The Covering

THE COVERING ;Sermon #288, first preached by Joe McClure on April 11, 1999
Text: I Corinthians 11

Our intention in the Lord?s church should be to pattern our lives of lifestyles as defined by the Word of God.

In the New Testament, we have a pattern given of what the church should look like, including its members.

The commandments given to the different congregations in the Bible contain these directions.

We learn from them how to live, how to worship God, how to talk, how to think, and how to look.

At the beginning of this study, I hope to make one point clear.

God expects each of us to study the Bible to come to an understanding of the truth and to prove God?s will for our individual life.

At first glance, most Christians do not agree with the position I have taken in this paper.

Such a contrasting view is not surprising, as the mainstream churches of Christ changed its position on this subject sometime early in the 20th Century. For centuries, the church taught on this topic as I will present it today, or least that the woman is commanded to wear a head covering, and have long hair; and the opposite for the man.

All I ask is that you study this with an open mind, please.

The church is not commanded to withhold its fellowship from a woman who cuts her hair or does not choose to wear a covering (unless it is obvious that she is rebelling against her conscience).

However, the scriptures do instruct each of us to exhort or to teach the whole, complete truths regarding every Biblical issue.

If you have come to understand the truth on this subject and then fear to obey it or teach it, then God will consider you to have been rebellious to His desires for the church of Christ.

God will consider your refusal to obey as a rejection of Christ and the covenant with Christ and His word.

All Christians who have agreed in their hearts to subject themselves to the will of God, regardless of the personal cost; they will obey these passages of scriptures that we are about to consider.

We must, as always, understand by rightly dividing the word of truth, whether they apply to the church today.

I do understand that not all of the commandments that we find written to the New Testament churches of the 1st Century AD apply to the church of Christ today.

There were some commandments that dealt with specific situations that we can never face today, such as the commandments regarding the use of the miraculous spiritual gifts.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

The Bible teaches the church of the 1st Century AD how to behave when someone is speaking in tongues in a miraculous manner.

My sermon does not intend to address this particular aspect in depth, but I will briefly attempt to show you that neither you nor I will ever speak in tongues as these early Christians.

Most folks misunderstand the definition of ?speaking in tongues?, thinking they were different than the common foreign languages spoken in the various countries.

They think, in error, that the New Testament ?tongues? were angelic or heavenly sounds.

However, we can quickly prove that they were foreign languages that were spoken somewhere and that someone could understand.

Notice this passage of scripture:

Acts 2:1-8 KJV-- 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Please notice that they heard in their own native language from the mouth of unlearned men from Galilee.

Those today who claim to speak in tongues do nothing but speak gibberish than could not be understood by any man if we were to gather together every foreign language expert in the world.

Jesus made the statement that it made sense that one could know the kind of tree that he was looking at by noticing the kind of fruit that hung on its branches; thus teaching us that we can know the false teachers by the false doctrine that disagrees with the scriptures.

Matthew 7:15-23 KJV-- 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Jesus pointed out that in the end, it will have been required that we did the will of God.

IS TONGUE SPEAKING REQUIRED BY God?

There is no doubt that many are honestly deceived into believing that by speaking in some unknown language that they are doing some wonderful work that the Lord will approve.

Does the Lord anywhere command us to speak in an unknown language?

If a person believes such a false doctrine and teaches others that it is a necessary work to prove that they are a Christian, let them take heed to the words of Jesus.

Matthew 12:33-37 KJV---33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by [his] fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

We understand that the first and second epistles to the Corinthians were letters that addressed or spoke to their own particular problems and questions that they might have had. I and II Corinthians are written for all Christians of all times to guide them to become more pleasing to Christ.

However, as we have given the example of tongue speaking, we learn that not all issues of the 1st Century AD can be those of today.

The purpose of the written scriptures is for our learning; for our instruction in how to be righteous, or right in the sight of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV-- 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Why were the scriptures written down and left for man to read, even centuries later?

We see the answer in the above passage of II Timothy 3.16-17.

God wants you to be complete.

God wants you to know how to be Godly.

God wants you to know how to live pleasing to Him.

To achieve the purposes of God, we must study the written instructions that God left us that show us how to be righteous.

We know from the writings of the Apostle Paul that he intended these instructions to be considered by every saint in every place; if they applied to them and their life.

1 Corinthians 1:1-2 KJV-- 1 Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Do you call upon the name of Jesus Christ?

Do we not call Jesus our Lord?

If so, then the letter written to the church of Christ, located in the city of Corinth, must have some application to the church of Christ in every city of the world today.

We find many useful passages in these letters to the Corinthians.

We have no qualms about quoting the commandments given that regulated marriage, sexual morality, idolatry, worldliness, nor the authority of Christ over the church.

Many a Bible scholar has studied I Corinthians with their particular congregation and when they arrive at the 11th chapter, he does little more than read over the part that deals with the hair and the covering, not even giving it much comment. Has this ever happened in your bible studies?

In the 11th chapter, we find what is referred to by most of the elderships of the land as a ?controversial? subject; a sensitive issue.

In this chapter, we find the commandment given that teaches the woman to not cut her hair and for her to wear a covering over her hair in the public worship services to God.

For hundreds of years, before the last century, all who called themselves religious followed these commandments, but in this century have discarded them as being valid.

Now, if your please, turn your Bible now to the passage in question, the 11th chapter of I Corinthians.

Notice: At the very beginning of this chapter, Paul praises the church because they had kept the laws that he had shared with them in the past.

Key Point:

Some question whether the covering is to be worn all the time, or just in the worship assembly; and here at the first we find the answer given to us by the scriptures.

This chapter has a direct reference to the public assembly of the saints in worship.

1 Corinthians 11:1-2 KJV-- 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.

The word used in the original Greek manuscripts that is translated here in I Corinthians 11.2 into the English word ?ordinances? means a concrete precept or law.

Below is the definition as given by a Greek expert from a Greek Lexicon.

3862 paradosiv paradosis par-ad?-os-is; AV- translated as ?tradition? 12 times, and as ?ordinance? 1time. 1) giving up, giving over; 1a) the act of giving up; 1b) the surrender of cities;2) a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing, i.e. tradition by instruction, narrative, precept, etc. ;2a) objectively, that which is delivered, the substance of a teaching; 2b) of the body of precepts, esp. ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence.
Strong's Ref. # 3862; Romanized paradosis; Pronounced par-ad'-os-is;
from GSN3860; transmission, i.e. (concretely) a precept; specifically, the Jewish traditionary law: KJV--ordinance, tradition.

Keep in mind that the Apostle Paul had established the congregation there in the city of Corinth and had taught them most of the precepts they were supposed to keep while he was present there with them.

I want you to notice that the same word ?paradosis? is translated 12 times as ?tradition? and only once as ?ordinances? here in I Corinthians 11.2.

Although the word ?traditions? or ?traditional? can be understood to mean the teachings of men, and not from God; that is not the case when the tradition comes by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

We notice particularly in the letter to the Thessalonians that there were 2 ways by which they had received the traditions and that was by (a.) word; and by (b.) epistle.

Whether they had heard a man of God preach it to them or whether they had read it in an epistle or letter; both were valid teachings of the will of Christ and they were told to stand fast and keep these traditions.

2 Thessalonians 2:15-- Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Again, in the same letter, we find the seriousness of not keeping the traditions of the Apostles? doctrine.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-- Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

I Corinthians 11 begins with Paul?s admonition for the church to follow his example and to keep his teachings.

The Apostle Paul followed Christ and so we should listen to what he has to say, regardless of the subject.

There is conclusive evidence that the Apostle Paul begins this chapter in reference to the public worship services of the congregational assembly together.

According to WE Vines Expository Dictionary of the Bible; when we find the Greek word ?paradosis?; this refers to an apostolic teaching of instructions to the gathering together of the believers.

COMMANDED TRADITIONS

Not one word, that language experts have to say, can change the meaning of what Paul is about to say in our study of I Corinthians 11.

If Paul commanded the church of Christ to follow a tradition from the past; then this teaching in an epistle would have verified it to become the law of Christ to the church.

We know from our studies in the Old Testament that it was common practice for the Jewish woman to cover her head in the presence of God.

One place that we see this as evidence is found in Numbers 5.18; on the occasion where the husband was jealous of his wife and suspected her of cheating on him with another man.

