The Bible - its authority - and a little Science

THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE

I advise downloading to a file of your own – 79 pages!

Charles Darwin apparently hated peacocks - science had shown that the incredible patterned feathers play no part in the mating display.





Firstly: Many like to think that Science has disproved “The Bible” – thus they are released from its rules ... and blessings.

Here is a quotation from one of the chief, and most admired proponents of this idea, Professor Stephen Hawkins:

“Our universe and its laws appear to have a design that both is tailor-made to support us and, if we are to exist, leaves little room for alteration That is not easily explained and raises the natural question of why it is that way ... The discovery relatively recently of the extreme fine-tuning of so many of the laws of nature could lead at least some of us back to the old idea that this grand design is the work of some grand designer ... That is not the answer of modern science     … our universe seems to be one of many, each with different laws.^”

Here is recognition of the evidence; but a denial of its implications: because of an already accepted World View.

(Professor Hawkins quoted by Professor John Lennox from “The Grand Design”, pp162, 164; “God and Stephen Hawking – whose design is it anyway?” p47, Lion Hudson, Oxford, 2010, ISBN 978-0-7459-5549-0, £4.99)

A second string to this bow is from Professor Sir Fred Hoyle (1915-2001), Cambridge astronomer and mathematician, who coined the term “Big Bang”, but denied that it had ever happened, and an ardent atheist, famously said: “A commonsense interpretation of the facts suggests that a super-intellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology, and that there are no blind forces worth speaking about in nature.”  (“Image”, Summer 2012, pages 22 - 23, “The Science Issue, Science and God, Three Things You Need to Know”, Jonathan Langley

The third: Richard Dawkins in his book “The Blind Watchmaker”, New York, Norton, 1986, “by the blind scientist”, stated, “Biology is the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose.”  Since when have Scientists ignored evidence, and retained their integrity? Whilst little may have changed, he does now call himself, “a cultural Christian”; meaning I think that he sees that Christianity has made an invaluable contribution to civilisation.

 Val Grieve, a well-known Manchester Barrister always liked to hear a witness for the opposition give evidence to support his case; such are the testimonies of the above atheists!

Dr Royal Truman (CMI) argues like this: Atheism sees only a materialistic Cosmos - Matter and Energy (only Physics); but this is an absolute lie, we observe Matter, Energy, and Information Codes.  To have Information Codes requires intelligence - the kind we have (in our own bodies) requires a super-intelligence.  Here is proof of there being a God! 

Professor Stephen Hawkins, in a press interview, said: “Religion is a fairy story invented for people who are afraid of the Dark.”

Probably The Times asked Professor John Lennox (Mathematics, Oxford University) to comment – “Atheism is a fairy tale for people afraid of the Light!”

(Morning Bible Readings, Keswick Convention, 2013)

^{John 3:19-21} This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.  ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.  ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

^{John 8:12} When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Professor Richard Dawkins announced he was against fairy stories; because they are unscientific!  Evolution should take the prize for being the biggest fairy tale.  As the famous song puts it:

“Nothing came from nothing.

Nothing ever could”
Duet from "The Sound of Music" film, with thanks to William Shakespeare, "King Lear" (1,1,92).

Professor Francis Crick, who was one of the co-discoverers of the structure of the DNA molecule, wrote, and that was back in 1981: “An honest man, armed with the knowledge available to us now, could only state that in some sense, the origin of life appears at the moment to be almost a miracle, so many are the conditions which would have had to have been satisfied to get it going.” So much more has been unravelled since then.

Evolution is based on the idea of transitional mutations, if this were true; the fossil record would contain more of these than actual established species – failed and successful, but there is not even one proven beyond doubt! The philosophy is based on the effect of MUTATIONS. Scientific evidence is only of destructive Mutations, no added information - only loss; and built into the system is a facility which tends to correct dangerous, damaging mutations.

 

Essential activities within living cells are too complex for biologists to track, even using the most powerful supercomputers – Quantum Computers give hope.

 

The doctorates at Creation Ministries International have a case for, and explanations of a catastrophic worldwide flood – as watertight as Noah’s Ark.  The atheistic argument of Uniformitarianism (that the past in Geology can only be explained by what is observed today – has seriously limited scientific progress) does not work in what can be observed today in Geomorphology.  Numerous topographical features of the Earth’s crust are best explained by the catastrophic tectonics associated with the Genesis Flood.  The same scientist of CMI point out that 40 years of the Evolutionists’ belief in “junk DNA” has seriously misled Science.  Natural Selection takes place; but it is CULLING not CREATING.

Scientist who are the cutting edge of their field, are often most conscious of the unanswered questions associated with human discovery.

My friend Professor Verna Wright spoke at our school Christian Union on the Six Day Creation: that afternoon, the Vicar of the city said, in a conference of Christians and Jews, that Bio-Chemistry had disproved the Bible....

A member of the Leakey team was being helped by Verna, in his laboratory in Leeds University Medical School.  The Professor pointed out that that if an ape morphed into an upright posture, not only would the hip have to change drastically, but the creature would be unstable in transition and open to being wiped-out by predators.  The Leakey Team member agreed!

Those who do not believe in transitional species are faced with virtually no convincing evidence to cause them distress.  Ideas of transitional animals are invariably based on minimal amounts of bone; but portrayed by graphic artists’ imagination in publications and museums.  Often the evidence points to either an ape, or a human, not to a mutating specie.

RELEVANT - a letter

It would be wonderful if young people were able to "evaluate scientific evidence". Unfortunately the modern dumbed-down school science syllabus makes this unlikely; there is little scope for actual understanding.

On the contrary, I doubt if many professional biologists have actually evaluated the evidence for evolution. When they do, they may develop concerns about it, but dismiss these on the grounds that everyone else believes it so it must be true. The herd instinct is quite strong in science, and any biologist publicly expressing doubts about evolution would find it difficult to get a job. That means that serious research into alternatives has to be carried out by amateurs or academics in other disciplines.

There are good scientific reasons to doubt evolution, quite apart from what the Bible teaches. The apparently spontaneous creation of information, in flat contradiction to thermodynamics and information theory, is one of them. To get round this most biologists either ignore it or claim that life is not fully subject to the laws of physics (thus agreeing with creationists!). It suits atheists to pretend there are 'God vs. science' debates. These are usually actually 'science vs. science' debates. There can be no conflict between true science and Christian belief.

Dr Dave Kimber, via email

“In Your Words”, p36, IDEA, The Magazine of the Evangelical Alliance; March/April 2014 [Adapted]

No coincidence

By Dominic Statham         

Many of us will have seen the partial solar eclipse visible throughout the UK on 20th March. Sixteen years ago, in August 1999, I was in northern France where I was able to enjoy, for over a minute, a total solar eclipse. Around twenty minutes before totality, the clouds cleared and we were treated to the full works: views of the sun's corona (its luminous crown'), Baily's beads ('pearls of sunlight' seeping through valleys on the moon's surface) and the beautiful red 'prominences' (eruptions of gas emanating from the sun's surface). All this was possible, of course, because the moon is just the right size and at just the right distance from the earth, resulting in it just, and only just, covering the sun. Commenting on this, physics Professor Brian Cox remarked on behalf of the BBC, "There's that coincidence so the moon happens to be 400 times smaller in diameter than the sun, but it also happens to be 400 times closer to the earth. "Absolute coincidence..."(emphasis his).  One might ask, however, what 'science' he has to support this statement.

TOO MANY 'COINCIDENCES'

Unfortunately for Professor Cox and his atheistic worldview, there appear to be many other such 'coincidences'. Earth's position in the solar system, for example, ensures that our planet never gets too hot or too cold, enabling water to exist in liquid form. If our orbit took us just a bit closer to the sun, all water would evaporate; if just a bit further away, it would all freeze. In both cases life could not exist. Our atmosphere is just right too, being made up mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, with small amounts of argon, carbon dioxide and other trace gases. This ensures a temperate climate, the combination of gases needed for complex life and a transparent sky that enables us to observe the rest of the universe. Earth is part of a planetary system that protects us from comet impacts; it has a suitable magnetic field that shields us from harmful solar radiation; it is ideally placed in the galaxy for astronomical research; and there's much more. This 'fine-tuning' for life is also seen at the atomic level. For example, if the ratio of the electron mass to the proton mass wasn't just right, molecules essential for life such as DNA couldn't form; unless carbon and oxygen nuclei had just the right energy levels we could not exist. As admitted by another (non-Christian) Professor of physics, Paul Davies, "The impression of design is overwhelming."

The reaction of secularists to all this is as revealing as it is shocking. When Dr Guillermo Gonzalez produced the documentary film, “The Privileged Planet, in which he argued that coincidence was an inadequate explanation for so many observations pointing to design, there was uproar. The Smithsonian Institute in the United States had initially agreed to provide a private screening, but then attempted to cancel it following widespread protests. Atheist groups organised campaigns, encouraging people to send e-mails, write letters and make phone calls opposing its showing.  An E-mail was sent to the entire department of anthropology at George Washington University warning everyone not to watch it. Money was even offered to the Smithsonian if they agreed not to show it. Dr Gonzalez himself received much criticism, leading to his promising career at Iowa State University coming to an abrupt end and his being denied tenure—a situation which can have grave implications for a person's future in academia. [Typical of the intellectual dishonesty, found particularly in the United States.]

Taken from: “Prayer News”, CMI, July/September, 2015

Should you think that Evolution is a perimeter issue, Andy Banton, who represents the Open Air Mission writes: “… the number one objection to the Christian message, that we hear over and over, is the theory of evolution.”  Science cannot prove the real Evolution of Zoo to You, it is a belief, and cannot in any way be observed or tested.  Suffering is a further objection – “How can a loving, all-powerful God allow people to suffer?”  Even David Attenborough puts this forward as a reason for his atheism; yet he has failed to read the small print: the perfect World, which God created, has been curse as a result of human sinfulness.  God does offer His Grace to sustain.

Professor Verna Wright, senior medical Professor at Leeds University, in his time.  My scholars asked: "Which is the Professor?"

 

The Evolutionary belief depends on billions of years, the Christian is asked to believe in Six Day Creation. 

^{Exodus 20:11,} For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

God Himself wrote this, within the Ten Commandments, The Covenant; on your Judgment Day, how will you answer the charge of calling God a liar?

I personally find it hard to believe in six days; why did it take Him so long?

