Why I Believe the Bible – Part 2

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Current scholarship teaches that science contradicts the Bible. Is it true? In today’s context, three toxic factors serve as life support for such a thesis: ignorance, intellect, and inconvenience.

Ignorance fuels false truths by offsetting convictions, which otherwise result from knowing the truth. At its core, ignorance is superficial and complacent. Ignorance plays a lead role in permitting one to merely hear a curriculum or puffed up professor promote the idea that says: “science and scripture are incompatible,” only to process the claim as truth without leaving room for the possibility of skewed facts or personal bias. Considering that the content was given from a “credible” angle, one never weighs the deeper implications or attempts to think critically about what was or is being said. As a result, the Bible becomes a figment of some hallucinogenic imagination and is marginalized as useful for story time yet irreconcilable with reality.

What God said to Israel some 2700 years ago could be said of our nation today:

Hosea 4:6 – “…my people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge.”

Intellect says that God is useless and archaic because man’s knowledge has surpassed His usefulness. What is even worse, the relationship between God and man is now viewed as subjective and optional! The fundamental issue presented by intellectualism is that it crowns its subscriber as a beneficiary to sin and selfishness.

Without God, the difference between right and wrong is abstract. Intellectualism declares that without a God there can be no true distinction between right and wrong. Therefore, do as you please. If that’s the case, where did the internal sentiment of conviction that demands “fair play” originate? The law of fair play begs justice in the face of unacceptable behavior. You might have heard it said, “he shouldn’t have said that,” or “that’s not fair, I was here first.” Such statements, especially when spoken from the viewpoint of a non-Christian, cause one to wonder how it’s even reasonable to demand justice when there is no foremost lawgiver. One might say, “well it’s just impolite to act that way.” Says who? You? If that’s the case then look who makes the rules now. How many people would agree with those rules? What is to be expected of those who disagree? The myriad of questions that ensue when man makes and looks to enforce the law apart from divine guardrails is futile.

Bottom line: if there is no God then there is no objective parameters regarding what is “right and wrong.”

For example, it is considered a violation of “fair play” to have an affair. Have you ever taken time to question where this determination came from? Scientifically speaking, where is the anatomical structure that facilitates a verdict that says “having an affair is wrong”? Logically, if there is no God then there should also be no penalty. Therefore, if there is no final penalty or administration of justice, whose to say the violation was wrong in the first place? Man does, making the conclusion finite and subjective. Intellectualism demands justice, but at the same time causes injustice. The injustice being that one can do whatever he or she wants with no final sentencing, which directly contradicts the definition of justice.

Paul had this to say regarding the intellect of man:

I Corinthians 3:18-20 – “Do not deceive yourselves. If anyone of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, the Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

Inconvenience is the driving force that advocates the principles of ignorance and intellect. Ignorance presents the idea that living by convictions is inconvenient, and intellect attests that it is easier to live life by our own rules. Adherence to Inconvenience makes the dismissal of truth, and the dismissal of a higher power, easy and… well, convenient.

The foundation that ignorance so smoothly laid is now having a structure called “me” built upon it. Why? Simply put, the Bible is inaccurate and detached from reality. Because Christ’s claims have now become subservient to the “facts” of empirical science, one can now live his or her life by human standard, which ends up being no standard at all.

Jesus never mixed words about the “inconvenience” of the Gospel. To keep it short and sweet:

Luke 9:23 – “Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Science and scripture are not diametrically opposed. Upon careful examination of God’s word, it is more than reasonable (even to the skeptic) to arrive at the conclusion that the authors of both New and Old Testament manuscripts were well aware of biological and ecological undertakings.  Below are 11 scientific truths, with reference points, that counteract academia’s hasty dismissal of scripture. Keep in mind that these references were penned long before any science textbook was...

The spherical shape of the earth:

Isaiah 40:22 – “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth…”

The earth is suspended:

Job 26:7 – “He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing.”

The stars are innumerable:

Genesis 15:5 – “… Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.”

The existence of mountains and canyons in the sea:

II Samuel 22:16 – “The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare…”

The existence of springs and fountains in the sea:

Genesis 7:11 – “… on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.” (Genesis 8:2, Proverbs 8:28)

The existence of “watery paths” (ocean currents) in the sea:

Psalm 8:8 – “… all that swim the paths of the seas.”

The hydrologic cycle:

Ecclesiastes 1:6-7 – “The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.” (Job 26:8; 37:16, 27-28; 38:25-27; Psalm 135:7)

The reproduction of all living things after their own kind:

Genesis 1:21 – “So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.” (Genesis 6:19)

The nature of health and sanitation concerning sickness, community health, and circumcision:

(Genesis 17:9-14; Leviticus 12-14)

The human bloodstream:

Leviticus 17:11 – “For the life of the creature is in the blood…”

The second law of thermodynamics concerning energy deterioration:

Psalm 102:25-26 – “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.”

"Reflections on Camp Tipton - College Mission Trip"

It’s amazing how quickly one takes on a spirit of gratitude when placed in a context that is less fortunate and unfamiliar.

