The Truth About the Bible

I recently received an e-mail from an old friend and I thought it was so good I decided to share it here on my blog. Evidently it was written originally by Jason Carlson and Ron Carlson in 2011. I've known all these things for a long time but I like the way it is all "put together" in this article.

During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?"

Now this is a very interesting question, and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves.  What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?

In answering this student's question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible.  First, the Bible is not just one single book.  This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background.  Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures.  These 66 books contain a variety of genres:  history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic, just to name a few.

Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors.  These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others.  And most of these authors never knew one another personally.

Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years.  Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.

Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages.  In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.

And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents:  Africa, Asia, and Europe.  Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical  and cultural circumstances of God's people.

Think about the above realities:  66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents.  What's more, this collection of books shares a common storyline - the creation, fall, and redemption of God's people; a common theme - God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common message - salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.

In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions.  God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings!

After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the following challenge.  "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test, I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible.  You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents.  However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions."  I went on to say, "If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word.

The student's reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!"

It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings.  However, the Bible passes this test.  The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions.  The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them.  Better yet, don't wait until you're asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today.  You don't even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books.  After they say, "But that's impossible!" you've got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God's word with somebody!

In God We Trust!

I hope you find this as helpful as I have.

Last Days?

Following is a post I did over a year ago. It is even more relevant today than it was then. Such terrible things are going on all over the world. More evidence that these truly are the "last days". How long will they last and how much worse will they get? No one knows. I hope they won't last much longer.The scripture quoted indicates that there is a certain number of "brothers and sisters" who will be killed for their faith. This is happening more and more, but how many more will be martyred? Something to ponder and pray about for sure.

REVELATION 6

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters,[e] were killed just as they had been.

When I read this scripture years ago, I thought "Yes, two thousand years ago many Christians were losing their lives for their faith." Then I thought that this doesn't seem that relevant today because this is not happening. Now when I hear of Christians being tortured and murdered in many lands around the world, I see that it is very very relevant. I have no doubt that we are living in the last days. I wonder, "how long." Yes, this is very relevant in the 21st century. I hope it doesn't come to this in America, but it would not surprise me the way things are going right now. The truth is we should be ready because the Bible says no one knows the hour except the Father. But there will be signs. So many of those signs have occurred in my lifetime.

THE VOICE

We recently got yet another translation of the New Testament. This one is called The Voice and is written in story form. I found it easy to read and I decided I would share just a little of it on my blog. Since last Sunday was Easter, the resurrection is still on many people's minds. As it should be - not only on Easter, but every Sunday and actually not even just on Sundays.

We pick up after Jesus had appeared to the two men on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection.  Luke 24:33.

33So they get up immediately and rush back to Jerusalem―all seven miles―where they find the eleven gathered together―the eleven plus a number of others. 34Before Cleopas and his companion can tell their story, the others have their own story to tell.

Other Disciple: The Lord has risen indeed! It's true! He appeared to Simon!

35 Then the two men report their own experience―their conversations along the road, their moment of realization and recognition as He broke the bread. 26At that very instant, as they're still telling the story, Jesus is there, standing among them!

Jesus: May you have peace!

     You might expect them to be overjoyed, but they aren't.

37They're startled and terrified, they think they're seeing a ghost.

Jesus: 38Why are you upset? Why are your hearts churning with questions? 39Look―look at My hands and My feet. See that it's me. Come on; touch me; see for yourselves. A ghost doesn't have flesh and bones, as you can see that I have!

[40Then He shows them His hands and His feet.]

41Now their fear gives way to joy; but it seems too good to be true, and they're still unsure.

Jesus: Do you have anything here to eat?

42They hand Him a piece of broiled fish, 43and He takes it and eats it in front of them.

Jesus: 44I've been telling you this all along, that everything written about Me in the Hebrew scriptures must be fulfilled―everything from the law of Moses to the prophets to the psalms.

45Then He opens their minds so they can comprehend meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Jesus: 46This is what the Scriptures said: that the promised Anointed One should suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47that in His name a radical change of thought and life should be preached, and that in His name forgiveness of sins should be preached, beginning in Jerusalem and extending to all nations. 48You have witnessed the fulfillment of these things. 49So I am sending my Father's promise to you. Stay in the city until you receive it―until power from heaven comes upon you.