If you think the Bible (aimed at billions of people in multiple millennia) is complex: try the Secular, Humanistic, Evolutionary publications.



Professor Stuart Burgess, B.Sc, PhD (Brun), CEng, FIMech E, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, UK; 140 academic papers, 7 patents, has been awarded top awards in his area, and work on hugely expensive projects (the solar array of the Envisat ESA satellite (total cost, 1.6 billion GBP)

Books and DVD's by him offer strong arguments against Evolutionary Philosophy - which predicts blind, bad, and clumsy design.  Divine Creation, on the other-hand, predicts supreme design with irreducible complexity.  Stuart is a World authority on a branch of Science called Biomimetics (copying and being inspired by designs in Nature); he is joint Editor of one of two Journals dedicated to this area.  Opponents of Special Creation offer no explanations for the complexities, please note that many have no academic qualifications in the related fields.

What does Radiometric Dating prove? 

Common radiometric dating chains:

238U to 206Pb

235U to 207Pb

40K to 40Ar (the most popular)

82Rb to 87Sr

These are used with Igneous and Metamorphic rocks.  In comparisons with known geological events – Mount Ngauruhoe (New Zealand, volcanic basalts) 1949, 1954, and 1975

Mount St Helens – the Lava Dome from the eruption in 1984

All these methods are shown beyond doubt to be unreliable: giving ridiculous results.

Carbon 14 is not detectable for over 90,000 years.  It does, however, indicate 6,000 years for coal and diamond samples, along with the evidence from zircon crystals and radio halos.  All this weakens the case for Evolution, whilst strengthening the case for the Creation Account in Scripture of 6,000 years ago!

From a DVD Lecture (2012) by Dr Jim Mason, Doctorate in Experimental Nuclear Physics;  CMI

The complexity of living organisms, and the huge size of our Milky Way Galaxy, point to the greatness of God and the Messiah.  In 1929, the discovery was commenced that there are billions of galaxies containing billions of stars, having distances measured in light travelling for billions of light years.  1995 saw the recognition of other planets round other stars. Why this huge extravagance?  The answer is found in the last two words of Colossians chapter 1, verse 18: For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and FOR HIM.

Atheists pride themselves in believing that there is no God – negatives are very difficult to prove....  I would like to show that atheistic evolutionists do have a religious faith (there are theistic evolutionists).

It is pointed out that in Evolutionism there is often anthropomorphic thinking: attributing human or godlike qualities to Nature: to the Cosmos, plants and animals.  BBC’s “Gardeners’ Question Time” suggested that my orchids stay in bloom for long periods so that they are available for pollination; this attributes an intelligence, will, and power to organise themselves: better than human beings – more like deities.  This is Polytheism.  Ethics is also in evidence: they do not like criminal harm to be done to themselves, family, or property.  They do not want to be slandered, cheated, betrayed, discriminated against, unkindly treated, or deceived.  Then there is the belief in miracles: something from nothing, complex genetic schemes, without an intelligent designer.

Belief in a creating, loving, holy, and just, Almighty God, who has revealed Himself, and communicate with us, is far more sensible.

Darwinists need the (human) genome to be simple, so they have consistently underestimated its complexity. This low-balling of expectations slowed progress as powerful elements within the scientific establishment dragged their feet. This stymied the work of the real pioneers, who pushed the others, almost literally kicking and screaming, into the light. Once more, evolutionary dogma has been shown to be a science-stopper. And what the light reveals is nothing that anyone expected.     Dr Robert Carter (CMI)

Those who believe in the evolution of the complex DNA molecule from nothing, should be willing to accept that their computer could also develop by itself, from nothing; given billions of years, of course.

Dr Jonathan Corrado (B.S., M.S.,M.S. (Hons), M. Div., Th. M., Ph.D., Systems Engineering), Senior Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, wrote:

“Historical measurements indicate that Earth's magnetic field experiences a loss every 1,400 years. Even if past reversals of the field are disregarded, which would have further depleted its energy, the maximum age of the Earth's magnetic field is about 20,000 years. Any older, the electrical current for such a strong field would have been large enough to melt the whole Earth.” 

“DNA is the most compact information storage system in the universe.  While we might think that our 100 gigabyte hard drive is advanced technology, a pinhead of DNA could hold 40 million times more information.”  page 160, Jonathan Sarfati, Ph.D., in his remarkably fine book, “By Design”, Creation Book Publishers, 2008.

As a trained and practising Artist, I am well aware of the Utilitarian and the Flourish. Most, if not all, art works go beyond the basic requirement. In the Sciences it seems that any concept of Evolution would be essentially utilitarian. The God of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures is a Person who has Flourish: the beauty of the flowers in my garden, the animals of the World. In the New Testament there is a Saviour who feeds 5,000 and 4,000 men – with much more left to fill baskets than He began with; there is the abundant grace of 2 Corinthians 9 verse 8, and the glorious hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth. creation.com magazine p 18ff 46 2024

Professor Dr Emil Silvestru points out that:

Creation being true, there would be no intermediate fossils, but buried in water laid sediment.

Evolutionary Philosophy being true, there would be thousands of transitional forms, found in sea, and some in land laid sediments.

FACT: 99% of all fossils indicate biblical creation – no transitional forms, fossils sea sedimentary buried.

The majesty of Creation illustrates the colossal greatness of THE CHRIST for whom the Cosmos exists.

Secondly: How can we assess religious beliefs?

Here is my summary based very freely on Professor Ninian Smart’s “Criteria of Truth in Religion”:

[Fuller references are found in: "The Problems of Theology", B. L. Hebblethwaite, CUP, 1980, UK; pp 24-28, 39-43.]

1. Coherence

A religious view must make sense, in itself, and with genuine, truly proven knowledge in the World generally

2. Simplicity

Understandable, but this needs to be balanced by comprehensiveness of detail.  In my days of coming towards The Faith, I reckoned that, if ever I found The Truth, it would be accessible to a child, or the most simple: yet at the same time, satisfy the great and able intellect of an Oxbridge Professor.  It should also be far above full understanding by humans.

3. Comprehensiveness

The truth will make sense of the whole of life

4. Ethical and Spiritual Profundity – impressive in both moral and spiritual areas: its laws must be manifestly just and fair to the sensitive, uncauterised human conscience; and in its pristine form – uncluttered by a folk religion, reconstruction by its “theologians”, or its “heresies”, it must become evermore transcendent and deeply satisfying – leading to a proven, winsome, godliness of life.

5. Ability to Cope with Boundary Situations

It must stand us in good stead in times of serious suffering and hardship

6. Historical Considerations

It must take its place in a serious account of History (and Geography) – often depending on archaeology (see my Blog on Biblical Archaeology)

7. The Aesthetic Criterion

All these aspects must fit together in a supportive way

[We may wish to add: Is it honouring to its “God”, Origins, or Natural Justice, and does it have Integrity?]

"Don't judge a star by his fan club. "

May I suggest that Christianity wins hands down over all other Faiths!

THREE VERY DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE BIBLE

1.     It is ancient, and therefore outdated; but interesting to specialists, as a religious holy book

2.     It is a consummate collection of myths, fairytales, and confused, perverse philosophy and psychology

3.   On all counts it is historically sound, philosophically and ethically profound, and contains every evidence of the claim made for it, by some, that it is the Word of God – unique and alone

Some claim it is full of contradictions – an accusation rarely, if ever upheld.

A lady in a serious ethical dilemma saw herself as battling painfully against "the evils of Religion"; but she herself had a strong religious belief system: between atheism and agnosticism.

The influence of the pristine knowledgeable application of the actual text has resulted in the most amazing good, and to this day it stands as a bulwark against failed and failing jurisprudences.

The figures for 1997 indicated that the Bible had been translated into 349 languages.  A further 841 had the complete New Testament.  “More copies of the Bible have been produced than any other book, religious or secular, since the advent of printing in the fifteenth century and Gutenberg’s first printed Bible in 1455.” ¹ Written forms of many spoken tongues have been created, so that people could be taught to read the Scriptures in their own language.

The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics suggests that modern research shows that the Four Gospels are powerfully validated in areas of: Personal Names, Place Names, and Forms of Speech.

Surveys of church life, in the West, suggest that there is no real development without mid-week house group/Bible studies.  I heard an elderly lady say recently that she had attended church services all her life, and yet was conscious of her lack of understanding about the Bible.

All branches of the Church in the West are facing the issues connected with Sexuality: Homosexuality in particular.  When discussions are held, most members are so ignorant of the Bible that they follow the World’s thinking.

^{James 4:4,} You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

^{James 4:11 b-12,} When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.

^{Romans 1:23 ff} and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

²⁴ Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.

²⁵ They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

²⁶ Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.

²⁷ In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

²⁸ Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

It is clear that God sees misuse of our bodies as extremely sinful. We would not treat our car like this: connect the petrol supply to the braking system, and the water coolant to the engine manifold.

 

St Andrew's Church, Chorleywood, has on its Internet site a fine sermon by Canon David White:
"1 Thessalonians 2:13-20" (20 September 2015) - discussing the importance of the Scriptures, and the part played by William Tyndale.

END NOTES - MAINLY FOR CHRISTIANS

What does God think about the Bible?

How did Jesus and His apostles view, and use the Scriptures?

In what way should a Christian relate to the Bible?

How does it impinge on all humanity?

The man in the street must realize that, if indeed it is the revealed inspired genuine Word of God (the Creator of the Cosmos), humankind must take stock!  It holds two things for all of us:

1.  A severe warning of eternal judgment and wrath, and we already stand found guilty.

2.  A possibility of the glorious fulfilment of man’s true and dignified destiny in the costly mercy of God – which He has purchased at demonstrably great price.  Here are wonderful promises, answers, and divine help, for the whole of life, and for eternity.

Notice that God cannot be avoided, and that humans are eternal - made in the image of God!

Does your World View determine your opinion of the Bible: or do the Scriptures create your World View?

A KEY SCRIPTURE

“… for you have exalted above all things

your name and your word.”    Psalm 138:2 b

A Famous Hymn:

“Glorious things of thee are spoken,

Zion city of our God,

He whose word cannot be broken.”

Two contrasting attitudes:

A senior church leader honestly admitted that he had never read the whole Bible; and hopefully intended to put things right.

A West Indian Christian lady who travelled with me on the bus to work – she had employment in the local hospital for severely limited folk – said she read eleven chapters each day and was currently in the Book of Job.  When I questioned her about this very difficult book, she gave most knowledgeable answers.

