"THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY" The Duties Of Wives by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/christian-home-family/hf_03.html

"THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY"

The Duties Of Wives

INTRODUCTION

1. Marriage as a sacred institution joins together a man and a woman...
1. Husband and wife in holy matrimony
2. Each with their God-given duties to one another
2. Previously, we considered the duties of husbands, who are commanded...
1. Love their wives
2. Respect their wives
3. Support their wives

[Now letis consider what the inspired apostles of Christ taught were the duties of wives, beginning with one that seems to offend many today...]

1. SUBMIT TO YOUR HUSBANDS!
1. DEFINING THE WORD "SUBMIT"...
1. The Greek word is hupotasso - to subordinate, to obey
2. To be under obedience, in subjection to, submit self unto - Strong's
3. To submit to the orders or directives of someone - Louw Nida
4. An example: Jesus submitting to the will of His Father - Jn 6:38
2. WIVES ARE TO SUBMIT TO THEIR HUSBANDS...
1. As the church submits to Christ, in everything - Ep 5:22-24
1. Presuming that it is in keeping with the will of God - Ac 5:29
2. For husbands must not abuse their authority - 1Pe 3:7
3. Indeed, husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church - Ep 5:25-27
2. Even as Christians wives are to submit to:
1. God - Jm 4:17
2. The government - Ro 13:1-5; 1Pe 2:13-15
3. Their masters - 1Pe 2:18; 3:1
4. Their elders - He 13:17; 1Pe 5:5
5. One another - 1Pe 5:5; Ep 5:21
3. Without nagging, with gentleness and quietness - 1Pe 3:1-4
4. With respect, even as Sarah respected Abraham - 1Pe 3:5-6; cf. Ep 5:33
3. WHEN WIVES FAIL TO SUBMIT...
1. It is not fitting in the Lord - Col 3:18
1. Grk., aneko - to pertain to what is due, duty, as was fitting
2. In keeping with Jesus' own teaching and example - cf. Mt 20:25-28
2. The family unit will often be in turmoil
1. To have a social organization that is functional, you must have some chain of authority
2. God is the head of Christ, Christ the head of man, man the head of woman - 1Co 11:3
3. In the family, it is Godis Will the husband be the head of the wife, and that parents be over their children - otherwise, the family will be dysfunctional
3. God will not be gracious to them - 1Pe 5:5
1. God gives grace to those who humbly submit
2. He will not grant favor to those who proudly resist His will
3. Just the prayers of a husband who mistreats and disrespects his wife are hindered, so the prayers of a wife who refuses to submit to her husband! - cf. 1Pe 3:7
4. It may even have a bearing on the sexual orientation of the children!
1. A study by Dr. Irving Bieber was made of the family background of 106 male homosexuals
2. Dr. Bieber found that 81 mothers were dominating
-- What Everyone Should Know About Homosexuality, LaHaye, p. 71-72

[Sadly, lives are ruined when people wonit listen to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. Wives need to submit to their husbands, just as Christians are to submit to Christ. Another admonition...]

2. LOVE YOUR HUSBANDS!
1. WITH AFFECTION...
1. "admonish the young women to love their husbands" - Tit 2:4
1. Grk., philandrous - "fond of man, i.e. affectionate as a wife" - Strong's
2. "pertaining to having affection for a husband --'having love for one's husband, having affection for oneis husband.'" - Louw-Nida
2. This affection is something that can be taught (learned); if needed, seek advice from a mature sister in Christ - Tit 2:3-4
2. WITH INTIMACY...
1. To prevent unfaithfulness - 1Co 7:2
2. Rendering affection properly due, not withholding marital rights- 1Co 7:3-4
3. Abstaining only with mutual consent, for the purpose of prayer - 1Co 7:5

[Just as husbands are commanded to love their wives, so the wives are commanded to love their husbands. If the original love has been lost, it needs to be re-learned! Finally, wives must...]

3. MANAGE THE HOME!
1. AS HOMEMAKERS...
1. "to be discrete, chaste, homemakers, good" - Tit 2:5
1. Grk., oikourous - "a stayer at home, i.e. domestically inclined" - Strong's
2. "one who works in the home - 'one who takes care of the home, homemaker.'" - Louw-Nida
2. "manage the house" - 1Ti 5:14
1. Grk., oikodespoteo - to be the head of (i.e. rule) a family: guide the house - Strong's
2. "to command and give leadership to a household -- eto direct a household, to manage a home.i" - Louw-Nida
3. This also can be learned from older sisters in Christ - Tit 2:3-5
2. AS MOTHERS...
1. Note the instructions for young widows: "marry, bear children" - 1Ti 5:14
1. Grk., teknogoneo - "to be a child-bearer, i.e. parent (mother)" - Strong's
2. "to give birth to a child" - Louw-Nida
2. The primary design of marriage is to start a family; if a young wife is unable to bear a child, adoption if certainly a viable and wonderful option!

CONCLUSION

1. The Christian wife is a woman who...
1. Submits to her husband with respect
2. Loves her husband with affection
3. Manages her home and her children
2. This is because the Christian wife is a woman who...
1. Is a Christian first, and a wife second
2. Gladly accepts the Biblical injunctions given her as a wife
3. Looks to the Word of God and prayer for the strength she needs to fulfill her duty
3. When a woman is a Christian wife...
1. She is more likely loved and respected by her husband
2. She is more likely the sort of wife she should be
3. The children are more likely as they should be

In our next lesson, we shall consider the duties of parents. In the meantime, some additional food for thought for wives...

