010. So You Think Ya Came From a Rock, Eh?

II. Q.  What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A.  The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

(Continued)

Q.  How do you prove the word in the scriptures to be the word of God? (Continued)

9. Because the Scriptures were confirmed by the blood of martyrs. There were many thousand Christians in the primitive time, who sealed and gave testimony to the truth of the Scriptures with the loss of their lives. The great faith of the primitive Christians in the truth of the Scriptures, who might easily have found out the deceit, had there been any deceit imposed upon men in them; and the great patience and constancy which they showed in their sufferings, as an evidence of their faith, are a weighty argument, in conjunction with others, to prove the divine authority of the Scriptures.

10. Because of the testimony of the Spirit of God in, and with, and by the Scriptures, upon the hearts of believers. ” Ye have an unction from the holy One, and ye know all things;” because “the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is true, and is no lie.”— 1 John 2:20, 27. Without this testimony, and teaching of the Spirit, all other arguments will be ineffectual to persuade unto a saving faith.

– Thomas Vincent, 1674

*     *     *

Less than a precursory look at Church history will reveal primarily two things:

1) More Christians are killed and hated for their faith than any other religion in the world.

2) Christ’s true church has clearly condemned any apostate church. (Apostate exampling those who profess Christianity but commit atrocities like genocide, war and deadly inquisitions in the name of “God”)

I hear some people argue martyrdom isn’t a good proof for Christianity’s legitimization.  If you believe this, than please show me why since Christianity’s conception at Christ’s death thousands, if not tens of thousands by now, have been killed because they believe what Jesus taught?  Why did people kill Jesus?  What of His message provoked such hatred and still provokes hatred to this day?  It’s because we are all haters by nature and are born suppressing the truth.  Our inherent nature is at odds with God.  We want to be in control.  We want to be divine.  We want to be creator.  But we’re not and even nature screams, “You were created!” trying to point us toward God.  So, we suppress the truth and many act out or have acted out upon that hatred to the point of killing those who proclaim this message: you are not god, and you are guilty before God because of your sin.  But there is more to this message- hope for those crushed by the guilt of their shame.

Paul said, “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die– but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:7-8

While we were enemies of God Christ died for us!  He paid the penalty for our sin so we can go before God without fear of judgment!  We weren’t shown “leniancy”.  Our sin had a cost.  The precious blood of Christ and if we believe and trust in his work and turn away from our sin He will say to us what He said to the second criminal.  Remember, two criminals hung next to him on the day of redemption.  Both were justly condemned for their sins, but one was redeemed.  Which one will you be?  We’re all guilty.

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:39-43

Fear God because He is our sovereign.  The Spirit and the blood of the saints testify to this message recorded in His book.  Fear God, because rocks and trees didn’t create you.  God did.  Don’t be foolish like the tribe of Judah:

“[Them] who say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their back to me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble they say, ‘Arise and save us!’  But where are your gods that you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you, in your time of trouble; for as many as your cities are your gods, O Judah. Why do you contend with me? You have all transgressed against me, declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 2:27-29

009. Do Miracle Workers Exist Today?

II. Q.  What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A.  The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

(Continued)

Q.  How do you prove the word in the scriptures to be the word of God? (Continued)

8. Because the Scriptures were confirmed by miracles. We read of many miracles in the Scriptures, especially those which were wrought by Jesus Christ and his disciples, to confirm their doctrine, that it was from God; such as curing some who were born blind, raising the dead, calming the sea with a word, and many more. Now, these and the like miracles were from the immediate hand of God; and the relation we have faithfully handed down unto us, as appeareth by the writings still amongst us, of several holy men upon them and concerning them, as also by the several copies of them (which could not be forged, and not be found out) agreeing in the same relation. And as surely as God did effect those miracles, so surely is God the author of the Scriptures, which are confirmed by them.