Our Lent Bible Studies showed us how interesting, and helpful, looking at more than one translation of the Scriptures could be.  Sadly, many members of the Anglican Church are woefully lacking in knowledge of the Old and New Testaments, and do not have a practice of daily Bible reading, and prayer – Daily Devotions, if you like.  Three chapters a day and three on Sunday, would take us through the whole Bible in a year.

One member of our Wednesday morning Lent Group, at St Barnabas, has a mobile phone app of the Bible in a year – which will include helpful notes by a vicar.  We need to find what is best for our needs.

As it is said: When you meet Nahum in Heaven, and he asks, “Did you read my book?” You would not wish to be embarrassed.

There are also audio recordings of the Scriptures in most formats, one of the most popular, on six CD’s, is the NIV by David Suchet (alias Poirot), costing about £40.

The Book of Psalms can be a help in our prayers.  The prayer of Psalm 119 verse 18 is used by many: “Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things in Your Law.”  This Psalm presents a problem; it is the longest chapter in the whole Book – 176 verses.  My solution is to draw a grid: twenty-two lines deep (for the 22 letters of the Hebrew consonants – Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth, etc), with vertical lines to create boxes to tick, when you have read an eight verse stanza, while the kettle boils.

Knowing passages by heart is a good idea – Psalm 117 was my first Psalm (the shortest chapter in the Bible).

I now offer an extensive list of relevant biblical passages apropos the Authority of the Bible

One of the most significant events in history took place in the Garden of Eden: it was the questioning and doubting of God’s Word to people.   To question is reasonable: to cast doubt is temptation to sin.  This was the part played by Evil: Genesis 3 verse 1, “Did God really say?” were Satan’s words.  This was more than a question; it was inferring doubt - perhaps God's word had not been stated accurately, or not stated at all!  The Woman added to what God had said, using the word “touch”, rather than “eat”.  Satan contradicted the Word of God, just as he does today!  There was even the promise of some reward for not believing: a bounty, which has still not materialized.

Jesus said: Have you not read what God said to you,  ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”  Matthew 22:31-32

It is clear that Jesus believed in the absolute authority and reliability of the Scriptures of His day.  It follows that, as His disciples, we must be perfectly in step with this attitude.

An incisive challenge for the Church in our time, are the words of Jesus to the religious leaders of His day, (Mark 7:8-13 selected),

8. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”

9. And he said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!

 13. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. Cf

I have a useful illustration from schooldays: in Chemistry and Physics, we had two types of lessons – Theory and Practical.  In the New Testament we have much that is teaching; but in the narrative parts, there is a clear portrayal of how the apostles and their colleagues lived out, and spoke out, the theory; we must compare our Christian living and speaking with this!  Do we have thought forms, exclamations, and practices, which are not found in the practical parts of the New Testament?

One's view of the Bible is crucial.

In the New Testament, the apostles recognised that the Holy Spirit of God was the true writer of the Bible - not David or Isaiah, or anybody else.   Acts 1:16  “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David.”  Knowing Scriptures by heart was also part of their Christian landscape.

The apostle Paul made this statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet.”  Acts 28:25 b

The Jews were special, in that God had chosen to give His Word to them:

"What advantage then is there in being a Jew ... A great deal! First of all they have been entrusted with the very words of God."   Romans 3:1,2

It is a shame that today the Synagogue Lectionary omits key passages of the Scriptures: Isaiah 61 verses 1 to 9, and many other passages such as Psalms 2, 22, 31, 45, 69, 110, and Isaiah 52 verse 13 to the end of chapter 53.  I was present in a Manchester Synagogue, when the set readings skipped the opening passage of Isaiah chapter 61.

I find it amazing, and unique, how much of the writings of the apostles in the New Testament contain allusions to, and foundations for their teaching in, the Hebrew Scriptures – which are very accurately quoted.  There is a remarkable continuum, and historical anchorage.  The New is built on the Old Testament; the New Testament endorses the Old. The special respect for Apocalyptic Prophecy in both Testaments is probably most special, and not found in any other foundational religious literature.

Paul and the other apostles knew, that often, what they were writing in letters and preaching in sermons, was really the word of God.  

"If anybody thinks he is ... spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the command of God."   1 Corinthians 14:37

I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up.  I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13

Which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. Ephesians 3:5

The faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel. Colossians 1:5

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.                   1 Thessalonians 2:13

For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4v2

“But the word of the Lord stands forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:25

I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 2 Peter 3:2, 15-16

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. 
Revelation 1:1-3

It is almost too obvious to point out, that the acts and sayings of Jesus are Scripture. 

Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 
Acts 20:35 b

For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:2-4

THE OLD TESTAMENT CONTINUED

Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside.  But those who ignored the word of the LORD left their slaves and livestock in the field [and suffered the devastation]. Exodus 9:20-21

Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you. Deuteronomy 4:2

See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it. Deuteronomy 12:32  [This is in relation to the terms of the Covenant.]

So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Deuteronomy 5:32

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:3

[Quoted in our Lord’s response to temptation]

Therefore the LORD'S anger burned against this land, so that he brought on it all the curses written in this book.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:27, 29

When all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing.

Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 31:11-12

He said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.  They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:46-47

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.   Joshua 1:7-8

“Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” Joshua 23:14

“As for God, his way is perfect;

the word of the LORD is flawless.”  2 Samuel 22:31 a

David’s charge to his son Solomon: And observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go. 1 Kings 2:3

Indeed, the whole history of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah declares this experience of life - that knowledgeable obedience to God’s Word brings success.

The restoration of the spiritual life of God's people, in the days of David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, and Ezra, came about through a rediscovery of the Scriptures.  

They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD … they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.  The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 17:9-10

When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to purify the temple of the LORD, as the king had ordered, following the word of the LORD.

There were burnt offerings in abundance, together with the fat of the fellowship offerings and the drink offerings that accompanied the burnt offerings.

So the service of the temple of the LORD was reestablished.

Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly. 2 Chronicles 29:15, 35-36

Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that had been given

through Moses.  He gave it to Shaphan.  Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king (Josiah), “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.  When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes.

Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

He went up to the temple of the LORD with the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, the priests and the Levites—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD.

The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD—to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book. 2 Chronicles 34:14-31, selected

I have not departed from the commands of his lips;

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

 Job 23:12

The Psalms are particularly rich in references to God's revealed word.

Blessed is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

And the words of the LORD are flawless,

like silver refined in a furnace of clay,

purified seven times.  Psalm 12:6

The law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure

and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb.

By them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:7-11

Six times in this quotation, the High name of God is used; the Tetragrammaton, the four consonants of the Hebrew name for God, pronounced "Yahweh", and represented by LORD, in capitals, in the English translations.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;

he is faithful in all he does.

The LORD loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of his unfailing love.

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,

their starry host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:4-6

The law of his God is in his heart;

his feet do not slip. Psalm 37:31

In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:4

The Lord announced the word,

and great was the company of those who proclaimed it. Psalm 68:11

I will listen to what God the LORD will say;

he promises peace to his people, his saints—

but let them not return to folly. Psalm 85:8

Your statutes stand firm;

holiness adorns your house

for endless days, O LORD. Psalm 9:35

He sent forth his word and healed them;

he rescued them from the grave. Psalm 107:20

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;

all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10

Psalm 119

Aleph

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,

who walk according to the law of the LORD.

Blessed are they who keep his statutes

and seek him with all their heart.

They do nothing wrong;

they walk in his ways.

You have laid down precepts

that are to be fully obeyed.

Oh, that my ways were steadfast

in obeying your decrees!

Then I would not be put to shame

when I consider all your commands.

I will praise you with an upright heart

as I learn your righteous laws.

I will obey your decrees;

do not utterly forsake me.

Beth

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Praise be to you, O LORD?

teach me your decrees.

With my lips I recount

all the laws that come from your mouth.

I rejoice in following your statutes

as one rejoices in great riches.

I meditate on your precepts

and consider your ways.

I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word.

Gimel

Do good to your servant, and I will live;

I will obey your word.

Open my eyes that I may see

wonderful things in your law.

I am a stranger on earth;

do not hide your commands from me.

My soul is consumed with longing

for your laws at all times.

You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed

and who stray from your commands.

Remove from me scorn and contempt,

for I keep your statutes.

Though rulers sit together and slander me,

your servant will meditate on your decrees.

Your statutes are my delight;

they are my counselors.

Daleth

I am laid low in the dust;

preserve my life according to your word.

I recounted my ways and you answered me;

teach me your decrees.

Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;

then I will meditate on your wonders.

My soul is weary with sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word.

Keep me from deceitful ways;

be gracious to me through your law.

I have chosen the way of truth;

I have set my heart on your laws.

I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD?

do not let me be put to shame.

I run in the path of your commands,

for you have set my heart free.

He

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;

then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law

and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,

for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statutes

and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,

so that you may be feared.

Take away the disgrace I dread,

for your laws are good.

How I long for your precepts!

Preserve my life in your righteousness.

Waw

May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,

your salvation according to your promise;

then I will answer the one who taunts me,

for I trust in your word.

Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,

for I have put my hope in your laws.

I will always obey your law,

for ever and ever.

I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out your precepts.

I will speak of your statutes before kings

and will not be put to shame,

for I delight in your commands

because I love them.

I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love,

and I meditate on your decrees.

Zayin

Remember your word to your servant,

for you have given me hope.

My comfort in my suffering is this:

Your promise preserves my life.

The arrogant mock me without restraint,

but I do not turn from your law.

I remember your ancient laws, O LORD,

and I find comfort in them.

Indignation grips me because of the wicked,

who have forsaken your law.

Your decrees are the theme of my song

wherever I lodge.

In the night I remember your name, O LORD,

and I will keep your law.

This has been my practice:

I obey your precepts.

Heth

You are my portion, O LORD?

I have promised to obey your words.

I have sought your face with all my heart;

be gracious to me according to your promise.

I have considered my ways

and have turned my steps to your statutes.

I will hasten and not delay

to obey your commands.

Though the wicked bind me with ropes,

I will not forget your law.

At midnight I rise to give you thanks

for your righteous laws.

I am a friend to all who fear you,

to all who follow your precepts.

The earth is filled with your love, O LORD?

teach me your decrees.

Teth

Do good to your servant

according to your word, O LORD.

Teach me knowledge and good judgment,

for I believe in your commands.

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.

You are good, and what you do is good;

teach me your decrees.

Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,

I keep your precepts with all my heart.

Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,

but I delight in your law.

It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.

The law from your mouth is more precious to me

than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Yodh

Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding to learn your commands.

May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,

for I have put my hope in your word.

I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,

and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

May your unfailing love be my comfort,

according to your promise to your servant.

Let your compassion come to me that I may live,

for your law is my delight.

May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;

but I will meditate on your precepts.

May those who fear you turn to me,

those who understand your statutes.

May my heart be blameless toward your decrees,

that I may not be put to shame.

Kaph

My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

but I have put my hope in your word.

My eyes fail, looking for your promise;

I say, “When will you comfort me?”

Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,

I do not forget your decrees.

How long must your servant wait?

When will you punish my persecutors?

The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,

contrary to your law.

All your commands are trustworthy;

help me, for men persecute me without cause.

They almost wiped me from the earth,

but I have not forsaken your precepts.

Preserve my life according to your love,

and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

Lamedh

Your word, O LORD, is eternal;

it stands firm in the heavens.

Your faithfulness continues through all generations;

you established the earth, and it endures.

Your laws endure to this day,

for all things serve you.

If your law had not been my delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.

I will never forget your precepts,

for by them you have preserved my life.

Save me, for I am yours;

I have sought out your precepts.

The wicked are waiting to destroy me,

but I will ponder your statutes.

To all perfection I see a limit;

but your commands are boundless.

Mem

Oh, how I love your law!

I meditate on it all day long.

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

for they are ever with me.

I have more insight than all my teachers,

for I meditate on your statutes.

I have more understanding than the elders,

for I obey your precepts.

I have kept my feet from every evil path

so that I might obey your word.

I have not departed from your laws,

for you yourself have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I gain understanding from your precepts;

therefore I hate every wrong path.

Nun

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.

I have taken an oath and confirmed it,

that I will follow your righteous laws.

I have suffered much;

preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.

Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,

and teach me your laws.

Though I constantly take my life in my hands,

I will not forget your law.

The wicked have set a snare for me,

but I have not strayed from your precepts.

Your statutes are my heritage forever;

they are the joy of my heart.

My heart is set on keeping your decrees

to the very end.

Samekh

I hate double-minded men,

but I love your law.

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

Away from me, you evildoers,

that I may keep the commands of my God!

Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live;

do not let my hopes be dashed.

Uphold me, and I will be delivered;

I will always have regard for your decrees.

You reject all who stray from your decrees,

for their deceitfulness is in vain.

All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;

therefore I love your statutes.

My flesh trembles in fear of you;

I stand in awe of your laws.

Ayin

I have done what is righteous and just;

do not leave me to my oppressors.

Ensure your servant’s well-being;

let not the arrogant oppress me.

My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,

looking for your righteous promise.

Deal with your servant according to your love

and teach me your decrees.

I am your servant; give me discernment

that I may understand your statutes.

It is time for you to act, O LORD?

your law is being broken.

Because I love your commands

more than gold, more than pure gold,

and because I consider all your precepts right,

I hate every wrong path.

Pe

Your statutes are wonderful;

therefore I obey them.

The unfolding of your words gives light;

it gives understanding to the simple.

I open my mouth and pant,

longing for your commands.

Turn to me and have mercy on me,

as you always do to those who love your name.

Direct my footsteps according to your word;

let no sin rule over me.

Redeem me from the oppression of men,

that I may obey your precepts.

Make your face shine upon your servant

and teach me your decrees.

Streams of tears flow from my eyes,

for your law is not obeyed.

Tsadhe

Righteous are you, O LORD,

and your laws are right.

The statutes you have laid down are righteous;

they are fully trustworthy.

My zeal wears me out,

for my enemies ignore your words.

Your promises have been thoroughly tested,

and your servant loves them.

Though I am lowly and despised,

I do not forget your precepts.

Your righteousness is everlasting

and your law is true.

Trouble and distress have come upon me,

but your commands are my delight.

Your statutes are forever right;

give me understanding that I may live.

Qoph

I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD,

and I will obey your decrees.

I call out to you; save me

and I will keep your statutes.

I rise before dawn and cry for help;

I have put my hope in your word.

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,

that I may meditate on your promises.

Hear my voice in accordance with your love;

preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.

Those who devise wicked schemes are near,

but they are far from your law.

Yet you are near, O LORD,

and all your commands are true.

Long ago I learned from your statutes

that you established them to last forever.

Resh

Look upon my suffering and deliver me,

for I have not forgotten your law.

Defend my cause and redeem me;

preserve my life according to your promise.

Salvation is far from the wicked,

for they do not seek out your decrees.

Your compassion is great, O LORD?

preserve my life according to your laws.

Many are the foes who persecute me,

but I have not turned from your statutes.

I look on the faithless with loathing,

for they do not obey your word.

See how I love your precepts;

preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.

All your words are true;

all your righteous laws are eternal.

Sin and Shin

Rulers persecute me without cause,

but my heart trembles at your word.

I rejoice in your promise

like one who finds great spoil.

I hate and abhor falsehood

but I love your law.

Seven times a day I praise you

for your righteous laws.

Great peace have they who love your law,

and nothing can make them stumble.

I wait for your salvation, O LORD,

and I follow your commands.

I obey your statutes,

for I love them greatly.

I obey your precepts and your statutes,

for all my ways are known to you.

Taw

May my cry come before you, O LORD?

give me understanding according to your word.

May my supplication come before you;

deliver me according to your promise.

May my lips overflow with praise,

for you teach me your decrees.

May my tongue sing of your word,

for all your commands are righteous.

May your hand be ready to help me,

for I have chosen your precepts.

I long for your salvation, O LORD,

and your law is my delight.

Let me live that I may praise you,

and may your laws sustain me.

I have strayed like a lost sheep.

Seek your servant,

for I have not forgotten your commands.

In Psalm 119, every verse except: 3, 37, 84, 90, 121, 122, and 132, mention the Word of God by numerous synonyms.   Perhaps Daniel wrote it: so reading it along with the Book of Daniel is most beneficial.   It is the longest chapter in the Bible, and contains the middle verse.  To read at one sitting, is not going to amount to meditating – a good idea is to make a chart, a grid: with the Hebrew letters down the left-hand side (this will help familiarization with the 22 letters of the alphabet – vowels were added at a later date, and consist of small symbols below the line today).  There are eight verses in each stanza, which can be meditated on, individually, rather like reading a single Psalm.  May I remind you that the first disciples knew important passages by heart – they had spent time memorizing them! You could download this chart, print it, and mount it on card to help you read the Psalm more than any other passage.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5

For you have exalted above all things

your name and your word. Psalm 138:2 b

May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD,

when they hear the words of your mouth. Psalm 138:4

The LORD is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145:13 b

All the words of my mouth are just;

none of them is crooked or perverse. Proverbs 8:8

If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law,

even his prayers are detestable. Proverbs 28:9

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;

but blessed is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18

Every word of God is flawless;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Do not add to his words,

or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

Now all has been heard;

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

for this is the whole [duty] of man. Ecclesiastes 12:11-13

Typical of the Prophets is Isaiah: "Hear the word of the

LORD." 1:10

Many peoples will come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,

to the house of the God of Jacob.

He will teach us his ways,

so that we may walk in his paths.”

The law will go out from Zion,

the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3

[Punishment] for they have rejected the law of the LORD Almighty

and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 5:24 b

Bind up the testimony

and seal up the law among my disciples.

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Isaiah 8:16,20

“All men are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.

Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:6 b,7 b,8

It pleased the LORD

for the sake of his righteousness

to make his law great and glorious. Isaiah 42:21

As the rain and the snow

come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10,11

This is the one I esteem:

he who is humble and contrite in spirit,

and trembles at my word.

Isaiah 66:2 b

The wise will be put to shame;

they will be dismayed and trapped.

Since they have rejected the word of the LORD,

what kind of wisdom do they have? Jeremiah 8:9

Hear and pay attention,

do not be arrogant,

for the LORD has spoken. Jeremiah 13:15

When your words came, I ate them;

they were my joy and my heart’s delight,

for I bear your name,

O LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD?

“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.’” Jeremiah 30:1,2

While Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army and all the kingdoms and peoples in the empire he ruled were fighting against Jerusalem and all its surrounding towns, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD. Jeremiah 34:1

And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you.” Ezekiel 3:10

Then the word of the LORD came to me. Ezekiel 14:2

I gave them my decrees and made known to them my laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them.

The word of the LORD came to me.

Ezekiel 20:11,45

The word of the LORD came to me. Ezekiel 21:1

The word of the LORD came to me.

Then the word of the LORD came to me.

Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says ….

Again the word of the LORD came to me.

… declares the Sovereign LORD.”  Ezekiel 22:1,17 ff

This is what the Sovereign LORD says:

Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says

This is what the Sovereign LORD says

… declares the Sovereign LORD.

Again the word of the LORD came to me. Ezekiel 36:5, ff

The LORD said to me, “Son of man, look carefully, listen closely and give attention to everything I tell you concerning all the regulations regarding the temple of the LORD.” Ezekiel 44:5

A senior Angel, fresh from spiritual battle in the heavens, appeared to Daniel in a frightening vision: “But first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.

Now then, I tell you the truth.” Daniel 10:21, 11:2

He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.” Daniel 12:9

I wrote for them the many things of my law,

but they regarded them as something alien. Hosea 8:12

“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign LORD,

“when I will send a famine through the land—

not a famine of food or a thirst for water,

but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. …

searching for the word of the LORD,

but they will not find it. Amos 8:11, 12

The prophets were the most respected of people, treasured each others' words, are portrayed in narrative passages to their credit, and stood in opposition to false prophecy.    The majority of their foretellings about the Messiah, Israel, and the Nations, have now been fulfilled.  

The LORD sent Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him. He sent them to destroy Judah, in accordance with the word of the LORD proclaimed by his servants the prophets. 2 Kings 24:2

Are these not the words the LORD proclaimed through the earlier prophets when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were at rest and prosperous, and the Negev and the western foothills were settled?’ ” Zechariah 7:7

BACK TO THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus frequently quoted, and showed total respect for, the Hebrew Scriptures: His true followers will obviously do the same.

For the authenticity of the Four Gospels, see Biblical Archaeology, and Word Search "Deansgate" (Ctrl f).

