Understanding God's Word

Can you understand the Bible? Is it even possible for an average person to comprehend the message of the Bible unaided by some "professional?" Must you have majored in theology or attended a seminary to know God's will?

The Dark Ages were just that...dark. The understanding of people was darkened. The average person was completely dependant upon the religious "professionals" in order to have any access to God's Word. The availability of Bibles was scarce. The ones that did exist were "chained to the pulpit." In order to hear God's word the average person ("layman") was dependant upon the "clergy." Some reports say that most priests had never even seen a Bible during the darkest of these days. False teaching and half-truths abounded as ritualistic tradition and the thoughts of men were peddled as God's Word.

Around 1440, Johannes Gutenberg invented the machine of the millennium—the printing press. Bibles became increasingly available to the common man. What followed was a great "Enlightenment." As individuals began to study the Bible for themselves, they saw a great divide between the church of the New Testament and the traditions and creeds of the church of their day. The result was an effort to "Reform" the corrupted church back to its original form. Eventually, a major movement of unity was made to fully “Restore” the forms and practices of the first century church in the present age. Going back to the Bible and restoring biblical faith and practice was (and continues to be) possible because people studied the Bible for themselves.

Surely, God is powerful enough to reveal his will in a way that all people can understand. From prince to peasant, God has revealed his truth in a form accessible to all who will dedicate themselves to diligently study it (John 8:31-32). It is true that we can benefit greatly from the study and guidance of others (Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 8:30-31; cf. Romans 10:14-15). However, we should not think that we are dependant upon "the professionals" in order to learn God's will for our lives. Spiritually responsible people make informed decisions about their beliefs based upon the evidence of Scripture. We must not blindly follow the teachings of those "professionals" who wear religious garb. God expects all Christians to personally study and arrive at truth (Proverbs 23:23; 2 Timothy 2:15).

The spirit of the Berean Christians is extolled in Scripture. These Christians received the preaching of Paul eagerly. But they did not blindly believe what he said just because of his reputation or the fact that he was respected in the brotherhood. They searched the Scriptures daily to make sure the things that Paul taught harmonized with known divine truth (Acts 17:11). We must do the same. Even the most well intentioned preachers, professors, writers and Bible scholars can be wrong. We must each have a faith of our own based upon our own study. Others can help us along, but ultimately we must each give an account to God as to whether we have kept His word or not (John 12:48).

I am blessed to have the opportunity from the elders to be engaged in the "ministry of the word" in this congregation (1 Timothy 4:13-16; cf. Acts 6:4). I am continually learning and will always be a student. I want you to know that I respect your personal study and want to benefit from it in my ministry. I welcome feedback and even kind correction (see Acts 18:26). I don't claim to have all the answers, but the Bible does. Let us all study individually and find those answers together.

The Prosperity Gospel

I have been studying 1 Peter 2 today. Peter makes the point loud and clear that being a true follower of Christ is marked by suffering not prosperity. There are many popular preachers in America today (such as Joel Osteen) who are preaching a "health and wealth gospel." Peter says that God is glorified when we really follow Christ through the agony of suffering and continue to praise him. The "Prosperity Gospel" misrepresents what the gospel really is all about. John Piper gives a stirring rebuke of the "Prosperity Gospel" in the video above.

Does God choose some for damnation?

A student in World Bible School asked the following question about Romans 9:15, "Does God really choose some for damnation?" Romans 9:15 reads, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

Romans chapter 9 is admittedly a rather difficult section of Scripture. There are many people who call themselves Christians who (influenced by the doctrines of John Calvin) believe that this passage teaches that God predestines individuals to either damnation or salvation. Ultimately this false doctrine eliminates the free will of mankind. Because of the influence of Calvinism, sometimes readers are blinded to Paul’s real message in this context.
In order to understand Paul’s point here, one must carefully consider the entire context of Romans. Also, it is important to study the context of Exodus 33 since Paul is quoting from this chapter in Romans 9:15.
The real issue of Exodus 33 and Romans 9 is not the salvation of individuals but rather the role of the nation of Israel in God’s plan. Paul’s point is not about God choosing people for salvation (or damnation) but rather God choosing people for service. God can choose anyone he wishes to serve Him, even the most unlikely of characters. God chose Pharaoh (an evil man) to bring about his purposes for Israel (see Romans 9:17-18). God uses both saved people and unsaved people to bring about his ultimate purposes and it is his prerogative to do so. The prophet Habakkuk was shocked when God’s intention to use the enemies of Israel (the Chaldeans) to bring punishment upon God’s people Israel (Habakkuk 1:5-6).
With our limited viewpoint it often seems illogical that God would use evil people to bring about his ultimate good purposes. Paul is arguing that it is God’s right—in all his ultimate knowledge—to “have compassion on whom he will have compassion, and mercy upon whom he will have mercy.” Just because God uses a wicked person to serve his ultimate purposes does not mean that that person has been chosen for salvation. God chose Israel for his covenant service as a nation to bring about his purposes, but many of the Jewish people will not be saved (unless they obey Christ; Rom. 9:6-7).

What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to comment.

The Four Cups at Passover

When Jesus first began the Lord's Supper, it was instituted in the midst of the Passover meal. On the Passover table would be roasted lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread, a pastry mixture of nuts, fruit, and wine, and a raw vegetable dipped into a tart liquid. At various times during the meal, four cups of wine were consumed by the participants (Wilson 677). Each of these cups were highly symbolic helping Jews remember the richness of their heritage.

