What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 6 / No. 23”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. VI - No. 23 / March 24, 2024
THE ENTIRETY OF GOD'S WORD
Is it alright for religious people to choose which scriptures we prefer between passages that give differing information on a given subject or do we have to harmonize the truth of all passages on a particular subject?
Let's notice a few scriptures to shed some light. Ps 119:160 says "The entirety of your word is truth ..." Mt 4:4 states " ... It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." We can see from these two passages that no scriptures can be interpreted to put the meaning of one scripture in conflict with another. In Isaiah 28:9-10, our principle is further refined: "Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he make to understand the message? ... For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, they’re a little."
Truth is found in searching all of God's word on any subject, finding some here and some there, and building the case by stacking all those lines and precepts upon each other. Proverbs 30:5-6 reads: “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” Rev 22:18 has similar wording and also adds that we are not to "take away from the words of the book", so if we make a point at the expense of excluding other inspired writing; we do it at our own peril. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - II Tim 2:15.
In Jn 12:48, Jesus says, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." Let us always remember II Tim 3:16: "AII scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete." —Sid Rowe
CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?
The Bible is the most circulated and read book but it is also the most criticized. Atheists and evolutionist are always calling into question its integrity. Do we have reason to believe (trust) the Bible or is it a case of blind faith, as some are willing to charge?
This question is of extreme importance for if the Bible is not the Word of God, then faith in the Bible is a hoax. If the Bible is not true then it is a lie and not worth following. This question is also important because if the Bible is not trustworthy, there is no standard of right and wrong. Either the Bible is "INSPIRED" and “INFALLIBLE" or it is not!
The Bible makes certain claims for itself. It claims to be inspired. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God,… ". "Inspiration" means “God breathed". This means the very words themselves are inspired. In 1 Corinthians 2:13 we read: "Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.”(ASV). We see in Jeremiah 1:9 further claims of the words themselves being put into the mouths of His servants the prophets: "Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” Also the Scriptures claim for themselves to last forever. In Matthew 24:35, Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Also read 1 Peter 1:23-25.
Just claiming to be inspired doesn't make it so. If that be the case, our modern day "faith-healers" would be correct in what they claim. Whenever a claim is made, it must measure up and the same is true for the claims that the Bible makes for itself. The Bible must measure up to its claims with EVIDENCE! If sufficient evidence cannot be given, the Bible is a fraud. If the evidence supports the claims, the Bible is then true and we are accountable for what it teaches.
The historical references made by the Bible often come under attack. It must be admitted that Bible history is incomplete but this doesn't take away the infallibility of the Scriptures. The Bible deals with nations and events that have a bearing on God’s plan of redemption therefore every detail of history is not included.
Quite often the charge is make that the Bible is not scientifically correct. It is true that things in the Bible often run opposite of modern day opinion such as the ongoing controversy involving creation and the THEORY of evolution. A frequent problem with science is that conclusions are quickly reached before all the evidence has been examined. The Bible is not a history textbook nor a science textbook but when references are made they are accurate and reliable. True science has never disproved the Bible. Most certainly neither will theories and opinions disprove it.
The Bible is truly unique in its continuity. A book containing sixty-six books, it was written over a 1500-1600 year period (40 generations). The Bible was written by forty different inspired men from different social and political backgrounds living on three continents (Asia, Africa, Europe).Yet despite all this, it is truly remarkable in its continuity. The only account to give reason for this is found in 2 Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is also unique in its survival. No ancient document is as well substantiated than the Bible. It has more manuscript evidence than any ten pieces of classical literature combined. In fact, to question the authenticity of the Bible is to call into question every ancient writing in existence. For its survival and endurance we have God's promise: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35).
When all evidence is considered, it is reasonable to conclude that the Bible is what it claims to be: The inspired word of God. There is no reason to doubt its authenticity and it is with confidence that we can defend the integrity of the scriptures. We stand in defense of something that is infinitely precious. —E.R. Hall, Jr.
SENTENCE SERMONS
“Criticism is easy; achievement is more difficult." --Winston Churchill
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Some are 'setting on the premises' instead of 'standing on the promises’.
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Patience: the ability to count down before blasting off.
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Eternity is a long time to think about what you should have done.
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Christianity is most often judged by what others see of it in you.
"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….…………… 9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….……… 10:30 AM
Evening Worship …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
Website: www. EastAlbertville.org