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“ ‘The stone the builders rejected

has become the capstone;

the Lord has done this,

and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” Matthew 21:42

"Do not imagine that I have come to destroy the Law and the

Prophets; no, I have come to fulfil them."   Matthew 5:17

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24

At the end of the Parable of the Sower: But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:18-23

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? … he is not to ‘honor his father’’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. Matthew 15:3,6

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you,

‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” Matthew 22:29,31,32

But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Matthew 26:54,56 a

Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?

But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” Mark 9:12, 13

Haven’t you read this scripture:

“ ‘The stone the builders rejected

has become the capstone ….  Mark 12:10 Cf

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.      Mark 13:31

“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:

“ ‘I will strike the shepherd,

and the sheep will be scattered.’

Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Mark 14:27,49

Jesus in the Nazareth Synagogue: He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21

It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ Luke 16:17,29,31

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:33 Cf

Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:26,27,32,44-47

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. John 1:14,17-18

After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. John 2:22

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me. John 5:39

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. John 6:63

If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken. John 10v35 (Psalm 82:6)

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”

“Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David’s family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” John 7:38,42

 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’” John 13:18

While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. John 17:12

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.

Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.

For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them.

I have given them your word.

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  John 17:6-8 a,14 a,17

At the Crucifixion:  “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”

These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,”

and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” John 19:24,28,36,37

They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.  John 20:9

Peter said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” 

“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms,

“ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it.’”  Acts 1:16, 20

This is typical in demonstrating how the Scriptures were the overt authority of the apostles, when decision making, praying, understanding God's plans, or preaching to fellow Jews. 

This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.

David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken. …

 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

‘The Lord said to my Lord:

“Sit at my right hand.”’”  Acts 2:16 ff,25 ff,34

The prayer of the Early Church: You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“ ‘Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take their stand

and the rulers gather together

against the Lord

and against his Anointed One.’” Acts 4:25,26

Stephen’s Defence to the Jewish Council (The Sanhedrin): a review of Jewish Spiritual History from the Bible. Acts 6:15-7:53

The Ethiopian is reading from Isaiah 53, and asks Philip to explain to him how it applies to fulfilment – in the Christ. Acts 8:32-35

Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ (from the Scriptures). Acts 9:22 (implied)

We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:

“ ‘You are my Son;

today I have become your Father.’”

The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words:

“ ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’ ”

So it is stated elsewhere:

“ ‘You will not let your Holy One see decay.’ ”

For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.

But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.

Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:

“ ‘Look, you scoffers,

wonder and perish.’”

For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Acts 13:32-37,40,41 a,47

When they finished, James spoke up: “Brothers, listen to me.

Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

“ ‘After this I will return

and rebuild David’s fallen tent.

Its ruins I will rebuild,

and I will restore it,

that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,

and all the Gentiles who bear my name,

says the Lord, who does these things’

that have been known for ages.’ ”

Acts 15:13-18

As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” Acts 17:2-3

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.

He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately … For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 18:24,25, and 28

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Romans 1:2

Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:

“So that you may be proved right when you speak

and prevail when you judge.”

As it is written:

“There is no one righteous, not even one … There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans 3:4,10-20

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed are they

whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man

whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”

Apropos Abraham: This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Romans 4:1-25 selected

For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,

and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;

and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”

and,

“It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them,

‘You are not my people,’

they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ ”

Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,

only the remnant will be saved.

For the Lord will carry out

his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”

It is just as Isaiah said previously:

“Unless the Lord Almighty

had left us descendants,

we would have become like Sodom,

we would have been like Gomorrah.”

… They stumbled over the “stumbling stone.” As it is written:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble

and a rock that makes them fall,

and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

Romans 9:15,17,25-33 selected

Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: “The man who does these things will live by them.”

As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:

“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.”

Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,

“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;

I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”

And Isaiah boldly says,

“I was found by those who did not seek me;

I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”

But concerning Israel he says,

“All day long I have held out my hands

to a disobedient and obstinate people.” Romans 10:5,11,18-21

God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel:

“Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”?

And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

As it is written:

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,

eyes so that they could not see

and ears so that they could not hear,

to this very day.”

And David says:

“May their table become a snare and a trap,

a stumbling block and a retribution for them.

May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,

and their backs be bent forever.”

And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

“The deliverer will come from Zion;

he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

And this is my covenant with them

when I take away their sins.” Romans 11:2-5,8-10,26,27

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Romans 12:19,20

It is written:

“ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,

‘every knee will bow before me;

every tongue will confess to God.’ ” Romans 14:11

So that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;

I will sing hymns to your name.”

Again, it says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,

and sing praises to him, all you peoples.”

And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

the Gentiles will hope in him.”

Rather, as it is written:

“Those who were not told about him will see,

and those who have not heard will understand.”

This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

Romans 15:9-12, 21 and 22

For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 1 Corinthians 1:19

However, as it is written:

“No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

“For who has known the mind of the Lord

that he may instruct him?”

 1 Corinthians 2:9 and 10 a,16

For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned?

Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he?  1 Corinthians 9:9 and 10 a

Paul argues from the story of the Wilderness Journey in the Books of Exodus and Numbers.  1 Corinthians 10:1-10

In the Law it is written:

“Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners

I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,”

1 Corinthians 14:21

Then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

1 Corinthians 15:54-55

Paul argues his case from the story of the giving of the Law in Exodus.

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 2 Corinthians 4:6,13

For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you.”

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

“Therefore come out from them

and be separate,

says the Lord.

Touch no unclean thing,

and I will receive you.”

“I will be a Father to you,

and you will be my sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:2,16-18

At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.” 2 Corinthians 8:14,15

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  As it is written:

“He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor;

his righteousness endures forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8,9

Paul argues this case from the life of Abraham in Genesis, and includes within it a quotation from the Law, and its application to us, and to Christ.

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”  Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Galatians 3:6-25 (selected)

Another case proved by reference to Genesis, and the details of Sarah and Hagar.  Galatians 4:21-31

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.  This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,

he led captives in his train

and gave gifts to men.”

(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) Ephesians 4:7-10

This is a reference to Isaiah 45:23 b-25, which uses Yahweh, equated with Jesus in the New Testament.  God’ nature is beyond human understanding: not a simple human construction and invention.

Therefore God exalted him [Jesus] to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 

This is a quotation from Isaiah 45:23 b-25, and therefore applies the name Jehovah/Yahweh to Jesus.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.  For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:17,18

The whole of Hebrews demonstrates the use of Scripture.  Here are a few of the many examples:

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.

For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;

today I have become your Father’” ?

Or again,

“I will be his Father,

and he will be my Son” ?

And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels winds,

his servants flames of fire.”

But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,

and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions

by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

He also says,

“In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

They will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.

You will roll them up like a robe;

like a garment they will be changed.

But you remain the same,

So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,

“You are my Son;

today I have become your Father.’”

And he says in another place,

“You are a priest forever,

in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 1:1,5-12; 5:5,6

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

James proves his next case by referring to Abraham in Genesis, and Rahab in Joshua.

James 2:8-11,20-26

Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?  But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:5,6

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.  Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:10-11,17-18

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

But with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [A reference to the Old Testament sacrificial rules.]

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.  For,

“All men are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of the Lord stands forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:15-16,19,23-25

See, I lay a stone in Zion,

a chosen and precious cornerstone,

and the one who trusts in him

will never be put to shame.”

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

“The stone the builders rejected

has become the capstone,’”

and,

“A stone that causes men to stumble

and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy [This is using the familiar terms of Hosea chapters 1 and 2.]

“He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

[A quotation from Isaiah 53] 1 Peter 2:6-8,10,22-25

For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  For,

“Whoever would love life

and see good days

must keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from deceitful speech.

He must turn from evil and do good;

he must seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water. 1 Peter 3:5-6,9-12,20

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble.”

that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 4:17,18; 5:5 b,7

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.

This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.  Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. The account of Balaam and his ass are used as an example.

2 Peter 2:4-11,14-16

By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.

By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:6-7

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.  In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.  The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.  Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying....

Revelation 2:7 b and 4:6-8

Correlation with Old Testament accounts, and Apocalyptic prophecies such as those in Ezekiel, and Daniel: 11:1,8,19; 12:1,7  

Revelation 13:1-2; 14:8; 15:5-6; 17:12; 20:8; 21:1,6,24; 22:1-6,16,17,19: War Between National Angels, and the same Old Testament imagery – such as the Garden of Eden in Genesis, and passages in the Law related to The Gospels and Letters.

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11

Paul to the Elders of the Ephesian Church: “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:32

“A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.” Acts 22:12

Paul’s defense/testimony: “However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way ….  I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.” Acts 24:14

Paul’s defense/testimony: “But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen - that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22-23

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

The importance of the Old Testament for the Christian:

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance, and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope."  Romans 15:4; also: 

"Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him—

to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen." Romans 16:25-27

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

It was revealed to them [the Old Testament prophets] that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 1 Peter 1:12

Through these [Old Testament Scriptures] he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. 2 Peter 1:4,19; 3:2

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

The word "Scripture/s" comes fifty-two times in the AV New Testament!

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! Galatians 1:8

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 5:25,26; 6:17

As you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who    does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:8,9,15

Paul writing to Timothy: And how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:18-25 (selected)

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:16-21

“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.”

But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”  Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.

And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Revelation 22:7,9-10,18-20

I see God’s Word as unique, totally otherworldly, and immensely powerful: it brought the Cosmos 
and life into existence, came in flesh – in Christ’s incarnation, and was revealed in Scripture through the godly prophets and apostles.

¹ page 229, side note, “The Story of Christianity” Michael Collins and Matthew Price, Dorling Kindersley, London, 1999

ENDNOTES

1.       “The survey of 800 children aged 8 to 15 and about 1,100 parents was undertaken for the Bible Society by the polling company YouGov [UK].  It discovered that almost three in 10 young people are unaware that the story of the birth of Jesus comes from the Bible.  A quarter of adults think Superman is in the Bible.”  Page 03, “Word in Action”, Bible Society, Spring 2014 

This is a terrible indictment of the UK Educational system.  I found, there was a steady battle to maintain the place of Religious Education in the multicultural setting: secularists tried to pit one religious system against another, where all, living within the UK, need clear understandings of faith issues.  
As an advisor to the Department of Education wrote similarly: the secularisation of Britain is shown in the preventing of cultural awareness apropos Christianity, in the arts, political history, jurisprudence, and ethics. 

2.  My current mode of Bible reading is to listen to the New Living Translation – on an iPod (MP3), and follow in the text of the New American Standard (which is not all that new), with Cross References (always useful), and notes by Professor C. C. Ryrie, Th.D., and PhD.  These are very helpful, but I do not agree with every opinion!

