Coffee by Gary Rose

I like coffee. Coffee has been on my mind lately, as yesterday, a friendly neighbor gave me a Keurig pod of a type of coffee called Espresso. This was a special Italian dark brew and WOW was it just about the strongest coffee I have ever had in my life!

Like I have already said, I have been thinking a lot about coffee lately, so when I saw this picture, I had to use it in a post, so, I put a 3D frame and then a regular frame around it just to emphasize its importance. Admittedly, this picture is not perfect ( no period after the last “e” ) but I like what it says and so what, very little I do comes even close to being perfect. But my efforts aren’t really that important, but the message is: Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere! No matter who you are, no matter where you are, forgiveness is offered to you.

Recently, I was in church and I saw a presentation on the video screens that listed all the “greatest” attributes of John 3:16. I wish I could remember them all, but I can’t. Instead, I thought I would list a number of translations for comparison study. I read them all and personally, I like Young’s Literal Translation the best, followed by The Emphasized Bible by Rotherham. BUT, they all convey the message of the abbreviation in the picture, so your choice is just as good as mine. Actually, the best choice is probably one of the Greek presentations, but my Greek is a little fuzzy these days, so I will leave the minute emphasis of that language up to the scholars. I hope you enjoy thinking about the message of John 3:16 ( in English ), for one could easily spend hours upon hours taking in all the greatness of it!

The Bible says...

John 3 ( World English Bible )

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3 ( American Standard Bible )

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3 ( Webster Bible )

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3 ( Disciples Literal New Testament )

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-born Son, in order that everyone believing in Him may not perish, but may have eternal life.

John 3 ( Emphasized Bible - Rotherham )

¹⁶ For God, so loved, the world, that, his Only Begotten Son, he gave,––that, whosoever believeth on him, might not perish, but have life age–abiding. ( Emphasis by Gary )

John 3 ( Holman Christian Standard Bible )

¹⁶ “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3 ( Young’s Literal Translation )

¹⁶ for God did so love the world, that His Son--the only begotten--He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during. ( Emphasis by Gary )

John 3 ( Literal Standard Version )

¹⁶ for God so loved the world that He gave the only begotten Son, that everyone who is believing in Him may not perish, but may have continuous life.

John 3 ( King James Version [ + Strong’s numbers] )

¹⁶ For ^G1063 God ^G2316 so ^G3779 loved ^G25 the world ^G2889, that ^G5620 he gave ^G1325 his ^G846 only begotten ^G3439 Son ^G5207, that ^G2443 whosoever ^G3956 believeth ^G4100 in ^G1519 him ^G846 should ^G622 not ^G3361 perish ^G622, but ^G235 have ^G2192 everlasting ^G166 life ^G2222.

John 3 ( Byzantine Greek New Testament )

16 ουτως γαρ ηγαπησεν ο θεος τον κοσμον ωστε τον υιον αυτου τον μονογενη εδωκεν ινα πας ο πιστευων εις αυτον μη αποληται αλλ εχη ζωην αιωνιον

John 3 ( Apostolic Bible Polyglot )

God Loves the World


16 ούτω γαρ ηγάπησεν ο θεός τον κόσμον ώστε τον υιόν αυτού τον μονογενή έδωκεν ίνα πας ο πιστεύων εις αυτόν μη απόληται αλλ΄ έχη ζωήν αιώνιον

I know, I know, perhaps listing the Greek texts was a bit too much. Please forgive me for that, but if you do know Greek, then you will be doubly blessed.

What really is important though, is that you take a little time and think about how God loves you, whoever you are, whatever you have done in your entire life. I have… and its humbling to the extreme!

Your friend because of Christ,

Gary Rose

Fortitude by Gary Rose

Now, there is one tough frog! Imagine, being in the process of being eaten alive and still having the fortitude to fight back. Obviously, that bird is much bigger and has his prey right where he wants him; but does he really? Froggy may still be getting some air, but I wonder how long “big bird” can survive under froggy’s counter attack. I have no information on exactly who wins, but somehow I think froggy will, because he has genuine fortitude.