50Then He leads them out to Bethany. He lifts up His hands and blesses them, 51and at that moment, with His hands raised in blessing, He leaves them and is carried up into heaven. 52They worship Him, then they return to Jerusalem, filled with intense joy, 53and they return again and again to the temple to celebrate God.

~  ~  ~ 

I like the way this new translation of the New Testament reads almost like the script for a play. It is inexpensive too. The paperback edition which we have is only $6.99. 

Thank you for letting me share this with you. You will find links to lots of inspiring posts by clicking HERE. That's the Spiritual Sundays blog, of course.

AND YET ~ A TOUCH OF WONDER

We are blessed to have hundreds of books in our home. I always have at least two or three I'm reading at any given time. A Touch of Wonder by Arthur Gordon is one I'm into right now. I was so inspired by the following story in this book that I wanted to share it for Spiritual Sundays.

Last summer in California I met a man who had been a skydiver until, on his nineteenth jump, his parachute failed to open fully and his emergency chute wrapped itself around the partially collapsed main chute. He slammed into a dry lake bed at sixty miles an hour. Doctors thought this broken remnant of a man would never leave his hospital bed. They told him so, and he sank into black despair.

But in the hospital he had frequent visits from another patient, a man whose spinal cord had been severed in an automobile accident. This man would never walk, would never, in fact, move a finger again. But he was always cheerful. "I certainly don't recommend my situation to anyone," he would say. "And yet I can read, I can listen to music, I can talk to people . . . "

And yet: those two words shift the focus from what has been lost to what remains－and to what may still be gained.  They gave such hope and determination to the skydiver that he came through his ordeal and today walks without a limp.

Some people confuse acceptance with apathy, but there's all the difference in the world. Apathy fails to distinguish between what can and what cannot be helped; acceptance makes that distinction. Apathy paralyzes the will-to-action; acceptance frees it by relieving it of impossible burdens. Dwight Eisenhower's mother was a deeply religious woman. When the future president was a boy, she would say to him, "Life deals the cards; the way you play them is up to you. There's acceptance in that philosophy － but no hint of apathy.

To me the "and yet" part is what inspires me. No matter how bad things may be, we can all say "and yet". And it may be that our "and yet" in spite of our circumstances may help someone who is struggling with similar problems.

Click HERE to go to our Spiritual Sunday blog and be inspired by the many links shared there.

TRUSTING IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

The apostle Paul made the above statement from a prison cell. Being in prison was not a good thing but his imprisonment meant that the he was able to preach to the prison guards and it gave others courage to be bold in proclaiming the gospel.

There are so many modern day examples of how terrible circumstances have resulted in God being glorified and many people receiving Christ as their savior as a result. Ask Joni Eareckson Tada. Her story is well known. One not so well known but a shining example is Sherry Leonard. When Sherry was young she contracted muscular dystrophy. She was so distraught that she contemplated suicide but after she encountered Jesus Christ, she realized she had a choice about what her outlook would be. "Muscular dystrophy is my gift from God," she later proclaimed. It gives her the opportunity to share her relationship with Jesus Christ. I agree with Tim Hansel. In his book Keep On Dancin' he makes this statement. "I was humbled to think of the many times I have complained about some of the paltry problems and pains that I've had to endure. Sherry's joy is radiant even though she will never be able to walk, even though she has to use one arm to lift the other. Her zest for life and God are contagious."

I know some of our Spiritual Sunday participants are going through some very rough times. I'm always encouraged and uplifted when I read some of the things they share about how in their suffering they have learned to rely more on God. It gives hope to others in similar circumstances to know they are not alone and they too can trust God to see them through. I want to take this opportunity to again express my gratitude to all of you who share with us each week. You're the best.

RESURRECTION

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”  - Matthew 28:1-8.

1 Corinthians 15:6-8 (The Message) 3-9 The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him; and that he finally presented himself alive to me. It was fitting that I bring up the rear. I don't deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God's church right out of existence.

John 11:25-26 NIV Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Because I think this is such an important subject, I'm doing something I've never done before. I'm posting this on this blog and also on my Charlotte's Weblog blog.  

HE'S MY KING

AMEN!

SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS

Yesterday's post was a fun thing. This video is serious. It is very serious. I was so impressed with the testimony of this former muslim who became a Christian that I wanted to share it.

I did a Spiritual Sundays post on my other blog, but thought this graphic was so nice I decided to link it there too.