The 10 Commandments of Wives

1. Expect not your husband to give you as many luxuries as your father has given you after many years of hard labor. (Php 4:11; Am 4:1)
2. You shall work hard to build your house with the husband that you have, not fantasizing about "the one that could have been". (Pr 14:1)
3. You shall not nag...hit him with your frying pan, it is kindlier. (Pr 27:15; 21:19)
4. You shall coddle your husband and be a warm wife. (1Co 7:3-5)
5. Remember that the frank approval of your husband is more to you than the side glances of many strangers. (Eze 16:32; 2Pe 2:14)
6. You shall not yell at your husband but will be a gentle and quiet spirit. (1Pe 3:1-4)
7. Permit no one to assure you that you are having a hard time of it. (1Pe 5:9)
8. You shall not fail to dress up for your husband with an eye to please him, as you did before marriage. (So 4:9-11)
9. You shall submit to your husband from your heart and allow him to be head of the household. (Col 3:18; 1Pe 3:6; Ep 5:33)
10. You shall assure your husband and others that he is the greatest man alive. (Php 2:3; So 5:9-16)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY" The Duties Of Husbands by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/christian-home-family/hf_02.html

"THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY"

The Duties Of Husbands

INTRODUCTION

1. Our previous lesson argued that marriage is not an institution...
1. Created and designed by man or the state
2. Subject to alteration by societal whims
2. But rather, that marriage is a sacred institution...
1. Instituted by God in the beginning
2. Regulated by Jesus and His apostles in the Word of God
3. Reserved for sexual intimacy between a man and a women
3. Indeed, marriage is a successful institution...
1. When we follow the Biblical injunctions concerning it
2. When members of the family fulfill their proper roles
3. Preventing marriage and family from becoming an emotional and psychological straitjacket, the proverbial ball and chain, and source of much strife and hurt in one's life

[What are those Biblical injunctions concerning the proper roles of the members of the family? Let's first consider the duties of husbands...]

1. LOVE YOUR WIVES!
1. HUSBANDS ARE TO LOVE THEIR WIVES...
1. As Christ loved the church - Ep 5:25-27,29
1. He gave Himself for the church!
2. He nourishes and cherishes the church!
2. As they love their own bodies - Ep 5:28-29
1. Which they nourish and cherish
2. Which they handle with care
3. Free from bitterness - Col 3:19
1. That is, resentment or hate
2. Often accompanied with wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking - cf. Ep 4:31
2. HUSBANDS ARE TO LOVE THEIR WIVES...
1. With "agape" love (active good will)
1. Which is commanded - Ep 5:25
2. Which is defined - 1Co 13:4-8
3. The same sort of love we are to have toward God and all men
2. With "phileo" love (sentimental, affectionate)
1. As one would have for his own body - Ep 5:29
2. As parents would have for their children - cf. Ep 6:4; 1Th 2:7
3. With "eros" love (sexual)
1. Joining together as one flesh - Ep 5:31
2. Providing physical attention and affection due the wife - cf. 1Co 7:2-5

[Husbands have a duty to love their wives in every way! They also have the duty to...]

2. RESPECT YOUR WIVES!
1. BY HOW YOU TREAT THEM...
1. With understanding - 1Pe 3:7
1. In an understanding way - ESV
2. Be considerate - NIV
3. Learn what makes her "tick", and treat her accordingly
2. With honor - 1Pe 3:7
1. Praise her in the gates - cf. Pr 31:28
2. Put her on a pedestal
3. Do not ridicule her publicly
3. As to the weaker vessel - 1Pe 3:7
1. Not that your wife may actually be the weaker vessel
2. Many wives are spiritually stronger, some physically stronger
3. But treat her "as" a weaker vessel (treat her like china, not steel)
4. Don't be like a bull running wildly in a china shop!
2. BY HOW YOU VIEW THEM...
1. As a fellow heir of the grace of life - 1Pe 3:7
1. For whom Christ died
2. A beloved sister in Christ, worthy of respect
3. With whom you hope to spend eternity
2. As one who affects the efficacy of your prayers! - 1Pe 3:7
1. How we treat others has a bearing on our prayers - Mk 11:26; Pr 21:13
2. God will not heed our prayers if we mistreat our wives! - cf. Mal 2:13-16

[To our duties as husbands to love and respect our wives, let us add one more...]

3. SUPPORT YOUR WIVES!
1. BY PROVIDING FOR THE FAMILY...
1. The husband (and father) has the duty to provide for his family - 1Ti 5:8
2. Failure to do so is to deny the faith (the doctrine of Christ!) - ibid.
3. Unbelievers (and most creatures, cf. The March Of The Penguins) provide for their own
4. A man should not take a wife unless he is willing and able to support her financially
2. BY LETTING HER CONTRIBUTE...
1. The virtuous woman contributed much to the support of the family - Pr 31:16-19,24
2. A wise husband lets her contribute, and to be praised for it! - Pr 31:31
3. Of course, not to the neglect of her familial duties - cf. Pr 31:21,27; 1Ti 5:14; Tit 2:4-5

CONCLUSION

1. The Christian husband is a man who...
1. Loves his wife in every way
2. Respects his wife by how he treats her and views her
3. Supports his wife financially, emotionally, and spiritually
2. This is because the Christian husband is a man who...
1. Is a Christian first, and a husband second
2. Gladly accepts the Biblical injunctions given to him as a husband
3. Looks to the Word of God and prayer for the strength he needs to fulfill his duty
3. When a man is a Christian husband...
1. He is more likely loved and respected by his wife
2. She is more likely the sort of wife she should be
3. The children are more likely as they should be

In our next lesson, we shall consider the duties of wives. In the meantime, some additional food for thought for husbands...

The 10 Commandments of Husbands

1. You shalt not take your wife for granted, but will honor and respect her as your equal. (1Pe 3:7)
2. Your highest allegiance, except God, shall be to your wife, not relatives or friends. (Gen 2:24)
3. You shall frequently tell her how important & valuable she is to you. (Php 2:3; Pr 31:10-11)
4. You shall hold your wife's love by the same means that you won it. (So 5:10-16)
5. You shall actively establish family discipline with your wife's help. (Ep 6:4)
6. Remember to do all the little things for your wife when you say you will. (Mt 5:37)
7. Keep your eyes on your own wife, not your neighbor's. (Pr 5:15-20; Job 31:1; Jer 5:8)
8. You shall make every effort to see things from your wife's point of view. (Gen 21:12)
9. You shall not fail to kiss your wife every morning. (So 8:1)
10. You shall not be stingy with your wife when it comes to money. (Es 5:3)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY" The Sanctity Of Marriage by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/christian-home-family/hf_01.html

"THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY"

