Pilot Knob Lutheran Can I Believe It 5/3/2023
I make one assumption when writing communiques and that is; the bible is the very word of God from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. It does not contain God’s word, it is God’s word without error in all it says and teaches. However, many do not hold to this assumption and we must ask, is the bible reliable? If not, put it in a museum and leave it there or better yet in the trash.
What are some things that make the bible unique over all other ancient and religious writings that others cannot claim? 1. The bible was written over a time span of approximately 1600 years from forty different authors and the message is consistent. This is so because the real author is God. God used a variety of people with various backgrounds: kings, lower class fishermen, an exiled prince (Moses), military leaders, trained philosophers, a tax collector, historian and a zealous pharisee. They wrote at different times and places about various subjects and did not contradict one another.
2. The bible was also written in three different languages: Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. Hebrew is a pictorial language in which the past is verbally painted. Aramaic is similar with an expanded vocabulary. Greek is a language used for vigorous thought and religious devotion.
3. The bible’s message is unique among all other religious writings. It teaches about the trinity: one God in three persons. The incarnation: God becoming human yet remaining fulling God, free from all sin, yet tempted as we are. This leads to atonement: God taking or sin upon himself and paying the full penalty of death on the cross. It teaches the resurrection of Jesus not as a spirit but a physical glorified body which we are told Christians will also be given.
4. Other religions teach that heaven is a reward for moral goodness and hell is punishment for the lack thereof. The bible teaches heaven is a gift from God to anyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ and follows him and is baptized in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Hell is reserved for Satan and his minions and all who reject Christ, it has nothing to do with being a “good” person thus being rewarded.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way: May 7, 9:00 AM Morning worship and Holy Communion.
Sermon: Joshua 2:1-14 A Prostitute! Really?
May 7, 9:00 Confirmation Sunday
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