– Thomas Vincent, 1674

*     *     *

I know what some of you may be thinking, “C’mon Rochelle.  Miracles?  You believe all that stuff?”  Sure, and why not?  I’ve only personally known 25 years on this potentially hundreds of billions of years old planet.  Which means potentially hundreds of billions of years have existed without me and my knowledge of them.  And since none of us are omniscient (all-knowing) none of us really know for certain what has or has not been.  All we know is what we’ve been told, rather by book or oral tradition.  Suffice it to say, you and I are a spec of dust in the sands of time.  So, to say these things could not be possible merely based on your (or others’) limited experienced knowledge is arrogant, ignorant and close-minded.

The world is full of unexplainable things!  Even with all our technological advancement we cannot explain how 3000(+) year old societies built things like Stonehenge or the Pyramids.  Some people are more inclined to believe in aliens then a creator (which is a new concept considering human history believed in a supreme being).  These unexplainable potholes on the road of time are meant to jar our narcissistic logic upward and outside of ourselves.  So, at the very least we realize there is someone greater than us.

Biblically, signs and wonders, or miracles, occurred in three different eras, The Time of the Law (Moses), The Time of the Prophets (Elijah) and The Time of the Messiah (Jesus and Apostles).  The purpose of the miraculous, or signs, is to verify the messenger as one truly sent by God.  God had a very important message during each one of these eras and gave His messenger’s miracles to perform so the people would know to LISTEN because God is speaking.  And that is why so many of today’s Christian’s flock to self-proclaimed miracle workers: they believe they’re sent by God.  However Christ had something to say about future miracle workers:

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.” Matthew 24:23-26

True miracles were recorded for us to read and believe the message of the one’s who performed them.  If anything “miraculous” happens today it’s God’s providence.  No single person needs their message verified by signs and wonders because their message should be the Word of God.  If a person preaches anything else it is not of God. (Gal. 1:8/2 Tim. 4:2)  Remember Christ’s warning to John on the Island of Patmos when the last book of the bible was being written:

“‘I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.’”  Revelation 22:18-19

Miracles had their time and purpose.  Don’t spit on them and tell God you need more revelations and spiritual experiences to give your faith assurance, lest you sound like the people Christ condemned:

“The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.’”  Mark 8:11-12

Christ is the final revelation of God and sufficient.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”  2 Peter 1:3

“You’ve Gotta Have the Attitude of Gratitude.” (?)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God.”  Philippians 4:6

The wife needs the trash taken out.  Husband comes home from work.  The wife, without looking towards him says sweetly, “thank you for taking out the trash, honey.”  Now, the husband looks confused because he has to figure out that what she really wanted to say was “Honey, please take out the trash.”  The biggest problem with passive manipulative speech is someone has an expectation and it’s always let down because it is never properly communicated in the form of a humble plea for help: a question.  Instead their requests and expectations are concealed in confusing layers of grateful statements or passive musings like, “If only that trash could be taken out it wouldn’t stink the place up to high-heaven.”  Is this how we talk to God, too when we need something?

I’ve often heard it preached “you’ve just gotta thank God for it and it’ll happen!”  These preachers are instructing people to ignore their desperate feelings for help by inoculating them with “gratitude” and “thankfulness” because “God [some how] doesn’t like whiners.” (Yes, I’ve actually heard that preached by a popular televangelist.)  Jesus said this,

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!“  Matthew 7:11

Teaching people to replace their needful attitude with gratitude BEFORE asking God for help teaches people they don’t have to ask.  And that is the perfect breeding ground for pride.  More and more, the world around us is becoming impersonal and instead of asking people for help we’d rather hide in our prayer closets and thank God for what we’re expecting him to do.  Ask God for help, but don’t stop there.  He commanded us to bear one another’s burdens so if you have a need, humble yourself and ask someone.  Pride masks itself in statements like, “Well, I just don’t want to burden anyone.”  God’s shoulders are big enough for that burden and so are His children’s.

And when you do, this is what will happen, verse 7, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Trying to do everything myself is burdensome and stresses me out.  On top of that, masking my need into “the attitude of gratitude” or “helping others in my time of need” further stresses me out!  God doesn’t want you to serve in your time of need!  Can an empty cup of water refresh anyone with a drink?  (obviously, “no.”)  So, take a deep breath, acknowledge your need for God and others, and just ask.