The Sanctity Of Marriage

INTRODUCTION

1. Marriage as an institution today is struggling...
1. Many seek to redefine what constitutes a marriage
2. We hear of same-sex marriages, open marriages, polygamy, polyandry, polyamory
3. Others decry marriage altogether, preferring simple cohabitation
4. Many joke about it: "Marriage is a wonderful institution. But who would want to live in an institution?" - Henry Mencken
2. The family as an institution today is struggling...
1. Husbands and wives often suffer strained relationships
2. Parents and children are frequently at odds with one another
3. Much misery in life is due to dysfunctional family relations
4. Some prefer that government assume the role of raising children
3. I believe much of the problem is due to self-centeredness in our society...
1. People are told to "look out for #1" in all their relations (business, family, etc.)
2. Thus many enter marriage and start families with selfish attitudes
3. Yet no relationship can exist peacefully and lovingly with selfish participants
4. The Bible has much to say about marriage and family...
1. Especially in the teachings of Jesus and His apostles
2. That has helped many to have long-lasting, fulfilling relationships
3. Which can affect both our temporal and eternal happiness

[In this series of lessons, we shall consider what Jesus and His apostles taught concerning the Christian home and family. I believe a good place to start is by affirming "The Sanctity Of Marriage"...]

1. THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE DEFINED
1. THE MEANING OF SANCTITY...
1. Sanctity is defined as the quality of being holy, sacred
2. Thus it is common to speak of "holy matrimony" (i.e., sacred marriage)
2. THE SACREDNESS OF MARRIAGE...
1. Marriage is one of the holiest of relations two people can have
2. Marriage is a bond created by God Himself, thus we must treat it as sacred
3. Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly
4. "Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage." - President George W. Bush

[Is the idea of marriage as a sacred union a Biblical concept? What did Jesus and His apostles say about it...?]

2. THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE DELINEATED
1. MARRIAGE WAS INSTITUTED BY GOD...
1. From the very beginning, following the Creation - Mt 19:3-4; cf. Gen 2:18-24
2. Designed for those created as male and female - Mt 19:4
3. Whose union becomes "one flesh" (produce offspring) - Mt 19:5
-- Marriage is not a creation of the state, but of God Himself!
2. MARRIAGE IS REGULATED BY JESUS...
1. Jesus has been given all authority, will be our Judge in all things - Mt 28:18; 2Co 5:10
2. He taught that man may try to put asunder, but only God puts asunder - Mt 19:7-9
1. One may legally divorce and remarry, but adultery can still occur - Mt 5:31-32
2. God allows divorce only for fornication, and remarriage by the innocent - Mt 19:9
3. He taught some might have to remain celibate ("make themselves eunuchs") for the sake of the kingdom of heaven - Mt 19:11-12
1. Perhaps because they had been divorced for adultery or unlawfully married
2. Or because they were single by choice, or never asked to be married
4. His apostle Paul had more to say concerning marriage
1. Marriage is for life; marrying another while one's spouse is alive is adultery - Ro 7:1-4
2. Each person is to have his or her own spouse, not shared - 1Co 7:2
3. Husbands and wives have certain duties toward one another - 1Co 7:3-5
4. One is not to divorce; if divorced, must remain single or return to spouse - 1Co 7:10-11
5. If an unbelieving spouse departs, a believer is not obligated to fulfill marital duties (but that does not necessarily imply they are free to remarry) - cf. 1Co 7:3-5, 12-16
-- Jesus as Lord over all is the final Arbiter regarding marriage!
3. MARRIAGE IS RESERVED FOR INTIMACY...
1. The only proper relationship for sexual intimacy (intercourse) is marriage - He 13:4
1. Not before the wedding, during courtship, but only after the wedding
2. Greatly simplifying the perennial question: "When is the right time?"
2. Sex outside marriage (between a man and a woman) is fornication
1. Fornication includes pre-marital, extra-marital, or same-sex relations
2. Such conduct can keep one out of the kingdom of God - cf. 1Co 6:9-10
3. Sex outside marriage is not without physical and psychological consequence
1. Even casual "hookups" deeply affect the brain and our emotions - cf. 1Co 6:16
2. Chemical reactions in the body occur that lead to bonding, even addiction (this is not even considering the consequences of STDs!)
3. Leading to an increase of depression and suicide when there is no marriage - Heritage Foundation, 2003
4. 25.3% of sexually active teenage girls experienced depression, compared to 7.7% of sexually abstinent girls - ibid.
5. 14.3% of sexually active girls attempted suicide, compared to 5.1% of their virgin peers - ibid.
6. For more, read this: There Is Nothing Brief About A Hookup
4. Pre-marital sex endangers having a successful marriage
1. The national divorce rate in the United States is over 40 percent - National Survey Of Family Growth
2. Couples who wait to have sex until marriage - and remain faithful - have a divorce rate of only 20 percent - ibid.
3. Couples who have more sexual partners prior to or outside of marriage have a much higher rate of divorce - ibid.
4. Those who have as many as five partners have only a 30 percent chance that their marriage will not end in divorce - ibid.
5. A successful marriage requires mutual respect and trust
1. Courtship is the time to build respect and trust which will strengthen your marriage
2. If your potential spouse will sin with you before you marry...
3. ...what assurance do you have they will not sin against you after you marry?
-- The sanctity of marriage is preserved when it alone is the realm of sexual intimacy!

CONCLUSION

1. Marriage is not an institution...
1. Created and designed by man or the state
2. Subject to alteration by societal whims
2. Marriage is a sacred institution...
1. Instituted by God in the beginning
2. Regulated by Jesus and His apostles in the Word of God
3. Reserved for sexual intimacy between a man and a women
3. Marriage is a successful institution...
1. When we follow the Biblical injunctions concerning it
2. When members of the family fulfill their proper roles

We shall consider those injunctions, starting with the duties of husbands in our next lesson. In the meantime, some food for thought from an uninspired (though wise) perspective...

