Is the Bible Scripture?

Rev. Don Welch wrote an article in the recent Seven Lakes Time, a local mini-newspaper in our area. In his article, he makes the claim that the Bible contains the Word of God and is limited by the knowledge of the "fallible human beings" who wrote it. This was my refutation of that article:

Rev. Welch,

While I admire your honesty regarding your view of the Bible, I must also say that I disagree with it.

First, you state that the Bible contains the Word of God. This seems to indicate that it is up to scholars to determine which parts of the Scriptures are the Word of God and which parts are not. Instead, I choose to believe 2 Timothy 3:16 which literally says that “All Scripture is God-breathed...”

Secondly, though the Bible was recorded for us by “fallible human beings,” they were writing as the Holy Spirit moved them (2 Peter 1:21).

Thirdly, you mentioned that the Bible is not scientifically accurate. Galileo lived when science and the church believed that the sun revolved around the earth. Galileo showed scientifically and Biblically that the earth moved instead. He was dismissed by the church with the statement, “The Bible was written to show us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go.” Long story short, science was wrong and had to catch up to the accurateness of the Bible.

Replaced this with:
Thirdly, you mentioned that the Bible is not scientifically accurate. Did you realize that the ancient world believed that the earth rested on something else (i.e. pillars), but the Bible said it hangs on nothing (Job 26:7)? Also, many believed that the stars were a finite number, but science and the Bible agree that they are too numerous to be counted (Jeremiah 33:22). These are just a couple of examples. Many still believe the old line: “The Bible was written to show us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go.” However, oftentimes science had to catch up to the accurateness of the Bible.

Fourthly, though parables could be fiction used to make a point, nothing says that Jesus’ parables were not true stories. I’m not sure about you, but I will oftentimes use true stories to illustrate a point of a sermon.

I am thankful to God that He gave us the Word of God, all of which is Scripture, true and accurate.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Bill Cooper

Calvary Baptist Church

No one comes to the Father...

I was recently handed a newspaper that contained the following question and answer:

Question: "No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6. I can't believe that the Jesus I accept as the hope for all humanity would even entertain such a thought. What are your thoughts on the matter?

In the pastor's response, he outright claims that the words of Jesus recorded for us in John's Gospel were not Jesus' actual words. He states that John and others scribed Christian words to Jesus. He even stated that John and others did this to ensure that people saw Christianity as the only way to God.

He concluded with:

"I agree with you that the Jesus through whom I found the way to God and the Jesus you see as the hope for all humanity would not exclude Jews or Muslims, Buddhists or Hindus who have found their way to God and seek to lead a life of love and justice. My salvation as a Christian does not depend on the damnation of others."

Although He is an ecumenical protestant minister, I was surprised that his answer went beyond ecumenicism to universalism (or at least a multiple religion stance).

Secondly, he seemed to take the Holy Spirit's preservation of Scripture out of the equation. In calling into question parts of the Bible like this, one could then reason that perhaps the verses we base our salvation on may not be accurate. I hope for our sake, they cannot.

Thirdly, he concluded that Christianity may not be the only way one can get to God and that the other religions can also lead one to God. His stance seems to be that Christians shouldn't be closed minded in regards to how one can get to God. However, the Jews believe that their way is the only way to get to God. Likewise, the Muslims and Hindus. Oh, and last I checked, Buddhists don't believe in God.

Unfortunately, each religion seems to want to conclude that their way is the only way or that all roads get us to God. However, from my study of the Scriptures, the only way is through a love for God and a relationship with Him (by believing in Jesus), thus the Judeo-Christian way.

North Carolina Marriage Amendment

Here's my letter to the editor, published on March 28, 2012 on the amendment:

On May 8, 2012, we will have the opportunity to vote for or against Amendment One regarding marriage.

In the article “Two Sides Harden on Marriage Amendment” (March 20), Jane Postlethwaite stated that the amendment, “takes away rights.” In a letter printed the same day, Chas Griffin posed the following: “North Carolina already has a law banning same-sex marriage, so why are some of you folks so determined to amend the constitution?”

If there already is a law, how would this amendment take away any rights? Would it not just solidify those laws?

Voting down the amendment will not overturn those laws banning same-sex marriage.

Also, a column by Bernard H. Cochran was printed on March 21. Although I disagree with some of what he wrote, he does make the valid point that there are things that the Bible forbids which we do not have laws against. However, this does not mean that we shouldn’t make laws forbidding what the Bible forbids.