Both the husband and his wife were told to come together in the presence of the priest and she was told to drink bitter water.

This was a religious exercise in the presence of a priest of God.

Numbers 5:18 KJV-- 18 And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which [is] the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:

What do we discover from this verse?

Answer: When she came into the assembly, she came with her head covered.

Just because something had been traditionally done by the Jews for hundreds of years did not make it wrong necessarily for it to be in agreement with the Apostles doctrine.

As a matter of fact, many of the instructions that we have received, in the Apostles? doctrine, as the law of Christ, are the same laws as the Jews had obeyed for hundreds of years.

I need not remind you that we are given nine commandments that are similar to nine of the Ten Commandments, as we see that they were taught as a part of the law of Christ to His church.

Just because some commandment given in the Apostles? doctrine was similar or identical to a commandment in the Law of Moses did not make it of no effect.

The Law of Moses was fulfilled at the death of Jesus Christ on the cross; but those laws that were exactly like those included in the law of Moses were many times also included in the Law of Christ.

With your Bible open to I Corinthians 11, look now at verse 3. Here we see Apostle Paul laying the groundwork for his instructions by reminding them of the order of things in the church regarding authority.

The first order of business is to remind the church that there is an order of spiritual headship in the church.

1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV-- 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.

Do you suppose that changing customs of the centuries passing have changed Jehovah God?s divine order of headship?

Nay, not so; but we know that Christ is subject to God Almighty, and that Christ is over man in authority. Although I have given you the correct answer to the question, I understand that some of the mainstream congregations are placing women now in positions not authorized by the Scriptures, and in direct rebellion to I Cor. 11.3. However, just because some are violating the will of Christ does not make it right. The way is strait and narrow, and few there be that find it.

Does it not also make sense that the head of the woman is still the man?

THE KEY

I want you to remember that this verse is the key verse that contains the key to unlocking any mystery that the rest of this passage may hold for you regarding the hair and the covering.

All things in the church depend upon the authority that Christ has over His church.
In the church order of things, the man is over the woman, any woman in the church worship assembly.

1 Timothy 2:11-12 KJV-- 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

IN SUBJECTION

There is no question that the above verse has reference to the woman as being in subjection to the man in the worship assembly.

The woman must learn in silence during the worship assembly of the saints.

She is instructed to learn in silence.

She has no God-given authority over the man in any way in the worship services.

The woman is specifically commanded to not attempt to take away the authority of the man by asking questions or by teaching in the worship.

The woman, like the man are both under the rule of the laws of Christ.

It is true that sometimes both sexes are referred to when we read the word ?man? in the English language; and in the Bible.

However this is not the case when the English word ?man? has been translated from the Greek word ?aner?; which has the specific meaning of any male person, with specific meanings determined from the context.

Verse 3 indicates that Christ is the head over the man.

Would anyone attempt to argue that this could mean that Christ is the head over only men who are husbands?

The woman is in subjection to all men in the worship service, not just her husband, who is a man.

COVERED, OR UNCOVERED?

Now look at the passage of scripture that brings about so much confusion in the church.

1 Corinthians 11:4-16 KJV-- 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover [his] head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman [is] of the man, even so [is] the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

MAN?S COVERING

First, consider that there are 2 possible situations in which a man is forbidden by God to wear a hat on his head.

1. When prophesying:

What does it mean for a person to prophesy?

The term is used in different senses in the Bible, one to denote miraculous teaching due to the possession of a spiritual gift; and the other which suggests non-miraculous teaching, whether in truth or error.

The Greek word that Paul employs here is ?proheteuo?.
According to its usage, the primary meaning of this word, which is translated ?prophesying?, is ?to tell others the divine counsels?.

Some would contend that since the gift of prophecy was a miraculous gift that these verses do not apply to the church today, since we no longer have spiritual gifts.

Let us notice that in the New Testament that there are 6 different Greek words that are translated into various forms of the word ?prophet?, ?prophet?s?, ?prophetess?, ?prophesy?, ?prophesies?, ?prophesying?, ?prophecies?, ?prophecy?, ?prophesied?, and ?prophesieth?.

Under these 6 main categories of the form of the word ?prophet?, there are in excess of 25 different meanings listed in Thayer?s Greek Lexicon of the New Testament.

According to WE Vines Dictionary, the word ?propheteuo? has two basic meanings.
The primary meaning involves the telling forth of divine counsels (Matthew 7.22; 26.68; I Corinthians 11.4-5; 13.9; 14.1,3-5,24,31.39; Rev. 11.3) and the secondary meaning is the foretelling of future events, such as found in Matthew 15.7; John 11.51; I Peter 1.10; Jude 14. Thayer?s Greek Lexicon defines the word as ?teach, refute, reprove, admonish, and to comfort others?.

Paul himself in the same letter to the Corinthians declares that he who prophesies speaks to edify, and to exhort, and to console (I Corinthians 14.3).

1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV-- 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

The ability to prophesy could have been either the usage of a miraculous gift or the teaching by a brother who had heard the word from someone like the Apostle Paul who had the gift of prophecy.

In one sense of its meaning, whenever one is teaching in the assembly or singing (Colossians 3.16), that person is prophesying to the church.

The phrase ?praying and prophesying? in this context represents the totality of all worship acts in which the church engages.

The man who prophesies or teaches God?s Holy truth to the congregation was not allowed by God to wear a hat or covering of any kind upon his head.

To do so would have showed a great dishonor to his spiritual head.

When we preach from the pulpit today, we repeat the words of prophecy from the scriptures and it is forbidden by God?s word for us to do so with our heads covered.

It is interesting to note that no one who claims to be a Christian disagrees with this teaching regarding the covering on the man?s head; and no preacher would dare wear one while preaching or teaching or praying.

2. When a man prays in the worship service, it is forbidden for a man to wear a hat or covering.

Even though the practice of a woman wearing a hat to the worship assembly has fallen into disfavor in most of the congregations of the church, we never see a man wear a hat in the worship service.

You might ask all the preachers you know or can contact: Would the congregations of the churches of Christ where you preach allow you to wear a hat in the worship without some sort of public reprimand?

I would like to make a point here about the covering of the man before we proceed to the study of the woman.

If the hair were a covering, would a man have to shave his hair off in order for him to obey the commandment of I Corinthians 11.4, which shows that it is a dishonor for a man to have his head covered?

To be consistent in rightly dividing the word of truth, we have to admit then that the Apostle Paul does not mean the hair, but instead a literal covering that the man or woman has the ability to take off or put on before entering to worship God.

I want us to realize how that the church has manipulated this passage of scripture to suit their fleshly desires.

If hair were sufficient to cover a woman?s head in prayer, why would we deny that a man has his head covered, when he prays with hair on his head?

Ponder this question: How does a man cover his head?

Verse 7 states that a man indeed out not to cover his head, thus indicating that the man has the ability to do so when he comes before God to worship him.

According to the Greek experts on language, such as Thayer and Vine, to cover in I Corinthians 11.6-7 is an active process of covering oneself or veiling the head.

So, we conclude that it is a shame for a man to come into the worship service and actively and physically do something to cover up his head; and by doing so, he dishonors Christ, who is his head.

VERSE 5

Notice with me now verse 5, where the woman is mentioned.

Here the scripture says that the woman brings dishonor upon the men in the congregation when she prays or prophesies with her head uncovered.

1Co 11:5 KJV
5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

IN THE WORSHIP OR ANYWHERE?

Regardless of whether a woman has the right to teach in the worship service from the pulpit, or not; OR whether this passage refers to anytime night or day that she teaches, admonishes, rebukes, or comforts others; all Bible students must still deal with this passage of scriptures to discern its meaning.

For instance, some in the church choose to disregard this passage altogether as having any meaning whatsoever to the worship services of the church.

One of the objections used against the covering today is the commandment that teaches the woman to keep silence in the services; that she is not permitted to speak.

The same brethren will then allow the woman to speak in their assemblies, such as in the Bible studies, and allow her to ask questions, and to argue, to exhort, to edify, pray, and also to even teach Bible classes in the company of men.

However, they will use the Scriptures that teach the woman to be silent to rightly prove that the woman has no Scriptural authority to preach or to pray in a mixed assembly of the church.