The 10 Commandments of Successful Marriage

Judge Joseph Sabbath, after twenty year's experience in presiding over what he called "the nightmare world of the divorce courts," framed ten commandments of a successful marriage which, he predicted, could prevent at least ninety percent of marital smash-ups:

1. Bear and forbear.
2. Work together, play together, and grow up together.
3. Avoid the little quarrels, and the big ones will take care of themselves.
4. Compromise (give and take). It is the antitoxin of divorce.
5. Practice sympathy, good humor and mutual understanding.
6. Don't grouch before breakfast or after it.
7. Respect your "in-laws," but don't criticize them or take criticism from them.
8. Establish your own home, even in a one room flat.
9. Fight for each other, but not with each other.
10. Build your home on religious faith, with love and forgiveness as the watchword.

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

Greatness, plus... by Gary Rose

 

When I first looked at this “equation”, I was a little puzzled. I thought: How does the fact that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is greater than anything I could ever do relate to this verse? From the context, ( vss. 26-36 ) this verse shows John the Baptist taking the spotlight off himself and placing it on Jesus. For, the heavenly should have preeminence over the earthly. Yet, there is more here than just this thought. Again, the context gives insight; John is giving us an example to follow, for this passage is more than just about greatness, it is about obedience as well ( see vs. 31 ). The Bible says...

John 3 ( World English Bible )

²⁶ They came to John, and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.”

²⁷ John answered, “A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven.

²⁸ You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’

²⁹ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full.

³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.

³¹ He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.

³² What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness.

³³ He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true.

³⁴ For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure.

³⁵ The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.

³⁶ One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

The work of John the Baptist is important, but that of Jesus’ accomplishments far outshine anything the Baptist could do. John’s message was of repentance; a personal review of one’s own attitudes and actions and appropriate measures to correct the direction of one’s life. Jesus is life, genuine life, because he is God and from Heaven. In HIM is life beyond anything mere human determination could accomplish. The forgiveness Jesus has given the world is of a heavenly nature, for it is eternal and complete. This was accomplished once and for all at the cross. Obey its message and live ( Acts 2: 14-41 ).

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS" Our Dependence Upon The New Testament by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/christian-apologetics/ca_03.html

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS"

Our Dependence Upon The New Testament

INTRODUCTION

1. We have seen the evidence from UNBIASED SOURCES that establishes Jesus of Nazareth...
1. As a person of history
2. Who lived and died in the First Century A.D.
2. But we also pointed out that such sources tell us nothing about...
1. Who He was
2. What He did ...to earn such a reputation that, centuries later, His teachings and life still has so much influence in our society
3. For the Christian, the only record which describes in any detail the life and death of Jesus is the NEW TESTAMENT
1. But as a HISTORICAL DOCUMENT, is it reliable?
2. Can we trust it to be accurate in relating facts of history con- cerning Jesus, His life, death and resurrection?
3. Can we even have confidence that what we have today in the form of the New Testament is an accurate copy of that penned by the original authors?
4. These are some of the questions we shall attempt to answer as we begin to examine "THE HISTORICAL RELIABILITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT"

[But first, for CHRISTIANS to appreciate the importance of this subject, it may help to demonstrate how dependent our faith is on the reliability of the New Testament as a historical document...]

1. WHY DO WE BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD?
1. THE "ANSWERS" WE MOST LIKELY WOULD GIVE ARE...
1. "Because of the miracles He did"
2. "Because He fulfilled hundreds of the Messianic prophecies found in the Old Testament"
3. "Because He rose from the dead"
2. BUT WHERE DOES ONE LEARN ABOUT THESE THINGS?
1. Where do we read about His miracles? THE NEW TESTAMENT!
2. Who says that He fulfilled the Messianic prophecies? THE AUTHORS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT!
3. What evidence is there for the resurrection of Jesus Christ? AGAIN, IT IS PRIMARILY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT!
2. WHAT IF IT WERE SHOWN CONCERNING THE NEW TESTAMENT...
1. THAT IT WAS WRITTEN OVER 100 YEARS AFTER THE EVENTS SUPPOSEDLY HAPPENED?
1. Then the New Testament was not written by eyewitnesses, nor by those whose names are connected with it (Paul, Peter, etc.)!
2. It was the general consensus of many scholars in the last century that the New Testament was in fact composed during the Second Century A.D., not the First
3. If such is true, then the New Testament is a FORGERY!
2. THAT IT IS FILLED WITH ERRORS IN REFERENCE TO GEOGRAPHY, PEOPLE, AND EVENTS?
1. Then how could we trust the authors of the New Testament to be accurate in describing supernatural events, when they were careless with describing the natural ones?
2. This would make the New Testament an UNRELIABLE RECORD!
3. THAT THE MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE IS VERY SCARCE, AND A THOUSAND YEARS REMOVED FROM THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS?
1. Then we would have no way of testing the accuracy of the copyists, who for hundreds of years preserved the New Testament only by making copies by hand
2. Then our faith in Jesus would be based upon shallow ground, upon a document which is historically questionable!
3. OUR FAITH IN JESUS IS DEPENDENT ON THE NEW TESTAMENT BEING RELIABLE AS A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT!
1. "BLIND FAITH" MAY SEEM ADEQUATE FOR SOME...
1. For children who believe whatever their parents say
2. For people who are never placed in an environment where their faith is challenged (like state universities)
3. For people who are not trying to convince others to trust in Jesus for their salvation
2. BUT IF WE DESIRE TO HAVE A "STRONG FAITH" FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS...
1. Then we need to understand our dependency upon the New Testament
2. We need to know how to demonstrate the evidence which supports it as a reliable, historical document!

CONCLUSION

1. Hopefully, we now appreciate the need to carefully examine the evidence for the historical reliability of the New Testament
2. In doing so, we shall apply the same kind of tests applied to any ancient document to determine its reliability!
3. The next study will examine what is the "ACID TEST" for any ancient document claiming to be a historical record of certain events...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS" Evidence For Early Existence Of The New Testament by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/christian-apologetics/ca_04.html

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS"

Evidence For Early Existence Of The New Testament

INTRODUCTION

1. The New Testament presents itself as a historical record of events that supposedly occurred during the First Century A.D.
2. How reliable is it? How do we determine the reliability of any ancient document that professes to record events of history?
3. To establish the reliability of ANY historical document, one of the first questions to be raised is: "How soon after the events took place were they recorded?"
4. Applied to the New Testament, this involves trying to determine what evidence there is for THE EARLY EXISTENCE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT...