008. Man Would Have Never Written Such an Awful(ly good) Book

II. Q.  What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A.  The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

(Continued)

Q.  How do you prove the word in the scriptures to be the word of God? (Continued)

7. Because of the design and contrivement of the Scriptures. (1.) The design of the Scriptures is to give God all the glory; the design is not to exalt any, but to debase and empty all men, and exalt God’s name and grace in the world. (2.) The marvellous contrivement of wisdom, in finding out a way for man’s recovery and salvation by Jesus Christ, when fallen by sin into such a state of misery, which no mortal brain could have invented; this doth show, not only that this contrivance was from the infinitely wise God, but also that the Scriptures, which have revealed this, are his book.

– Thomas Vincent, 1674

*     *     *

Every false religion in the world has one thing in common: self-exaltation, self-veneration or to become as God.  They ask the same question Satan did, “how can I ascend to Heaven and be as God?” (Isaiah 14:13-15)  Accordingly, they all answer: “by MY works.”

Christianity asks a much different question, “How can I have peace with God?”  A Christian understands their eternal problem is enmity with God (God is judge and they are guilty).  And God answers with the most beautiful display of His love and mercy: “by Christ’s work, alone.”

Jesus Christ descended from Heaven, humbly took on human flesh, felt the naked shame of our sin, bore that shame and guilt of sin on the cross and the Father’s judgment thereof so we may trust Him for peace with God.  He is our High Priest, the only one worthy to mediate between us and the Father.  And He is the only one who could fully pay the eternal debt our sin costs.

Believe what is plainly written of Christ.  Believe on Him and flee from trying to attain eternal peace without Him.  It is only a chasing after the wind.

Part 1: “Thus Says the Lord…”

“For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  II Peter 1:17-21

Peter, the one who saw Christ transfigured from flesh to Glory, heard the literal voice of God, experienced visions, saw angels and used many gifts of the Spirit said, “and we have something MORE SURE [than all of these experiences, visions, gifts], the prophetic word…”

What is the prophetic word? [Keep reading our text, it'll be defined]

“…knowing first of all that NO PROPHECY of SCRIPTURE comes from someone’s OWN INTERPRETATION.”  So, true prophecy are the words recorded in what we call “scripture”. Brilliant, Peter!  I knew there was a good reason for affectionately calling the bible the WORD of God!  The writers of the bible prophesied, prophecies were written, now if we prophecy, it is because we are teaching what has been written.  Easy-peasy, prophecy defined.

I hear many of my Charismatic brothers/sisters say things like, “Well, that’s just my interpretation [of the scripture(s)].”  Or, “There are many ways to interpret the scriptures.  They hold many spiritual [prophetic] meanings, too.”  Or, if I try to lovingly correct someone’s wrong interpretation I sometimes hear, “Well, this is what God spoke to my heart- let God be true and every man a liar!” [aka: "you're wrong to suggest I'm wrong"]

First off, it’s not a matter of being wrong or right, but a matter of knowing the truth.  God inspired men to write and preserve exactly what He meant to say and even gave us a disclaimer at the end which states,

“‘These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets [O.T. writers], has sent his angel to show his servants [N.T. writers] what must soon take place.  And behold, I am coming soon.  Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book… I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.  I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.’” Revelation 22:6-7, 16, 18-19

This warning should make us think twice before using phrases like, “God told me,” or “I feel like God is saying…”  According to this, every time God speaks to us we should staple it to the back of our bibles because “thus says the Lord,” right?  False religions like Roman Catholicism actually practice this!  It’s called the Magisterium.  Did God make things too easy for us by fitting everything we needed to know into a 66 volume book?  Do we have to beg God to speak to us, or is reading the bible all that’s necessary for a Christian to know God and what He desires?