Especially meaningful to Christians would be the third and forth cups of wine on the Passover table.

The third cup, known as the "cup of blessing" reminded Jews of God's promise to redeem them from their Egyptian slavery (Exodus 6:6). It was apparently this cup that Jesus isolates out of the Passover meal and adopts as a memorial drink for Christian communion. Jesus uses redemption language when he takes the cup, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20). Paul apparently references this when he speaks of the Lord's Supper cup when he writes, "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16).
The forth cup of Passover was called the "cup of consummation" reminding Jews that God promised to take them as his people and unite them in the promised land (Exodus 6:7-8). Jesus apparently leaves this fourth cup sitting on the table and he says to his followers, "I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29).

After drinking the cup of his Last Supper, Jesus refrains from drinking the forth cup of Passover that represents God being together with his people united in the promised land (Lane 508-9). Jesus would soon be killed, buried, resurrected, and ascend back to his Father's house where he is preparing a place for his followers (John 14:1-4). Among Jesus' preparations is a great future banquet feast (Rev. 19:9). Jesus is waiting for all of his followers to come and join him. There we will all gather around his table. Only then will Jesus take up the forth cup. Then he will celebrate with us that his family has all joined together in that better land where we are his people and he is our God. Amen!

References:

Lane, William. The Gospel of Mark. (New International Commentary on the New Testament) Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974.

Wilson, M.R. "Passover." International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Geoffrey W. Bromiley, ed. Rev. ed. Vol. 3. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.

Changing to the English Standard Version

Since 2001 I have preached from the New American Standard (NASB) translation of the Bible. This has been the version I have used for the past five years for sermons and Bible classes at Spring Hill. Although there are no perfect translations, the NASB remains one of my favorite translations because of its effort to strive for "word-for-word literalness" with the the original words of the Hebrew and Greek. Actually, it is misleading to refer to a "word-for-word" translation because, as anyone who has studied the original languages will tell you, such is not really possible. Many of the original words of the Bible have such nuanced meanings that it requires an entire English phrase to capture the meaning. In addition, many Hebrew idioms would make no sense to the English reader if translated literally.

The original documents of Scripture were infallible and without mistake. But unlike the original autographs, there are no perfect English translations. All translations must balance accuracy to the original text with readability for the English reader. Translations that lean toward accuracy tend to be less readable, and those that lean toward readability tend to be less accurate. For those who do not know the original languages, it is best for students to compare a variety of translations in their study. Paraphrase Bibles like the New Living Translation (NLT) and Eugene Peterson's The Message can shed light upon ones understanding of God's Word, but there is a wide margin for error by the translator. Dynamic Equivalent translations like the New International Version (NIV) tend to be much easier to read and follow the flow of thought of English writing. I usually recommend that people use a dynamic equivalent translation like the NIV for devotional reading, but use a more literal translation such as the NASB for deep study and doctrinal accuracy (yet remember that even the NASB is not without its problems).

In 2001 Crossway publishers debuted a new translation called the English Standard Version (ESV). This version strives to strike a better balance between accuracy and readability. The ESV strives to be an "essentially literal translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer" (from the Preface). The translators of this version recognize that "dynamic equivalent" translations (such as the NIV) "are more inclined to reflect the interpretive opinions of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture" (from the Preface). Therefore, the ESV strives to avoid this pitfall by adhering strictly to an "essentially literal" translation philosophy as much as possible. This translation team follows the mantra of my Greek teacher who often proclaimed that our translations should be "as literal as possible, as free as necessary!"

After eight years of preaching from the NASB, I have decided to change to the ESV. My sermons and Bible classes will now mostly come from this translation. The main reason that I am making this change is for the sake of better understanding. I believe my job as a teacher and preacher is to help people better understand God's message and live it out in their lives. Both the NASB and the ESV strive for accuracy and are "essentially literal" translations. However, the NASB is on an 11th grade reading level. The ESV, on the other hand, is on an 8th grade reading level.

The ESV is available at most good bookstores in a wide variety of formats, contemporary bindings, and price ranges.

Listen Carefully to God's Voice

The religious creeds of men have proved to be divisive and contrary to Jesus' desire that his followers be united (John 17:21). The unity of believers is only possible by rejecting the religious creeds and traditions of men and joining upon the clear teaching of Scripture. Heirs of the Restoration Movement continue to call for the abandonment of creeds and a return to simple New Testament teaching. The plea "speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent" has been heralded as the way to unity.

Slogans can, however, become creedal statements. Religious creeds divide, and apparently so do slogans. Churches of Christ have been ravaged with division even though the call is for unity. The statement "speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where it is silent" has been the center of the controversy of how one is to interpret the silence of the Scriptures. If the Bible is silent on a matter, does that leave Christians free to use judgment on the matter or does it prohibit any action at all? Is silence permissive or prohibitive? Traditionally many within Churches of Christ have taken the position that silence prohibits action. Yet this has proven inconsistent and unrealistic. The claim that we must strictly follow the "pattern" in the New Testament would prohibit the use of airplanes to preach the gospel, the use of the Internet, and even word processors to write sermons. Usually, these practices are justified with the term "expediency." Yet this term is often used in a subjective way that is inconsistent and misleading.