1. WHY EVIDENCE FOR THE EARLY EXISTENCE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT IS CRUCIAL
1. IF SOME EVENT IS RECORDED LONG AFTER IT OCCURRED...
1. It is not likely to have been written by "eyewitnesses"
2. It is not likely to have been written when "other eyewitnesses" were around to confirm or dispute its accuracy
3. Its credibility would be weakened; for example, which would be the more credible source for information about an event that occurred during The Civil War Between The States...
1. A present day writer depending totally upon second-hand sources?
2. Or diaries and letters written by eyewitnesses of the event?
4. Of course, it would be necessary to show that such diaries and letters were authentic and where possible shown to be accurate
2. DURING THE LAST CENTURY, SOME SCHOLARS ASSERTED THAT THE GOSPELS AND THE BOOK OF ACTS DID NOT EXIST BEFORE 130 A.D.
1. This would mean the Gospels and Acts were not written by eyewitnesses!
2. Rather, it was written by frauds who misrepresented themselves as eyewitnesses!
1. For the author of Acts claims to have been present during some of the events described in that book - cf. "we" in Ac 16:11-12
2. The author of the Second Epistle Of Peter claims to have been an eyewitness of the Transfiguration - 2Pe 1:16-18

[Written by eyewitnesses and others who lived during those times, or a book written by liars in a effort to deceive...these are the only choices we have! This is why it is important to establish the early existence of the New Testament!]

2. THE EVIDENCE FOR THE EARLY EXISTENCE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. INTERNAL EVIDENCE...
1. THE ENDING OF THE BOOK OF ACTS
1. The book ends abruptly with Paul in prison, awaiting trial - Ac 28:30-31
2. A plausible explanation is that Luke wrote ACTS during this time, before Paul finally appeared before Nero
3. This would be about 62-63 A.D., meaning that ACTS and LUKE (which came first - cf. Ac 1:1 with Lk 1:1-4) were written within thirty years of ministry and death of Jesus
2. NO MENTION OF THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM IN 70 A.D.
1. Matthew, Mark and Luke record Jesus' prophecy that the temple and city would be destroyed within that generation - e.g., Mk 13:1-4,14,30; Lk 21:5-9,20-24,32
2. History records that in 70 A.D. Jerusalem with its temple was destroyed, exactly as Jesus foretold!
3. Yet not a single book of the New Testament refers to this event as having happened!
1. Such would be very unlikely if they had been written after 70 A.D.
2. For that event helps to verify Jesus' claim to be the Son of God, and it is hard to imagine that any writer after 70 A.D. would not make mention to the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy!
4. This has prompted some scholars to conclude that ALL of the books of the New Testament were written prior to 70 A.D. - e.g., John A. T. Robinson, in his book REDATING THE NEW TESTAMENT
2. PAPYRI FRAGMENTS...
1. CHESTER BEATTY BIBLICAL PAPYRI (dated 200-250 A.D.)
1. Made public in 1931
2. Contains the Gospels, Acts, Paul's Epistles, and Revelation
2. PAYPRUS BODMER II (dated 200 A.D.)
1. Discovery announced in 1956
2. Contains fourteen chapters of John, and portions of the last seven chapters
3. EARLY CHRISTIAN PAPYRI (dated 150 A.D.)
1. Made public in 1935
2. Written by someone who had the four gospels before him and knew them well
4. JOHN RYLANDS MSS (dated 130 A.D.)
1. This is oldest fragment of the NT
2. "Because of its early date and location (EGYPT), some distance from the traditional place of composition (ASIA MINOR), this portion of the gospel of John tends to con- firm the traditional date of the composition of the gospel." - GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE, Geisler & Nix
3. PATRISTIC WRITINGS...
1. EPISTLE OF POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS (dated 120 A.D.)
1. A personal acquaintance of John, the apostle
2. He quotes from the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 2 Thessa- lonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Hebrews, 1 Peter, and 1 John
2. LETTERS OF IGNATIUS (dated 115 A.D.)
1. Written to several churches in Asia Minor
2. He quotes from Matthew, John, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus
3. EPISTLE OF CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS (dated 95 A.D.)
1. This letter was written to encourage the church to respect their elders
2. He quotes from the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, Romans, 1 Corin- thians, Ephesians, Titus, Hebrews, and 1 Peter
3. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS EVIDENCE
1. THE NEW TESTAMENT WAS IN EXISTENCE AND WELL KNOWN BY THE END OF THE FIRST CENTURY A.D.!
1. As stated by Nelson Glueck, former president of the Jewish Theological Seminary in the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, and renowned Jewish archaeologist: "In my opinion, every book of the New Testament was written between the forties and eighties of the First Century A.D."
2. "We can already say emphatically that there is no longer any solid basis for dating any book of the New Testament after 80 A.D." - W. F. Albright, biblical archaeologist
2. THUS THE NEW TESTAMENT PASSES THE "ACID TEST" FOR THE AUTHENTICITY OF "ANY" DOCUMENT OF ANTIQUITY
1. It was written in the same generation in which the events took place
2. It was circulated among the very people about whom these docu- ments spoke while they were still alive to deny them!
1. E.g., remember Clifford Irving and his "biography" of Howard Hughes?
2. It was quickly denounced as a fraud by those who knew best and soon lost its credibility
3. The fact that the first generation preserved the New Testament for posterity shows their regard for the genuineness of its contents

CONCLUSION

1. But the "ACID TEST" is only the FIRST test any historical document must pass
2. So what if it was written early...
1. How do we know that what we read today is an accurate representa- tion of the original "autographs" (the manuscripts actually penned by the authors)?
2. How can we be sure that in the passing of time the content of the original did not become corrupted through mistakes in copying?