They disregard the very passage of scripture that they use for their objection and are inconsistent in their argument against the covering of the woman?s head.

If that is the case, then the woman woud have to be covered in all circumstances outside of the worship service in which she prophesies or teaches others, which is not supported by these Scriptures.

Every single time that she prays, she must be covered, that is, if one contends that I Corinthians 11 does NOT refer to the public assembly of the church.

But, we can prove that this is not the case.

THE EXPLANATION:

The explanation is that the woman is not allowed to publicly prophesy (except in singing) or pray (except silently) in the worship service at all and to do so puts her in the position of authority equal to the man.

When she proclaims herself to be man?s equal, she discards her covering and boldly teaches in the worship services and leads in prayer.

According to this line of thinking, the admonition of the Apostle Paul that says ?every woman that prays or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven? takes on a different meaning than what is commonly taught.

It is the same as if Paul were saying ? I am ashamed of you women standing up there in church taking a place that only belongs to the man; and you have discarded your covering; and not only that, but you prophesy and lead in the prayers as if you had the same right as the man.?

The woman spoken of in verse 5 was rebellious in 2 ways.

1. She had discarded her covering or veil in rebellion to the commandment of Christ.

2. She had usurped the authority of the men in the congregation by publicly preaching and leading in prayer.

So, when she prophesied and prayed with her head uncovered, she dishonored her head.

As long as she was in subjection, she would have her head covered in the services, and obey the commandment to be silent.

Those who misunderstand this passage of scriptures have assumed that the woman spoken of by the Apostle Paul had the approval of God to vocally pray and teach as long
as they had their covering on.

With this assumption, they are always faced with the difficulty of other scriptures which contradict this erroneous position (I Corinthians 14.33-35).

1 Corinthians 14:33-35 KJV-- 33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

As long as we understand that a woman could prophesy when she sang vocally in the worship services; and that she was silently allowed to pray to God in the worship services; then we have no contradiction with this passage above in I Corinthians 14.33-35.

It is not permitted for them to speak, which does not forbid singing, or silently participating in prayers, led by men.

Do you know of any passage of scripture where a woman is commanded to prophesy in the church, vocally speaking, to teach?

If a woman publicly taught or prophesied in a verbal manner in the services of the church, she would violate the teaching of I Corinthians 14.33-35; which is in the same letter to the same church; so there can be no misunderstanding of the intentions of the scriptures.

A Godly and righteous woman will cover her head during her worship to God and she will not speak during the public assembly of the church because this is shameful and dishonorable to God.

The Apostle Paul did not say that the woman could cover her head and then publicly and vocally or verbally speak out in prayer or to teach the church in the public assembly; but instead he taught the woman to cover her head and remain in subjection.

POWER BECAUSE OF THE ANGELS

In verses 8 and 9, the Apostle Paul gives us the reason why a woman should have power on her head and we see in verse 10 that it was because of the angels.

Man did not originate from the woman. If there had never been Adam created, there would never had been the first woman Eve created, as Eve was created for Adam, to be his helpmeet.

God did not make the man for the woman, but the woman for the man.

Genesis 2:18 KJV
18 And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

For this very reason, the woman ought to have power on her head because of the angels.

If the power on her head is her hair, that is something that already has on her head.

Verse 10 implies that the power on her head is something that she should have there, something that she should PUT there.

The word ?power? comes from the Greek word ?exousia?, which is defined by WE Vine as ?authority? and he says that in I Corinthians 11.10 that the power on the woman?s head is the veil, showing that God has authority over her.

However, Thayer?s Greek Lexicon defines the word somewhat differently as ?the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed, [generally translated as ?authority?]; a sign of the husband?s authority over his wife, i.e., the veil with which propriety required a woman to cover herself.

Regardless of what the experts say that the word ?power? means, the word indicates something that the woman has the power to do, or not to do, according to her choice to comply or disobey.

A woman has the power to show her subjection to God in the presence of the angels.

The woman has the power to put the covering on her head as a token to show that she is controlled by word of God.

VEIL ON THE FACE OR HEAD?

Should the woman put a veil on that covers her face, as well as her head?

Those who argue against this doctrine of the covering as taught here by the Apostle Paul ask the question about whether the woman should veil just her head, but her face as well, as done by the Muslim women of the Middle Eastern countries today.

I would not argue that it would be unrighteous for the woman to wear a complete veil; but I would also argue that it is only necessary to cover the ?head? in order to comply with the teaching of God here in I Corinthians 11.

We see a difference made between the face and head in the scriptures in Matthew 6.17.

Matthew 6:17 KJV-- 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

We see from this scripture that Jesus recognized the head as being the area of the body on top of your neck where the hair grows, with the face being a different part.

INTERDEPENDENCE OF MEN AND WOMEN

Paul goes on to say in our passage of study in verses 11-12 that even though the man is in a position above the woman in authority; neither can ever be independent of one another.

The man needs the woman and the woman needs the man.

There are duties and responsibilities for each gender in the work of the Lord?s church.

In verse 13 of our text, the Apostle Paul seems to appeal to the good sense of the brethren in the church of Christ there at Corinth.

He tells them to judge the issue for themselves and he asks them to think about whether it would be proper for the woman to pray without first covering her head.

To me, it is extremely interesting that there is NO mention made of prophesying in this question.

We know that a woman can pray to God silently in worship as a man leads all of the congregation in prayer; but the woman could not silently prophesy.

Next, Paul addresses an entirely different doctrinal matter for the church. Unfortunately the King James translation of the Bible has caused some confusion for many as this translation has 2 different Greek words here translated as similar words.

In verses 4, 6, and 7, the words ?covered? and ?cover? are from the same Greek word ?katakalupto?. In verse 15, the word ?covering? is from a different Greek word ?peribolaion?.

?Katakalupto? indicates a covering that a person can put on himself, or herself and that they can also remove.

?Peribolaion? is nature?s covering that God provides.

Verse 14 says that it is a shame for a man to have long hair.

There is to be a distinction then in the length of a man and a woman?s hair.

As we see in verse 14 and 15, in order for a man to please God, he must have short hair, and the woman must have long hair.

In order for a man to have short hair, he must cut off his hair on a regular basis.

A man must keep his hair cut short, and the woman must let her hair grow and not cut it.

The long hair is shown here to be her glory.

There are 3 lengths of hair mentioned in I Corinthians 11.

1. Shaven

2. Shorn

3. Long

· To be shaven means to take a razor and remove the hair close to the skin of the scalp.

· To be shorn, sheared means to cut the hair, similar to the process of shearing sheep. The same Greek word is used in Acts 8.32.
Acts 8:32 KJV
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

· Long hair is uncut hair.

We know this from verse 6, where it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven; so we can safely conclude that God does not want the woman to cut or to shave her head.

Long hair is the natural length that one?s hair will grow to, if left alone and not cut.

It would be wrong to assume that a woman?s long hair has been given her as a substitute for an artificial veil or covering.

· A woman could have long hair and not show her submission to man or God.

She might like long hair as her hairstyle; and this does not show her submission to her head; but if she comes into the worship with a hat or scarf on, we can visibly see her submission to the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 11:6 KJV
6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

Let us assume, just for the moment, to make a contrasting point, that the false teachers are correct in stating that the hair is the only covering required here by God.

This is not true, but by arguing from their position, we shall be able to see the place they are in error.

In other words, we would argue that any woman who had any hair whatsoever on the top of her scalp would be covered enough to please God when she comes into the worship services.

What would the phrase ?if the woman be not covered? be equal to?

If any hair at all means that she is covered; would she not have to be completely bald to be ?not covered??

Would she have to shave off her hair to ?be not covered??

If we follow this logic, in order for a woman to be not covered she would have to not have any hair at all.

Shaving her head would not even make her ?not covered?.

She would have to be shiny bald.

If the opponents to the truth are correct, how could the woman then obey the Apostle Paul?s commandment given in verse 6?

If the woman is not covered, let her be shorn.

How could the woman go to the beauty shop and get her hair cut if she was already bald?

Do we not see how illogical this argument can be?

In answering the opponents, the hair is not something she can put on and take off.

If she were not covered, as verse 6 states, then she would not have any hair at all, would she? If she were bald already, how then could she then cut her hair off, or shave her head?