In this world, governments will crush all those who oppose them. Face it, the system is powerful; beware when the government offers to help, for in truth it will ultimately only further its own interests.

Jesus was ( is ) no weakling. He opposed ( and still is opposing ) evil in all its myriad forms. His weapons have always been those of reason, sometimes couched in the form of parables. And when evil people perceived that Jesus was speaking about them, they did everything they could to destroy him.

Consider the following...

Matthew 21 ( World English Bible )

⁴⁵ When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them.

⁴⁶ When they sought to seize him, they feared the multitudes, because they considered him to be a prophet. ( Emphasis added- Gary )

Matthew 22 ( WEB )

¹ Jesus answered and spoke again in parables to them, saying,

² “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son,

³ and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come.

⁴ Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast!”’

⁵ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise,

⁶ and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them.

⁷ When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

⁸ “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy.

⁹ Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the marriage feast.’

¹⁰ Those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests.

¹¹ But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing,

¹² and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless.

¹³ Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness; there is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.’

¹⁴ For many are called, but few chosen.”

¹⁵ Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.

¹⁶ They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter whom you teach, for you aren’t partial to anyone.

¹⁷ Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

¹⁸ But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?

¹⁹ Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius.

²⁰ He asked them, “Whose is this image and inscription?”

²¹ They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

²² When they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went away.

²³ On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him. They asked him,

²⁴ saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed for his brother.’

²⁵ Now there were with us seven brothers. The first married and died, and having no seed left his wife to his brother.

²⁶ In the same way, the second also, and the third, to the seventh.

²⁷ After them all, the woman died.

²⁸ In the resurrection therefore, whose wife will she be of the seven? For they all had her.”

²⁹ But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

³⁰ For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven.

³¹ But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying,

³² ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

³³ When the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

³⁴ But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together.

³⁵ One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing him.

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”

³⁷ Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

³⁸ This is the first and great commandment.

³⁹ A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

⁴⁰ The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

⁴¹ Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,

⁴² saying, “What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “Of David.”

⁴³ He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,

⁴⁴ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?’

⁴⁵ “If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”

⁴⁶ No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forth. ( Emphasis added - Gary )

Make no mistake, the people who opposed Jesus knew what the law of Moses said. Most of them had studied it for years and were quite educated. Yet, for all their education, they failed to understand the true meaning of the Scriptures. They were lost and didn’t even realize that they were. They tried to defeat Jesus’ teachings, but failed. Today is no different, for Jesus’ understand of the Scriptures stands today as perfection.

May we all be blessed with the fortitude to confront all who oppose Jesus and succeed in defeating false teaching or ungodly attitudes wherever we may encounter them!

ps. Remember to pray for that frog!

"Who I am?" by Gary Rose

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kln_bIndDJg

The Logical Song

Note: Click on the audio above to hear “The Logical Song” or paste the above link into your browser to watch the video on YouTube.

“The Logical Song” is really a misnomer. The Singer-Songwriter questions his life of mankind’s wisdom and longs for true identity for as he puts it “Who I am”? In a world ruled by the status of money, power and educational level, the thinking man considers the value of such a world and his part in it. Is what this world of man’s wisdom considers valuable really worthwhile? Is it true that he who has all the marbles wins? I think NOT, for ultimately all human beings who live will die and then what? All the things they have acquired will be given to others. After time has passed, even the very memory of their life will be forgotten, so what’s the point of life? Is it really wealth, power or intellectual attainment? Again, I think NOT!

Consider the intangible things of this life. What is true wisdom, love, knowledge and genuine life? Those who desire to understand such things will only find worthwhile answers when they humbly acknowledge their inability to comprehend and turn to God for answers.

The Bible says...

1 Corinthians 1 ( World English Bible )

¹⁸ For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.

¹⁹ For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing.”

²⁰ Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn’t God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

²¹ For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn’t know God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.

²² For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,

²³ but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,

²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

²⁶ For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;

²⁷ but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

²⁸ and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:

²⁹ that no flesh should boast before God.

³⁰ But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

³¹ that, according as it is written, “He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”

Isaiah 55 ( WEB )

⁶ Seek Yahweh while he may be found; call you on him while he is near:

⁷ let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” says Yahweh.

⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰ For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

¹¹ so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do.

Ecclesiastes 11 ( WEB )

¹¹ The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

¹² Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

¹³ This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

¹⁴ For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

We live in a world where all society has steadily begun to reject God and all that HE stands for. The result of this is that society has begun to crumble. Man’s wisdom is indeed foolishness and that foolishness ultimately leads to destruction.

The only true answer to “Who I am?” is found in God. The verses of Isaiah 55:6-9 and Ecclesiastes 12:13f are true. Seek God and live, for the end of the matter is that God is truly in control and eventually everyone who has ever lived will answer to HIM for their actions.

“Who I am?” is a question that defines us all. If we belong to Christ and continually acknowledge him as savior then at the judgment we will be rewarded, if not, then our “wise” choices will lead to destruction.

I choose Christ, what do you choose?

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" Introduction by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_01.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

1. As much as we might want to be religiously like those around us, there are certain "issues" that necessarily differentiate one from others
1. I call these "Issues Of Distinction"
2. I choose the word "distinction" because it means...
1. The act of distinguishing; differentiation
2. The condition or fact of being dissimilar or distinct; difference
3. A distinguishing factor, attribute, or characteristic
3. Therefore "issues of distinction" are those which distinguish one from others in some way
2. Such "Issues Of Distinction" relate to matters of truth and error
1. For those who love truth, that which is error holds no attraction
1. Remember what the wise man said about truth - Pr 23:23
2. Jesus declared the value of truth in Jn 8:31-32
3. John wrote highly of those who "walk in truth" - 3Jn 3-4
2. Devotion to the truth, then, will necessarily distinguish one from those who may subscribe to error
3. In this introductory lesson, I would like to...
1. Identify several important "Issues Of Distinction" (there are certainly others)
2. Illustrate how they necessarily distinguish one from others

[For example, one "issue of distinction" is...]

1. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
1. SOME QUESTION OR DENY THE EXISTENCE OF GOD...
1. Such as ATHEISTS
2. Or AGNOSTICS
2. OTHERS BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF GOD...
1. This includes those of all major religions, including:
1. Buddhists, Hindus
2. Jews, Moslems
3. Christians
2. The reasons for such belief may be varied, including:
1. Evidences in nature
2. Fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures
3. Evidences for the resurrection of Jesus Christ

[As much as we may (and should) love or respect individuals who do not believe in a Supreme Being, this issue creates a fundamental difference between people. Another "issue of distinction" is... ]

2. THE IDENTITY OF GOD
1. MANY BELIEVE IN A MULTITUDE OF GODS...
1. Such as BUDDHISTS
2. And HINDUS
2. OTHERS BELIEVE THE GOD OF ABRAHAM IS THE ONE TRUE GOD...
1. On this side of the "issue" are:
1. Jews and Moslems
2. Christians
2. The reason why people believe in the God of Abraham may vary:
1. Jews believe because of Moses and the Prophets
2. Christians believe because of Moses, the Prophets, and Jesus Christ
3. Moslems believe because of all these plus Mohammed, their final prophet

[Again, we should respect and love those who are Hindus and Buddhists, but this is an "issue of distinction" which distinguishes us. A third issue is...]

3. THE IDENTITY OF JESUS OF NAZARETH
1. MANY BELIEVE THAT JESUS WAS SIMPLY A GOOD MAN, PERHAPS A PROPHET, BUT NO MORE..
1. Many JEWS hold a view of Jesus that He was a good man, but not the Messiah
2. MOSLEMS believe that He was a prophet, but not the Son of God
2. OTHERS BELIEVE JESUS TO BE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD...
1. On this side of the "issue", are all professing Christians
2. Together with Peter, they freely confess: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." - cf. Mt 16:13-16
3. Their reasons would include such things as:
1. Fulfilled Messianic prophecies
2. Evidences for His resurrection from the dead

[Now, it would be wonderful if all who accepted the true identity of Jesus were united (this was Jesus' prayer - Jn 17:20-21). But unfortunately there are "issues of distinction" which differentiate even those who believe in Jesus...]

4. THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES
1. MANY DISPUTE THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES...
1. E.g., ROMAN CATHOLICS, GREEK ORTHODOX, etc., who accept in addition to the Bible:
1. Traditions of the church
2. Papal or ecclesiastical decrees
2. E.g., MORMONS, JEHOVAH WITNESSES, SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS, CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS, PENTECOSTALS, etc., who believe in the need for:
1. Latter-day prophets
2. Modern-day revelations
2. OTHERS BELIEVE THE SCRIPTURES TO BE AN ALL-SUFFICIENT GUIDE...
1. On this side of the issue would be most mainstream Protestant churches
2. Reasons are based upon the claim of the Scriptures themselves:
1. To be sufficient for making the man of God complete - cf. 2Ti 3:16-17
2. To have been revealed one time, for all time - cf. Jude 3

[Where there are different standards of authority, people will not be able to agree. This make the issue of the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures an "issue of distinction". Yet another issue is...]

5. THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM
1. MANY DENY BAPTISM HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION...
1. This includes many MAINSTREAM PROTESTANT DENOMINATIONS
2. Who teach that baptism is simply a confession of faith and not necessary to salvation
2. OTHERS BELIEVE THE BIBLE TEACHES BAPTISM TO BE NECESSARY...
1. Necessary for salvation - Mk 16:16
2. Necessary for the remission of sins - Ac 2:38
3. Necessary for becoming children of God through faith - Ga 3:26-27
3. IF THIS LATTER CONVICTION BE TRUE...
1. Then those who teach otherwise are not proclaiming the gospel Jesus and His apostles proclaimed, which is God's power unto salvation - Mk 16:15-16; Ro 1:16
2. Paul warned about those teaching a perverted gospel - Ga 1:8-9

[Finally, another issue that differentiates people is...]

6. THE NATURE OF THE LORD'S CHURCH
1. SOME DENOMINATIONALIZE THE CHURCH...
1. I fear this is the case with many CHURCHES OF CHRIST, and especially THE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF CHRIST
2. By changing the nature of cooperation among local churches, they create a de facto denomination
2. OTHERS BELIEVE THE SCRIPTURES TO REVEAL A LIMITED FORM OF CHURCH COOPERATION...
1. Local churches may cooperate, but in ways that:
1. Follow the New Testament pattern for church cooperation
2. Allow local churches to maintain their local autonomy and independence
2. E.g., congregations may support preachers, missionaries, needy Christians or churches
3. But the New Testament pattern reveals this was done directly, with no intermediate or overseeing church

CONCLUSION

1. Love for one's fellow man...
1. Makes one want to accept everyone as they are
2. And to let nothing come between us
2. But love for God and truth must be stronger...
1. It must take precedent over love for our fellow man
2. It must prompt one to let whatever is truly an "issue of distinction" differentiate one from those who believe otherwise
3. Of course, it is very important...
1. That we do not artificially put up barriers
2. To diligently study matters to determine whether they merit such importance as to differentiate ourselves from others
3. To present our conviction on such matters in the proper spirit:
1. Speaking the truth in love - Ep 4:15
2. Without quarreling, in gentleness, with patience and humility - 2Ti 2:24-25

In the rest of this series I hope to do just that, as we examine each "issue of distinction" surveyed in this lesson in greater detail...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2023

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" The Existence Of God by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_02.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

The Existence Of God

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson, we introduced several "Issues Of Distinction", matters which by their nature differentiate those with opposing views...
1. The existence of God
2. The identity of God
3. The identity of Jesus of Nazareth
4. The all-sufficiency of the Scriptures
5. The purpose of baptism
6. The nature of the Lord's church
2. I concluded by saying that it is important...
1. That we do not artificially put up barriers
2. To diligently study matters to determine whether they merit such importance as to differentiate ourselves from others
3. To present our conviction on such matters in the proper spirit:
1. Speaking the truth in love - Ep 4:15
2. Without quarreling, in gentleness, with patience and humility - 2Ti 2:24-25
3. Therefore, if an issue is such that it is one of "distinction", we ought to be able to...
1. Explain why we believe the way we do
2. Present reasons why those who differ ought to reconsider their convictions

[In this study, we shall take a closer look at the first "issue of distinction": The Existence of God...]