These questions shall be examined in the next study...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS" Archaeological Support For The New Testament by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/christian-apologetics/ca_05.html

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS"

Archaeological Support For The New Testament

INTRODUCTION

1. In examining the question of the New Testament's reliability as a HISTORICAL DOCUMENT...
1. We saw in the previous study that the New Testament passes the "ACID TEST"
2. That is, it was written in the same generation in which the events to place
1. It was circulated among the very people about whom these documents spoke
2. While they were still alive to confirm or deny it
2. So it was written early...WERE THE AUTHORS ACCURATE in their depic- tion of the events which took place?
3. This is where the science of ARCHAEOLOGY can be very helpful in deter- mining the historical reliability of the New Testament:
1. If the archaeologists prove that the New Testament is filled with errors concerning people, places, and events...
2. Then the New Testament could not be trusted as an accurate record of the life of Jesus and the early church!
4. Not too long ago, some discounted the Biblical record because it frequently referred to things not mentioned by any source outside the Bible
5. But discoveries by archaeologists in recent years have vindicated the New Testament and silenced the skeptics!

[In this study we shall consider just a few examples of how archaeology has confirmed the New Testament as a reliable document...]

1. A CENSUS, AND QUIRINIUS GOVERNOR AT THE TIME OF JESUS' BIRTH? - Lk 2:1-3
1. IT WAS ONCE ARGUED THAT LUKE WAS IN ERROR...
1. In other words, that there was no such census
2. Also, that Quirinius was not governor of Syria at that time
3. And that people did not have to return to their ancestral home
2. BUT ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES HAVE PROVEN OTHERWISE...
1. We now know that the Romans:
1. Had a regular enrollment of taxpayers
2. Held censuses every 14 years (begun by Augustus Caesar)
2. An inscription found in Antioch tells of Quirinius being governor of Syria around 7 B.C. (evidently he was governor twice!)
3. A papyrus found in Egypt says concerning the conducting of a census: "Because of the approaching census it is necessary that all those residing for any cause away from their home should at once prepare to return to their own governments in order that they may complete the family registration of the enrollment..."
2. WHO IS THIS LYSANIAS? - Lk 3:1
1. THE ONLY LYSANIAS KNOWN TO ANCIENT HISTORIANS...
1. Was one who was killed in 36 B.C.
2. This caused some to question Luke's reliability
2. HOWEVER, AN INSCRIPTION WAS FOUND NEAR DAMASCUS...
1. It speaks of "Freedman of Lysanias the tetrarch"
2. And is dated between 14 and 29 A.D.!
3. WHOEVER HEARD OF "THE PAVEMENT" (GABBATHA)? - Jn 19:13
1. FOR CENTURIES THERE WAS NO RECORD OF THE COURT CALLED "THE PAVEMENT" OR "GABBATHA"...
1. This caused many to say "It's a myth"
2. And, "See, it (the Bible) is not historical"
2. BUT WILLIAM F. ALBRIGHT IN "THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF PALESTINE" SHOWS OTHERWISE...
1. This court was the court of the Tower of Antonia
2. The court was destroyed in 66-70 A.D. during the siege of Jerusalem
3. It was left buried when the city was rebuilt in the time of Hadrian
4. And was not discovered until recently!
4. ICONIUM A CITY OF PHRYGIA? - Ac 14:6
1. ARCHAEOLOGISTS AT FIRST BELIEVED LUKE'S IMPLICATION TO BE WRONG...
1. That Lystra and Derbe were in Lycaonia and Iconium was not
2. They based their belief on the writings of Romans such as Cicero, Strabo, and Pliny
3. Who indicated that Iconium was in Lycaonia
4. Thus, archaeologists said the book of Acts was unreliable!
2. BUT IN 1910, SIR WILLIAM RAMSAY FOUND A MONUMENT...
1. Which showed that Iconium was indeed a Phrygian city
1. Two inscriptions in the Phrygian language found at Iconium in 1910 prove that the Phrygian language was in use there for 2 centuries after Paul's visits
2. Cofirming the interesting topographical detail in Acts (see Jour. Hell. Stud., 1911, 189).
2. Xenophon, who marched with Cyrus' expedition through Phrygia into Lycaonia, calls Iconium the last city of Phrygia
3. Other ancient authorities who knew the local conditions well speak of Iconium as Phrygian until far into the Roman imperial period
5. WHOEVER HEARD OF "POLITARCHS"? - Ac 17:6
1. CONCERNING THE TERM "RULERS OF THE CITY" (GREEK "POLITARCHS")...
1. Since the term is not found in the classical literature of the Greeks...
2. ...it was assumed that Luke was wrong to refer to such an office
2. HOWEVER...
1. Some 19 inscriptions have now been found that make use of this title
2. Five of these are in reference to Thessalonica!

CONCLUSION

1. This is just a sampling of the evidence, for entire books have been written providing further examples
2. Just how accurate is the New Testament in its historical description?

   "It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference." -- NELSON GLUECK (noted Jewish archaeologist)

3. Of special interest is the testimony of SIR WILLIAM RAMSAY...
1. Concerning his background:
1. He was trained in the German historical school of the mid- nineteenth century
2. He was taught that the book of Acts was a product of the mid- second century A.D.
3. He was firmly convinced of this and started out his career in archaeology to prove it
2. However, he was compelled to a complete reversal of his beliefs due to the overwhelming evidence uncovered in his research
3. His conclusion:

   "Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy, he is possessed of the true historic sense...in short, this author should be placed along with the greatest of historians."

4. What have we established thus far in this series of lessons?
1. That Jesus was a historical figure
2. That the New Testament was written during the generation in which the events occurred
3. That its reliability as a historical document continues to be confirmed by the field of archaeology
5. But another question remains... "How can we be sure that the New Testament we have today is the same as that penned by the original authors?"

Our next study will address that question...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS" Manuscript Attestation For The New Testament by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/christian-apologetics/ca_06.html

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS"

Manuscript Attestation For The New Testament

INTRODUCTION

1. In an effort to demonstrate the RELIABILITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AS A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT...
1. We considered evidence which confirms that the New Testament was WRITTEN AND BEING CIRCULATED SOON AFTER THE EVENTS TOOK PLACE; e.g.:
1. The internal evidence
2. Papyri fragments
3. Patristic writings
2. We noted that ARCHAEOLOGY CONFIRMS THE NEW TESTAMENT RECORD (as we have it today) in those areas which can be checked; e.g., references to:
1. People
2. Places
3. Events
2. But ONE MORE QUESTION REMAINS in order to establish beyond a reasonable doubt the historical reliability of the New Testament:

   "What assurance is there, that what we have today in the form of the New Testament, is that which was penned by its original authors?"

