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Bulletin Article Archives
The Bible
Click on the title to move to the selected article and then on my name and date at the conclusion of the article to return to this directory.
The Bible relates the epic story of the human race and our relationship with the eternal God. From the first light of Genesis a Divine scheme of life begins to unfold culminating on the sixth day with the crowning achievement of creation ... man. Perfection is soon followed by disappointment as man chooses self over God.
Suddenly paradise draws to a premature end. Adam and Eve are forced from the Garden of Eden and barred from the eternal benefits of the Tree of Life (Gen. 3:22, 24). Yet, even their selfish choice of the serpent over God did not cut off all hope. The apparent source from which blessings were to be harvested, the Tree of Life, emerge in the book of Proverbs as a metaphor of eternal life.
The Bible concludes with echoes of great beginning. The first light of the final great eternal day will reveal ... the eternal God, paradise, the Tree of Life, and the One who made the victory possible for those blessed to inhabit the New Jerusalem, Jesus Christ. The Bible ends with those who choose God over self, gaining the access so long denied as the saints join God in paradise to enjoy forever the Tree of Life (Rev. 22:14).
You can trace the life of Abraham through the book of Genesis. From the early days in Ur of the Chaldeans to his final resting place at the Cave in Machpelah near Hebron, the life of Abraham can be traced by a trail of altars. Everyplace he went a remnant of his visit would be left behind: an altar.
Worship was central in the life of Abraham. He openly praised God without reservation or shame. Throughout his 175 years he came to trust the God who had called him to inherit the "promised land." He went where God led him. He was willing to offer what God demanded, even if it was his only son. God was his strength. Abraham was God's servant.
To those who would follow, Abraham's relationship with God would be greatly admired. "The God of Abraham" would become a familiar address to the one true God of heaven and earth. Today Muslim, Jew and Christian all hold Abraham in high regard. Like Abraham we must value worship. We must leave behind us a trail that indicates our strength was found in God.
Abraham is remembered for his righteousness. He is considered an example of faith. He was called "the friend of God" (James 2:23). This could never have happened but for a life of worship and devotion. It could never happen without the altars he built.
The angels entered Sodom on a mission to seek out the righteous. What they found within the confines of this godless city was the gross immorality and spiritual insensitivity of its citizens, consumed with selfishness, lust and pride. The angels left with Abraham's nephew, Lot, and Lot's two daughters.
Off in the distance Abraham stood, in the same place where he begged for mercy from God, watching the thick smoke of Sodom's destruction (Gen. 19:29). The patriarch watched knowing that God was merciful, willing to abandon his initial search for righteousness and spare the city if only fifty righteous could be found, forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally only ten.
Ten could not be found who loved God. Ten could not be found who served God. Ten could not be found who even recognized that God existed. As the angels were withdrawn, and with them Lot and his two daughters, God withdrew his blessings. Because ten could not be found who sought God, Sodom and Gomorrah cannot be found. It can only be mourned for their loss of focus on the true meaning of life. It can only be remembered lest in abandoning righteousness we also abandon the rich blessings of God our nation needs for daily survival.
Convinced he and his nation had merely fallen victim to an incredible string of bad luck he decided to pursue. With the exit of the Hebrews, Egypt felt its loss. Who would serve? Who would slave? Who would build their great cities and marvelous monuments?
Pharaoh's cabinet, magicians and wise men, disagreed with him publicly over the source of their leader's problems. What he saw as unfortunate coincidence they saw as the finger of God. Deserted, discouraged and disgruntled, Pharaoh set out to get even with Moses.
Frogs. Flies. Boils. Hail. Darkness. The death of his first-born. No longer would he settle for threats. He was fed up. He had had enough. Pharaoh ran into the wilderness with a vengeance to bring back this nation of rebel servants.
Moses too had undergone his trial by fire. Fleeing for his life from his homeland. Forty years a desert shepherd. Rejected by the very people he came to deliver. Afflicted with misgivings and even at times doubt.