False religions like Roman Catholicism and Mormonism teach God speaks in addition to His written Word.  For example, Catholics believe the Pope hears from God to instruct the people.  Less than a precursory glance at Roman Church History tells us this is dangerous and erroneous.  Remember the bloody Crusades, Dark Ages, and Inquisitions (just to name a few)?  Also, they believe any verse may be interpreted no less than seven different ways!  But they heard directly from God, so who are we to condemn their actions.  The cult of Mormonism began by a man who “heard a word from God” and used a phrase many Pentecostals use today; “my spirit bears witness.”  If a person believes the “Spirit if God says…” they harden their hearts to any correction from someone other than “God.”  History proves this practice of extra biblical revelation to be very, very dangerous and deceptive.

“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds”  II Corinthians 11:14-15

Remember when Satan tempted Christ in the desert? (Matt. 4)  And what did Satan have the audacity to tempt God to sin with?  God’s own word!  He used scripture, word-for-word!  So, how was he tempting God to sin?  The same way he did our parents in the garden- he misinterpreted the scriptures thereby using them deceptively.  If Satan didn’t quiver at tempting God, what makes us think we’re so safe from deception and snares? (lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one… Jesus taught us to pray this for a reason.)  The verse we just read said “also, his [Satan's] servants disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.”  Disguises are designed to fool you!  There are many well-meaning preachers who are deceiving the masses with misuse of the scriptures!  That is why we must hold scripture up as the final authority and let every ecstatic, goose-pimply, personal warm and fuzzy feeling be a liar. (Let God be true and every man a liar applied properly here)  I’m not saying God does not prompt us to remember scripture thereby causing us to make right decisions.  But we’ll get into the role of the Spirit in our lives in part two.  However, God does not speak directly to the believer outside or in addition to His word.

Every false religion began because someone had a “divine experience” or “heard God speak” to them.  Christianity is the only religion who’s God became man to instruct us by His own lips.  The scriptures tell us Christ is the final revelation of God, the Word of God made flesh (John 1).  So, why is the written Word not enough for us?  Why do we pray and fast to seek some ethereal voice or experience from heaven?  Because Christ’s love is not enough.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”

This is how God shows you everyday that He loved and loves you:  God the Father sent God the son, Jesus Christ, to personally bear your shame, guilt, and the Father’s righteous wrath against your sin so you could walk free by His perfect and complete work on the cross.  I fully believe most Christians who seek a “word from the Lord” (as I use to do) have just been taught wrongly.  We have zeal without knowledge and truly do not desire to spit on the sacrifice of Christ or regard it as less than sufficient.  God knows that and is lovingly bringing correction to you, just as He had graciously done to me.

Part two will deal more intimately with the Danger(s) for Believers Who Add to or Take Away from the Scriptures (such as pride, hardness of heart and deception) and answer questions like ” If God does not speak to my heart than how do I explain these ‘feelings’ or ‘impressions’ to do or act a certain way?” And “What is the true role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer?”

Blessings.  Christ is Enough.

007. Does Your Self-Help Need Help?

II. Q.  What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A.  The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

(Continued)

Q.  How do you prove the word in the scriptures to be the word of God? (Continued)

6. Because of the power and efficacy of the Scriptures. (1.) The Scriptures are powerful to convince,and awaken, and wound the conscience. “The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword “— Heb. 4:12. (2.) The Scriptures are powerful to convert and change the heart. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”— Ps. 19:7. (3.) They are powerful to quicken men out of spiritual death and deadness. “Hear, and your souls shall live.”— Isaiah 55:3. “Thy Word hath quickened me.”— Ps. 119:50. (4.) They are powerful to rejoice and comfort under the deepest distresses. “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.”— Ps. 19:8. The Scriptures opened and applied are made effectual to produce such powerful effects as do exceed the power of nature, and can be effected only by the power of God; which showeth that God only is the author of the Scriptures, which he would not so far own and honour if they were not his own.

– Thomas Vincent, 1674

*     *     *

The more I understand the scriptures the more I firstly, appreciate Christ and secondly, better equipped for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3).  Firstly, logic tells us how one cannot appreciate what one does not understand, or have the correct knowledge of.  That is why I am convinced many people reject God because they have a poor understanding of Him.  Secondly, most of us have an innate drive to be better.  If we’re already good people than why should I feel a need to be better?  The Word of God, if understood properly, reveals essential truths for understanding personal betterment:

1) Only the scriptures, effective by God’s power, can convince a good person that they could never be good enough.