3.   For decades, it has been my practice to learn passages by heart, and to read through the whole text each year - a reading chart has proved most useful.  This should enlarge, copy and print.  Some churches follow the Bible in a year system.  Two of our local churches have read the whole Bible in a DAY - using a large team of volunteers reading simultaneously at five locations in the building.

MARKING A FAIRLY LARGE STUDY BIBLE CAN HELP OUR MEMORY AND STUDY

We may use symbols, codes, or linking lines of thought.

 Marking the edge of the book can help

Here are some examples

Isolating the sections you wish to mark on the edge of the Bible, and then carefully drawing a marker pen over them, helps in finding your place quickly.  Here you can see the Pentateuch, the Book of Psalms, and the Four Gospels indicated in red marker.

Inventing codes and symbols - similar to what I used in Air Traffic Control - of your own may be very satisfying, but if not, here are some of mine:
Ap= apostles; slave=in this case a correction from Greek, rather than "servant"; 1 framed=texts informing about the Lord Jesus Christ - with a circle=His eternal deity; Suff=suffering; wis=wisdom; Sc=scientific interest; Archaeol=archaeological confirmation known; OT or NT=cross reference to the other Testament - a very significant issue, particularly when thinking about the Qur'an; P=prayer guidance; Pr=praise; right=the righteous life; O=the perfect Character of God; III=trinitarian passages; K=kerygma/kerugma - the Good News message; W=word of God; a cross=sin; a serpentine line with a line through it=occult evil; an arrow pointing up=blessing; pointing down=bad things; half an arrow horizontally=attacks; Greek letter phi=false religion; the Greek letter alpha=affliction, particularly in Psalm 119; a simple flying bird shape=the Holy Spirit; gov=rulers; joy; a heart shape=love; sact=sanctification; Esch/2nd=eschatology/return of Jesus/Second Coming; NLT=New Living Translation (an example of an alternative translation); msw=miracles, signs, and wonders; proph=prophecy (with a tick after - signifies fulfilled)  A line links similar subjects on a page.

Here is the MP3 player(NLT early edition) and the study Bible I currently use. There are many useful notes.  You can see him on the Radio Bible Class, Discovery TV programmes.

David Suchet's  MP3 readings can be purchased for GB£39.99 from church bookshops, or Amazon.

By reading three chapters each weekday, and five on a Sunday, the whole Bible can be covered in a year.

A friend has a scheme: a hundred verses each day, rounded-off to the end of the chapter - covers the whole Bible in about ten months.

If all this is too much, start with one or two verses a day.

A study CD-ROM such as the Zondervan Bible Study Library (Leaders Edition - there are also: Family, Professional, and Scholar's).  I have access to eight Bible translations, and a large number of abridged study helps.

IT IS CLEAR THAT THE FIRST CHRISTIANS HAD MUCH OF THE BIBLE (OT) IN THEIR MEMORY.  HERE ARE SOME SCHEMES FOR LEARNING SELECTED VERSES BY HEART.

MEMORY VERSES IN FULL

1. Assurance of Salvation 1 John 5:11,12

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

2. Assurance of Victory 1Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

3. Assurance of Forgiveness 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

4. Assurance of Provision John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

SERIES ONE

A THE WHEEL

1. The Life in Christ, 2Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2. Christ in the Life, Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

3. The Word, 1 Peter 2:2,3

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

4. Prayer, John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

5. Obedience, John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

6. Witnessing, 1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

B.THE GOSPEL

1. Fact of Sin, Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

2. Penalty of Sin, Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. Penalty Must Be Paid, Hebrews 9:27

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

4. Penalty Paid by Christ, Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

5. Salvation a Free Gift, Ephesians 2:8,9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

6. Must Accept, John 1:12 (13)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

⁽¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.)

C. PROMISED BLESSINGS

1. Forgiveness, 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2. Comfort, 1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

3. Peace, John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

4. Reward, 1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

5. Inheritance, Romans 8:16, 17

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

6. Second Coming, John 14: 2, 3

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

D.    CHALLENGE

1. Follow Christ, Luke 9:23

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

2, Separate From the World, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

3. Be Strong in Temptation, James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

4. Endure Suffering and Hardness, Philippians 1:29

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

5. War a Good Warfare, Ephesians 6:10, 11

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

6. To Go, John 20:21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

E.     RESOURCES

1. HOLY SPIRIT, Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

2. New Nature, 2 Peter 1:4

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

3. Power, 2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

4. Wisdom, John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

5. His Presence and Guidance, Acts 2:25

For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

6. Grace, 1 Corinthians, 1:4,5

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

F.     EXPECTED FRUIT

1. Love, Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2. Faith, Acts 27:25

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

3. Joy, John 15:11

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

4. Victory, 1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

5. Patience, Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

6. Humility, Philippians 2: 3, 4

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

SERIES TWO

A.     THE WHEEL

1.The Life in Christ, Colossians 2:6

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

2. Christ in the Life, John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

3. The Word, 2 Timothy 2:15

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

4. Prayer, Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

5. Obedience, John 15:10, 14

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

6. Witnessing, Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

2. THE GOSPEL

1. Fact of Sin, John 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

2. Penalty of Sin, Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

3. Penalty Must Be Paid, Romans 2:12

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

4. Penalty Paid by Christ, 1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

5. Salvation a Free Gift, Romans 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

6. Must Accept, Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

3. PROMISED BLESSINGS

1. Forgiveness, Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

2. Comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

3. Peace, John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

4. Reward, 2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

5. Inheritance, 1 Peter 1:3, 4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

6. Second Coming, Titus 2:12, 13

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

4. CHALLENGE

1. Follow Christ, 1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

2. Separate From the World, Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3. Be Strong in Temptation, 1 Corinthians 16:13

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

4. Endure Suffering and Hardness, 1 Peter 4:12: 13

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

5. War a Good Warfare, 2 Timothy 2:3, 4

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

6. To Go, Mark 16:15

1. ^{Mk 16:15} And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

5. RESOURCES

1. HOLY SPIRIT, 1 Corinthians 2:12

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

2. New Nature, Romans 6:13

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

3. Power, Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

4. Wisdom, James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

5. His Presence and Guidance, Hebrews 13:5 (,6)

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

(So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.)

6. Grace, 2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work

6. EXPECTED FRUIT

1. Love, 1 John 3:23

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

2. Faith, Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

3. Joy, Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

4. Victory, 1 John 5:4, 5

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

5. Patience, James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Humility, Colossians 3:12

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

SERIES THREE

A.     THE WHEEL

1. The Life in Christ, Colossians 2:9, 10

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

2. Christ in the Life, Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

3. The Word, Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

4. Prayer, 1 John 5:14, 15

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

5. Obedience, Hebrews 5:8

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

6. Witnessing, 1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

B.    THE GOSPEL

1. Fact of Sin, Romans 3:12

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

2. Penalty of Sin, Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

3. Penalty Must Be Paid, Hebrews 2: 2, 3

For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

4. Penalty Paid by Christ, Galatians 3:13

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

5. Salvation a Free Gift, Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6. Must Accept, Romans 10:9, 10

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

C.    PROMISED BLESSINGS

1. Forgiveness, 1 John 2:1, 2

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

2. Comfort, 2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

3. Peace, Philippians 4:6, 7

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

4. Reward, 2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

5. Inheritance, Titus 3:7

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

6. Second Coming, 1 Thessalonians 4: 16, 17

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

D.    CHALLENGE

1. Follow Christ, 1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

2. Separate From the World, 1 John 2:15, 16

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

3. Be Strong in Temptation, 1 Peter 1:6, 7

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

4. Endure Suffering and Hardness, Hebrews 12:3

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

5. War a Good Warfare, 1 Timothy 6:11, 12

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

6. To Go, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

E.     RESOURCES

1. HOLY SPIRIT, John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

2. New Nature, Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

3. Power, Ephesians 1: 18, 19

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

4. Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1: 30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

5. His Presence and Guidance, John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

6. Grace, 1 Peter 5:10

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

F.     EXPECTED FRUIT

1. Love, John 13:34, 35

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

2. Faith, Romans 4:20, 21

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

3. Joy, 2 Corinthians 6:10

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

4. Victory, 2 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

5. Patience, 1 Peter 2: 20

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

6. Humility, 1 Peter 5: 5, 6

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

 

VAN KAMPEN PRESS MEMORY VERSES SERIES FOUR AND FOLLOWING

SERIES FOUR             PROMISES

1a Protection

Psalm 34:7

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

1b Protection

Proverbs 1:33

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

2a Provision

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

2b Provision

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

3a Answered Prayer

Matthew 7:7, 8

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

3b Answered Prayer

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

4a Forgiveness

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

4b Forgiveness

Psalm 86:5

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

5a Peace

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

5b Peace

Psalm 119:165

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

6a Strength

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

6b Strength

Philippians 4: 13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

7a Guidance

Isaiah 48:17

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

7b Guidance

Proverbs 3:5, 6

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

8a His Love

Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

8b His Love

John 16:27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

9a His Presence

Exodus 33:14

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

9b His Presence

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

10a His Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22, 23

 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

10b His Faithfulness

Psalm 89:33, 34

Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

11a His Intercession

Romans 8:34

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

11b His Intercession

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

12a Help in Trouble

Psalm 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

12b Help in Trouble

Nahum 1:7

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

13a Help in Temptation

Hebrews 2:18

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

13b Help in Temptation

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

14a Courage

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

14b Courage

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

15a Fruitfulness

Jeremiah 17:7, 8

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

15b Fruitfulness

2 Peter 1:8

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

16a Prosperity

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

16b Prosperity

Psalm 1:2, 3

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

17a Instruction

John 16: 13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

17b Instruction

Psalm 32: 8

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

18a Promotion

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

18b Promotion

Psalm 75: 6, 7

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.  But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

SERIES FIVE                                VICTORY

1a Completeness of Victory

2 Samuel 22:33

God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

1b Completeness of Victory

Romans 8:37

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

2a Victory Promised

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

2b Victory Promised

Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

3a Challenge to Victory

2 Peter 3:14

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

3b Challenge to Victory

1 Peter 1:15, 16

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

4a Desire for Victory

Lamentations 3:40, 41

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.  Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.