How can she cut off that which she does not have?

Common sense dictates that the covering in verses 5 and 6 can in no way refer to the woman?s hair.

VERSE 16

1 Corinthians 11:16 KJV
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Here Paul is not telling the church that it is acceptable to throw away this doctrine if someone in the church is against it.

The word ?contentious? means ?fond of strife or disputing or quarrelling?.

What Paul is stating is that if someone disagrees with the tradition that is taught here in I Corinthians 11 and teaches some other custom instead, then the churches of God have no such custom as the contentious man has.

Notice he outcome of a contentious man according to the writings of the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome.

Romans 2:8 KJV
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

This issue appears to be plain and simple in the light of examining the scriptures; but know this, that I have been taught this doctrine all of my life.

Even though I have held to most of the beliefs of my youth, I have tried my best to be obedient to the scriptures that have commanded me to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of Christ.

When I examine this passage of scripture, I found that my childhood teaching was faithful and true.

Romans 12:2 KJV
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.

I hope and pray that you too will study to show yourself approved unto God and that you will have the strength and conviction to stand then with Christ, regardless of what you have learned as a child.

We are now men and women as servants of Christ, and we cannot be partial to the beliefs of others.

God bless us all as we study to stand approved before God.

I want to leave you with this final Holy Spirit inspired passage from the writings of the Apostle Paul:
1 Corinthians 4:17 ¶ For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

Means to Please God

THE MEANS TO PLEASE God
SERMON #403; BY JOE McClure; 11/14/04
STUDY TEXT: Colossians 1.1-23;
Begin in-depth study of the book of Colossians:
Reading Reference: Matthew 25.31-46
Do you want to go to Heaven?
If this was suddenly your last day on earth; are you confident in waking up in GLORY?
Do you have a burning desire to always be pleasing to God?
In our reading for this study, I point your attention to one of the sermons of Jesus regarding the end of time and Judgment Day. I do this to remind you that we not only serve a God of Love, but one of vengeance as well.
Matthew 25:31-46 KJV-- 31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. 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: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
The Bible has many such passages of scriptures that point out that at the end of all time that mankind will face a personal judging of how they lived their lives.
The basic point we see is that the good will live forever; and the bad people will be punished forever.
Many think that those that reject Jesus will not live an eternal life; but they most certainly will exist for an eternity in eternal punishment.
Almost every religion contains a teaching regarding Heaven and Hell. The confusion that exists in the minds of mankind is caused by a multitude of various teachings about what is considered good or what is considered evil.
The issue should be important enough that we should examine the facts of the scriptures of God that show us what will send us to Heaven and what will send us to Hell.
What is good? What is evil?
What body of evidence have you used to define these for yourself?
Today, I want to begin a study in the book of Colossians.
By our study of this letter by the Apostle Paul to the brethren at Colosse, I hope to clear up some of the confusion that may exist even in your own minds regarding how God looks upon your life and service in the Kingdom of Christ.
At first glance; when we read the judgment passages in the scriptures, we get the initial impression that no one is capable of living a life that would be good enough to get into Heaven.
My goal in the first chapter of the book of Colossians is to show you that Christians can be pleasing to God even if they are not perfect.
I do not wish to encourage you to sin; or not do your very best in service to Christ.
You should realize that you are saved by grace.
We are not saved by what WE THINK is good, but instead by God’s plan of salvation; by God’s mercy; by God’s love; and it is only by following God’s instructions regarding the access of God’s grace that we can have any legitimate hope of GLORY!
It is important that we strive to become more pleasing to God as we grow spiritually as we move always to a higher plane.
Colossians 1:
KJV: 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints,
(Notice in verse 2 that Paul and Timothy considered these people in the church of Christ at Colosse to be saints and faithful brethren.
MARK IT DOWN!
This is key for you to notice and remember in our study of this chapter.
Paul and Timothy not only considered these folks to be faithful; but they prayed to God with thanks for their faith and love to all other saints.)
Text verse 5-- For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
There are 4 key points to consider in this verse #5.
1. The Christian’s Hope
2. The Word
3. The Truth
4. The Gospel
Paul and Timothy were convinced that these saints and faithful brethren had the hope which was laid up for them in Heaven.
The evidence that they had of the Colossian hope was the witness of their brotherly love.
This is the hope they had heard preached to them in the word of the truth of the gospel, such as we have heard today read from Matthew 25.31-46.
What is our hope?
Our hope is laid up for us in heaven, and includes all the future promises of God, as revealed in the word of the truth of the gospel.
So, our hope is the very basis of our obedience to the call of the gospel.
Rom 1:16 KJV----16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
We would not have chosen to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ without this hope.
The gospel promises us a home in Heaven; and a crown of righteousness, which qualifies us to be there to enjoy the wonders prepared for the saints.
1 Peter 1:3-5 KJV-- 3 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, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
There is no darkness, sickness, sorrow, pain, hatred, evil, temptations, etc in Heaven; and undoubtedly almost beyond a proper description.
The Apostle Paul saw a vision of what he called ‘the third heaven’.
2 Corinthians 12:4 KJV-- 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Paul and Timothy says that the word of the truth of the gospel teaches us about the hope that is laid up in Heaven for us; while Peter says that our hope is ‘reserved’ in Heaven, kept by the power of God through faith.
Peter indicates that our hope is our eternal salvation in Heaven that is confirmed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Jesus refers to our hope as ‘treasures in Heaven’.
John refers to the hope as that of becoming like God.
1 John 3:1-3 KJV-- 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Notice that everyone with this hope ‘purifieth himself’.
This means that we will strive, (make it his goal) to become chaste, morally clean, and without any faults.
I hope that in this study you learn that this is not something that happens immediately; but rather is an ongoing process of purification.
If you were describing the process of purifying water that was dirty, you would tell me how you put the water on the fire to boil it to a certain temperature, to cleanse out the dangerous impurities.
Having the hope of glory means that we are called by the word of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ to imitate the life of Christ to the best of our ability; and this is an ongoing process, from the day that we are baptized into Christ to the day of our death.
God wants each of us to understand the goal that we should have as His children.
God wants you to understand the purification process; and what is necessary to reach the end goal of being like Him.
2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 KJV-- 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
We notice in this passage that the Corinthians were instructed to make a moral change in the way they were involved in idolatry, however we can apply this principle to any sinful state.
In relation to this comment in II Corinthians 6.17-18, then we hear in II Corinthians 7.1 that it is due to the promise that we can be called the sons and daughters of God that we go about the process of making ourselves clean in flesh and in spirit.
Again, we notice that the cleansing or purification process is an ongoing process.
We see that we are to repent by physically changing our actions and attitudes; and this is described as ‘perfecting holiness’.
Our aim and our Godly goal is to become more Holy than we are today, to set as our end goal to see a spiritual growth in grace and knowledge of the truth.
Without the gospel calling, there can be no eternal hope.
This should bring to mind how important that it is for us to experience the same word of truth that these faithful brethren had heard.
Hope is a motivator in life to become successful in business, in social relationships; and we see here that the hope of our faith motivates us to continue on as faithful growing Christians.
Our hope encourages us as we meditate upon the eternal happiness we shall experience when we enter into the glory of Christ.
Our hope gives us strength to stand against Satan.
Our hope causes us to share our faith with others.
Our hope causes us to love all other saints, with all that love includes.
Colossians 1:(continued)…….the word of the truth of the gospel,
Text verse 6: Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:
Paul and Timothy had received word, and were convinced that these faithful brethren had the hope of the gospel message which had come to them at Colosse.
It is interesting to notice that they made mention here in verse 6 that the gospel had spread into ALL the world. Many are teaching that this fulfillment of prophecy is still yet to come in our century.
Also, they state that the gospel was bringing forth fruit in all the world and also in Colosse, since they had first heard the gospel preached, and knew the grace of God in truth.
When did these saints begin to bring forth spiritual fruit?
A: since the day they heard the truth and knew the grace of God (another phrase for their obedience to the gospel).
THANK YOU Lord FOR THE GOSPEL!
A little consideration of this passage should cause us to give God thanks as we consider how wonderful it was to hear the gospel of the word of truth in Christ.
Today, it seems that there is so little respect given the gospel of Christ.
Instead, it seems that there is more work and more effort being put forth to discredit the Bible as the word of God than in praising it as the grace of God in truth.
These words of scripture, when accepted and obeyed, provide us forgiveness of all our past sins and the continuing forgiveness of our sins.
The word of truth has the power to change our way of life, as we conform ourselves to its teachings and principles.
The truth, if we accept it and submit to it; has the power to transform our minds and bodies to serve the will of Jesus Christ.
THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS:
Romans 12:1-3 KJV-- 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 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 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. ]
Colossians 1: [continued] the truth….
TEXT VERSE: 7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
DO YOU KNOW THE NAME OF THE LOCAL MINISTER OF THE COLOSSE CHURCH OF CHRIST?
Paul and Timothy has learned of their faith and love from the local minister who was named Epaphas.
The Christians at Colosse had LEARNED THE WORD OF THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL AND LEARNED HOW TO BRING FORTH FRUIT.
I fear that there are so many who every Lord’s Day fill the pews, that have failed to apply themselves to the process of learning the gospel in its fulness of grace and knowledge.
TEXT VERSE: 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Again, here is a key part of our study today. Notice in Colossians 1.9 the words ‘that ye might’; not that they had already become filled up with all the knowledge that was available that revealed the will of God; not that they had achieved a perfect understanding; and that they had not yet become wise in all things spiritual: but that they might!
Paul and Timothy had learned of their faith and love and were so thankful to God for them; BUT…notice the other part of their prayer. The saints there at Colosse were only partly knowledgeable of the will of Christ; they only partly understood all they needed to be spiritually mature!
I hope that you realize from today’s study that the commandment to study, in order to increase in knowledge and understanding, is NOT A CHORE! There are so many great benefits are just waiting for you along your journey of studying the Bible.
Paul and Timothy prayed for these saints at Colosse; and we should follow their example in faithfully daily praying for all other saints, and not just in our local assembly, but all over the world.
Although they prayed for these Christians to increase in knowledge and understanding, we find in various scriptures that this is a commandment to all Christians (II Timothy 2.15; Romans 12.1-2).
2 Peter 3:17-18 KJV-- 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen. ]
Notice now 8 key points that we should hope to become or do:
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
I want to divide into categories these various reasons, as to why should have a hunger for becoming more understanding of what the gospel teaches us.