2) Only the scriptures, effective by God’s power, can change our hearts from innate self-justifying, selfish, sinful desires to repentant, selfless, righteous desires.

3) Only the scriptures, effective by God’s power, can remove the weight of our guilt and replace it with the assurance of Christ’s work on our behalf.

4) Only the scriptures, effective by God’s power, can comfort us in times of distress with the guarantee of eternal life with Christ our savior and Lord.

I have yet to find a self-help program or religion in this world more effective for changing lives and ensuring peace after death than the one true religion of the bible.  All others seem to be at best, incomplete or a poor representation of the kind, just and good God of the bible.  He cares for us so much that while we hate Him He offers us eternal life instead death: the penalty of our sin.  But only if we believe Christ paid our penalty, trust in that work and turn away from our sin will eternal life be ensured.

If we use other means to help ourselves than trust and rest in the perfect work of Christ we will experience, at best, brief success, but in the end utter failure in life and death. (Eccl. 1:4/Eccl. 12:13-14)

Seek God for your help.  He will gladly and effectively do so.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

006. Feeling Worn Out? Here’s Where to Find True Rest:

II. Q.  What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A.  The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

(Continued)

Q.  How do you prove the word in the scriptures to be the word of God? (Continued)

4. Because of the high mysteries which are revealed in the Scriptures. We read, in the Scriptures, of the trinity of persons in the Godhead, the incarnation of the Son of God, the mystical union of Christ and his members. These, and such like mysteries, were beyond the reach of the most wise and learned men to invent, much more beyond the reach of unlearned fishermen, by whom they were revealed; whence it is evident that they spake not their own words, but what they were taught by the immediate inspiration of the Spirit.

5. Because of the antiquity of the Scriptures. They were written, in part, before any other writings of men, and they contain a history of the most ancient things, namely, the creation of the old world, the flood, and the like. Such ancient things are there revealed as none but God knew; and therefore God must needs be the author of them.

– Thomas Vincent, 1674

*     *     *

The world’s religions have this one question in common: What can I do to appease God?  And they all answer it with different works, deeds, penance, sacrifices and empty performance-based promises.  The bible is the only book of religion to answer that question with, “nothing.”  The bible, unlike other religions, teaches sola gratia, solus Christus (grace alone, through Christ alone).  Instead of asking the question posed above, the bible asks, “What has Christ freely done to appease God’s wrath on your behalf?”  So, in turn, man is left hopeless in themselves and must look to someone else, Jesus Christ, for reconciliation with God.  He paid the penalty of our sin: death and defeated our adversary by rising again 3 days later.  So if we put our trust for salvation in Him, instead of striving with empty deeds, karma and the like we too will share in that resurrection and rest eternally with Christ.

The bible is the only religious book to tell people they are saved by grace, not their own striving and works.  This foundational truth reveals the sin of pride in all our own hearts because inherently we want to reach God by our own means, as to share His glory.  But to the humble, weighed down with their guilt of sin, their own laws and ten-step programs to a successful life they rejoice in this great salvation!  In Christ’s perfect work, we find rest from our striving and peace with God!  The world can only offer you self-help programs, cycles for reincarnation or empty performance-based promises.  Where as Christ says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ” (Mt. 11:28-30)

“For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.” Ps. 38:4

005. The Bible is no Easy-Bake Oven for Answers to Life’s Toughest Questions

II. Q.  What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A.  The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

(Continued)

Q.  How do you prove the word in the scriptures to be the word of God? (Continued)

3. Because of the consent and harmony of the Scriptures. In the Scriptures there is consent between the Old Testament and the New; a consent between the types and figures under the law, and the things typified and prefigured under the gospel— between the prophecies of the Scriptures, and the fulfilling of those prophecies. There is in the Scriptures a harmony or agreement of precepts, and a harmony or agreement of histories, and a harmony or agreement of design. Wherefore, since the Scriptures were written by so many several men, in so many several ages, and different places, and yet agreeing so well in their writings, that no irreconcilable difference is to be found in them, it is evident that they were all acted by the same Spirit of God; and therefore, that the Scriptures are the word of God.