4b Desire for Victory

Luke 1:74, 75

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

5a Prayer for Victory

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

5b Prayer for Victory

Psalm 139: 23, 24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

6a Pressing toward Victory

Acts 24:16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

6b Pressing towards Victory

Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

7a Basis of Victory, Lord

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

7b Basis of Victory, Lord

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

8a Basis of Victory, Word

Psalm 37: 31

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

8b Basis of Victory, Word

Psalm 119:9, 11

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

9a Basis of Victory, Faith

2 Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

9b Basis of Victory, Faith

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

10a Victory over Circumstances

Psalm 18:16, (17)

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.

(He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.)

10b Victory over Circumstances

Isaiah 43: 2

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

11a Victory over Satan

Ephesians 6:16

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

11b Victory over Satan

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

*12a Hindrances to Victory

Proverbs 28:9

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

12b Hindrances to Victory

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

13a In Case of Failure

Jeremiah 3:22

Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.

13b In Case of Failure

Psalm 37:23, 24

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

14a Purpose of Victory

Ephesians 5:26, 27

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

14b Purpose of Victory

Jude 24, (25)

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, (To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.)

15a Results of Victory

Isaiah 32:17

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

15b Results of Victory

Psalm 84:11

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

16a Examples of Victory

1 Thessalonians 2:10

16b Examples of Victory

1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

17a Prayer for Others’ Victory

1 Thessalonians 5: 23

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

*17b Prayer for Others’ Victory

1 Samuel 12: 23

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

18a CHRIST Prays for Our Victory

Hebrews 7: 25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

18b CHRIST Prays for Our Victory

John 17:15

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

SERIES SIX                            SALVATION

1a Sin a Reality

Genesis 6: 5

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

1b Sin a Reality

Jeremiah 17: 9

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

1c Sin a Reality

Ecclesiastes 7:20

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

2a Consequences of Sin

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

2b Consequences of Sin

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2c Consequences of Sin

Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

3a Man’s Helplessness

Psalm 49:7

None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

3b Man’s Helplessness

Romans 3:20

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

3c Man’s Helplessness

Isaiah 64:6

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

4a Christ paid “the price”

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

4b Christ paid “the price”

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

4c Christ paid “the price”

1 Corinthians 15:3, (4)

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

(And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.)

5a Salvation only through Him

Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

5b Salvation only through Him

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

5c Salvation only through Him

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

6a Salvation a Free Gift

Ephesians 2:8,9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

6b Salvation a Free Gift

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

6c Salvation a Free Gift

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

7a Believe Him and Receive Him

John 1:12, (13)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.)

7b Believe Him and Receive Him

1 John 5:11, 12

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

7c Believe Him and Receive Him

Acts 16:(30), 31

(And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?)  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

8a Assurance of Salvation

Romans 8:16

The Spirit (Himself) itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

8b Assurance of Salvation

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

8c Assurance of Salvation

John 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

9a Results of Salvation

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

9b Results of Salvation

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

9c Results of Salvation

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

10a Purpose of Salvation

1 Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

10b Purpose of Salvation

Ephesians 2:7

That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

10c Purpose of Salvation

2 Corinthians 5:15

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

11a God Desires All Saved

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

11b God Desires All Saved

1 Timothy 2:4

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

11c God Desires All Saved

Ezekiel 33:11

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

12a Consequences of Unbelief

John 12:48

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

12b Consequences of Unbelief

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

12c Consequences of Unbelief

2 Thessalonians 1: 8, 9

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

SERIES SEVEN                                                EXCUSES

1a I’m Not So Bad

Romans 3:10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

1b I’m Not So Bad

1 John 1: 10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2a I’ll Take My Chances

Hebrews 10:31

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

2b I’ll Take My Chances

Proverbs 14: 12

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

3a Too Much To Give Up

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

3b Too Much To Give Up

Mark 8: (35)36

(For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.)

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

4a I Can’t Understand

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

4b I Can’t Understand

Psalm 119: 130

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

5a I Don’t See The Need

John 3: 19, 20

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

5b I Don’t See The Need

2 Corinthians 4: 4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

6a I’m Not Good Enough Yet

Luke 5:32

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

6b I’m Not Good Enough Yet

Romans 4: 4, 5

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

7a I’m Too Great a Sinner

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

7b I’m Too Great A Sinner

Luke 19:10

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

8a I Fear Others

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

8b I Fear Others

Proverbs 29: 23

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

9a I Couldn’t Hold Out

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

9b I Couldn’t Hold Out

2 Thessalonians 3: 3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

10a I’ll Wait Till Later

Isaiah 55: 6

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

10b I’ll Wait Till Later

Proverbs 27: 1

Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

11a I Want My Fun Now

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

11b I Want My Fun Now

Luke 12:19, 20

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

12a Too Many Hypocrites

Job 13: 16

He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

12b Too Many Hypocrites

Romans 14:12

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

13a It Doesn’t Sound Reasonable

1 Corinthians 1: 18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

13b It Doesn’t Sound Reasonable

Isaiah 55: 8, 9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

14a I Don’t Believe In Christ

Romans 3: 3

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

14b I Don’t Believe In Christ

John 5: 44

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

15a What About Other Religions?

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

15b What About Other Religions?

Isaiah 43: 11

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

16a I Don’t Believe In Hell

Matthew 7: 13, 14

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

16b I Don’t Believe In Hell

Matthew 25: 41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

17a I Am An Atheist

Romans 1: 20

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

17b I Am An Atheist

Psalm 14: 1

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

18a Man Wrote The Bible

2 Peter 1: 21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

18b Man Wrote The Bible

2 Timothy 3: 16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

UNTITLED WHITE CARDS ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

Assurance of Salvation, 1 John 5: 11, 12

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Assurance of Victory, 1 Corinthians 10: 13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Assurance of Provision, John 16: 24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

2 Putting God First, Matthew 6: 33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

3 Strength, Philippians 4: 13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

4 Love, John 13: 34, 35

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

5 The Church, Psalm 122: 1

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

6 Good Works, Titus 3: 8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

7 Giving, 2 Corinthians 9: 7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 Witnessing, Psalm 107: 2

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

PINK CARDS: MY PERSONAL WITNESS AND FOLLOW-UP, ETC

Receiving Christ

John 3: 16

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

Personal witness

1Peter 3: 15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Follow-up

1Thessalonians 2:8

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

World Vision

Mark 16: 15, (16)

And he said unto them, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”.)

Following Christ

Luke 9: 23

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Christ’s Return

John 14:2, 3

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22, 23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Forgiveness and Cleansing

1 John 1: 9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

MEMORY VERSES REFERENCES ONLY

1. Assurance of Salvation 1 John 5:11,12
2. Assurance of Victory 1Corinthians 10:13
3. Assurance of Forgiveness 1 John 1:9
4. Assurance of Provision John 16:24

SERIES ONE

A.     THE WHEEL

1. The Life in Christ, 2Corinthians 5:17
2. Christ in the Life, Philippians 1:6
3. The Word, 1 Peter 2:2,3
4. Prayer, John 16:24
5. Obedience, John 14:21
6. Witnessing, 1 John 1:3

B.    THE GOSPEL

1. Fact of Sin, Romans 3:23
2. Penalty of Sin, Romans 6:23
3. Penalty Must Be Paid, Hebrews 9:27
4. Penalty Paid by Christ, Romans 5:8
5. Salvation a Free Gift, Ephesians 2:8,9
6. Must Accept, John 1:12

C.    PROMISED BLESSINGS

1. Forgiveness, 1 John 1:9
2. Comfort, 1 Peter 5:7
3. Peace, John 14:27
4. Reward, 1 Corinthians 15:58
5. Inheritance, Romans 8:16, 17
6. Second Coming, John 14: 2, 3

D.    CHALLENGE

2. Follow Christ, Luke 9:23
3. Separate From the World, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18
4. Be Strong in Temptation, James 1:12
5. Endure Suffering and Hardness, Philippians 1:29
6. War a Good Warfare, Ephesians 6:10, 11
7. To Go, John 20:21

E.     RESOURCES

8. HOLY SPIRIT, Romans 8:14
9. New Nature, 2 Peter 1:4
10. Power, 2 Timothy 1:7
11. Wisdom, John 8:32
12. His Presence and Guidance, Acts 2:25
13. Grace, 1 Corinthians, 1:4,5

F.     EXPECTED FRUIT

2. Love, Galatians 5:22-23
3. Faith, Acts 27:25
4. Joy, John 15:11
5. Victory, 1 Corinthians 10:13
6. Patience, Hebrews 10:36
7. Humility, Philippians 2: 3, 4          

SERIES TWO

A.     THE WHEEL

1.The Life in Christ, Colossians 2:6

2. Christ in the Life, John 15:5
3. The Word, 2 Timothy 2:5
4. Prayer, Matthew 21:22
5. Obedience, John 15:10, 14
6. Witnessing, Acts 1:8

B.    THE GOSPEL

1. Fact of Sin, John 3:19
2. Penalty of Sin, Romans 5:12
3. Penalty Must Be Paid, Romans 2:12
4. Penalty Paid by Christ, 1 Peter 3:18
5. Salvation a Free Gift, Romans 3:24
6. Must Accept, Revelation 3:20

3. PROMISED BLESSINGS

1. Forgiveness, Ephesians 1:7
2. Comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4
3. Peace, John 16:33
4. Reward, 2 Corinthians 5:10
5. Inheritance, 1 Peter 1:3, 4
6. Second Coming, Titus 2:12, 13

4. CHALLENGE

2. Follow Christ, 1 John 2:6
3. Separate From the World, Romans 12:2
4. Be Strong in Temptation, 1 Corinthians 16:13
5. Endure Suffering and Hardness, 1 Peter 4:12: 13
6. War a Good Warfare, 2 Timothy 2:3, 4
7. To Go, Mark 16:15

5. RESOURCES

0. HOLY SPIRIT, 1 Corinthians 2:12

1. New Nature, Romans 6:13
2. Power, Ephesians 3:20
3. Wisdom, James 1:5
4. His Presence and Guidance, Hebrews 13:5
5. Grace, 2 Corinthians 9:8

6. EXPECTED FRUIT

0. Love, 1 John 3:23

2. Faith, Hebrews 11:6
3. Joy, Philippians 4:4
4. Victory, 1 John 5:4, 5
5. Patience, James 1:2-4
6. Humility, Colossians 3:12  

SERIES THREE

A.     THE WHEEL

1. The Life in Christ, Colossians 2:9, 10
2. Christ in the Life, Galatians 2:20
3. The Word, Colossians 3:16
4. Prayer, 1 John 5:14, 15
5. Obedience, Hebrews 5:8
6. Witnessing, 1 Peter 3:15