Finally, let’s remember that before the amendment came to be on the ballot, it had to pass the General Assembly. It passed the House by a vote of 75 to 42 (64 percent) and the Senate by a vote of 30 to 16 (65 percent).

So, when you go to vote on May 8, you should consider if you want to vote for the amendment, which upholds what is already law, or vote against it, voicing your opposition to our current law.

What are your thoughts?

Jesus and Horus

I have found that we cannot argue someone away from their religion any more than someone can argue me away from Christianity. Also, one cannot argue for the validity of the Bible using internal proofs (i.e. Bible verses). Nor can other religions argue for the validity of their holy books using internal proofs. That would be like me writing a fictitious story but prefacing it with the statement, “Everything I have written in this book is true.” That statement alone doesn’t make it true.

So, how do we answer skeptics and those who don’t believe in the Bible and Jesus? We do so by using external sources and proper argumentation.

Recently, a man posed the following to me:

“what makes you think any of it [the Bible] is true? The similarities between Jesus and other mythological beings (ie Horus) is undeniable.”

Let’s look at that argument:

Statement:                         Jesus is similar to mythological beings                     P is similar to Q

Correct Presumption:        mythological beings are not real                               Q is not real

Conclusion:                       “What make you think it’s true?”                              Therefore P is not real

First, the similarities do not necessitate equality. A 3x5 card has similarities to a square (90 degree angles, parallel sides, etc), but does not mean it is equal to a square.

Second, the argument will unravel if the conclusion is proven false by some other authority. The authority in this case could be historians, non-christian historians at that. Are there any non-christian historians writing in and around the supposed time of Christ (or writing about His time) mentioning Him as existing? Yes. These include Josephus, Pliny the Younger, and more.

My reply:

“There are some Historians (Pliny the Younger, Josephus, etc) outside of the Bible who wrote about Jesus.”

His response:

“right. but what about the undeniable similarities between Jesus and other mythical beings, ie Horus or Mithra?”

So, he agrees that Jesus is a real person. However, he goes on to argue for the similarities between Jesus and mythological beings. So, let’s take an honest look at this:

He writes:

“Horus was born to a virgin, walked on water, performed miracles, crucified, rose from the dead. Familiar, hey? Explain?”

After a quick search on Google, I have found the following:

1. There is some debate, even among atheists, in regards to Horus’ virgin birth, his walking on water, crucifixion, and resurrection.

2.  Many, including atheists agree that Horus performed miracles, but they were different in scope and nature. Let me add that even in the Bible, Jesus is not the only one to perform miracles. The Egyptian Magicians did, the disciples did, etc.

Yet, my reply was simply this:

“I agree there are some similarities between Jesus and mythical beings.”

“You also agreed that non-Christian historians wrote about Jesus, showing he existed. #atheism”

In closing, let me offer an argument of my own:

Historians have proven that Jesus existed.

Historians even prove some of the claims of the Bible about Jesus.

So, do you therefore conclude that all the claims of the Bible about Jesus are true? And thus you must believe or not believe?

Or do you conclude that the entire Bible is not true, and therefore you don’t have to believe?

The choice is yours.

Being the Body - the Church

On Men’s Sunday, Pastor Hinegardner spoke on what was commonly called “The Church Covenant.”

We then saw the movie “Courageous” in which they spoke about another covenant – one for men to be the men God wants them to be.

Also, back in January, I found another church covenant that Dr. Thom S. Rainer, President and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources wrote. That covenant ties in with being a church member, which we spoke about last week - being a member of a local church.

So, what are some things we can do as individual church members to help the church?

Don’t Gossip; Set aside our own preferences; Pray for the Pastor and each other; Be the body of Christ; and Be involved in the church with your family.

1.       First, Don’t Gossip

Romans 1:28-32, And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting… they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Gossip is idle talk, it’s usually negative, and it’s usually about someone who’s not present

Slanderers, or backbiters, hurt people by spreading half-truths or by taking things out of context.

The Bible says that the main cause of gossiping, slandering and minding other folk’s business is idleness

Proverbs 26:20 reminds us, Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

2.       Second, Set aside our own preferences

Let’s look to the example of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22: For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Paul also reminds us in Romans 14:19-21, Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.  Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

What did Paul write? let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another

3.       Third, Pray for the Pastor and each other

James 5:16 says, Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Ephesians 6:18 tells us that we should be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 says, Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

What about us?