It seems to me all the talk about "silence of the Scriptures" and "speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where it is silent" has created a confusing religious environment among us that only results in frustration and division. Surely God's word is simple to understand and does not require intricate theological training in hermeneutical methodology. God sent his word so that everyone can understand the truth from prince to peasant (John 8:31-32). I want to present a more simplistic approach to describing the way God authorizes religious action.

When God speaks, he says what he means to say and expect us to take it seriously. Early in his Word, God continually expresses the importance to "listen carefully" to what he has spoken and commanded (Deut. 5:1; 12:1; 15:5; 17:19; 19:9; 28:13; 32:46). In the Christian age, we are instructed to listen carefully to the instructions given through Jesus Christ (Mark 9:7). We must take the Word of God seriously as being the instructions that will guide us in all matters of religious faith and practice (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God says what he intends to say. In our faith we must operate by listening to the voice of God recorded in the pages of Scripture. God gives the level of specificity to his instructions that he intends to give. When God has been specific about something we are to do, then every other item of the same category is excluded. For instance, it can be established that the cumulative teaching of God directs that the correct method of New Testament baptism is immersion, therefore all other methods of baptism are excluded (sprinkling, pouring, etc.). The fact the the Bible is "silent" about baptism by sprinkling is really irrelevant. God was specific about what he desired. It really has nothing to do with silence; it has everything to do with the specificity of the command.

Sometimes, however, God's commands are only general in nature and he does not give specifics. When God has not been specific about a matter, then he leaves it up to our judgment and option in carrying it out. For example, God has instructed that Christians assemble together for worship (cf. 1 Cor. 11). Yet, a survey of New Testament teaching demonstrates that God has not been specific as to the location of the assembly. Therefore the decision as to where to meet is left up to the decision of Christians today (rented hall, owning a building, in a personal dwelling, etc). There are many areas in our faith that God has left up to our individual judgments or the discretion of the leadership of churches. Too much division has occurred among us when some people force their opinions and methods upon others as though theirs is the "only Scriptural way."

Too often I hear Christians say that we cannot do a certain thing in the church because "we don't have any example of that in the New Testament." Well, there are lots of things we do not have examples of that we constantly use in the church today (telephones, refrigerators, water fountains, electricity, etc.). It really is not a question of whether or not you have an "example" of something. The question is "what has God said?" We must carefully examine the total collection of God's instructions in his word and determine how specific he has been about something. If he has given specific instruction, we cannot vary from that. But if he has given general instruction, then the methods of obeying that instruction is up to our judgment and opinions.

The problem that often occurs is that some attempt to assemble verses together in such a way to make a pattern of religious methodology where God has not been specific. Thus, some have attempted to assign specificity to God's instructions where he has been general. Division occurs when these brethren force their twisted interpretations (opinions) upon others as though they were matters of faith and fellowship. Let us be very careful to listen to God's voice in Scripture. May we all strive to handle God's word correctly (2 Tim. 2:15) and determine where He has been specific and where he has left methods up to our own judgments.

Talking About Grace, Living By Law?

While discussing his religious upbringing, Philip Yancey makes an eye-opening statement about his early church experience. He says, "They talked about Grace but lived by Law; they spoke of love but showed signs of hate" (Church: Why Bother page 19).

Sometimes I wonder if I have been guilty of "talking about Grace but living by Law." We have had to fight many battles against the error of Calvinism and the concept of "the impossibility of apostasy." Clearly the Bible teaches that it is possible to be a genuine Christian and then turn your back on the faith, and thus loose your salvation (Heb. 6:4-6; 2 Peter 3:20-22; et. al.). But in our constant warnings that it is possible to "fall from grace," I wonder if we have left the average person thinking they have to constantly "work" to keep themselves saved. This too is grievous error. We are not saved by works, but by grace (Eph. 2:8-10). If we attempt to return to a "works-system" of salvation, ironically, it is then that we really fall from grace (Gal. 5:3-4). In our hurry to sound a warning that Christians "not fall from grace," we may have inadvertently caused them to actually fall from grace by trying to be saved by perfect law keeping.

"They talked about Grace but lived by Law; they spoke of love but showed signs of hate." --Philip Yancey

We are saved by grace, period. But we must remain under the protection of God's grace, just as we must "keep ourselves in the love of God" (Jude 21). As long as we have a genuine relationship with Christ and are on the pathway of light, grace continually covers us (1 John 1:9). If we ever venture away from Christ and into the darkness, we do not have the protection of grace (1 John 1:6). But we are saved by being "in Christ" and "in his grace" not by our own works or attempts at perfect law keeping.

When you live by a "Law-system mindset," spirituality becomes a burden and following God feels like slavery (Rom. 8:14-15). But Christ came to set us free from such a mindset (Gal. 5:1). When we stop living by Law and start living by grace, it is liberating. Suddenly following God does not feel like a burden but a joy. Working for God is no longer a "fear of doing enough to get to heaven." Rather, serving the Lord is a celebration of thanksgiving for the gift of his grace. Keeping Christ's commandments become a simple expression of loving Him (John 14:15).

Let us all not just talk about grace, but live by it!

Whoever is not against us if for us?

One of my friends recently e-mailed me with the following question:

I have a question concerning Mark 9:38. The one casting out demons in the name of Christ in the mentioned text was not hindered in doing so. The question asked of me in Wed. night class was since he was not hindered, do we hinder those who are doing things in the name of Christ, but are in denominational error?