The BBC College Missions team, currently on site at Camp Tipton in Maryville, TN, has become more and more thankful for God's provision as the week has progressed. The team consists of 10 members; Brianna Williams, Samantha Waters, Brooke Rinehart, Lynn Price, Ben Lawson, Parker Oakley, Clarence Price, Brian Messer, Trey Ebert and I. We have been serving alongside several other churches including another team of 7 from Biltmore which is led by NAMB missionaries Randy and Ronda Corn.

Our team’s impact is geared towards three different ministry tracks: Servant Evangelism (Lynn, Brianna, Clarence, & I), Children’s Outreach (Samantha, Brooke, & Ben) and Home Repair (Brian, Trey, & Parker).

Team members who are serving within the Home repair track have reported much progress throughout the week. They have been assigned the task of tearing out and replacing the floor of an elderly couple’s home. According to Brian, the group has endured “persecution” all week via local clans of mosquitos. Trey mentioned that he was able to share his testimony with the woman whose home they are working on. She says that she knows the Lord and was encouraged by his stand. Please pray continued strength over Trey, Parker, and Brian. The work they are doing is very tiring. This couple is extremely thankful for the assistance!

According to Brooke, Samantha, and Ben, the Children’s outreach track is not for the limp-wristed or faint of heart. The situations that these kids come to camp with are precisely why we are learning to never take our blessings for granted. The days are long and hot, yet entirely fulfilling. Apparently the kids are having a blast! Brooke, mentioned that there was one point when “27,” that’s right, 27 kids (sarcasm intended) were attached to her in some way shape or form wanting to play (It’s amazing how quickly they trust and show love). Fortunately, she made it out alive with a smile on her face! I am confident that the lessons God is teaching, and the images God is showing each individual in this ministry track will never be erased. Pray that members of our team serving in this area would finish the week strong and that the Lord would renew their enthusiasm each and every day considering that they are constantly interacting with energetic kids from 7 AM to 5PM in 95+ degree weather. Bottom line is this; the Children’s ministry track is no joke and our team has worked diligently all week!

I chose the Servant Evangelism track hoping to share the Gospel on a personal level with those we interact with. On Monday morning we went to “The Dragon’s Tail,” a US Highway that meanders through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in TN. The Dragon boasts of 318 curves over the span of 11 miles and is a tourist attraction for bikers across the country. Though the Dragon is considered by those who tour it to be a joyride, it has also proven to be an extremely fatal course of transportation. At the foot of the route stands a monument known as the “Tree of shame.” Partial remains of motorcycles whose drivers took a turn for the worst can be seen dangling from the tree. The purpose of the tree is to serve as a warning sign that those who tour The Dragon are not invincible. This inconvenient truth proved to be a sobering reminder that no one is promised tomorrow and therefore, served as an effective transition towards conversations about eternity. We were blessed with opportunities to share Christ with several of the bikers we met at the pull off point where our team handed out water and gift bags. Glory to God, seeds were planted. Though this method of outreach is entirely unconventional, it is desperately needed. Please pray for future groups as well as sent out by Camp Tipton who will be dialoguing with these bikers about the Gospel. A great prayer need for Brianna, Lynn, Clarence and I is simple; that God would give us boldness, wisdom, and a spirit of love as we look to evangelize those we meet the rest of the week.

We are scheduled to return to Biltmore this Saturday at noon.

Our prayer going into the week was that people would hear, believe, and proclaim the Gospel. We are having a blast serving others and investing in the Kingdom this week. Camp Tipton has served as a force multiplier for our team to open a door for God to move in amazing ways. We are entirely grateful…

Romans 10:14-16 – “How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good news!”

"The Jesus Psalm"

Due to the continual inquiries that Christians (including myself) face, I felt it necessary to share some thoughts on why I acknowledge God’s word to be the ultimate standard over my life. This will be the first of four posts centered on why the Bible can and should be trusted. The goal is to give a concise overview of 4 credible reasons why God’s word is final and authoritative. The first reason I would like to address is the fulfillment of predictive prophecy. Further evidence from archaeological discoveries, eyewitness testimony, and the consistency of ancient manuscripts will follow in the next three posts.

It’s remarkable how trustworthy the word of God is. When I look at the Bible I see a canvas of many colors masterfully composed by an all knowing artist. One of the most credible elements of God’s revelation to man is predictive prophecy. Prophecy is the future told in advance by God through a prophet. In the book of Psalms we see psalmists use language that depicts their present experience in a way that points beyond their own lives, becoming historically true in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These foresights are commonly known as “messianic prophecies.” One of the messianic prophecies that has perpetually rocked my face off is Psalm 22.

In Psalm 22, David details the events that would later unfold during the crucifixion of Jesus… 1000 years before his birth. The span of time between when a prophecy was penned to when it was fulfilled yields maximal credibility to the claims we find in scripture. Below are the reference points for the prediction and fulfillment of 6 messianic prophecies housed in Psalm 22. Each of which build a case that God’s word can and should be trusted.