–Thomas Vincent, 1674

*     *     *

What causes people to think the bible contradicts itself?  Ignorance.  The bible was written over a span of 1500 years!  In different areas, languages and by about 40 different men.  Historically, with those kind of statistics, in order for the bible to have any continuity at all, it’d have to be divinely inspired!  So, when I’m studying, I presume to never presume.  The bible is historically and truly the most extensive revelation of God and His plan for creation.  Any historical book takes time to understand and hard work.

In addition to it’s age of origin, we have hundreds of years of great, and poor, commentating on the scriptures.  The poor commentating only polishes the truths and makes them stand out all the brighter.  While the good commentating solidifies what was already plainly written in the scriptures.  Even the world’s court systems acknowledge the truth is spoken by the mouths of two or three witnesses and Jesus alone had at least 120 after He ascended!  Not to mention, the myriads of people he healed and taught.  So, it is my belief that many, often lazy and desiring a Mc-quick answer, stop their study at the first contradiction instead of pressing through the texts and trying to discern what the author (God) intended them to mean; not what their interpretation of or what they would like the scripture to mean (objective vs subjective meaning).

Truth is always objective in nature.  God has given His truths to men and women who have plainly articulated them since the gospel went out almost 2000 years ago.  Christianity was established a long time ago with defined beliefs and dogmas (excuse my language).  So, to say it must evolve or change from truth clearly recorded in scripture, preserved in the canon, creeds, confessions and fought for by the reformers is arrogant and an affront to God’s ability to preserve His truths.

Furthermore, to compare ourselves with Christians of Church-history past and raise our book-bruised noses to them, as if to say, “our beliefs are superior to theirs, they were the ignorant ones, we are since enlightened” is ungrateful stupidity.  They bled for every page you pride yourself in reading and “discerning”.  So, please, don’t let the comforts of this rich nation and the luxury of easy-bake answers lull you into a coma paralyzing your mind from studying God’s word.

004. What Instructs Us How We May Glorify and Enjoy God?

II. Q.  What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

A.  The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Q. 1. Why is the word contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, called the word of God ?

A. Because it was not from the invention of the men who wrote the Scriptures, but from the immediate inspiration of the Spirit of God, who indited them. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.”— 2 Tim. 2:16. “Prophecy of Scriptures came not by the will of men; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”— 2 Pet. 1:21.

Q. 2. How do you prove the word in the Scriptures to be the word of God?

A. 1. Because of the majesty of the Scriptures. (1.) God is frequently brought in speaking to and by the prophets, and his majesty set forth in such high expressions as are not to be found in any human writings. “Thus saith the high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwellin thehigh and holy place.”— Isa. 57:15. “Who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto.”— 1 Tim. 6:15-16. (2.) The style or way of the Scriptures is with such majesty as is not in other writings; duties are therein prescribed, which none but God can require; sins are therein condemned, which none but God can prohibit; threatenings of punishments are therein denounced, which none but God can inflict; promises of rewards are therein made, which none but God can bestow; and all in such a majestic way, as doth evidence God to be the author of this book of the Scriptures.

2. Because of the holiness and purity of the Scriptures. “Which God hath promised afore by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures.”— Rom. 1:2. “The words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, and purified seven times.”— Ps. 12:6. The Scriptures are holy from the beginning of them unto the end; they do not savour at all of anything that is earthly and impure; especially the laws of the word are holy, commanding everything that is holy, and forbidding everything that is impure and unholy; whence it is evident that the Scriptures are the word of the holy God, and that the holy men which wrote them were acted herein by the Holy Ghost.