I wrote him back with the following response:

This is a question that is often asked by members of the church and is a passage that is sometimes used as a "proof text" by those who are trying to justify denominational error and push joint fellowship with religious groups that are in error. There are two passages in Jesus' life that must be harmonized. The first is Mark 9:38-40, where Jesus says "he who is not against us is for us" (parallel passage in Luke 9:50). The next is Matthew 12:30, where Jesus says, "He who is not with Me is against Me" (parallel passage in Luke 11:23). So which is it? In one place Jesus says those that are not "with" him are against him; in the next he says those who are not "against" him are with him.
It seems to me that these passages can be harmonized. First, if one is not "with" Jesus (following his teachings and instructions) he is in effect "against" the work Jesus is doing. But, secondly, if one is "not against" Jesus (not teaching things that are contrary to Jesus' teaching and instructions) he is "with" Jesus. One who teaches error is not "with" Jesus. To teach things contrary to Jesus' teaching, in effect, is being "against" Jesus. Although some religious teachers might do many good things and promote the name of Christ, if they are not teaching the entire counsel of God they are working "against" Jesus. The true test of whether or not one has a real relationship with Jesus is based on whether or not Jesus' instructions are followed (see 1 John 2:4).
The context of Mark 9:38 apparently is a man who was keeping Jesus' instructions but was not physically following Jesus like the apostles were. One did not have to physically follow Jesus footprints across Galilee to be following in the footsteps of Jesus' teaching (cf. 1 Peter 2:21). This man was doing the work of Jesus and should not be hindered from doing it. A modern application: if a group of people read the New Testament and follow all of its teachings and decide to call themselves "Assembly of Christ" or "The Way" (both biblical names: Ephesians 5:24 and Acts 24:14) they should not be forced to put "church of Christ" on their sign by anyone. If they are doing Christ's will and following his teaching, "he who is not against us is for us." However, if a group calls themselves "church of Christ" (or any other name) yet promotes doctrinal error, "He who is not with Me is against Me."
A similar situation is found in the writings of Paul. There were some teachers that were taking advantage of the fact that Paul was in prison for the cause of the gospel. Because of their dislike for Paul, these teachers were preaching even more vigorously attempting to add affliction to Paul's suffering (Philippians 1:15-18). Surely these men were preaching from wrong motives. Some preach from wrong motives today (pridefully trying to make a name for themselves, for big salaries, etc.). While these motives are wrong, if the truth is being promoted we should rejoice. Paul says, "whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice" (Phil. 1:18). The physical location of people, the choice of a different biblical name, or the motivations of people are immaterial to the greater cause as long as the total truth of Christ is being proclaimed.

Do you have any thoughts?

Craving Light (Understanding)

I'm only five classes away from finishing a second Master's Degree. People often ask me, "why do you keep going back to school?" It seems that some that ask me this question have an natural aversion to education. Maybe they had bad experiences in school.

The reason that I keep going back to school is the same reason I keep buying and reading books. I crave to know. When commander Richard Byrd wrote about his six-month long journey to the South Pole, he wrote, "I find that I crave light as a thirsting man craves water." After weeks of seeming perpetual darkness, Byrd literally craved light. That is how I feel about gaining understanding and education about this world and the world to come.

The Bible directs us to seek out understanding and knowledge. The Proverbs declare, "Buy truth, and do not sell it get wisdom and instruction and understanding" (23:23). We must never be satisfied with our level of understanding. We are instructed to continually grow in knowledge (2 Peter 1:5). Christians never stop going to school. We must never stop learning.

May we all continue to sit at the feet of inspired writers as we daily pour over the words of inspired writ. May we all listen and watch attentively as God teaches us through the experiences of life. May we all crave light, like a thirsting man craves water. After all, Jesus came to give us light (John 1:4).

The Lost Tomb of Jesus?

by Jonathan B. Jones II
April 8, 2007
Summary: A recent documentary on the Discovery Channel claims that the "lost tomb" of Jesus has been discovered. Is this a legitimate archaeological discovery or a weapon of the anti-Christian agenda in this country? What are the theological ramifications of discovering Jesus' tomb?

Jesus' family tomb?
While building an apartment building, a construction crew digging in the Talpiot neighborhood of Old Jerusalem in 1980 unearthed an ancient tomb (Bryant 20). The Israel Antiquities Authority commissioned an archaeological team led by Amos Kloner to excavate the site. The tomb contained ten first century ossuaries (burial bone boxes) and six of them contained inscriptions. These inscriptions include the names "Mary," "Mariamene" "Judah, son of Jesus," "Matthew," and possibly "Jesus." For decades, archaeologists have known of this tomb and their inscriptions. Upon the discovery of this tomb, none of the archaeologists suggested that this was connected to any people recorded in the Bible.

This tomb is now receiving sensational attention, however. On March 4, 2007 the Discovery Channel aired the documentary "The Lost Tomb of Jesus." This program was produced by two movie directors: James Cameron (director of Titanic) and Simcha Jacobovici--neither of which have any training in archeology or science. This documentary claims that this tomb is the family burial tomb of Jesus of Nazareth containing the remains of Jesus, Mary (Jesus mother), Marianmene (supposed Mary Magdalene), Judah (supposed son of Jesus and Mary Magdalene) and an unidentified man named Matthew. The documentary claims that statistical analysis of first century names coupled with DNA testing prove this to be Jesus' family tomb.