The difference between these two men could be explained by their respective educations. Pharaoh held a degree from the University of Hard Knocks that left him bitter and angry. He focused on his hardships and in pride his heart was hardened. However, Moses was schooled by religious conviction and trust in God. These left him content and self-assured. It enabled him to focus, not on the injustices he must endure, but on the One who had empowered him to endure.
The Book of Numbers: Promises of Days Gone By
A promise is only as good as the one who makes it. The promises of God could therefore serve as a source of strength, throughout the long years and hardships facing His people in Egypt. Their faith in God and His power kept the hope of these people alive.
The book of Numbers impresses upon its reader the steadfastness of God's promises. Seventy people represented the nation of Israel as they settled in the land of Egypt (Gen. 46:27). The promises of a great nation must have seemed to be slow in coming as the years passed since God had made them to Abram.
As Jacob neared Joseph in Egypt, God told him to "fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation" (Gen. 46:3). This promise was not dependent on man's remembrance.
Numbers reveals in a powerful way that, although this promise was made in days long since past, it was God's faithfulness that brought it into reality. The census of Numbers was a counting of the great host of God's people in the wilderness. From a mere seventy, God had made a great nation that now numbered over six-hundred thousand!
Having been led by God to the brink of the Promised Land, the people were prepared to enter it. However, the generation of the Exodus fell short of God's promises. The history of this generation is contained in chapters one through twenty-five. Their children formed the new generation of the second census of Numbers. This generation grew up in the wilderness over the forty-year period covered in Numbers. God prepared them to receive the promises made long ago and rejected by their fathers. The history of this new generation is found in chapters twenty-six through thirty-six.
The Christian can gain courage and consolation in the study of Numbers. The challenge of this book could be stated in this manner: no matter how long since the promise of God was made, if we trust the Promiser we will not be disappointed.
As one surveys the landscape of time certain moments rise above others. Some are lighter moments, like when Balaam realized not only that his donkey had spoken to him but that he had continued the conversation.
The length of shadow it casts may gauge the significance of the moment. The first couple's deliberation over their dietary restrictions is a moment that casts an imposing darkness over centuries. The consequences of their choice dramatically altered the course of every generation to follow. Sin had now emerged, making its presence felt through its accomplice, Death. A shadow reaching across time resulted and it appeared that nothing could dispel its ominous threat.
Another moment of prominence can easily be seen by scanning the horizon for a mountain shrouded in thick clouds and accented with thunder and lightning. At its peak a Law was given to a hard-hearted nation, already lured away by an engraved calf. These shadows stretch across time until they come to rest at the edge of a still greater moment.
This latter shadow is cast from a much smaller hill in an unlikely area near Jerusalem. From the massive peak of this great moment can be heard the words, "It is finished!" With that pronouncement Heaven itself recognized the end of the shadows cast by Sin, Death and the Law.
From that instant on the stage was set for the greatest moment of all - when you decide to accept Jesus as your Lord. That shadow extends well out of sight into the far reaches of eternity.
Joseph looked up the deep pit into which he had been cast. His cries for mercy echoed off the jagged walls, muffled by the laughter of his older brothers taunting him. He was deeply wounded by the depth of their hatred. Turning to Heaven he pled for deliverance. Joseph longed for home and for the love of his father. Surely it was God's will. But God wanted Joseph to go to Egypt.
Success awaited young Joseph in this new land, so strange to him. But it soon turned to chains. Joseph looked up the bleak walls of an Egyptian prison-house. The darkest of night brought groanings and chains. With the dawn of day the darkness remained. Joseph prayed for freedom, he longed for home. Surely it was God's will that Joseph escape Egypt, break free of this horrible fate. But God put a wiser Joseph near the throne of Pharaoh.
Joseph looked down on the prostrated bodies of his own flesh and blood. All the emotions of the hatred endured, the hardships of trails faced, the pain of separation thrust upon him could now surface as sweet revenge was gained on the sons of Israel. But Joseph looked up for guidance and God's will brought forth forgiveness.
Perhaps Joseph would tell us that it is not always easy to determine God's will. It is often easier to overlook it for our own or to reject it as unpalatable. But there is one certain way of identifying God's will, get to know God. The more we come to understand God, the more natural it will be to recognize His will. And that is the secret of the life of Joseph he was always looking up!