1. Walk worthy of the Lord
2. Be Pleasing to the Lord
3. Be fruitful with all good works
4. Increase in your knowledge of God
5. Take upon you the strength and might of God
6. Become more patient
7. Become more longsuffering
8. Learn to rejoice in being longsuffering and patient
1. Walk worthy of the Lord—This calls us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.
The faith, or the word of truth, or the gospel; which all refer to the instructions of the law of Christ, shows us what we must do; how we must live our lives in order to be worthy members of the body of Christ.
Walking worthy includes being meek and humble not only of demeanor, but within your heart.
Walking worthy of the Lord means that we will strive to be longsuffering or tolerant of the faults or injuries done to us by others.
Walking worthy of the Lord’s calling means that we are qualified to wear the name of Christ; because we have obeyed the calling of the gospel. Obedience to the call of the gospel message means that we have repented and been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of all our past sins.
Another way that Paul refers to the same phrase (walking worthy of the Lord) is ‘walking worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called’ (Ephesians 4.1).
Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV—1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Again, here we see that each Christian has a responsibility to love all other Christians; and the evidence of such love is to be longsuffering and to not think too highly of oneself; to be lowly and meek in our attitude.
Walking worthy of the Lord is also referred to as having our manner of life be ‘as it becometh the gospel of Christ’, or conforming to the Apostles’ doctrine.
Philippians 1:27-28 KJV—27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Walking worthy of the Lord includes being in unity with the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and with likeminded faithful brethren.
Walking worthy of the Lord includes working with the very best of your ability to not only conform yourself to ‘the faith’, but to support and promote the faith to others.
To conclude this thought of walking worthy of the Lord; I would ask you the question: “Are you qualified to be called a SAINT?”
2. Be pleasing to the Lord----this is like to #1, but I wanted to emphasize the particulars of the word ‘pleasing’.
As faithful students of the Bible, to be pleasing in all things should be ever present in our minds.
When we teach a doctrine, or stand for a principle, we should ask whether we are doing what we do to please our desires or the desire of the Lord.
Of course there are a lot of things that we should do to please the Lord, and they include all of the commandments of Christ to the church.
As we strive to please the Lord, we increase in our observation of the Law of Christ, the learning of the will of Christ, and the doing the things that we learn (putting into action what we have learned and teach).
I Thessalonians 4.1-2 supports the teaching that we are commanded to obey the teachings from the apostles doctrine.
Receiving instructions from the apostles is the same as if receiving from Christ, seeing they are the commandments of the Lord Jesus, given to the apostles by the Holy Spirit (inspiration of the scriptures).
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 KJV-- 1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
Please notice in this passage that walking so as to please God is a multiplication process. In other words, we add to our initial faith in the gospel of Christ the many new pieces of scriptural information; and this might be referred to as ‘abounding more and more’.
"Abounding" is used of a flower going from a bud to full bloom. This provides an adequate picture of what Paul meant (abound more and more), showing us that we may be like the bud, or the expanding bloom of the flower. It is an ongoing process.
2 Peter 1:1-2 KJV--- 1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
Is it possible the mercies of God and peace is in direct proportion to increasing knowledge of God and Christ?
3. Increasing in good works; becoming more fruitful----
It is important for us to remember that it is not our own personal works that saves us, but rather it is the grace of God that redeems us from our sins. Nonetheless, we see that we are commanded in our Christian growth to ‘increase in good works’, or God’s works.
However, in order to access saving grace, we must make our very best effort to please God by doing God’s good works.
Important Point: In Hebrews 13.20-21, we see that only our Lord Jesus can make us perfect or complete by instructing us in the ways to be fruitful in doing the good works defined by the Holy scriptures.
Increasing in, or becoming more fruitful in good works of our Lord Jesus Christ will assure us that we are doing His will, and are in His will; and that we are walking worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ and are pleasing unto the Lord.
Hebrews 13:20-21 KJV--- 20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Now, it is obvious that we cannot list here every good work which is well-pleasing in God’s sight, and which is God’s will that you do; however, we can list a few things that are specifically referred to as Godly works that will help us obtain the precious promises of God.
2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV-- 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 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.
All Christians are the workmanship of Christ, as we became new creatures in Christ to do His good works. Again, here we learn that Christianity is one of stages or levels of spiritual growth. If we do these things, Peter says that we will have accomplished the command to be fruitful.
4. Increase in your knowledge of God---
We have already considered that we need to study to show ourselves approved unto God; and that we are commanded to prove all things, that they be of God.
We want to specifically consider that we should increase in our knowledge of God.
Who is God?
What is God’s Divine nature, as revealed to us by the scriptures?
1Timothy 3:16 KJV-- 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Have you ever studied and meditated upon who God is, and what it means for us to be able to be called God’s children?
What is God’s love?
Does God hate?
Does God take vengeance?
As we gain a greater understanding of the nature of God and God’s Divine power; we will increase in our faith.
2 Pe ter1:2-3 KJV-- 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
***** When we get a grasp on how much power our Divine creator has, and what it means to refer to God as Almighty God; we will have less trouble understanding grace.
We will better comprehend that God has the ability and the will to forgive all those who respond to the call of the gospel; those who believe the word of truth that teaches us that due to Christ becoming our scapegoat on the cross for our sins; we have our sins forgiven when we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; when we are baptized, that we are baptized into His death, and that we symbolically arise from the dead when we arise from the grave of water baptism.
When we increase in our knowledge of God, we begin to understand the immensity of God’s love when God sent His only begotten Son to die in our place (to be our sacrifice for sin).
When we increase in our knowledge of God, we begin to understand that in God is no darkness at all. There is darkness in mankind when he hears the gospel calling and obeys the word of the truth in Christ Jesus. We begin to understand that we cannot approach God with our darkness; at least not until we have been made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. This is referred to as ‘reconciliation with God’.
I cannot share with you the entire Bible in one lesson, as the scriptures in its entirety are what reveals everything that we know about God in written form.
When we understand God; we can see God in the creation around us; but without the revelation of God’s nature in the scriptures, we would not be sure about who created our world; but we would certainly know that a higher power than man was responsible for it.
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.
When we understand God; we know our God is a consuming fire, who will take vengeance upon all those who do not know Him. God is pleased with those who desire to understand what he is; what he does; what he purposes; what he proposes, and what he commands.
End lesson #1, which was too lengthy; cut for next presentation.