Sensational Bible programs sell
Americans are interested in religion. Unfortunately, few are interested enough to engage in careful study. But most are attracted to eye-catching programs and documentaries on television, especially the sensational. The marketing potential of religion in films and television carries the potential of high ratings and box-office hits. The popularity of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code are evidence of this fact. It is highly suspicious that this program had its debut just prior to the Easter holiday when television and print capitalize on Christian themes.

The response of trained archaeologists
Of extreme interest in this discussion is the response of the Talpiot tomb's original lead excavator Amos Kloner to this new documentary. In an interview with David Horovitz for the Jerusalem Post, Kloner was asked, "What do you make of the assertion that Jesus and his family were buried there?" Kloner responded:

"It makes a great story for a TV film. But it's completely impossible. It's nonsense. There is no likelihood that Jesus and his relatives had a family tomb. They were a Galilee family with no ties in Jerusalem. The Talpiot tomb belonged to a middle class family from the 1st century CE."

Cameron's documentary claims that statistical analysis of the occurrence of these names demonstrate the tomb to be the resting place of Jesus' family. Yet, the name "Mary" (Maria) was the most popular first century name for a girl--with one in every five girls being named Mary (Bock, audio interview). Likewise, the name "Yeshua" (Jesus) was a highly popular male name. The fact that these names are all present in the same tomb proves nothing.

Why does it really matter?
Does it really matter if we have found the tomb of Jesus? Does it make any difference whether Jesus' bones have been discovered? What are the theological ramifications of finding Jesus' "family tomb?"

The claim is made by this documentary that after Jesus' death and burial (in Joseph of Arimathea's tomb?), his remains were then transferred into a bone box and buried in his family's tomb in Jerusalem (the Talpiot tomb). This constitutes a serious attack upon the Christian religion. The entire Christian faith is built upon the doctrine of the resurrection of physical body of Jesus Christ.

Jesus' resurrection--the Biblical record
It is argued that finding Jesus' family tomb and even his remains poses no real threat to the Christian faith. It is alleged in the documentary, "In theory, the ascension could have been spiritual, leaving his body behind." But this explanation denies the records of Jesus' life as found in the gospel accounts of the Bible. After his death and burial, the gospels record that Jesus appeared to many of his followers. On one occasion, Jesus appears to all the Apostles except Thomas (John 20:19-24). Thomas is hesitant to believe that Jesus has actually risen from the dead and objects that he needs physical proof of Jesus' wounds from the cross (20:25). One week later, Jesus appears again and this time Thomas is present. Jesus says to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into my side..." (20:27). Jesus himself demonstrates that his resurrection was not spiritual, rather His physical body was raised back to life. The tomb of Jesus was empty because Jesus' physical body was alive again (cf. Mark 16:6).

On another occasion, Jesus appeared to some of his disciples and they thought that they were seeing a spirit (Luke 24:37). Jesus refutes this idea by saying, "See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have" (24:39). The records of Jesus' life strongly affirm that Jesus experienced a physical-bodily resurrection from the dead. Later, when Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles his physical body ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9). It was this eyewitness account that prompted Peter to proclaim on Pentecost that David had "looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh suffer decay" (Acts 2:31).

Jesus' resurrection--the foundational doctrine
The truth of Jesus' physical-bodily resurrection is the foundational doctrine for the entire Christian faith. If Jesus' physical remains are still housed in a bone-box or within a family tomb, the entire Christian religion crumbles. The truth of the bodily-resurrection of Jesus is the main tenet of the Christian system.

If the resurrection of Jesus' physical body is false, the repercussions are catastrophic to Christian faith. Paul explores this concept in a letter to the church at Corinth. Paul first affirms that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are matters of "first importance" in the gospel plan (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The truth of Jesus' bodily resurrection is demonstrated by the multiplicity of eye-witnesses of the event including more than five hundred people on one occasion (15:5-8). Yet, some in Corinth were denying the truth of a Christian's hope of future resurrection from the dead. Paul logically demonstrates how that the doctrine of resurrection is the keystone of the entire Christian faith. The entire Christian faith is destroyed if the resurrection is false. Let us follow Paul's logic:

1. If Christians will not experience a bodily resurrection one day, then Christ's body was not resurrected (15:13).
2. If Christ's body was not resurrected, then preaching is in vain and faith is vain (15:14).
3. If the Apostles' preaching was vain, then they were false witnesses and liars (15:15).
4. If the Apostles' were false witnesses, then your faith is worthless (15:17).
5. If your faith is worthless, then you are still in your sins (15:17).
6. If Christians are still in their sins, then Christians who have already died are eternally lost (15:18).
7. If the benefit of hoping in Christ is limited to this life only, then Christians are to be pitied and are the most mislead and miserable people on earth (15:19).

Clearly, the truth of Jesus physical-bodily resurrection is integral to all that Christians believe. Christianity stands or falls depending upon whether Jesus tomb is empty or not.

Did the disciples move Jesus' body?
The Discovery Channel documentary suggests that after Jesus' crucifixion he was buried in a the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, as the biblical record states. However, after this "first burial" the program takes a drastic turn away from Christian theology. One "scholar" named James Tabor is interviewed in the program and he mockingly declares that the Christian faith says Jesus "magically disappeared" from that tomb. He argues that "if you are going to be historical and realistic" the historical evidence demonstrates that first century burial practices dictated that Jesus' remains would have been later moved to a second grave site.