Popular consensus would suggest that the Bible is too difficult for the average person to understand. With its deep roots in twisted strands of world history modern man must struggle to untangle the Bible story. One must master unknown languages to unlock the ancient secrets held within. The truths of Scripture lie buried under great theological mysteries and questions both unanswered and unanswerable. The Bible student, after facing these insurmountable obstacles, will then find himself faced with complicated and contradictory conclusions from which he must blindly choose. The popular consensus is a lie.
When the student believes the Bible's claim of Truth (John 17:17) he has begun to understand the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God (1 Thes. 2:13). It is inspired (originating from God, 1 Tim. 3:16-17). The Scriptures are the source of true knowledge and life (Phil. 2:16; 2 Tim. 2:15). They are complete and perfect without alteration (Rev. 22:18-19).
To believe these claims creates the need to learn more. Next one must build on the simple foundation of faith. The basic truths become the foundation for the deeper ones (Heb. 5:12-14) as one is "built up" spiritually (Acts 20:32).
Reports of Baruch's activities came to the attention of King Jehoiakim, the mighty and awesome ruler of Judah. Yet Baruch was neither afraid nor ashamed, because he came in the name of One greater. In his hands he held the inspired writings of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah. The great prophet called an unfaithful nation to repent and follow God's will.
The evil king was less than pleased with what he saw as foolish and unproductive talk of righteousness and repentance. He determined to personally oversee the destruction of Jeremiah's spiritual propaganda. Ordering Baruch to hand over Jeremiah's notes, they were read before Jehoiakim as he sat in his winter palace next to the crackling fireplace. Not only did the king look on without expression as Jehudi read, he also cut up the scroll, a leaf at a time, and cast it into the flames (Jeremiah 36).
Then God sent a message to Jeremiah instructing him to write once again the inspired message. Volume two was strikingly similar to the work destroyed by Judah's king. With even stronger language Jeremiah stressed the importance of returning to the way of the Lord.
The Scriptures have never been lacking those who oppose them. Many of those who look with disdain on the self-made claims of inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and the assertion that this Book is perfect in its truth (Rev. 22:18-19) have fallen by the wayside while the claims they sought to overthrow remain. The passing of time verifies however, not the validity of the opponent's charge but the simple truth of God's Word.
Today Jehoiakim is long since gone. But the book that a stubborn king burned in his fireplace lives still.
Sin entered the world through a thought that gave birth to a desire. Growing, this desire began to overshadow that which is undeniably right. From this springs lust that takes root in the human mind, control of the human will. Then sin is produced which, when its dastardly work is complete, brings forth death (James 1:14-15). Behind all this ugly activity snickers the one who planted the thought, Satan.
Adam and Eve fell victim first to the lies of the Devil. They were forced to give up their paradise home due to their open rebellion and refusal to abide in the commands of God. Since then mortal man has ignorantly followed the example of their first patents. Shame and sorrow have greatly multiplied in the presence of sin.
Very specific plans crafted in the peace of Heaven began to emerge. Prophets reveal glimpses into the unbelievable length God is willing to take to bring man back to Him. A promised Savior is to be born of a virgin. A kingdom is to be founded in Jerusalem. A New Testament will be given to the people of God.
Eventually the promised One is born. Over the next thirty years multitudes find encouragement in His words. Countless people find healing in His power. A nation turns to Jesus for hope and redemption. Then the unthinkable happens: the cross.
Death seems to sweep away all hope. But then that death becomes all hope. Salvation arrived by way of a cross and empty tomb. Through the death of His Son, God has brought salvation. Jesus arose to claim victory over death, sin and the Devil. From Genesis to Revelation, the common thread of God's Word is Jesus saves!
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Goliath would have never been slain if the young shepherd boy had become convinced that the giant's blasphemous depiction of God was true. Had David been persuaded by King Saul's discouragement the Philistines would most likely have destroyed the Israeli army. Words are so important and hold such power to destroy.