*     *     *

How can the world demand morality without a moral code written by an authority higher than themselves?  What motivates them to condemn acts of violence, oppression, and immorality (to different degrees), but deny the author of goodness and conscience?  This is why,

“They [we all] show that the work of the law is written on their [our] hearts, while their [our] conscience also bears witness, and their [our] conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them [us] on that day when, according to my [His] gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 2:15-16 [Rochelle's insertions]

Whether your children, friends or strangers deny the divine authorship of scripture, one thing they cannot deny is their imago dei: conscience and desire for some ethical code.  God has written His laws in their hearts.  This is probably one of the most intimate revelations God affords us.  His goodness written on our hearts proves His existence.  However, people blinded by the deception of their sin, ask for justice but in the same breath deny Him who is just.  They ask for goodness and mercy, but spurn the Word of Him who is good and abounding in mercy.  They ask for love and spit upon the perfect love of God; His son, Jesus Christ.

Bless the Lord!  His love endures forever and of His Kingdom, there will be no end!  Amen.

Further Reflection:

Leviticus 26:15-46

Why Does Christmas Stop the World for a Day?

Many Christians attribute Christmas’ origin of December 25th to 4th century Christians and John Chrysotom’s sermon in 386ad.  The rest of the world celebrates a myriad of different holidays around that date (Winter solstice/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Saturnailia, etc.).  None of these were called Christmas, and their origins date back much further.

In today’s world Christmas isn’t “Christ’s Mass” but a syncretism of many religious holidays.  This gives me pause and makes me wonder if syncretism is a new battle for Christmas or an original design.

In the 4th century Romans celebrated the birth of their gods regularly and their celebrations revolved around the solar and lunar events.  Many theories about what motivated Christians to create holidays (holy days) to commemorate the heroes of their faith on these days create some strife in the church.  Some say it was to combat the holidays of the pagans and others say it was purely to honor these people and God on special days.  Either theory is pure speculation and offers no resolve.  We need an authority on the subject.  So, I want us to forget these theories and consider some scriptures and see if we can answer, “why does Christmas stop the world for a day?

What is a holiday?  Holiday’s etymology means “holy day”.  Since Christmas and holiday aren’t in the scriptures, what do the scriptures say about the phrase “holy day”?

1) The Sabbath, Day of Rest or Lord’s Day is one of the ten commandments.  We are to observe it once every 6 days as a day of rest, holy and a time to remember and proclaim God’s deliverance, atonement and goodness. (Exodus 20:8-11, Deut. 5:12-15)

2) The Sabbath is upheld as a command by Christ who declared himself “Lord of the Sabbath.” (Mt. 12:8)

3) In Acts 13:44 we see Paul meeting with believers/non-believers and teaching on the Lord’s day. (Acts 13:44-52)

So, according to God’s word, God has prescribed one holy day, the sabbath.  This day is characterized by a few things:

1) Rest once every 6 days

2)Reflection on the Works of God

3) Proclamation of the Works of God

4) A solemn assembly in the name of Christ which should contain therein the previous three.

Now, contrast the busyness, strife, greed, covetousness, and Christ-less, hypocritical morality called the “Spirit of Christmas” with what God has prescribed as His Holy Day.

I hope you’re wondering whether or not Christ wants to be in Christmas or if we put him on a seat of honor he’d rather not sit upon.  And before you think I’m humbugging Christmas, I’m not.  I love gathering and celebrating with family, giving thanks to God, giving gifts and making fun foods.  But I’m wondering if it should be a full-on Holy Day (as God prescribes a holy day) or just a family reunion.  The more I understand what the scripture says a Holy Day means to God, the more I desire the Sabbath and the less I desire Christmas, Easter, etc.

I guess if you’re still reading this it won’t be long till you figure out I presuppose God is particular on how He desires to be worshiped (aka, The Regulative Principle).  I believe, according to scripture, that He cares a great deal about how and with what means we remember Him by.  According to this principle, the means God gave us are sufficient, and like our salvation, don’t need anything added.  God instituted the means of:

1) The Sacraments taken to remember His Works

2) The Sabbath to gather and remember His Works

3) The scriptures read and taught to remember His Works

4) Prayer to remember His Works

So, why does Christmas stop the world for a day?  I’ll tell you why, because it really is all about the gifts.  And that’s okay!  God has his holiday every Sunday.  I don’t think he cares for another one or it would have been prescribed in the scriptures.

“For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:16-21

Further Info on the Subject:

The Whitehorse Inn Blog