The burial practices in first century Palestine were unique. Usually, a body would be first buried in a tomb and allowed to decompose for approximately one year. Later, family members would return to the tomb and retrieve the bones of their departed loved one. Those bones would then be placed in an decorative ossuary (bone-box). The ossuary would sometimes be inscribed with the decease's name and then would be placed inside the family's grave plot. This is what the Discovery Channel documentary claims happened to Jesus. It is affirmed that Jesus tomb was empty because his disciples (or family members) returned and removed his remains to be placed in an ossuary and buried in the family tomb. It is this tomb and "Jesus' ossuary" that Cameron and Jacobovici have claimed to have discovered.

Had Jesus merely been an ordinary first century man this would have likely been the record of his burial. Not believing in supernatural phenomenon and likely denying the true divinity of Jesus, critics like the producers of this documentary try to find naturalistic explanations for the events of the Bible. It would certainly look "unscientific" for the Discovery Channel to admit the reality of a genuine miraculous resurrection. Therefore, the academic rationalization is given that Jesus body simply experienced the customary burial practice of the first century, while the disciples began a myth that Jesus had been "raised from the dead." The producers of this docudrama assert that the true story of Jesus is hidden in the words of Matthew's gospel, "His disciples came by night and stole Him away" (Matt. 28:13). A careful observer will note the inconsistency of this explanation as normal burial custom would wait a year before returning to the tomb, while the soldiers needed to explain while Jesus body was missing after only about 37 hours after his burial. Additionally, the soldiers had to be bribed with money to go around telling this story (Matt. 28:12). Only those who have something to hide need to be bribed. The soldiers had witnessed something that they could not explain at Jesus' tomb.

Jesus family and his true identity
Jesus was born to Mary as she miraculously conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:20, 25). After Jesus' birth, Joseph and Mary produced four sons: James, Joseph, Simon and Judas (Matt. 13:55). In addition, they had at least two daughters (Matt. 13:56). Jesus grew up in his childhood home in Nazareth as the oldest of at least six other children. During his life and teaching ministry, Jesus physical brothers (half-brothers) did not believe Him to be the Son of God (John 7:5). If Jesus' brothers had known that the "rumor" of His resurrection was simply a hoax orchestrated by His followers, they would have doubtless exposed the conspiracy and revealed the location of the family tomb where Jesus' remains could be found.

Yet, this is not what happened. Rather than continuing in their doubt about their half-brother, Jesus' brothers suddenly experience a dramatic change of belief about Jesus. Paul records that after Jesus' death, He physically appeared to His brother James (1 Cor. 15:7). James and Jesus' other brothers suddenly are found assembled with other followers of Jesus (Acts 1:14). James becomes a major leader in the church at Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; Gal. 1:19). Eventually, two of Jesus' brothers (James and Jude) become the authors of two New Testament documents.

Would they die for a lie?

How can one account for the dramatic change of life of Jesus' own brothers? Some might argue that they saw something to gain by joining this movement to commemorate Jesus such as popularity or wealth. If this had been the case, perhaps they would have had a motive for conspiring to hide Jesus' body and begin a rumor of his resurrection. In reality, however, there was no popularity or wealth to gain by following Jesus; rather, the consequences would bring persecution and death.

The church historian Eusebius and the Jewish historian Josephus both record that the Jews executed James by throwing him from the pinnacle of the temple and then finished the job by stoning him to death in 66 A.D. Eusebius (quoting Clement) says that James was killed because he was persuading many to believe in Jesus as he proclaimed, "Why do ye ask me concerning Jesus, the Son of Man? He himself sitteth in heaven at the right hand of the great Power, and is about to come upon the clouds of heaven" (Church History Book II 23.13). James was boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus and he was killed for it. If Jesus' remains had been transported to the family tomb, certainly James would have known it. Certainly, James would not have been willing to die for something he knew was a lie. The only explanation for this dramatic change of belief in James is that he had been convinced of Jesus' true identity being an eyewitness of the bodily-resurrected Jesus (cf. 1 Cor. 15:7).

This same dramatic change of behavior is seen in Jesus disciples also. After Jesus' death, his Apostles were disillusioned believing that the cause of Christ had been eradicated with their Teacher's death. The Apostles returned to the occupations they had left before following Jesus (John 21:3). But suddenly the disheartened and doubtful followers are again boldly proclaiming the message of Jesus even to their own deaths. These disciples who were discouraged after Jesus' death are dramatically re-energized in their preaching of Jesus. For their preaching the followers are beaten, imprisoned, and even executed (Acts 4:3, 5:40, 7:59-60; 12:2). And yet, the threat of persecution, torture, and death did not deter Jesus' followers from continuing to preach his message. Rather, the disciples rejoiced that they were "worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). How can one account for this change of behavior? The followers of Jesus doubtless experienced something that convinced them that Jesus had not been defeated by death (cf. Acts 3:15).

Why all this hype now?

The bodily-resurrection of Jesus Christ is the crucial doctrine of the Christian faith. But it is not an esoteric belief that one must "take a leap of faith" to accept. One can logically examine the evidence and demonstrate that the bodily-resurrection of Jesus was an actual historical event.

But why does there seem to be such an increase in movies, television documentaries, and periodicals that are giving these sensational naturalistic explanations of Christian theology and beliefs? The reason: people are ripe for it. Biblical illiteracy is extremely high and so is Americans' thirst for the sensational (and everyone seems to love a conspiracy theory). These type of programs get high television ratings and rake in piles of advertising dollars.