The prosperous reign of David could have been much shorter had he not taken precautions at the deceitful words of men like Absalom. His reputation could have been forever ruined had he not faced his own dishonest lies in the case of Uriah. David knew well the power of words, for he had many times felt their sting.
Here is a man who knew that the words of men were often blasphemous, discouraging, deceitful and dishonest. He also knew that the Word of God was only pure and true (Psalms 119:140, 160). David was the greatest king in the entire Old Testament because he had learned that one is truly blessed if he walks not among the words of the wicked but finds his delight in the Law of God (Psalm 1). He commends to us the light that brightened the dark world in which he lived: His Word.
He was well armed for the confrontation at hand. Being acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, he knew how to skillfully utilize them in obtaining his ultimate goal. Often he would contemplate beloved passages and seek to find special opportunities to apply them in his work.
When he came to the mountain of temptation he was ready and eager to unleash his expertise with the Word of God. He coaxed from the top of the Temple, gazing to the jagged rocks far below, "If you truly are the Son of God jump. For it is written that angels are watching you to catch you when you fall lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Jesus arose to the challenge. "It is also written that you shall not put God to the test!" Three times the Devil had thrown his worst at the Lord, three times the Lord repelled the attacks by relying on the pure Truth of God.
In Matthew chapter four Jesus reveals to the modern reader the special power that resides in those simple words, "It is written." To understand that power is to realize what Jesus was armed with that Satan was not. FAITH!
The writer of Hebrews stated that the power of the gospel is only claimed by faith (Hebrews 4:2). James tells us that although the Devil understood the very Word of God he used against Jesus, he did not believe it (James 2:19).
There is security in "it is written" only inasmuch as there is faith to back it up.
Dressed in white these winged figures, bearing harp or trumpet, flit about in the heavenly realm conducting the business of God. With halo brightly glowing their holiness is proclaimed to all who encounter them. To paint the picture is to realize that lore and art has done more to shape the modern image of angels than God's Word.
Perhaps this is because the Bible leaves more questions than answers about these mysterious creatures. We know they are created beings, and thus inferior to the eternal Christ (Psalm 148:2, 5). Their functions are portrayed in both Old and New Testaments as guides who protect, judge and reveal the word of God. In fact it is that function that has given them their name. "Angel" simply means "messenger." It is employed to describe not only spiritual, heavenly beings who already possess immortality, but mortal men who have been sent to carry out a work, bear a message, or represent the one who sent him (John the Baptist is so described in Mathew 11:10).
Society today craves to know more about angels than God has chosen to reveal. Yet, a careful study of Scripture reveals that the essentials have been adequately set forth on this subject. God has told us all we need know and asks us to understand as best we can and find contentment for the unanswered in faith.
On the third day of creation God brought forth plant life (Gen. 1:11-13). The fifth day witnessed the creation of life in the seas and the birds of the air. Animal life had begun. This was followed by the creation of land animals, including man, on the sixth day.
Modern science has grown comfortable viewing this process as transpiring over millions of years as life evolved from a single cell to humanity. But how do we account for the spiritual nature of mankind as distinguished from the rest of creation? The only plausible explanation is the one given in the Bible. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the grand, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being" (Gen. 2:7).
The capacity of humanity to reason, to will, to regret, to pray and to reflect sets them apart from the rest of created life, is spiritual. The failures of this world are due to the failure of man to be spiritual. The victory of this life is found in fulfilling God's plan for our lives, not in avoiding it. Life is meaningful when we learn to live with God.
The world is filled with questions. This is nothing new. Solomon spent his life finding and solving the mysteries of our earthly existence. Still, the questions kept coming (Eccl. 12:12). Others have joined in the search for meaning in life only to reflect Solomon's immediate conclusion that all is vanity (Eccl. 1:2). Is life really meaningless? Must life be empty? Are we to believe, as some profess, that nothing in life is dependable? Is there more?
Solomon, the wisest mortal who ever lived, searched the dark recesses of his empty life to arrive at a brighter ultimate conclusion. Life is only empty when it is lived without God. In life only God is dependable (Eccl. 12:13-14).