5. Take upon you the strength and might of God----
As long as we try to depend upon ourselves and our own power to accomplish the work of God, we will never be successful.
We must trust in God’s power; God’s strength.
In whom and what do you place your trust?
Hebrews 13:6 KJV-- 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Unfortunately, too many are trusting in themselves and in their own abilities and capabilities and power; and this causes anxiety and worry, as there are many things that we have no control over.
We try to be obedient to the commandments of God, and when we do so without faith in the power and might of God to help us accomplish those things that He has given us to do, then we are sure to fail.
How can you take upon you the strength and power of God?
The scriptures of the New Testament reveal to how to access the strength and power of God.
Romans 1:16-18 KJV--- 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Basically, God has given a certain number of promises to His people, the obedient ones who have faithfully obeyed the commandments of Christ. When we believe that these God given promises are true, we draw strength from them.
Let me give you a simple example that we see on the 1st day of the church of Christ.
Act 2:36-41 KJV—
Acts 2.36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2.37 Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?
{These men and women had not yet heard the call of the gospel in its completed form; but they were touched by what they had heard; and seemed to be anguished over them complicity in the killing of the Messiah. Even though the Roman soldiers scourged and crucified our Lord; the Jews were counted guilty for the death of our Lord.}
Acts 2. 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
{Here, we see the preaching of the gospel call to all those that were in need of a Saviour; in need of God’s forgiveness. There is a promise included in this verse of scripture.}
Acts 2. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.
[As many as will obey this teaching of Christ can receive the promises of Christ. Here they have been revealed the answer as to the way to access the promise, which is given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.]
Acts 2. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
[We do not know the exact ‘many other words’. The meaning of the message of the ‘many other words’ was ‘Save yourselves from this evil generation. We also know that in those many other words that he testified of the word of the truth in Jesus Christ; and that he exhorted them to be saved, to do what it took to receive forgiveness of sins, and eternal salvation.]
Acts 2. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
[Those who received Peter’s exhortations were baptized and added to the number of the saints, and they equaled about 3,000. They believed the promises of Christ, as preached by the apostles on that day; they accessed the strength of Christ by obeying and being baptized.]
Belief in the teaching of the Apostles Doctrine, as inspired of the Holy Spirit, as the will of Christ; such faith gives us a strong consolation and assurance of faith.
Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
In the book of Romans, we find the Apostle Paul giving an example of Abraham taking upon him the strength and power of God in his extremely strong and efficient belief in God’s promises.
Romans 4:20-21 KJV-- 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Search ‘power’, strong, bondage, freedman, escaped

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV-- 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. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
If we are strengthened by the might of Christ, instead of our might, then we too can say that when I (the human side of me) am weak, then I {God working in me} am strong.

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV-- 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

6. Become more patient-----Do you have a hard time tolerating people, or situations in your life? Do you give up too quickly, when you should be patient in waiting upon God’s time table for your growth? Are we like the child who wants to grow up and no matter how impatient they are to become old enough to drive a car, there is nothing they can do to speed the clock? Are we impatient with the ignorance in others, or with those who are on a different growth schedule than we are?
Romans 8:25--- But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].
Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
7. Become more longsuffering---We might think that we are longsuffering, but let us define this word. To be a longsuffering friend means that you are a ‘constant’ friend, not giving up the friendship when things do not go your way all the time; being a friend when they are happy, sad, rich, poor, whatever the conditions may be. To be longsuffering in your service to Christ means that you ‘endure’ to the end, not giving up just because you come under attack for your faith in Christ. To be longsuffering with those that offend you means that you are not quick to anger with them, and that you are ready to forgive when they repent; and that you are willing to give them time to repent before disposing of their fellowship. Being longsuffering in a trial or temptation means that you will allow your faith to sustain you as you draw upon the power and might of God to persevere to victory.
Paul calls it ‘patient continuance in well-doing’ (Romans 2.7). In II Timothy 2.3, Paul refers to it as ‘enduring hardness’.
Hebrews 10:34-38--- 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
In almost every list of Godly works, of things that are pleasing to God, and according to God’s will; we find that ‘longsuffering’ is chief among them.
8. Learn to rejoice in being longsuffering and patient---Time and time again, the Apostle Paul states that he is able to rejoice when he was called upon to suffer for the ONE who hung upon the cross, for the ONE who shed His blood for his sins. I am sure that this is something that we can only expect to come with experience. I do not think that we could say that we are happy to suffer, until we have suffered, and learned to do so with joy to be counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 KJV--- 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5. [Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
End 1st Lesson

Colossians 1: continued…..
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Due to the archaic use of the word ‘meet’ used in this verse; I want to read this to you from a more modern English version.
Colossians 1:12 Darby-- 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has made us fit for sharing the portion of the saints in light,
Paul and Timothy are still sharing their prayer for the saints and faithful brethren at Colosse in verse 12. We certainly need to be more thankful as we sit and consider what God did for us through the sacrifice of His dear Son Jesus Christ.
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Hebrews 11:6 KJV-- 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.

B.I.B.L.E.

THE Bible; A RECORD OF THE WORDS OF God; By Joe McClure; Sermon #400; 10/03/2004

Brothers and sisters in Christ; today I want to discuss something with you that is of the utmost importance.

There are many doubters of God's word today, and many have crept in unaware into the ranks of the church, causing doubt in the minds of the weak.

This paper is not extensive by any means, but should give you some idea of the information that is available about the book that contains the Word of the faith, of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Book by God, the Holy Spirit

Inspired words and thoughts

Best Seller

Lord's complete will revealed within

Everything needed by mankind for good works is found within

The B I B L E, its good enough for me.

As I said, an understanding of the Bible is so important that all other matters should be laid aside, until you understand what it contains (at least generally); where it came from, who compiled it, and to be assured that its pages contain words given divinely.

The matter before us concerns the future of millions of souls.

There is an issue before the church of Christ today, a false teaching which is an obvious attack by Satan walking about seeking whom he may devour.

If Satan can convince the leaders, the preachers and the elders of the church, to regard the Bible as something less than the complete revelation of the will of God, the eternal destiny of millions of souls hangs in the balance.

One of the reasons that men do not believe in God and obey the gospel of His dear Son is that they do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

If we do not regard the written words that we read and study as truly being inspired by God both in thought and in the actual words written; we are as the man that built his house on a foundation of sand; sure to fall from the grace of God.

My goal as a preacher of the gospel today is to provide you with some ammunition to fight the false belief of many; that the Bible is of human origin rather than from God; and to provide you with the necessary evidence to convince others that we have no other guide to eternal life than the Bible.

[A] To begin, it may be important that we define what the word ‘inspiration’ means as it appears in the Holy text.

In the book of Job, we find Elihu speaking in response to Job’s reaction to the suffering that he was enduring.

Job 32:8-- But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Here in Job 32.8, Elihu states that the age of a man itself does not qualify him as being wise; but rather that true wisdom and understanding comes from God.

In other words, you should be able to see from Job 32.8, that the word 'inspiration' gives men understanding of the will of our ALMIGHTY GOD.

This same fact is also confirmed for us in the Apostles' doctrine in the covenant of Jesus Christ, as given to the church and her leaders in the 1st Century AD.

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:

The word inspiration means ‘God breathed’; or the ‘breath of God’; and applied to II Timothy 3.16, it means that scripture is the word which is produced by God.

In plain language, what actually happened was that God revealed to the minds of the prophets, teachers, and apostles what God wanted the people to hear as coming from Him.

Now, lets look at the full meaning given by the Apostle Paul to Timothy as we put II Timothy 3.16 in its context.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV-- 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

As you can see, Paul says that Timothy had been made wise to salvation by means of being taught the Holy scriptures as a child.

What scriptures existed during the days that Timothy would have been growing up?

The obvious answer is the Holy scriptures of the Old Testament.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written
for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

The New Testament scriptures would not have been in existence at that time, as we know them.