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE
1. IF GOD DOES NOT EXIST...
1. Then atheists and agnostics are on the side of TRUTH
2. Then there is no Supreme Being to which we must give an account
1. I.e., no Judgment Day
2. I.e., no heaven or hell
3. There is no reason to be accountable to anyone but ourselves
4. There is no right or wrong, no good or evil
5. We would best live by the saying: "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die"
2. BUT IF GOD DOES EXIST...
1. Then there is a Supreme Being to Whom we must give an account
2. We owe to ourselves to learn whatever we can...
1. About the NATURE of this God
2. About what He may REQUIRE of us
3. Such a search for knowledge concerning this God may be life-long, but if there is a God, then it is worth it! - cf. Jer 9:23-24

[In any issue of controversy, the burden of proof rests upon those who argue in the affirmative; so what are the EVIDENCES presented by those who affirm that God exists?]

2. EVIDENCES FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
1. THE "ONTOLOGICAL" ARGUMENT...
1. This argument was espoused by Anselm, a theologian and philosopher, also the archbishop of Cantebury (ca. 1100 A.D.)
1. It runs something like this: "If man can have the concept of a perfect God, then He must exist"
2. It is based upon the premise that everything man can know or think is based upon some reality (though often perverted)
2. "This is probably one of the weakest of the philosophical arguments; and to many this argument is somewhat unconvincing." (J. D. Thomas, Facts & Faith)
2. THE "GENERAL" ARGUMENT...
1. This argument is based upon "the universal belief in God and the religious instinct"
1. "Men in all the world, and throughout all time, not only believe in deity, but also engage in acts of worship and devotion." - cf. Ac 17:26-27
2. "The religious principle is extremely potent in all nations, dominating their thought and history."
3. "Everywhere the human heart has a craving for God. There will be exceptions as individuals, but the exceptions do not invalidate the rule. The atheist is an exception in every society!" (Ferrell Jenkins, Introduction To Christian Evidences)
2. This argument reasons in this way:
1. Since there is in the universe those things that satisfy man's deepest longings...
2. ...there must be a reality (i.e., God) that complements and meets this universal craving for a Supreme Being
3. THE "COSMOLOGICAL" ARGUMENT...
1. This is also called "the argument from first cause"
1. It is based upon the premise "every effect must have a cause"
2. The cosmos (universe) is an effect that has adequate cause
3. The theist believes that Gen 1:1 reveals that adequate cause: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
2. A common objection is often raised: "Who created God?"
1. It is important to bear in mind that the law which states every effect has a cause applies to things that are "physical"
2. God by definition is not physical, and therefore not bound by laws which we may discern to apply to physical things
1. God is a spiritual being - cf. Jn 4:24
2. His omnipresence is but one example of how He defies laws of nature - cf. Jer 23:23-24
3. So the argument does not apply to Him, and He becomes the "uncaused cause" of all things!
4. THE "TELEOLOGICAL" ARGUMENT...
1. This argument is based upon the evidence of design in the universe
2. Evidence of design suggests a "designer", some Being with intelligence possessing purpose
1. E.g., a watch shows design, and implies a watchmaker
2. To credit such intricate and precise workmanship to blind chance is unreasonable
3. Examples of design in the universe are many; some examples...
1. Orderly movement of heavenly bodies, making space travel possible
2. Animal instinct, such as the migration patterns of birds, eels, and salmon
3. The human body itself, e.g., the eye
4. Contemplating upon the universe and the human body rightfully produces awe, and points man to his Creator - cf. Ps 19:1-2; 139:14; Ro 1:19-20
5. THE "MORAL" ARGUMENT...
1. This is also called the "anthropological argument"
2. It is based upon reality that everywhere people have "a sense of ought"
1. That in certain circumstances, certain things should be done
2. People are concerned...
1. That people should act a certain way
2. That people do not often act the way they should
3. Even atheists and agnostics have "a sense of justice", and are angered when it is violated (as in the case of rape and murder)
3. This moral nature in man demands a Moral Being as the Original Cause
6. THE "ESTHETICAL" ARGUMENT...
1. This argument is based upon the presence of beauty and sublimity in the universe
2. It observes that you have both...
1. The presence of beauty in nature itself, and in art produced by man
2. The response of man to such beauty
3. How did this "beauty", and the "ability to appreciate" it, develop?
1. Were both the result of blind chance?
2. Or did it come from a Supreme Being, who is not only...
1. Intelligent (an argument from design)
2. Moral (an argument from our sense of ought) ...but also Artistic (an argument from beauty and our sense of it)? - cf. Ps 96:4-6

