost everyone in the English-speaking churches. Since 1881 there has been doubt about 10% of the New Testament in over 5,000 different places, and in effect there have been in existence two different New Testaments … Upon which … are we to rest our souls…?”[25]

Over time different schools of New Testament text developed. Some have classified these in as many as four different types of New Testament text, but others suggest that there are really only two basic sources: The Majority Text or Textus Receptus preserved by churches of true Christian Protestant believers (such as the church at Antioch) and the Minority or Alexandrian text group used primarily in Catholic Bibles.[26]

The first major text to be published which countered the Textus Receptus was the combined work of two scholars from Cambridge: B. F. Westcott and F. J. A. Hort. This was the text primarily used for the New Testament in the Revised Version of 1881.[27] David Brown asserts that “at present there are two basic textual traditions that command serious scholarly followings: the Textus Receptus/Majority Text and the Nestle-Aland text” [28] based on the work of Westcott and Hort.

One primary issue in the textual debate is the question: Which ancient manuscript or type of manuscript should be selected as the most reliable witness to the original text? Westcott and Hort based their work primarily on three or four uncials which are purported to be some of the oldest extant evidence. Their contention is that the age of the manuscript is the most important factor in determining reliability.

Volumes have been written on this debate. The key factor is that proponents of the Westcott and Hort and the Nestle and Arland texts have not always told the complete truth. Dr. Brown sums up the situation nicely: “Finally, I must point out something ironic about these two alleged "oldest and best" manuscripts. They do not agree with each other!”[29] These modern day scholars have chosen age as their primary criteria while ignoring a great body of evidence on the other side of the question.

It appears that Westcott, Hort and their supporters have let their own personal bias color their judgment. Here are two examples of the underlying ideas which may have affected their research. Hort believed that “no such state as 'Eden' (I mean the popular notion) ever existed, and that Adam's fall in no degree differed from the fall of each of his descendants.”[30] This is a direct contradiction of the doctrine of original sin and the basic conservative theological position that everyone descended from Adam and Eve inherited a sin nature not possessed by our “first parents.”

In another example Westcott declared: “I never read an account of a miracle (in Scripture?) but I seem instinctively to feel its improbability, and discover some want of evidence in the account of it.”[31] This is blatant anti-supernaturalism. Can a person doubt miracles (like the resurrection) and still be a Christian?

Here are the words of theologian David Fuller: “Textual criticism cannot be divorced entirely from theology. No matter how great a Greek scholar a man may be, or no matter how great an authority on the textual evidence, his conclusions must always be open to suspicion if he does not accept the Bible as the very Word of God.”[32]

Even though there is debate over the various English translations there is a basic issue that will never be resolved. The problem is that “exact translation is impossible. Meanings of words and grammatical structures in any two languages do not generally correspond.”[33] So where do we go from here? How do we have confidence that we are really reading and studying God’s Word?

Despite the controversies, both of the major Greek texts used for English Bible translations are extremely accurate. Before his death in 1952, British paleographer and scholar Sir Frederick Kenyon stated:

“The interval then between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established.”[34]

The New Testament Greek text, as we have it today, is about 98 to 99.5 percent correct.[35] If a person chooses a widely accepted scholarly English Bible, translation differences or variant readings are not significant enough to call into question major Bible doctrines.[36]

My studies in Apologetics and my reading and research in preparation for this paper have firmly convinced me that the Bible I hold in my hand contains the “vox” (voice or meaning) of God’s Word. I can base my faith, my hope of salvation and my abundant life in Christ on the principles found in Scripture with no doubt that God has spoken to me through its pages.

I will continue praying for God to open up more opportunities for service and especially for teaching his Word and reaching out to others who need to know more about Jesus. In addition I need to pray for humility and be certain that my goal in my studies is not just head knowledge.

I plan to use material from this class whenever possible as I lead Bible studies and teach at my church. I will continue reading and studying Scripture as well as other books on Christianity. My goal is to be faithful to the principles taught by Paul when he told Timothy: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”[37]

I need to be diligent to ask for the Lord’s guidance about priorities so that I am being faithful to my biblical duties as a husband, father and son. My desire in everything is to seek to know Jesus more fully and completely and apply what I learn so that my life will continue each day to be conformed more into His image.

Bibliography:

Beecham, R.: “Which Bible Translation?” http://ourworld.compuserve.com.

Blunt, David: Quotes from Westcott and Hort, www.acts1711.com.

Brown, David L.: The Great Uncials, http://www.deanburgonsociety.org/%20CriticalTexts/uncials.htm.

CARM.org: “Manuscript Evidence for Superior New Testament Reliability,” http://www.carm.org.

Driscoll, Mark & Breshears, Gerry: Vintage Jesus, Wheaton: Crossway, 2007.

Elwell, Walter A.: Comfort, Philip Wesley: Tyndale Bible Dictionary. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001 (Tyndale Reference Library).

Felce, Brian: The Revised Version: The Debate Over the Text of Scripture, http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk.

Geisler, N. L. and Nix, W. E.: A General Introduction to the Bible, Chicago: Moody, 1986.

Hodge, Charles: Systematic Theology. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, 1997.

