The True Word of God

The Bible makes the claim: "All Scripture is inspired by God" (2 Tim. 3:16). Since God is perfect, it would stand to reason that His word is perfect.

This is exactly what we find with the Bible. Despite the fact that it was written by about 40 different authors in three different languages over a period of 1500 years, there is perfect harmony throughout. A proof that the Bible is a product of divine origin, not from the mind of man.

Contrast this with another book claiming to be of divine origin, the Qur'an. The Qur'an originated in the mind of man. As a result, it does not have the harmony found in the Bible. But those who wrote the Qur'an were clever. They provided a loophole to explain any contradiction:

"Whatever communications We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Do you know that Allah has power over all things?" (Qur'an 2:106)

So if you're a Muslim reading the Qur'an and find a passage that contradicts another, what do you do? Simple: believe whatever came later. After all, who's to say that Allah cannot change his mind? Personally, I would not expect fickle to be a characteristic of Almighty God.

The Bible needs no such loophole. Jesus simply said, "the Scripture cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35). How sharp the contrast between the true word of God and a fraud.

Of First Importance

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

Paul told the Corinthians that he had and was presently preaching the gospel to them (v. 1). The reason why it was important is because the gospel brings salvation (v. 2). It is “the power of God for salvation” (Rom. 1:16). In the preaching of the gospel, that which is “of first importance” is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

This is not to say that nothing else is important. We must obey the commands revealed in the gospel (Mt. 28:20). We are to follow the pattern revealed in the New Testament (2 Tim. 1:13). But the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the gospel message.

We have the opportunity to be “reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Rom. 5:10). After being reconciled, we have the hope of being “united with Him...in the likeness of His resurrection” (Rom. 6:5). Salvation would not be possible without the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

We are to remember the death of Christ weekly as we partake of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-26). But given the importance of this, we should remember it more than just one day a week. Let us think of these things often as we strive to serve the Lord.

The Lost Tomb of Jesus?

A documentary that aired recently on the Discovery Channel entitled "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" has caused quite a stir among many. In the film, it is claimed that the tomb of Jesus Christ has been discovered. While those who believe the Bible understand that Jesus ascended to heaven as His apostles looked on (Acts 1:9-11), it is good for us to learn how to answer the skeptic. Ethan Longhenry has written a good rebuttal to the claims made in the documentary which is posted on the Renewed in Spirit website. I encourage you to read his article.

"The Lost Tomb of Jesus": A Review

Banner of the Cross

I have started printing a monthly bulletin called Banner of the Cross. You can follow the link below to read the first issue. I am currently using this as a bulletin for the congregation where I preach regularly. Since it contains only articles and no announcements specific to that congregation, it can easily be used by others in different places. The intent is to include articles that will be beneficial to both Christians and non-Christians. Most of the articles will be ones that have appeared here or on PlainBibleTeaching.com. If you are interested in using BOTC, you can download the current issue in PDF format from that page, print it out, and make as many copies as you need. I hope this might be a helpful resource for you.

Banner of the Cross

The Lamp - February 2007

The February issue of The Lamp is now online. This month's article discusses God's desire for man to return to Him.

"Return to Me" by Matt Nevins

The Lamp

PBT - March 2007

The March issue of Plain Bible Teaching is now online with the following articles:

Rightly Dividing the Word by Andy Sochor
Did Alexander Campbell Start the Church of Christ? by Justin Monts
"Preach Christ, Not the Church" by Andy Sochor
Local Church Autonomy by Andy Sochor

You can read these articles by clicking on the link below. I hope you find this material helpful.

Plain Bible Teaching