Is the Bible Trustworthy?


“You cannot trust the Bible because it’s been translated too many times.” So say skeptics that hope to destroy the Bible’s influence, or liberals seeking a less stringent form of Christianity. Both camps desire to minimize or eliminate God’s inspired commands so that individuals are free to choose according to their hearts desires or “What is right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6). 


The aforementioned argument is frequently cited – “We cannot trust the Bible because it has been translated too many times.”Such a statement is patently false because it assumes that we do not have access to early manuscripts in the original languages. Thus we are forced to rely on “rough copies” that have been modified countless times through the years. 


In reality, we have THOUSANDS of early manuscripts of the Bible in the original Greek and Hebrew languages. The Dead Sea Scrolls, found in 1947, date back to the period between Malachi and Matthew. Most New Testament manuscripts date from the second century AD (1800 years ago!), and several from the days of the apostles. Comparisons between accurate modern translations and early manuscripts confirm that our Bible is virtually identical to what was written nearly two thousand years ago.


Moreover, most modern translators are experts in the original languages of the Bible; moreover they are familiar with the idioms and meanings of words and phrases used in Biblical times. Thus they are more than capable of accurately translating them into English and other languages.


You can trust the Bible! It is the product of thousands of tedious hours of study, examination and cross referencing in order to communicate God’s word as it was originally given by inspiration - 2 Tim. 3:16.


“Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it.” (Psa. 119:140)


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis

A Tribute to Bible Class Teachers
(Author Unknown)


I dreamed the pearly gates were opened wide
And I had entered in, for I had died.
And now must give account of all my acts.
I saw a book there opened with the facts.
 
I thought, “My role upon the earth was small
Just teaching in a Bible School, my call.”
For I saw all the saints of God up there.
And mine was, at most, a meager share.
 
I heard the Master call for my report;
I stood afraid, for mine . . . was short.
I trembled and felt I would not pass,
Then whispered, “I just taught a Bible class.”
 
And from the throne I heard His voice, “Well Done!
Come in and share eternal life, my son;
Although your place was humble and obscure,
You led the thirsty to the Waters Pure.”
 
And then it seemed that from eternal plains,
There came the sound of voices in refrain
Then rolled across the mighty sea of glass,
“There are the great . . . the teachers of a class.”
 
When I awoke I thought of those I’d taught,
And in their lives, what glory had wrought,
I prayed to God, and all that I could say,
“Make me a better teacher day by day.”
 
And you who teach this Christian way to live
May feel some times you’re asked too much to give;
But . . . someday you will reap eternal joys
Because you lead to Christ these girls and boys.


May God richly bless and reward all of our wonderful Bible Class Teachers.


Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

Follow the Leader


Children enjoy playing, “Follow the leader". Attempting to mimic every move of the leader is stimulating and fun. Although the "followers” may not imitate the leader perfectly, they rarely give up trying.
 
Should it not be the same with Christians? There is no question that Jesus calls all men to follow Him. He commanded,
·        “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and FOLLOW ME.” Mt. 16:24
·        "My sheep hear my voice and FOLLOW ME." Jn. 10:27
·        "If any man serves me, let him FOLLOW ME." John 12:26

Why follow Jesus? Below are 3 good reasons:

1. Because of what He DID for us:
·        He left heaven and came to earth - Phil. 2:6-9.
·        He became poor that we might be rich – 2 Cor. 8:9.
·        He suffered in order to aid us – Heb. 2:18.
·        He was punished in our place - Isa. 53:5
·        He gave His life that we might live - Heb. 7:27.

2. Because of what He is DOING for us:
·        He is in the presence of God on our behalf – Heb. 9:24.
·        He is making intercession for us – Heb. 7:25.
·        He is advocating for our benefit - 1 Jn. 2:1
·        He is preparing a place for us – Jn. 14:2.
·        He is with us right now - Mt. 28:20.

3. Because of what He WILL do for us:
·        He is coming back to get us - 1 Thess. 4:16-17.
·        He will present us with a crown of life – Jam, 1:12, Rev. 2:10.
·        He will give us joint ownership in heaven – Mt. 25:34, Rom. 8:17.
·        He will grant us treasures that last forever – 1 Pet. 1:3.
·        He will be with us forever – 1 Thess. 4:17b.

Children may play “Follow the Leader” to win a small prize. But those of us that follow Jesus to the end will receive far more - Rev. 2:10. "Where He leads me I will follow."

Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis

WANTED: HUMILITY


John 13 describes one of the most astounding scenes in the Bible. Jesus Christ, the Son of God “…laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to WASH THE DISCIPLES' FEET, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded" John 13:4-5.


Perhaps no other event in history more vividly depicts the definition of HUMILITY as that scene. And it should be remembered that Jesus also washed the feet of the one that would subsequently betray Him.


Have you ever wondered why our Lord chose to so GRAPHICALLY demonstrate the meaning of humility? Could He not have simply spoken about it? Perhaps it was because words sometimes fall short of conveying the importance of a vital attitude. In fact, Jesus had previously spoken of the need for humility in Mt. 20:26-28, Mt. 23:3-12 and Lk. 14:11. He apparently felt that a DEMONSTRATION was now in order.


And not surprisingly, as the sin of PRIDE frequently reared its ugly head among the disciples. They debated numerous times about which was the greatest (Lk. 9:46ff) and two of them even sought a guarantee from Jesus of great positions in the kingdom – Mk. 10:35ff. They NEEDED an unforgettable object lesson in humility.


Is it any different with us? How many times have you or I envied the attention, prominence, position or achievements of others? Or proudly shared some accomplishment or achieved goal of our own? Or felt deserving of more notice or praise from others?


Jesus, however, taught that we have it “backwards". True greatness is not about what is due us, but doing everything possible for others. After washing the disciples feet, Jesus said, "I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you" (Jn. 13:15).


The list of things that can be done to serve others is endless - teaching, running errands, visiting, sending cards, making calls, donating money or necessities, and more. Doing so will not make us famous here, but wait and see what God has in store when you get to heaven!


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis

​