Do we pray for each other?

Do you pick up the prayer list and pray for those on it?

Do we pray for the pastor and the deacons?

Be encouraged that we are praying for you.

4.       Fourth, Be the body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:14-27

For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Each member of the church has a function

Are we using the spiritual gifts God has given us?

Are we serving God in the church?

Are we helping?

5.       Finally, God wants us to be involved in the church with our family

Deuteronomy 6:7 says, You shall teach them [God’s commandments] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

We need to come to church as a family – worship as a family – and support the church as a family.

Sometimes people ask why teens leave the church after they graduate High School

By going as a whole family – children and youth see the importance of church

What changes do we need to make in our family’s church attendance?

6.       Church membership

Ideally, once you are saved you should join a local church. You should also get active in that church by attending it regularly, giving to it regularly (time, talents, and tithe), and serving where you can.

Conclusion

In what areas do you need to stop spreading gossip and disunity?

What personal preferences do you need to set aside so that God’s work can be done?

Do you need to pray more for the pastor, deacons, and church family?

How can you better serve God in the part of the Body of Christ that God has called you to be?

How can you be more actively involved in the church?

When I preached the sermon on the above points, I interspersed Dr. Thom Rainer’s church covenant. Since I believe it is such a blessing, I would encourage you to click on the link below for it.

I am a Church Member

10

Visit from some Jehovah's Witnesses

So, on Saturday, just as I was adding some comments about the Jehovah’s Witnesses to my sermon (on the Rapture in 1 Thess 4:13-18), guess who shows up in my driveway? Well, as much as I wish it was Publisher’s Clearing house, with a big check, God had something better in mind. That’s right, we got a visit from the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

After greeting them at the door and exchanging greetings, I listened, almost impatiently, as they went through their opening. I say impatiently, since I knew who they were and what they wanted. I also know what I wanted to share with them (the good news of the Gospel). But I didn’t want to be rude and interrupt. After the guy got to a stopping point, I asked if he would mind me stepping inside and getting a Bible. He said he didn’t mind.

So, I went in and returned with a copy of my Greek New Testament and a copy of the New World Translation of the Scriptures. Now, why would I use such a bible and not a KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV, and any other Bible? Why would I use a bible that I knew was faulty? Because I didn’t want the translation to be a stumbling block to my presentation of the gospel. I know from past experience that if you point out something to them from the Bible, and don’t use their version, they will simply say that your Bible is faulty and dismiss your point. (As a sidenote, at one point, as I pointed something out – no, I don’t remember what – the guy said, “well that’s what your King James says.” I said, “no, I’m using your translation, not the King James.”) [Also, isn’t this one way of “becom[ing] all things to all men, that I might by all means save some”? (1 Cor. 9:22.)]

After going back and forth with the guy, with each of us trying to prove our Gospel, he finally asked what I thought the good news was. What an awesome question! I said that the good news is that Jesus died on the cross, was raised to life, and that by believing in Him as my Lord and Savior, I know I have a home in heaven and am saved.

I also learned a few other interesting things from the guy about their beliefs:

• They believe that Jesus was not God but a sinless man


• They believe all people are born with a sin nature (no, I didn’t get to ask if Jesus was a man, was He born with a sin nature, making Him less than perfect?)


• They believe that Jesus’ death on the cross paid our ransom


• They don’t believe in a New Heaven and New Earth as the Bible states


• They didn’t explain what it meant to them to be “saved” – other than just said we need to study the Bible and live according to it

One question that the guy didn’t give an answer to (nor could a JW up north) was this:
John 20:28 says, “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
Then I stepped them through the Greek NT and showed them that it literally says, “the Lord of me and the God of me” showing that Thomas called Him God. Then I asked, if Jesus was not God, why didn’t He rebuke Thomas or correct Thomas?

Now that I think about it, I think that this shakes their belief. Since Jesus didn’t say anything to correct Thomas, than 1 of 2 things have to be true. Either 1) Jesus is God, and no correction was needed or 2) Jesus, in not correcting Thomas, sinned and is less than perfect.

Anyway, I let them leave the second time the guy said that he could see they were not getting anywhere and neither was I. As they were leaving, I said I would pray for them. They said it wasn’t necessary. I asked if I could pray for them then and there and they said no.

I do pray for them, that God will open their eyes.