CONCLUSION

1. These arguments we have considered are "philosophical arguments", but they are based upon what the Bible itself says can be learned about God from nature - cf. Ps 19:1-2; Ro 1:20
2. The arguments we have considered are some of the reasons why so many believe in the existence of God, be they Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Moslems, Christians, etc.
3. Other arguments can be offered to support the existence of God...
1. Fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures
2. Scientific foreknowledge of the Scriptures
3. Uniformity of the Scriptures
4. Evidences for the resurrection of Jesus from the dead
-- But these arguments we shall consider as we examine other "Issues Of Distinction"

But Who is this Supreme Being? In our next study, we shall take a look at "The Identity Of God"...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2023

 

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" The Identity Of God by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_03.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

The Identity Of God

INTRODUCTION

1. Our previous study briefly surveyed some of the arguments for the EXISTENCE of God:
1. The ontological argument (if man can conceive of a perfect God, one must exist)
2. The general argument (the universal belief in God and man's religious instinct)
3. The cosmological argument (every effect must have a cause; the cosmos is an effect, and its adequate cause is God)
4. The teleological argument (evidence of design necessitates a Designer)
5. The moral argument (moral nature in man and sense of "ought" demands a Moral Person in back of all things)
6. The esthetical argument (beauty in the universe and man's response to it suggests a Supreme Being with an eye for beauty)
-- These philosophical arguments are based upon what is seen in CREATION, which reveals something of the Creator - cf. Ro 1:20
2. But these arguments do not, nor does creation, IDENTIFY who this Supreme Being is...
1. Is He the God revealed in the Bible?
2. Is He the God or Gods believed in by Hindus, Buddhists, etc.?
3. Or is He some Being yet to be discovered by mankind?

[In this study, we shall take a closer look at the second "issue of distinction": The Identity of God...]

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE
1. IF GOD IS NOT THE ONE REVEALED IN THE BIBLE...
1. Then the Jew, the Moslem, and the Christian are in error
1. For they are united in their belief that He is the God of Abraham
2. And that He has revealed Himself through prophets
2. Then we should be looking elsewhere to learn who God is
1. Either to the eastern religions, such as Hinduism or Buddhism
2. Or perhaps some other religion among the many in the world
2. IF GOD IS THE ONE REVEALED IN THE BIBLE...
1. Then we owe it to ourselves to carefully read the Bible
1. To learn what God has revealed about Himself
2. To learn what God expects of mankind
2. Then we have narrowed down the choices as to what is the true religion in the world: Judaism, Christianity, or Islam

[As we proceed to consider arguments for believing that the God of the Bible is the One True God, a certain line of reasoning will be followed:

The Bible claims to be the Word of the One True God; if this is true, we should find evidence of INSPIRATION.

What, then, are evidences that the Bible is really INSPIRED of God?]