Today's questions are unavoidable. If you will turn to the Bible in the search for meaningful answers you will find the answers for life's most important questions. Most importantly, you will be ready for eternity where the questions that seem so difficult now will then seem so little and unimportant, when at last you are in the presence of the only One who can provide all of the answers.
Peter wrote to Christians living in difficult times, when suffering was their routine lot. They frequently found themselves at odds with government officials and mistreated in the marketplace. The apostle’s first epistle outlines useful advice on how to handle the adverse situations. At the heart of Peter’s counsel is the valid assumption that the process of living the Christian life will present opportunities for sharing one’s faith in Christ. To take advantage of these openings Christians must possess the ability to clearly explain their belief. He wrote:
Convincing evidence must be offered to explain the lifestyle of a committed Christian. The most powerful evidence to be proposed would be the Word of God. It alone would carry the authority to convince and the ability to convert. The greatest testimony against faith is for the world to ask and the Christian to be unable to explain the very Gospel they profess to believe.
Light. The word is associated with good, truth, and holiness as opposed to darkness, which conjures less appealing thoughts. Satan dwells in the utter darkness of hell while the angels inhabit the eternal light, which is the presence of God.
It is no surprise to find God’s Word described as “light.” “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105). “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19). God’s Word is intended to provide guidance to those who are willing to follow.
It is no surprise to find God’s Son described as “light.” He who said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12) also said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn. 14:6).
It is no surprise to find John, years later, encouraging us to follow God’s Word as revealed in Christ. Are you “walking in the light” (1 Jn. 1:7)?
“What is truth?” Pilate’s question, in John 18:38, is continually asked in modern times. Contrary to popular sentiment, truth is not an elusive, slippery ideal. It does not present itself in contradictory, multiple-choice format suitable to adjust to the seeker’s convenience. Our society is reaping the consequence of the “relative truth” it seeks.
The consistent nature of truth is illustrated in that Jesus answered Pilate’s question hours before it was asked when he identified God’s Word as truth (John 17:17). Here right and wrong are clearly defined. In God’s revelation the penetrating light of truth dispels the darkness of sin.
Lasting success is only achieved in a successful search for truth, recognizable by a life conformed to God’s will. No matter what one’s chosen profession, truth will empower them to become an example of righteousness. Solomon clearly identified the power of truth (Prov. 23:23). The promises of Jesus reflect a similar appreciation of truth. The one who seeks, finds. The one who embraces it, lives.
To the general populace of Rome it didn't matter how one chose to live. It didn't matter which god one revered, if any (Romans 1:23). They freely worshipped stars, birds, and all of nature equally.
Low moral standards were perpetuated because it didn't matter where one slept or with whom (verse 27). Fornication, adultery, promiscuity and homosexuality were not even "acceptable alternative lifestyles," they were the norm.
Roman society was beginning to come apart at the seams. Yet they were franticly telling each other it didn't matter what you do or to whom you do it (verses 19-ff). They talked behind each other's back and schemed to cheat, deceive and kill their fellow man. The foundations of parental respect had been replaced with arrogance, strife and hatred because virtue didn't matter.
Sin was ripping through the lives of a society convinced it didn't matter how one lives. From the darkness of their despair, the shambles of broken lives, we learn that it did. Three times Paul warned the Romans that God had given them up to sin because it does matter who receives the praise of man. The Apostle offered them the sound morality of the Christian faith because God's plan for the home does matter. He called for repentance. He urged their acceptance of the renewing hope of baptism. Paul preached Christ to the Romans because it does matter. Only eternity will reveal how much.
"Here lies a Fool," would have been carefully engraved upon the headstone over the grave of Antipas, if the murderers in Pergamos had been allowed to prepare his marker. A Fool because he gave up his life, the only thing he had of value, for the cause of Jesus who himself was dead. A Fool because he believed in the resurrection and life beyond this mortal realm. A Fool because he trusted in the promises of an unseen god who offered suffering, shame and death in exchange for that trust.