Now, this may not be how most people view the scriptures today, as we see that more emphasis seems to be given the New Testament scriptures.

However, let us notice what Jesus said about the scriptures.

What I am about to read you is the response of Jesus to the Jews who sought an opportunity to kill Him because he told them that He was the Son of God, thus making Himself equal with God.

John 5:37-40 KJV-- 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

By this record by John, who wrote by inspiration; we learn here that Jesus put his stamp of approval upon the Old Testament writings as scripture.

What do we learn from these scriptures?

At that time, about 31 AD, how had the Heavenly Father given witness that Jesus was His Son sent to save the world?

[B] Jesus is obviously speaking in reference to the Old Testament prophecies that spake of His coming as the Messiah.

Jesus tells these Jews that the same scriptures that they searched to find the will of God also testified of Him as the provider of eternal life.

Notice what happened after the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Luke 24.44ff, we hear Jesus telling His disciples that all must be fulfilled in the law of Moses, the prophetic writings, and the psalms; that were written in prophetic reference to the Christ.

So, if we accept the testimony of Luke here concerning Christ, we are bound to also accept those things written in the Old Testament.

Notice:

Luke 24:44-48 KJV
44 And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

[C] As we go forward in time to the days of the church, according to the record of the Bible, to the time that existed not long after the ascension of Christ to the Father, and the beginning of His rule as King; we find another example given of the power and benefit of studying the Old Testament scriptures.

When Paul and Silas went to preach Christ, among the Jews in our example, notice that the Jews were able to open their Bibles, and to confirm that they were being told that which was true.

When they proved all things by the Word of God, they then believed on Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.

Acts 17:10-12 KJV-- 10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Paul and Silas entered into the synagogue of the Jews at the city of Berea and preached Christ to them.

It is pointed out in Acts 17.11 that they listened with an open mind as Paul and Silas preached the word of God to them; and then they compared what they had heard with the scriptures, which again obviously refers to the prophecies of the Old Testament.

The time was yet too early for them to have received the written words of the New Testament.

So, what is the point of these things?

The point is that Timothy and also the Jews, in the days when Jesus ministered on the earth, and during the early days of the church, could read and study the Old Testament and be made “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus�.

The Old Testament scriptures foretold of the coming of Christ, beginning in the book of Genesis.

Based upon all the Scriptures that had been written up to the time of the days of John the Baptist, the Jews could read the prophecies, and know that in their future there would be a Messiah that would come to deliver Israel and that there would be a new way.
Below is just one example of a passage of Scriptures that those Jews were aware of in those days, just as today.

Isaiah 2:2-4 KJV-- 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Such prophecies were somewhat of a mystery until God inspired the apostles to witness of this new way.

1 Corinthians 2:6-10 KJV-- 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

The 'revelation of the mystery' means that during the days of the Old Testament the way of Christ was concealed from man; but now, when this was written, it is revealed that mankind can only have redemption in Christ.

It is now no longer a mystery to those that will accept and believe on Christ.

God’s eternal purpose was that man would find redemption through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

As we search the Old Testament scriptures with the knowledge that we now have of Jesus Christ; we can see Him now revealed in those Messianic prophecies.

Ephesians 2:10 KJV-- 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The Apostle Peter pointed out the eternal purpose of God was in prophecy, and that the Holy Ghost gave the prophecies, thus they were not from man.

2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV-- 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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.

All that trust in these scriptures of the Bible can readily see the validity of the Bible and that it is indeed a record of all that the Holy Spirit gave the prophets of the Old Testament to speak and record in the written scriptures.

The Apostles were given the Holy Spirit, who then guided them to speak all of God’s truths, which we find in New Testament. We find that such was promised to the Apostles by Jesus our Lord, in the month before the beginning of the church of Christ.

John 16:13-14-- 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 shew you things to come. 14. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.

In John, we find the record of the promise given to the disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit; and then in the book of Acts, we see that prophecy of Christ fulfilled.

What the Apostles spake were those words that which were from God to man, or ‘all truth’ that witnessed of Christ and his redemption.

Acts 1:2-4 KJV-- 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me.

The problem of belief does not exist with those that have faith in God; but there are those who are weak in the faith that need to be reminded of these things.

We must stand upon the principle that Peter commanded, in that Scripture in which he said that if any man speak, let him speak as of the oracles of God; or in other words, the words that we speak should be firmly based upon the God given scriptural principles found in the Bible.

The evil forces in our world today would have us doubt the word as from God.

1 Peter5: 6-8 KJV—6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Not only do we need to search the scriptures and stand strong in the faith; but we need to convince those who are not in Christ that God has spoken through man and that it has been written down as a record to declare God’s righteousness to mankind.

Not only is the Old Testament inspired or divinely spoken by God to man; but also the words of the New Testament, as we read in Paul’s epistle to the church of Christ at Ephesus.

Ephesians 3:2-6 KJV--
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

In effect, Paul tells them that his letters contain the revelations that he had received from God; and that by reading what Paul wrote that they would understand the knowledge imparted to him.

So, we can see that in Ephesians 3.3-4 that these epistles and letters that we refer to as the New Testament are given legitimacy as scriptures from God.

We also find proof that not only were the thoughts of the Apostles inspired, but that the very words used were also inspired from God.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 KJV-- 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. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

There are many that will admit that the Bible is a good book to read and study; but they express their doubt as to its origin.

[C] EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY

Those who do not believe in the Bible as God’s Words have apparently not devoted themselves to an examination of the evidences of the Bible.

Let me say that, without any doubt, that the child of God does not need any evidence but the Bible.

If the Bible teaches us a precept, we do not need any other evidences that the scriptures are the word of God.

[a] Signs, wonders, miracles, gifts of Holy Spirit

Hebrews 2:3-4 KJV--3 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 God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

The salvation which is revealed in the gospel message of the scripture was 1st spoken by the Lord; and then confirmed or proven to be from God to the Apostles and to the many others that heard this message in the 1st century.

The proof was the signs and wonders and various types of miracles, and the imparting of the miraculous gifts.

[b] Eye witnesses.

The writing of the scriptures was confirmed then by ear witnesses and eye witnesses in the case of the apostles.

2 Peter 1:16 KJV-- 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Those who doubt that the Bible is of divine origin are in effect saying that these scriptures are lies, or fables of men.

They are not cunningly devised lies, as Peter proclaims.

The Apostle Paul said that the very words that he spake was not from man’s wisdom or teaching, but as the Holy Spirit instructed.

1 Corinthians 2:13 KJV
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

[c] Logical Questions for evidences

The question that is now before us is: Has there any man ever lived or any group of men ever lived who were cunning enough to make up the many principles and accounts of things that are contained in the Bible?

We agree with the Holy Scriptures that the prophets were moved, or guided by the Holy Spirit to say the things that God wanted said at the very time in history that God wanted them said; and that the phophesies are sure.

To begin with, the weight of proof lies upon the disbeliever in the Bible.

The doubter must prove that the Bible is NOT the word of God.

Can the disbeliever proof that there is just one fact of the Bible that is not true?

Men have tried many ways to discredit the Bible as divine in any way.

One of those ways has been to attack the specific facts that are contained within.

Here, I am not referring to the moral codes contained within; but facts such as places and things.

Once that Satan’s disciples are convinced that they have found one fault in the scripture then they can discredit all of the Bible as being written by man, instead of God.

[d] Archeology as evidence

Let me give you an example.

As recent as the early 19th century, the doubter or skeptic thought they had found a way to discredit the Bible as Holy and divine by pointing out certain mentions made in scripture to kings and cities that had no historical evidence at that time.

For an example, at the time in question, no one had ever heard of Derbe, of Thyatira, or of the Hittites except as mentioned in the scriptures.

The skeptics reasoned that since there was never any mention made in any of the historical evidence of man’s vast library of knowledge of these cities and kingdoms that they then did not exist at all; and thus the Bible must be suspect.

There is a science called archeology, which is the scientific study of the life and culture of ancient peoples and their civilizations.

They go to old cities and dig up relics and artifacts.

Sometime in the 19th century, archeological digs have found the cities of Derbe and Thyatira.

They have dug up many large cities of the Hittites, as well.

There has not been a find yet that was found to be in disagreement with the text of the Bible.