3. In other words, since we don't have the original "AUTOGRAPHS" (the manuscripts penned by the authors), how do we know...
1. There hasn't been SIGNIFICANT CHANGES OR ERRORS made in the process of copying over the years?
2. There hasn't been COLLUSION (secret cooperation for deceitful purposes) among those who possessed the early copies of the originals?
4. This is where "THE BIBLIOGRAPHICAL TEST" in attesting ancient manuscripts can be applied to help answer such questions!

[The answer this "test" gives to the historical reliability of the New Testament is an amazing one! But first, it may help to briefly explain...]

1. THE "BIBLIOGRAPHICAL TEST"
1. THIS TEST IS APPLIED TO ALL ANCIENT HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS...
1. Such as:
1. Julius Caesar's "Gallic War"
2. "Histories" of Tacitus
3. "Annals" of Tacitus
4. The New Testament
2. In an effort TO ESTABLISH THE LIKELIHOOD THAT WHAT COPIES WE HAVE:
1. Are faithful representatives of the originals
2. And have come to us free of changes, errors, or collusion
2. QUESTIONS RAISED IN THIS TEST...
1. "How many copies of the document in question are available?"
1. In order to compare them with one another
2. The more, the better
2. "Where were the copies found?"
1. If they all came from one place, collusion is possible
2. But if they are from places far removed by time and location, collusion is unlikely
3. "What length of time passed between the original and the earliest copies?"
1. If the earliest copies we have were written hundreds of years after the original, a lot of changes could have been made and we would not know it
2. But a short interval of time would increase our assurance in the reliability of the copies
4. "What variances exist between the copies?"
1. If the copies of a document are filled with significant differences, then it would not be possible to know what the original author wrote!
2. But if the variances are few and minor, then the process of copying over the years has been faithful to the original!

[What answers do we find when these questions are applied to the New Testament? And how does the New Testament compare with other historical documents of antiquity?]

2. THE "BIBLIOGRAPHICAL TEST" FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. HOW MANY COPIES OF NEW TESTAMENT MANUSCRIPTS ARE AVAILABLE?
1. Over 4,000 Greek manuscripts; 13,000 copies of portions of the New Testament in Greek!
2. Compare this with other ancient historical writings:
1. Caesar's "Gallic Wars" - only 10 Greek manuscripts
2. "Annals" of Tacitus - 2
3. Livy - 20; Plato - 7; Sophocles - 100
2. WHERE WERE THESE COPIES FOUND?
1. Various places: Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Greece, Italy
2. Such varied locations would make COLLUSION very difficult
3. WHAT LENGTH OF TIME PASSED BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL AND THE EARLIEST COPIES?
1. We saw in the previous lesson that several PAPYRI FRAGMENTS have been dated to within 50-100 years
2. We have several nearly complete New Testament GREEK MANUSCRIPTS which were copied within 300-400 years, for example:
1. Codex Sinaiticus, found near Mt. Sinai
2. Codex Alexandrinus, found near Alexandria in Egypt
3. Codex Vaticanus, located at the Vatican in Rome
3. But COMPARE THIS WITH MANUSCRIPTS OF VARIOUS CLASSICAL HISTORIES:
1. "Histories of Thucydides" - earliest copy is 1300 years removed from the original
2. "Histories of Herodotus" - earliest copy is 1350 years removed from the original
3. Caesar's "Gallic War" - 950 years
4. Roman History of Livy - 350 years (and the earliest copy is only a fragment)
5. "Histories" of Tacitus - 750 years
6. "Annals" of Tacitus - 950 years (and there are only two manuscripts)
4. WHAT VARIANCES EXIST BETWEEN THE COPIES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT?
1. It is true that there are SOME VARIATIONS between the many thousands of manuscripts available
1. But the vast majority are very minor (spelling, differences in phraseology, etc.; modern translations often note the differences in footnotes)
2. Only 1/2 of one percent is in question (compared to 5 percent for the Illiad)
2. Even then, it can be stated: "No fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith rests on a disputed reading...It cannot be too strongly asserted that in substance the text of the Bible is certain: especially is this the case with the New Testament."
-- SIR FREDERICK KENYON (authority in the field of New Testament textual criticism)

CONCLUSION

1. In regards to the "BIBLIOGRAPHICAL TEST" in attesting the manuscript evidence for the New Testament:
1. The New Testament not only passes with flying colors...
2. It does better than ANY other historical document come down to us from antiquity!
2. "The evidence for our New Testament writings is ever so much greater than the evidence for many writings of classical authors, the authenticity of which no one dreams of questioning. And if the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity would generally be as beyond all doubt." -- F. F. BRUCE
3. JOSH MCDOWELL makes some interesting comments:

   "After trying to shatter the historicity and validity of the Scripture, I came to the conclusion that they are historically trustworthy. If one discards the Bible as being unreliable, then he must discard almost all literature of antiquity."

   "One problem I constantly face is the desire on the part of many to apply one standard or test to secular literature and other to the Bible. One needs to apply the same test, whether the literature under investigation is secular or religious."

   "Having done this, I believe one can hold the Scriptures in his hand and say, 'The Bible is trustworthy, and historically reliable.'"

4. Why then would anyone question the New Testament record concerning Jesus?
1. It is because reference is made to miracles, such as the resurrection of Jesus from the dead
2. In our next study, we shall consider whether it is reasonable to believe that the New Testament is a LIE when it speaks of such things...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS" The New Testament: Truth Or Lie? by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/christian-apologetics/ca_07.html

"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS"

The New Testament: Truth Or Lie?