If such a monument had been placed upon such a grave, it, like the remnants of days gone by, would at best lie crumbled and unrecognizable amidst the ruins of the world. The passage of time and the harsh treatment by the elements would chip away the message engraved in the stone of witness. But today Antipas bears witness to the same promises for which he placed his life upon the altar so many years before. He continues to testify to the power of the resurrection and to trust in the promises of an unseen God. His monument still stands, not engraved in stone but in the Living Word of God, where the elements are powerless and time only invigorates the witness borne by his faith in the unseen and the life yet to be. Antipas, my faithful martyr, who was killed among you where Satan dwells (Revelation 2:13).
His was the winning edge that pushed him on toward the victory. Unknown to his accusers was that clear confidence assuring him that he would overcome. No threat was sufficient to shake such conviction. No pain could dislodge such trust. Not that Antipas was especially deserving, but that the one in whom his trust was placed was especially able. No promise is left unanswered. Because of his faith in that Antipas will stand before those who took him as a Fool and be received into the Eternal Home.
God, in his powerful promises, holds the winning edge. Through Jesus he has made it available to us.
For nearly eighteen years Timothy grew under the watchful eye of Paul. Often the apostle left his young assistant behind to teach and provide leadership for newly established churches (Acts 17:14) or had him assist as he wrote letters to various congregations (2 Corinthians 1:1 and five other epistles). The missionary to the Gentiles stood ready to encourage (Philippians 2:19-23) and to remind Timothy of his important role in the Kingdom of God (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 4:5).
In Ephesus Timothy struggled to put into practice insights gained through his experience with Paul. There he faced opposition from those within the church while fighting worldly values threatening to overtake the church from without. But perhaps the greatest struggle was with himself. He was often scared, lonely and longing for fellowship with Paul who was some eight hundred miles away in a Roman cell awaiting execution.
Although far away, Paul was well aware of his dear friend's turmoil. Knowing the time was short, a final letter was sent to ease Timothy's fears and to hand him the secret that had often sustained the aged apostle. Remember Jesus Christ, who is risen from the dead, endure for Him, remembering that even if you are imprisoned your message will not be (2 Timothy 2:8-9). These words can sustain any Christian striving to serve God. Of all the important things in life, this is by far the most important.
Fear was one father's constant companion. He feared the ridicule of an intolerant society. He feared helplessness in the face of an ever impending emergency. But mostly, he feared the fragile life of his beloved son who had a demon (Mark 9:22).
With the emergence of Jesus came hope. Word had it that Jesus had opened blind eyes, strengthened weak legs, even raised the dead. But the tales that meant the most were those of demonic victims set free at his word.
Catching up with Jesus' disciples only brought frustration. They were unable, after repeated attempts, to alleviate the boy's curse. When Jesus arrived the exasperated father begged him, if he had the power, to help the troubled child. The words hung in the air as an uncomfortable challenge, "If you can."
"Faith makes everything possible," was the Lord's reply.
In the father's next words lies perhaps the most central element in Christianity - the desire to believe. Faith is being convinced to the point of action that the immediately unseen is in fact reality. No individual can possess faith against their will. Wanting to believe is the first step in unlocking the mystery of life and the innumerable blessings of Christianity.
For centuries Jesus has had the reputation of a miracle worker. Claims of the miraculous certainly did not originate with him, for as far back as the days of Moses Egyptians claimed the power to perform miracles. But Jesus was different. He could heal a leper at a mere touch, open the eyes of one born blind (an unheard of feat, John 9:32) and even raise the dead, an act only successfully accomplished through the agency of God (John 3:2).
Why, then, in the city of Nazareth was Jesus' power to heal sharply curtailed (Mark 6:5)? It is not important to ask if Jesus attempted and failed, or saw few opportunities to try, because the Gospel writer opens the possibility for our mind of many impartial miracles being performed at the hand of our Lord. Perhaps there were those whose miraculous cure was never fully realized because their faith never fully materialized. Remember the power was only offered in Jesus, it demanded faith in order to be received (Mark 10:52).
It must have been a sad day for Jesus when he could not heal. Heaviness must have filled the air as it became obvious that mankind would not fully listen, not fully obey, not fully believe. From that sorrow Jesus would predict the sadder day, when the mighty walls of Heaven will exclude the many who have continued in their sins, unhealed, separated from God for eternity.
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