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS

Boy the weeks sure do fly by. Here it is another beautiful weekend. Spring is in the air and I am rejoicing.

I had so many nice comments on previous posts I did from the book Women at the Well by Betty Robison that I decided I would share another with you today. This book contains 32 devotions by different women. The one I'm sharing today is by Elizabeth Cody Newenhuyse (I have no idea how her last name is pronounced, but it doesn't really matter. What she shared is so good.)

Cultivating Contentment

There's a lot in my life I wish I could change. I'm not miserable--but I struggle with being satisfied.

One scripture verse that makes me squirm is the apostle Paul's reminder to Timothy: "If we have enough food and clothing let us be content" (I Timothy 6:8). I have food but too often it's macaroni and cheese. I have clothing, but looking through the L.L.Bean catalog brings out my most materialistic urges. I have furniture, but it resembles estate-sale treasures more than it does Crate & Barrel chic. Often I'd like more--and better. And that's just the beginning of my discontentment.

 I've met other women who struggle with the same conflict. My neighbor Jackie, the mother of teens, tells me her level of contentment fluctuates all the time. "It depends on our finances, the state of the house, my husband's and kids' moods and whether or not I have PMS," she says.

Discontent can take a variety of forms. One is Jackie's vague sense of disequilibrium--sometimes she likes her life, and sometimes she doesn't. Another form is a more profound restlessness, like that of a single-parent friend who'd love to pull up stakes and move to Florida after her youngest is through school.  But a third, more destructive discontent is that "never enough" spiral many of us get caught in--always wanting a bigger house, more money, a more prestigious job.

The problem is, many of us define contentment as that ideal state of contant happiness where every problem is solved and every goal is met. But what happens when you achieve a goal? It's like yanking dandelions--you pull one and another pops up in its place. 

Ten years ago, I had a certain sum in mind as my ideal annual income.  I thought, If only I could earn that, my financial woes would be over. Well, guess what happened when I reached that magical number. It no longer seemed ideal, thanks to inflation. In fact, it seemed pitifully inadequate. What I had thought would give me contentment didn't satisfy me any longer.

We're fooling ourselves if we think we'll ever solve all our problems this side of eternity. New dreams will always replace the old. Ultimately there is no true contentment apart from knowing, loving and desiring to follow Christ.

If we're honest, most of us can't say we're content in every situation as the apostle Paul learned to be (Philippians 4:12-13). But it is a model to aspire to.

We may never achieve absolute contentment. But as we seek God's peace and ask his help in setting our minds on "things above"--no matter what the world may throw at us--we may be able to say, echoing the apostle Paul, "I am learning to be content in every circumstance." Such thoughts will help you get over "never enough" and be satisfied with "what is."

Come to think of it, that would make a great inscription for a plaque. I could hang it in my kitchen and meditate on it as I start boiling the macaroni for dinner. 

I think we can all learn something from these words written by Elizabeth and I think we need to be reminded from time to time.

Have a wonderful weekend, and be sure to check out the Spiritual Sundays blog. We are so pleased that more and more people are joining us in sharing there. New people are always welcome. You can click HERE to go to that blog and you will find information on how to share when you get there.

The Old Paths

 I liked the old paths, when

Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having children!
Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.
Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave.
Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive;
And children were polite.
Women wore the jewelry;
And Men wore the pants.
Women looked like ladies;
Men looked like gentlemen;
And children looked decent.
People loved the truth,
And hated a lie;
They came to church to get IN,
Not to get OUT!
Hymns sounded Godly;
Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal;
And crying sounded sincere.
Cursing was wicked;
Drugs were for illness;
And divorce was unthinkable.
The flag was honored;
America was beautiful;
And God was welcome!
We read the Bible in public;
Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house
To be called an American was worth dying for;
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!
Preachers preached because they had a message;
And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!
Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!
A new birth meant a new life;
Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.
Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;
Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;
Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;
And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!
Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.
God was worshiped;
Christ was exalted;
And the Holy Spirit was respected.
Church was where you found Christians
On the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,
On the creek bank, on the golf course,
Or being entertained somewhere else.
I still like the old paths the best!


'The Old Paths' was written by a retired minister who lives
In Tennessee.

I recently received this in an e-mail. Needless to say, I LIKE IT! I guess I'm a little bit old fashioned. I know I'm old. lol

I LOVE THIS VIDEO BY STEVE HARVEY

A Steve Harvey show where he imagines what it might be like to have the honor of introducing Jesus Christ when he returns...