B.    THE GOSPEL

1. Fact of Sin, Romans 3:12
2. Penalty of Sin, Galatians 3:10
3. Penalty Must Be Paid, Hebrews 2: 2, 3
4. Penalty Paid by Christ, Galatians 3:13
5. Salvation a Free Gift, Titus 3:5
6. Must Accept, Romans 10:9, 10

C.    PROMISED BLESSINGS

1. Forgiveness, 1 John 2:1, 2
2. Comfort, 2 Corinthians 12:9
3. Peace, Philippians 4:6, 7
4. Reward, 2 Timothy 4:8
5. Inheritance, Titus 3:7
6. Second Coming, 1 Thessalonians 4: 16, 17

D.    CHALLENGE

1. Follow Christ, 1 Peter 2:21
2. Separate From the World, 1 John 2:15, 16
3. Be Strong in Temptation, 1 Peter 1:6, 7
4. Endure Suffering and Hardness, Hebrews 12:3
5. War a Good Warfare, 1 Timothy 6:11, 12
6. To Go, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20

E.     RESOURCES

1. HOLY SPIRIT, John 14:26
2. New Nature, Romans 8:11
3. Power, Ephesians 1: 18, 19
4. Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1: 30
5. His Presence and Guidance, John 16:13
6. Grace, 1 Peter 5:10

F.     EXPECTED FRUIT

1. Love, John 13:34, 35
2. Faith, Romans 4:20, 21
3. Joy, 2 Corinthians 6:10
4. Victory, 2 Corinthians 2:14
5. Patience, 1 Peter 2: 20
6. Humility, 1 Peter 5: 5, 6

Victory through God’s Word       1.

Psalm 119:9, 11

VAN KAMPEN PRESS MEMORY VERSES SERIES FOUR AND FOLLOWING

SERIES FOUR             PROMISES

1a Protection

Psalm 34:7

1b Protection

Proverbs 1:33

2a Provision

Romans 8:32

2b Provision

Philippians 4:19

3a Answered Prayer

Matthew 7:7

3b Answered Prayer

John 15:7

4a Forgiveness

Colossians 1:14

4b Forgiveness

Psalm 86:5

5a Peace

Isaiah 26:3

5b Peace

Psalm 119:165

6a Strength

Isaiah 40:31

6b Strength

Philippians 4: 13

7a Guidance

Isaiah 48:17

7b Guidance

Proverbs 3:6

8a His Love

Jeremiah 31:3

8b His Love

John 16:27

9a His Presence

Exodus 33:14

9b His Presence

Isaiah 41:10

10a His Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22, 23

10b His Faithfulness

Psalm 89:33, 34

11a His Intercession

Romans 8:34

11b His Intercession

Hebrews 7:25

12a Help in Trouble

Psalm 50:15

12b Help in Trouble

Nahum 1:7

13a Help in Temptation

Hebrews 2:18

13b Help in Temptation

Hebrews 4:16

14a Courage

Joshua 1:9

14b Courage

Psalm 27:14

15a Fruitfulness

Jeremiah 17:7, 8

15b Fruitfulness

2 Peter 1:8

16a Prosperity

Joshua 1:8

16b Prosperity

Psalm 1:2, 3

17a Instruction

John 16: 13

17b Instruction

Psalm 32: 8

18a Promotion

1 Peter 5:6

18b Promotion

Psalm 75: 6, 7

SERIES FIVE                                VICTORY

1a Completeness of Victory

2 Samuel 22:33

1b Completeness of Victory

Romans 8:37

2a Victory Promised

2 Thessalonians 3:3

2b Victory Promised

Romans 6:14

3a Challenge to Victory

2 Peter 3:14

3b Challenge to Victory

1 Peter 1:15, 16

4a Desire for Victory

Lamentations 3:40, 41

4b Desire for Victory

Luke 1:74, 75

5a Prayer for Victory

Matthew 26:41

5b Prayer for Victory

Psalm 139: 23, 24

6a Pressing toward Victory

Acts 24:16

6b Pressing towards Victory

Hebrews 12:1

7a Basis of Victory, Lord

Psalm 18:2

7b Basis of Victory, Lord

1 Corinthians 15:57

8a Basis of Victory, Word

Psalm 37: 31

8b Basis of Victory, Word

Psalm 119:9, 11

9a Basis of Victory, Faith

2 Timothy 1:12

9b Basis of Victory, Faith

1 Peter 1:5

10a Victory over Circumstances

Psalm 18:16

10b Victory over Circumstances

Isaiah 43: 2

11a Victory over Satan

Ephesians 6:16

11b Victory over Satan

Romans 16:20

*12a Hindrances to Victory

Proverbs 28:9

12b Hindrances to Victory

1 Peter 2:11

13a In Case of Failure

Jeremiah 3:22

13b In Case of Failure

Psalm 37:23, 24

14a Purpose of Victory

Ephesians 5:26, 27

14b Purpose of Victory

Jude 24

15a Results of Victory

Isaiah 32:17

15b Results of Victory

Psalm 84: 11

16a Examples of Victory

1 Thessalonians 2: 10

16b Examples of Victory

1 Chronicles 4:10

17a Prayer for Others’ Victory

1 Thessalonians 5: 23

*17b Prayer for Others’ Victory

1 Samuel 12: 23

18a CHRIST Prays for Our Victory

Hebrews 7: 25

18b CHRIST Prays for Our Victory

John 17:15

SERIES SIX                            SALVATION

1a Sin a Reality

Genesis 6: 5

1b Sin a Reality

Jeremiah 17: 9

1c Sin a Reality

Ecclesiastes 7:20

2a Consequences of Sin

Ezekiel 18:4

2b Consequences of Sin

Romans 6:23

2c Consequences of Sin

Romans 5:12

3a Man’s Helplessness

Psalm 49:7

3b Man’s Helplessness

Romans 3:20

3c Man’s Helplessness

Isaiah 64:6

4a Christ paid “the price”

1 John 4:10

4b Christ paid “the price”

Hebrews 2:9

4c Christ paid “the price”

1 Corinthians 15:3

5a Salvation only through Him

Acts 4:2

5b Salvation only through Him

John 3:36

5c Salvation only through Him

John 14:6

6a Salvation a Free Gift

Ephesians 2:8,9

6b Salvation a Free Gift

John 10:28

6c Salvation a Free Gift

2 Timothy 1:9

7a Believe Him and Receive Him

John 1:12

7b Believe Him and Receive Him

1 John 5:11, 12

7c Believe Him and Receive Him

Acts 16:31

8a Assurance of Salvation

Romans 8:16

8b Assurance of Salvation

1 John 5:13

8c Assurance of Salvation

John 5:24

9a Results of Salvation

Ephesians 2:10

9b Results of Salvation

Titus 4:14

9c Results of Salvation

2 Corinthians 5:17

10a Purpose of Salvation

1 Peter 2:9

10b Purpose of Salvation

Ephesians 2:7

10c Purpose of Salvation

2 Corinthians 5:15

11a God Desires All Saved

2 Peter 3:9

11b God Desires All Saved

1 Timothy 2:4

11c God Desires All Saved

Ezekiel 33:11

12a Consequences of Unbelief

John 12:48

12b Consequences of Unbelief

Revelation 20:15

12c Consequences of Unbelief

2 Thessalonians 1: 8, 9

SERIES SEVEN                                                EXCUSES

1a I’m Not So Bad

Romans 3:10

1b I’m Not So Bad

1 John 1: 10

2a I’ll Take My Chances

Hebrews 10:31

2b I’ll Take My Chances

Proverbs 14: 12

3a Too Much To Give Up

Matthew 6:33

3b Too Much To Give Up

Matthew 8:36

4a I Can’t Understand

1 Corinthians 2:14

4b I Can’t Understand

Psalm 119: 130

5a I Don’t See The Need

John 3: 19, 20

5b I Don’t See The Need

2 Corinthians 4: 4

6a I’m Not Good Enough Yet

Luke 5:32

6b I’m Not Good Enough Yet

Romans 4: 4, 5

7a I’m Too Great a Sinner

Isaiah 1:18

7b I’m Too Great A Sinner

Luke 19:10

8a I Fear Others

Matthew 5:11

8b I Fear Others

Proverbs 29: 23

9a I Couldn’t Hold Out

1 Peter 1:5

9b I Couldn’t Hold Out

2 Thessalonians 3: 3

10a I’ll Wait Till Later

Isaiah 55: 6

10b I’ll Wait Till Later

Proverbs 27: 1

11a I Want My Fun Now

Ecclesiastes 11:9

11b I Want My Fun Now

Luke 12:19, 20

12a Too Many Hypocrites

Job 13: 16

12b Too Many Hypocrites

Romans 14:12

13a It Doesn’t Sound Reasonable

1 Corinthians 1: 18

13b It Doesn’t Sound Reasonable

Isaiah 55: 8, 9

14a I Don’t Believe In Christ

Romans 3: 3

14b I Don’t Believe In Christ

John 5: 44

15a What About Other Religions?

Isaiah 8:20

15b What About Other Religions?

Isaiah 43: 11

16a I Don’t Believe In Hell

Matthew 7: 13, 14

16b I Don’t Believe In Hell

Matthew 25: 41

17a I Am An Atheist

Romans 1: 20

17b I Am An Atheist

Psalm 14: 1

18a Man Wrote The Bible

2 Peter 1: 21

18b Man Wrote The Bible

2 Timothy 3: 16

UNTITLED WHITE CARDS ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

Assurance of Salvation, 1 John 5: 11, 12

Assurance of Victory, 1 Corinthians 10: 13

Assurance of Provision, John 16: 24

2 Putting God First, Matthew 6: 33

3 Strength, Philippians 4: 13

4 Love, John 13: 34, 35

5 The Church, Psalm 122: 1

6 Good Works, Titus 3: 8

7 Giving, 2 Corinthians 9: 7

8 Witnessing, Psalm 107: 2

PINK CARDS: MY PERSONAL WITNESS AND FOLLOW-UP, ETC

Receiving Christ

John 3: 16

Personal witness

1Peter 3: 15

Follow-up

1Thessalonians 2:8

World Vision

Mark 16: 15

Following Christ

Luke 9: 23

Christ’s Return

John 14:2, 3

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22, 23

Forgiveness and Cleansing

1 John 1: 9