Holden, Joe: Apologetic Evangelism Appendices, Murrieta, CA: CCBC, 2005.

Holden, Joe: Apologetic Evangelism Notes, Murrieta, CA: CCBC.

Jaroncyk, Ryan: “Darkness at the Crucifixion: Metaphor or Real History?” http://creationontheweb.com.

Koehler, R.: “Transmission of the Biblical Text,” Research Paper for CCBC, 2007.

Licona, Mike: “Can We Be Certain That Jesus Died On A Cross?” http://www.4truth.net.

McGee, Mark: “Archaeology and the Bible,” http://www.mindspring.com/~mamcgee.

Miller, Betty: “History of the Authority and Infallibility of the Bible,” http://bibleresources.bible.com.

Richards, Lawrence O.: The Bible Readers Companion, electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991; Pub. in electronic form by Logos Research Sys, 1996, S. 13.

Russell, R.: “The Pilate Inscription,” http://www.bible-history.com/empires/pilate.html.

Strobel, Lee: The Case for Christ, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Nashville: Nelson, 1982.

Waite, D. A.: Westcott & Hort's Greek Text and Theory Refuted, http://www.deanburgonsociety.org/.

A good source for Christian Books and Music is BestOfTheWebShopping.Com

Footnotes:
[1] The Holy Bible, The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Mt 16:13
[2] Hodge, Charles: Systematic Theology. Oak Harbor, WA : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997, S. 1:498
[3] Geisler, N. L. and Nix, W. E.: A General Introduction to the Bible, Chicago: Moody Press, 1986, p. 321.
[4] Geisler, N. L. and Nix, W. E.: A General Introduction to the Bible. Chicago : Moody Press, 1986, S. 345
[5] Richards, Lawrence O.: The Bible Readers Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton : Victor Books, 1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996, S. 13
[6] Geisler, Norman L. ; Nix, William E.: A General Introduction to the Bible. 1986, S. 386.
[7] Holden, Joe: Apologetic Evangelism Appendices, Murrieta, CA : CCBC, 2005, 18.
[8] Strobel, Lee: The Case for Christ, Grand Rapids, MI : Zondervan, 1998, 77.
[9] Strobel, Lee: The Case for Christ, Grand Rapids, MI : Zondervan, 1998, 80.
[10] Holden, Joe: Apologetic Evangelism Appendices, Murrieta, CA : CCBC, 2005, 17.
[11] Strobel, Lee: The Case for Christ, Grand Rapids, MI : Zondervan, 1998, (quoting John McKay) 127.
[12] Holden, Joe: Apologetic Evangelism Appendices, Murrieta, CA : CCBC, 2005, 26.
[13] Russell, R.: “The Pilate Inscription,” http://www.bible-history.com/empires/pilate.html.
[14] Holden, Joe: Apologetic Evangelism Appendices, Murrieta, CA : CCBC, 2005, 26.
[15] McGee, Mark: “Archaeology and the Bible,” http://www.mindspring.com/~mamcgee.
[16] Holden, Joe: Apologetic Evangelism Notes, Murrieta, CA : CCBC, 60.
[17] The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Nashville: Nelson, 1982, Mat. 22:43.
[18] The Holy Bible, The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Heb 1:10-11.
[19] The Holy Bible, The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Heb 11:3.
[20] Licona, Mike: “Can We Be Certain That Jesus Died On A Cross?” http://www.4truth.net.
[21] Driscoll, Mark & Breshears, Gerry: Vintage Jesus – Timeless Answers to Timely Questions, Wheaton : Crossway, 2007, 140-141.
[22] The Holy Bible, The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Mt 27:45.
[23] The Holy Bible, The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Mt 27:51.
[24] Jaroncyk, Ryan: “Darkness at the Crucifixion: Metaphor or Real History?” http://creationontheweb.com.
[25]Felce, Brian, The Revised Version: The Debate Over the Text of Scripture, http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk
[26]Brown, David L.: The Great Uncials, http://www.deanburgonsociety.org/CriticalTexts/uncials.htm
[27]Geisler, N. L. and Nix, W. E.: A General Introduction to the Bible, Chicago: Moody Press, 1986, p. 455.
[28]Geisler, N. L. and Nix, W. E.: A General Introduction to the Bible, Chicago : Moody Press, 1986, p. 461.
[29]Brown, David L.: The Great Uncials, http://www.deanburgonsociety.org/CriticalTexts/uncials.htm.
[30]Blunt, David: Quotes from Westcott and Hort, www.acts1711.com.
[31] Blunt, David: Quotes from Westcott and Hort, www.acts1711.com.
[32] Blunt, David: Quotes from Westcott and Hort, www.acts1711.com.
[33] Beecham, R.: “Which Bible Translation?” http://ourworld.compuserve.com.
[34] Geisler, N. L. & Nix, Wm.: A General Introduction to the Bible. Chicago : Moody Press, 1986, S. 405.
[35] CARM.org: “Manuscript Evidence for Superior New Testament Reliability,” http://www.carm.org.
[36] Miller, Betty: “History of the Authority and Infallibility of the Bible,” http://bibleresources.bible.com.
[37] The Holy Bible, The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. 2 Ti 2:15.