But perhaps there is even something more sinister afoot. There is an major agenda in our America today attempting to erase everything Christian from the landscape. The agenda is really an "anti-Christ" movement! If hedonistic and materialistic people can erase the idea of a supreme being from the minds of the public, then no one will stand and condemn their immoral behavior. The movement is humanistic and hedonistic in its desire. Let us be prepared to defend the truth of Jesus (1 Peter 3:15) and not give ourselves over to myths.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths" (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

Resources and Links:

1. Bryant, Dewayne. "The Lost Tomb of Jesus." Think Magazine April 2007: 20-21.
2. Horovitz, David. "Kloner: A Great Story But NonSense." The Jerusalem Post 27 Feb. 2007 <http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1171894527185&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull> 3 April 2007.
3. Audio interview with Dr. Darrell Bock (author of Breaking the DaVinci Code) from Dallas Theological Seminary.
4. Pamphilius, Eusebius. Church History. Book II 23.18. <http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.vii.xxiv.html> 4 April 2007.
5. Josephus, Flavius. Antiquities of the Jews. Book XX 9.1. <http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/text/josephus/ant20.html> 4 April 2007.

Is That in the Bible?!

People have strange ideas about the Bible. I remember someone saying that the Bible says, "A whistling woman and crowing rooster are an abomination." In case you didn't already know, the Bible nowhere says that. There are many things that people think that the Bible says that it does not actually say. By the same token, there are many amazing things in the Bible that many people don't know are there. Here are some amazing things that you may not know are in the Bible:

1. God used a beauty pageant to save the Israelite nation from genocide (Esther 2:8-13ff).
2. The Bible calls sexual intimacy in marriage the "sweetest of all songs" and God inspired an entire book of the Bible about it (Song of Songs 1:1).
3. The spiritual battles taking place within our world sometimes delay the answer to our prayers. [Daniel had been praying for three weeks. An angel had been sent out from the first day Daniel prayed but was delayed because of a spiritual battle (read Daniel 10:2, 12-13ff)].
4. There are different types of angels. The "cherubim" have four wings (Ezek. 10:18-22) and the "seraphim" have six wings (Isaiah 6:2).
5. The little shepherd boy David (soon to be King David) was a red head (1 Sam. 16:12; "ruddy" means red).
6. The book of Ruth was written to trace King David's lineage. David became a "man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22) because of the conversion of his great-grandmother Ruth (Ruth 3:18-22).

Pick up your Bible and read it everyday. You never know what you will find!

Free Bible Study Videos On-line

Jody Apple has provided a tremendous reservoir of study material on his website theBible.net. Especially helpful are several full Bible courses on various topics that you can download to your computer or watch streaming online. These classes are taught by trusted preachers within the churches of Christ and is made possible by World Video Bible School (the same brethren who produced the Searching for Truth DVD). If you would like to take your Bible study "to the next level" let me encourage you to work your way through some of these classes. Of extreme interest is the fact that the entire Warren-Flew Debate on the existence of God is available also!

A Wise Old Bible Student

“A Wise Old Bible Student”

by Jonathan Jones II

A truth-seeking man studied God’s Book,
While studying, inside himself he did look.
Only his own will for years had he sought,
He had not served God, in the way that he ought.

For years he had tried to find ways out,
Avoiding obedience, taking a rebel’s dark route.
Often he claimed, the Bible doesn’t say not to!
Now broken and searching he read the old Book anew.

No longer was he seeking to justify himself,
Looking to know God he approached his bookshelf.
Opening the Bible, God’s will he would obey,
No longer would he do everything his own way.

What does God want for me and my life?
This was his prayer, “Bring peace amid strife.”
God’s word would guide all his days left ahead,
But there were many things that the Bible left unsaid.

God’s silence once gave him permission to do,
anything and everything that he wanted it to.
But now this man genuinely wanted to know,
“What has God said? Which way should I go?”

One thing was for certain, God must be held above all,
He is the Master and Lord, before Him we must fall.
With purpose God speaks and intentionally he rests,
Treat God as holy, two of the sons of Aaron can attest.

God says what he means, don’t go beyond his Word,
When we listen and obey God’s holy name is honored.
Blessed is this man who puts God’s will always first,
Speak in God’s silence, the gamble may end in a curse.

Build Your Bible Study Library

Click on any of these books and order them cheaper than retail online from Christian Book Distributors.com

"Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible"
Description: This super value edition of a classic study resource helps those with limited or no background in Hebrew or Greek to study the meaning of biblical words in the original languages.

"Nave's Topical Bible"
Description: Nave's Topical Bible is the classic topical Bible that features 100,000 Bible passages organized under more than 20,000 topics. A favorite for over eighty years, Nave's Topical Bible is an indispensable tool for serious study of the Scriptures. Includes Fan-Tab Thumb-Index Reference System. The time-tested choice for finding what the Bible says on over 20,000 topics. Nave's Topical Bible features 100,000 Scripture passages arranged under more than 20,000 headings by topic or idea, not merely by word. Arranged alphabetically and with complete system of cross references, you can find the information you need on any subject - an A to Z of ideas, concepts and information that helps you get the most out of your Bible Study. Every possible shade of meaning has been considered to make this exhaustive resource an indispensable tool for serious study of the Scriptures.

"Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words"
Description: This edition of a legendary classic puts generations of biblical research at your fingertips. It gives you all the classic features of the full-size concordance in a smaller, more convenient form.

"Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible"
Description: Matthew Henry had the rare ability to express profound spiritual insights with simplicity and eloquence. Over the years his writings have been read for both their scholarship and devotion, and none more than the classic Commentary of the Whole Bible.

Nelson's Super Value Series, 7 Volumes
Descripti on: Wow! Seven classic Bible references for less than $100? Yes! Whether you're a pastor, student, or layperson, your library isn't complete without this affordable collection. Dig deeper into Scripture as you learn about the secular and religious traditions of biblical times, theological fine points of Scripture, meanings and locations of Old and New Testament words, and more. Hardcovers.

Halley's Bible Handbook
Description: This is one of the all-time best-selling Bible handbooks! Since its 1927 publication, Halley's has offered millions of readers a wealth of Bible information in a simple and easy-to-understand format. It includes a concise Bible commentary, important archaeological discoveries, historical background information, church history, maps, and much more. 864 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

New Unger's Bible Dictionary
Description: An indispensable tool for any Bible student! You'll find more photos (including hundreds in color), more maps, improved illustrations, and comprehensive revisions of the popular original Unger's Bible Dictionary. The text is compatible with most major translations, and it's clearly written and easy to understand. 1416 pages, hardcover from Moody.

Wycliffe Bible Dictionary
Description: Comprehensive enough to satisfy the avid student, and inexpensive enough to meet the needs of the layperson! This Bible dictionary gives you extensive information on every proper name and place in Scripture, as well as doctrinal, historical, and theological topics. Includes articles by more than 200 leading evangelical scholars, photos, maps, charts, and more! 1871 pages, hardcover from Hendrickson.

NASB Exhaustive Concordance
Description: An essential resource for those who prefer the literal translation of the updated NASB. This study tool features more than 400,000 entries that list every NASB word alphabetically, with each book, chapter, and verse where the word appears. It also includes Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries, and an enhanced Strong's numbering system. Cross-referenced with the BDB Hebrew Lexicon. 1600 pages, hardcover.

New American Standard Study Bible
Description: Today's most literal Bible translation has been updated and combined with world-class study notes to become a premier study Bible. This edition is the most exhaustive, up to-date study Bible available in the NASB. It is a completeresource library at your fingertips.Features Include:-The most comprehensive, up to date NASB study Bible available, combining the best in biblical scholarship with today's most literal English translation.-Over 20,000 in text notes adapted from the best-sellingNIV Study Bible.-Book introductions and outlines; author information,dates; interpretation helps; themes; and archaeologicalhistorical, and literary information.-Center column cross reference system.-80 in text maps and charts.-Concordance.-Subject and study note indexes.-23 pages of full color maps and timelines.-8 page presentation section.-23 pages of full color maps and timelines.-Double column format.-8.9 point type.

How We Got the Bible (revised and expanded edition)
By Neil R. Lightfoot
Description: How We Got the Bible provides well-researched, accessible answers to many questions like these. Learn about the first materials used to write down the words of Scripture. Uncover the facts of some of history's most fascinating archaeological discoveries, including those of the Sinaitic Manuscript, the Oxyrhynchus Papyri, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Travel through history, from Jerome to Tyndale and beyond, as Neil R. Lightfoot discusses the origin, transmission, and translation of the Bible.Illustrations and review questions at the end of each chapter make this book ideal for either individual or group study. Concise and engaging, How We Got the Bible is a useful resource for anyone who wants to know the story behind the most widely read book of all time.Neil R. Lightfoot (Ph.D., Duke University) serves as Frank Pack Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. He is the author of several books, including Everyone's Guide to Hebrews.

Other Recommended Books (available from various sources)

Questions and Answers

Written by the late Guy N. Woods after his fifteen or so years of conducting the Annual Freed-Hardeman College Lectureship Open Forum.

The Acts of the Apostles: from Jerusalem to Rome
By Wayne Jackson
Christianity has been the most powerful religious force in the history of Western civilization. Whence its origin? It exploded into existence in Jerusalem twenty centuries ago, and swept across the landscape of antique society like a storm in full fury. By the time of Stephen's death, Jerusalem could boast of 20,000 Christians. As the first century drew to a close, there were more than 100,000 people professing to follow Christ in Rome alone.
The book of Acts is the exciting record of the establishment and growth of the church of Christ -- from Jerusalem to Rome. It was written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit by Luke, one of the most brilliant historians ever to put pen to parchment. For many years, the book of Acts was a favorite target of biblical critics; time and again, though, it has been vindicated by the discoveries of archaeology.
Wayne Jackson has produced a commentary on the book of Acts that is scholarly; yet, is very readable. This volume will be an enrichment to Bible students for generations.

The Bible Translation Controversy (Expanded Edition)
By Wayne Jackson
Which translation of the Bible is the "right" translation? Some view with suspicion most anyone who uses any Bible translation other than the King James Version. Others, with an equal lack of discernment, exhibit little interest in a textuallyy accurate edition of God's Holy Book.
To what extent this little volume has helped bring some measure of understanding to this controversy we cannot know for certain. We can only say that a great number of highly respected, competent Bible students have pronounced this modest effort one of the more rational, even-handed discussions to make its presence felt in almost a score of years. For those accolades we have been extremely grateful.
We now commit this latest edition to the brotherhood of Christ in the hope that abiding good will be the result.