Instead, some archeologists use the Bible to search for clues as to the location of some of the ancient cities that have long ago passed from sight.

Moses wrote in the first 5 books of the Bible of many names of kings that up to recent times could not be verified by man’s history.

In fact, there were 47 names of kings that Moses said existed whose names were lost from secular history and because of that many said this was proof that the Bible was not inspired.

During recent archeological excavations, it has been shown that each of these kings lived and reigned, thus giving a greater validity to the Bible as inspired.

Such archeological finds continue to illustrate that the Bible is true and man’s assumptions are proven to be false.

Many archaeological finds have been made which confirm clearly many historical statements made by the Bible.

No archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference.

Some archaeologists have even used Biblical descriptions to make amazing discoveries.

It would take a volume of books to list all the discoveries that have been made that confirm that the history of Bible as correct; but even if we verified every historical record of the Bible there would yet be those skeptics that would refuse to believe.

[e] Ancient manuscript as evidences

Some doubters of the Bible attack it as suspect; and reason that it must have been written by men.

These skeptics attempt to prove this assertion by saying that we do not have the original manuscripts, and thus we have no reason to trust what is called the Bible as from God.

The doubter of the inspiration of the Bible should consider a self-evidenced truth spoken by our Lord in Matthew 24.35.

Matthew 24:35 KJV-- 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Those who stand by faith know without any doubt that, by the providence of God, the Word of God has been preserved down through time, and will continue to the end of time; and that all men shall be judged by the words of God at Judgment Day.

In regard to the purity of the word down through the ages of time, let me just say a few things regarding the ancient manuscripts.

We do not actually possess any of the original documents that contain all of the 66 books of the Bible, so how can we be sure that we have an accurate copy of the original?

The Jews were the caretakers of the scriptures or oracles of God.

Romans 3:1-3 KJV-- 1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

At the beginning, the manuscripts were written in the Hebrew language, with a few chapters and verse in the Aramaic language (Chaldean). After their return from the Exile, the Aramaic dialect gradually replaced Hebrew as the spoken language of the Jews.

Those places that were originally written in Aramaic were Daniel 2.4 to Daniel 7.28; Ezra 4.8 to Ezra 6.18; Ezra 7.12-26; Jeremiah 10.11; and 2 words in Genesis 31.47. Aramaic was closely related to the Hebrew dialect.

According to history, the Jews were extremely careful in copying the manuscripts.

The Masoretes were a group of Jewish scholars who were in evidence from about 1,000 to 500 years after the time of Christ.

When they copied a manuscript, they counted the verses, the words, and the letters.

Their main work was to add a vowel system to the Hebrew characters for purposes of pronunciation.

Their work is called the Masoretic Text.

Our oldest actual original manuscripts date from 200 years before Christ.

It is thought that the writings of the Old Testament were first penned starting about the year 1450 BC.

The Hebrew Bible was translated into the Greek language in Alexandria, Egypt in the year 280 BC, and most of the New Testament quotes are from this Greek copy, called the Septuagint.

In regard to the New Testament manuscripts, those are the best preserved of any ancient books as regarding quality and quantity.

We have 5338 ancient Greek manuscripts of either entire works or parts of it.

The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the dialect most widely known throughout the world of the 1st century.

It was penned onto several types of material.

The skin of sheep, of calves, of antelopes were used, in addition to other animal skins.

Some of the scriptures were written on papyrus reed, the closest material to paper; some on pottery, some on stone, some on wax tablets.

There are several ancient copies of the New Testament from the 2nd century AD.

It is said that all but 11 verses have been found from the 2nd and 3rd Century AD.

The various ancient copies are for the most part in complete agreement, and it is said that the differences are usually concerned with uses of ‘articles’ of speech; with no significance as to the actual meaning.

[f] Moral Superiority of the word as evidence

The printed Bible continues to be the world’s best seller after all these years of printing.

If the words of Christ had not been divine, they would have passed away into history; but instead, the Bible continues to be the most popular book in the world.

The best sellers of men peak quickly and within a few months, and in some extreme cases, a few years later, they pass into oblivion and are no longer printed.

We might also reason with the skeptic that if the Bible was not the divine words of God; the situation would yet exist in which man yearns for a set of moral principles by which to guide society.

Is there a written work anywhere in existence that does this any better than the Bible?

As we examine the way of Christ as revealed in the Bible, we would challenge the doubter; the skeptic, the agnostic, and the atheists to come up with a way of life superior to the way of God described in the Holy Scripture.

Which is better; a home where the parents are alcoholics, where they commit adultery, where they do not love their children; or the Christian home?

The atheist and the skeptic cannot offer the world a higher plain of living than that which is described in God’s word, the Bible.

We might use logic to convince the skeptic that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

Consider this statement that has been said of the Bible:

A good man could not have written the Bible, because he would have known that it was not true.

An evil man would not have written the Bible, seeing it condemns him.

[g] Prophetic fulfillment as evidence

We could argue for the inspiration of the Bible using such facts as archeology and other sciences; but the only true argument is to allow the Bible itself to prove that it is the Word of God.

Any true student of the Bible finds sufficient proof that it is the word of God in considering the great number of prophecies given by God to man that came to pass, many of them hundreds of years later.

There are over 300 prophecies of the coming Messiah that were fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ.

These are too numerous to list here; but it has been said that the mathematical probability that all of these could have been fulfilled by the live of one person by chance is 1/84th to the 123rd power.

The virgin birth, the place of the Messiah’s birth, the lineage of Christ, main events, of the trial, the betrayal, the crucifixion, and the resurrection are some of the prophecies fulfilled exactly by the life of Christ.

Only a divine mind could have conceived of such a character throughout the centuries, recording these things we know about Him, and only could have fulfilled these prophecies.

Thus, the Bible is a special divine revelation of Christ, the Son of God.

Only a divine person could have effected the change in mankind and in history that Jesus did, as the Christ.

[h] Biblical Accuracy Concerning Names, Places, and Things as evidence

We would ask the skeptic of the Bible to explain how that 40 or more authors of the books of the Bible, who lived in many different geographical areas, being from different backgrounds, influenced by a great variety of circumstances, and living in many different times; how could they write such a book as the Bible without there being inconsistencies in their stories?

We that believe answer the question posed by simply saying that they all agree without contradiction because in each case, they were inspired by God.

If the Bible was a work of fiction, we would expect to find errors throughout its texts.

One of the best places to look for error would be in the description of the land in which the events were said to take place.

As we examine in minute detail the lands of the Bible, we discover that they are correct in the smallest of details.

One example we have of this is that the Bible always speaks of ‘going up’ to Jerusalem, or ‘going down’ from Jerusalem.

Today, we know that Jerusalem is located about 2500 feet above sea level.

Jericho for instance is located 825 feet above sea level.

In Luke 19, Jesus visited Jericho in Luke 19.1 and traveled 19 miles to Jerusalem.

In Luke 19.11, Jesus visited Jericho ‘near Jerusalem’ and was ‘ascending to Jerusalem in Luke 19.28.

We find in verse 37 that he was near the descent of the Mount of Olives and Jesus saw the city in verse 41.

There he weeped over the city.

Such topographical exactness can be considered as an evidence of the inspiration of God in the writings of these accounts.

In the Good Samaritan account, a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho.

In Acts 9.32, Peter came down to Lydda.

In Acts 9.30, the brethren brought Saul down to Caesarea in the Plain of Sharon, and in Acts 24.1, the high priest came down to Caesarea for the trial.

We could spend hours pointing out these type of topographical specifics that are exactly correct; and we might argue that if the Bible were the combined works of just men; they would be many errors regarding such details.

Such things as archeology, topography, and even scientific exactness of the Bible is not used to prove the Bible true; but they certainly do corroborate, they illustrate that the Biblical record of such things is true and not incorrect as many critics of the 18th and early 19th century claimed.

The Bible has been challenged and checked in thousand of cases and proven to be accurate; but we believe that where we cannot check it by other proofs to be accurate.

We that are saved by faith use the Bible as a standard all its own.

Anything that disagrees with the Bible is wrong; not the opposite.

Dear readers, I certainly hope and pray that I have been able to provide you with some worthy information that will strengthen your faith, and help you in your preparations to armor yourself against our mutual enemy.

God Bless you in your studies.