A Facebook friend shared this video today. I was amazed and thrilled at the response the audience gave to comedian Steve Harvey's explanation of how he would introduce Jesus. It is well worth the three minutes it takes to watch it. I have posted some negative things lately about our culture. This is such a positive one that I had to share it.

THANK YOU KIRK CAMERON

Programs like this give me some hope. I believe God is using Kirk Cameron to get his message out to our schools. At the end of the video there is a place on the video to click to watch the book being handed out at Cerritos College in California. You should see it. Cerritos is in my old home town so it makes it even more personal for me.

Tim Kimmel on Raising Children

Dr. Tim Kimmel, noted author and lecturer, preached this sermon at our church Sunday. If you have young children or teenagers or if you have grandchildren, I know you will learn a lot by watching this. Dr. Kimmel uses a lot of humor in his lessons. I think you will enjoy it.

more about "Grace-Based Families - Scottsdale Bib...", posted with vodpod

A WISE DOCTOR

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said, 'Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even one year old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.

So the doctor said, 'Okay, and what do you want me to do?'

She said, 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'

The doctor thought for a little and after some silence he said to the lady, 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you, too.'

She smiled, thinking the doctor was going to accept her request.

Then he continued, 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of two babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.'

The lady was horrified and said, 'No, doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!' 'I agree,' the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be okay with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.'

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He had convinced the mom there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee." Jeremiah 1:5

What a wise doctor.

TWO WOLVES

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

(I have heard this before and I like it.)

I'm not so much into skits but I saw this on Bernice's blog and I like it and want to share it.

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS

When I saw this graphic on CrossDaily.com I thought "What an important lesson this picture illustrates. I should share this for Spiritual Sundays," so here it is.

And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Obviously the teaching of each generation is of highest importance. We teach our children many things, but the most important is to teach them about God, his Son, his love and his laws.

I was impressed with this account of his early teaching written by Phillip Johnson.

"My earliest childhood memory is a pre-kindergarten Sunday school class. I suppose I was four years old—maybe even younger. Our church was an old, imposing building that smelled like someone's attic. The windows in our classroom were huge, and I loved the way the sun shone in. I was mesmerized by those little particles of dust that dance in the sunbeams in a dusty room.
I clearly remember one Sunday sitting in that room and learning the song "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam." Our teacher eagerly pointed to the huge streams of light coming in the windows, and she tried to make them an object lesson.

The only trouble was, none of us understood anything about metaphors. All I could think of when we sang that song were those shiny little specks floating in the shaft of light, and I couldn't figure out why Jesus would want me to be one of those. I loved the song, but I have to admit it made no sense to me.

That memory is so deeply etched in my mind that even today when I hear "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam," I am immediately transported back to that old room with the big windows, and those little flecks of sunlit dust come to mind.

My own kids are now older than I was then, and one day several years ago it suddenly occurred to me that the earliest memories they would carry to adulthood had already been formed. Nearly everything they are learning now will stay with them for the rest of their lives."

I'll bet a lot of you are believers today because of what you were taught at a very young age. The first remembrance I have of hearing about God and Jesus was when I was about 7 years old. A lady in the neighborhood where my cousin lived held a little class for the neighborhood children. I remember telling my Mom I wanted to be baptized. She said I was too young to know what I was doing. We were not attending church anywhere at that time. When we did start going to church I was about 10 and the reason we started was because I told my Mom I wanted to ride the church bus to a Methodist church in our town because it came to our neighborhood. She told me that if I wanted to go to church we would go to the Church of Christ (the church she had been brought up in) and guess what? That church also had a bus so we started riding it. From that time on my mother and I never missed a service unless we were sick or as they say "providentially hindered." I asked my Mom why we had not gone to church sooner. She said that she took me to Sunday School when I was really small. I don't remember it at all but I have a feeling that the things I learned back then even before I could remember it had an impact on my life. As I look back, God had a purpose for my life and he has led me all the way until this very day. And I am so thankful for that.

I hope you will visit our Spiritual Sundays blog and click on the links to see what others have shared today. Of course you are invited to share as well. For instructions on how to participate, you can click HERE.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Sissel is a famous Norwegian singer who comes from Bergen. She has a beautiful voice and is accompanied by the Oslo Gospel Choir. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.