Psalm 22:1 – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Matthew 27:46 – About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachtani?” – which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Psalm 22:7 – All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.

Matthew 27:39 – “Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads…”

Psalm 22:14 – I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.

Matthew 27:26 – “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.”

John 19:34 – “Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.”

Psalm 22:16 – Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.

Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…”

John 20:27 – “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side…”

Psalm 22:17 – “I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.”

Isaiah 52:14 – “Just as there were many who were appalled at him – his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness…”

Psalm 22:18 – “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”

Matthew 27:35 – “When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”

Skeptics will often pose the question, “why should I believe the Bible?” Well, modern scholarship offers multiple explanations to this question. Some of which include, but are not limited to, early dating and consistency of manuscripts, eyewitness testimony, the corroboration of archaeological discoveries (all of which will be addressed in upcoming posts), or in the case of Psalm 22, the fulfillment of predictive prophecy. The bottom line is this; the Bible can be trusted. The fact that David spoke of death by means of crucifixion 700 years before it was invented by the Romans is evidence of divine revelation. Take time to consider that this form of execution is found nowhere in historical archives or manuscripts dated around the time of Psalm 22’s composition.

To place in proper perspective the statistical probability of King David’s presage, well known author and speaker Josh McDowell drew the following calculation; the odds of Jesus fulfilling 8 of the over 300 messianic prophecies we find in scripture is 1 out of 100,000,000,000,000,000 (That’s one out of 10^17) a.k.a. 1 in 100 trillion! This is comparable to covering the state of Texas two feet deep in silver dollars, marking one with an x, mixing them all up and having a blindfolded person select the marked silver dollar at random. Yeah, about that.

But that’s not all! If you stop to consider what the probability of one man, Jesus, fulfilling all 300+ messianic prophecies would be, you will likely begin to feel your gray matter digress into the form of chili ramen noodles all while noticing steam slowly begin to escape from your left and right auditory canals. The odds are so unlikely and the number so big that the human mind is incapable of conceptualizing it. The evidence that the fulfillment of predictive prophecy presents is so compelling that it points us to this conclusion; it is statistically unfathomable that the Bible could be wrong. The bottom line is this; the Bible can and should be trusted. Now, go read the Jesus Psalm.

"Peripheral"

This page and initial blog post is given from a "Peripheral Perspective." To be peripheral is to serve as an extension of a central object for the purpose of making that object more effective. I clearly recall times growing up when I was really into video games. Anyone who has played a video game before knows that there is a device known as a controller that must be in the hands of the gamer before any of the action can begin. The controller must be manually connected to the gaming console or, in the case of a wireless, must be within a relatively close proximity of the gaming system in order to have any control over the outcome of the game. While playing, I would often become frustrated over the fact that I could not play the game at whatever distance I chose. Even wireless remotes that have a more liberal range of motion are still limited to specific boundaries. In essence, the controller is peripheral to the central source of power. Apart from a sustained connection to this central source, its purpose is completely nullified and so is the gamer’s ability to determine the outcome.

I grew up playing video games like "Super Mario Brothers." What you would typically see in games such as "SMB" is two sides. Good and bad. Mario versus Bowser. The way the gamer played the game would ultimately determine which side would prevail. Unfortunately, many gamers cry uncle due to the mental battles that role playing games like "SMB" can present. The levels can get very tough and are certainly not for the faint of heart. On the flip side of this coin, thousands upon thousands of others have played the very same game, defeated  Mario's archnemesis Bowser, and experienced an unwavering sentiment of virtual victory. It is critical to note that the way those people played the game does not predicate the way you will play the game. That is to say that their outcome won't dicatate your outcome.You have to decide whether or not you're going to let that overwhelming ledge at the end of the third level get the best of you, or if you will persist until victory has been achieved. With the exception of robots you won't beat the game the first time around. The cool part about video games is that you will be given the option to go back and beat the level that threw you into a mental disarray at your own discretion. So what's the catch? You must keep the controller in your hand and stay connected to the gaming system. The point at which you are defeated is the point at which you turn the system off, eject the controller, and call it quits. This failure has now become fatal because it has compelled you to quit.

In John 15:5 Jesus says this,

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Crititcal clarification: life is not a video game. However, just as the controller is peripheral to the console, you and I are peripheral to Christ. Apart from a close proximity to Jesus, our long term plans and attempts to make a difference in life will ultimately fail. You will inevitably encounter levels of life that are both unforeseen and unwanted. The question is, “what will you be connected to when those difficult levels show up?” Connection to the ways of the world will disarm connection to the things of Christ. Once you throw in the towel on God, the game is over and so is your life. It will always be easier to give up and go home or simply manipulate reality in such a way that argues “Christ is peripheral to me.” This is the very lie that I hope you will avoid at all costs! The product of falling into its snare is anger and frustration towards God. You will find yourself basing your expectations of God off of rules that were actually made by you. When you make the rules, fellowship with God is impossible.

Maintain your peripheral postion In Christ and Satan will have his work cut out for him the next time he attempts to knock you off balance.