2. EVIDENCES FOR THE IDENTITY OF GOD
1. THE UNIFORMITY OF THE SCRIPTURES...
1. The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written:
1. Over a 1600 year span
2. Over a period of 40 generations
3. By approx. 40 authors from every walk of life; e.g.:
1. MOSES, a political leader trained in the universities of Egypt
2. PETER, a fisherman
3. AMOS, a herdsman
4. JOSHUA, a military general
5. NEHEMIAH, a cup bearer to a king
6. DANIEL, a prime minister
7. LUKE, a physician
8. SOLOMON, a king
9. MATTHEW, a tax collector
10. PAUL, a tentmaker and rabbi
4. In different places
1. Moses in the wilderness
2. Jeremiah in a dungeon
3. Daniel on a hillside and in a palace
4. Paul inside prison walls
5. Luke while traveling
6. John in exile an the isle of Patmos
7. Others in the rigors of military campaign
5. At different times
1. David in times of war
2. Solomon in times of peace
6. During different moods
1. Some writing from the heights of joy
2. Others from the depths of sorrow and despair
7. On three continents
1. Asia
2. Africa
3. Europe
8. In three languages
1. Hebrew
2. Aramaic
3. Greek
9. Which subject matter includes hundreds of controversial topics
1. The origin of man & the universe
2. The nature of God
3. The nature of sin & man's redemption
2. Despite all this, there is harmony and continuity!
1. For example:
1. "The Paradise Lost of the book of Genesis becomes the Paradise Regained of Revelation"
2. "Whereas the gate to the tree of life is closed in Genesis, it is opened forevermore in Revelation." - GEISLER and NIX
2. Compare the continuity of the Bible with any other such writings of man
1. Imagine what you would have if you just took ten authors...
1. From one walk of life, one generation, one place, one time, one mood one continent, one language
2. Speaking on one controversial subject
2. You would have a conglomeration of ideas, not harmony!
3. The reason for the UNITY of the Bible?
1. The writers were all inspired by the same God - cf. 2Pe 1:20-21
2. Providing evidence that the God of the Bible is the One True God!
2. THE SCIENTIFIC FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE...
1. The nature of this argument:
1. In the Bible there are scientific truths...
1. That were unknown by man with all his wisdom and resources
2. That are stated as facts hundreds of years in advance of the discovery of these truths by men
2. That the writers of the Bible could have known these facts only through inspiration
3. That such evidence of inspiration confirms they were writing or speaking for the One True God!
2. Just a few examples of facts written about in the Bible, but confirmed only recently with the aid of modern science...
1. The roundness of the earth - Isa 40:22
2. The suspension of the earth in space - Job 26:7
3. The currents in the seas - Ps 8:8
4. The springs in the seas - Job 38:16
5. All nations of one blood - Ac 17:26
3. FULFILLED PROPHECIES FOUND IN THE BIBLE...
1. The nature of this argument:
1. The prophecies of the Old Testament foretold events in detail that were beyond the scope of human speculation
2. How did the writers do it?
1. They attributed it to God!
2. And God declared that such evidence was a proof of His existence and superiority over men and all heathen gods - Isa 41:21-24; 42:8-9; 46:8-11
2. A few examples (Messianic prophecies will be considered in the next study):
1. The fall of Babylon, written two hundred years before it occurred - Isa 13:17-22
2. The fall of Egypt, that it would be destroyed more by civil war than by outside forces - Isa 19:1-4
3. The fall of Nineveh, with its utter desolation - Zeph 2:13-15
4. The fall of Tyre, with its becoming a place for the spreading of nests - Ezek 26:1-5
-- Cf. Introduction To Christian Evidences, Ferrell Jenkins, pp. 87-107

CONCLUSION

1. We have briefly surveyed evidence suggesting the Bible to be inspired by a Supreme Being...
1. The uniformity of the Scriptures
2. The scientific foreknowledge of the Bible
3. Fulfillment of prophecies found in the Bible
-- Our examples have been few, and simply illustrative; indeed, entire volumes have been written on this subject
2. The Bible is either the work of men or of God; if it is from God...
1. Then it is easy to understand how these men could write as they did
2. Then the IDENTITY of the One True God is known:
1. He is the God of the Bible!
2. And that Book is His Word to us!
3. But among those who believe in the God of the Bible, there are differences...
1. Most Jews accept only the Old Testament portion as Scripture
2. Christians accept both the Old and New Testaments
3. Moslems believe that both the Old and New Testaments have been corrupted, so as to present an improper picture of Moses and Jesus
4. The core of these differences revolve around another "issue of distinction": The Identity Of Jesus of Nazareth

That is the "issue" we shall examine in our next study...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2023