INTRODUCTION

1. Up to this point I have tried to demonstrate the following FACTS:
1. Jesus actually lived
2. The New Testament has good reasons to be considered as a RELIABLE HISTORICAL DOCUMENT...
1. It was circulated soon after the events took place
2. Archaeology confirms the New Testament record in every area that can be checked
3. The bibliographical test gives us every reason to believe that what we have today is what was written by the original authors
2. But what are we to do with the testimony of the New Testament con- cerning the miracles of Jesus, and the report of His resurrection from the dead?
1. Archaeology cannot confirm or deny the truthfulness of such things
2. Each of us must decide whether the New Testament at this point is telling the TRUTH, or that a LIE was carefully orchestrated by the eight writers of the New Testament!
3. But are these the only alternatives? That the New Testament is either telling the truth or is a carefully orchestrated lie?

[YES! To understand why, consider...]

1. WHY THERE ARE ONLY TWO ALTERNATIVES
1. THE WRITERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT LEAVE US NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE!
1. As Paul explained in his letter to the Corinthians, either Jesus rose from the dead, or he and other "eyewitnesses" are in fact "false witnesses" - 1Co 15:14-15
2. Peter, also, states that either the events (like the trans- figuration) occurred as described by the "eyewitnesses", or they are "cunningly devised fables"! - 2Pe 1:16-18
2. WE CANNOT SAY THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN SINCERELY DECEIVED!
1. Especially in reference to the resurrection of Jesus
1. They claim they ate and drank with Him afterwards - Ac 10:39-41
2. They claim they saw and touched Him - 1Jn 1:1-4
2. They leave us NO ROOM for saying they were but MISTAKEN or DECEIVED!
1. Some skeptics have tried to offer this as an alternative
2. That perhaps in their grief and loss over the crucifixion of Jesus they "hallucinated" or saw grief-inspired "visions" of Jesus
3. But "hallucinations" and "visions" are highly individualistic experiences
1. One person might see the hallucination or vision
2. But several or many people don't see the same vision at the same time!
4. As outlined in the gospels and also 1Co 15:4-8, the resurrection appearances of Jesus were often witnessed by many at the same time (over 500 on one occasion!)

[So they leave us no choice; either the New Testament is a "Book Of Truth," or it is a "Book of Lies."

Which is more logical, more rational, to believe? To help us decide, consider...]

2. THE IMPLICATIONS IF THE NEW TESTAMENT IS NOT TRUE
1. THE NEW TESTAMENT IS A CAREFULLY ORCHESTRATED LIE!
1. We have seen the great accuracy they used in describing events, places, and people (as confirmed by archaeology) - Lk 2:1-5
2. If the record of miracles and the resurrection is false, then they very carefully intertwined fact and fiction!
-- IS IT REASONABLE TO BELIEVE THAT?
2. THE AUTHORS SUFFERED EXTREME HARDSHIP FOR WHAT THEY KNEW WAS A LIE!
1. Many people will lie if they can get something out of it (such as money, power)
2. But what did the apostles get out of it? - cf. 1Co 4:9-13
3. What did Paul get for holding to his testimony? - cf. 2 Co 11:24-29
4. How do we know they really suffered this hardship?
1. The fact that the letters of the New Testament were even saved!
2. For example, consider the letters 1 & 2 Corinthians...
1. These letters are filled with rebuke of the Corinthians
2. The Corinthians would have every reason not to save these letters which exposed their faults
3. The Corinthians had first hand knowledge as to whether the apostles and Paul really suffered the hardship spoken of in their letters
4. If they knew the accounts of such hardship to be false, they would have quickly destroyed these letters written by a liar who embarrasingly wrote about their problems!
5. So especially the author of half the books of the New Testament (Paul) suffered extreme hardship for a lie, if the New Testa- ment is not true
-- IS IT LOGICAL TO BELIEVE THAT?
3. THE AUTHORS WHO WERE MARTYRED KNEW THEY WERE DYING FOR A LIE!
1. History and tradition record that:
1. JAMES was stoned to death
2. PAUL was beheaded
3. PETER was crucified
2. If the New Testament is a lie, they went to their deaths KNOWING they were dying for a lie!
-- IS IT RATIONAL TO BELIEVE THAT?
4. IN SUFFERING AND DYING FOR A LIE, THEY WENT AGAINST EVERYTHING JESUS AND THEY THEMSELVES TAUGHT!
1. "But let your 'yes' be 'yes', and your 'no' be 'no'." - JESUS (Mt 5:37)
2. "Therefore, putting away lying, each one speak truth with his neighbor..." - PAUL (Ep 4:25)
3. "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" - PETER (1Pe 2:1)
-- DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO BELIEVE THAT?
5. IN FACT, THE BOOK WITH THE WORLD'S HIGHEST STANDARD AND LOFTIEST GOALS WAS COMPOSED BY LIARS, FRAUDS, AND DECEIVERS!
1. What book presents a higher standard of love and morality than the New Testament?
2. For example, Jesus' "Sermon On The Mount" (Mt 5-7) and Paul's "Discourse On Love" (1Co 13)
-- CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

CONCLUSION

1. This is what you MUST believe if you do not believe the New Testament when it speaks of the miracles and resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1. It is a carefully orchestrated lie!
2. The authors suffered extreme hardship for what they KNEW was a lie!
3. Those authors who were martyred KNEW they were dying for a lie!
4. In suffering and dying for a lie, they went against everything Jesus and they themselves taught!
5. And somehow, these liars, frauds, and deceivers came up with a book containing the world's highest standard morality and loftiest goals!
2. I am convinced that those who do not believe the New Testament are those who:
1. Have never read the New Testament carefully
2. Are not aware of the evidence which supports it as a historical document
3. Have not considered the logical implications of simply regarding it as a mixture of fact and fiction!
3. But to those who will read it, I believe that they will find...
1. That it has "the ring of truth" to it
2. That it will produce the faith necessary to believe in Jesus (cf. Ro 10:17), and through such faith find eternal life (cf. Jn 20:30-31)!
4. There is a saying: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."
1. What I have tried to do is remove any obstacles that might hinder anyone from drinking of "the water of life" (i.e., the New Testa- ment)
2. But no one can present enough evidence to FORCE someone to read the New Testament if they are determined not to!

Have you read the New Testament? Even more important, have you OBEYED the New Testament?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022