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The Enduring Nature of The Bible by Mark Nickles In the world of great literary works, the Bible is in a category of its own. Unique in content, continuity, circulation, and translation, this exceptional work speaks for itself. However, the Bible is also notably distinctive in how it has survived throughout the ages. Following are some examples. The Bible was written long before the printing press, and therefore had to be copied and re-copied numerous times. As a result, it has more manuscript evidence than any other work of classical literature. Over the years, many literary and antiquity experts have admitted to the accuracy and dependability of the text, despite the age of the Bible. In A.D. 303, the Roman emperor Diocletian decreed that all Christian churches be destroyed, and all copies of the scriptures burned. At the same time, he declared that any individuals of high station who professed Christianity would lose all liberty and civil rights. Yet, only 25 years later, Constantine, who succeeded Diocletian, ordered 50 copies of the scriptures prepared at the expense of the Roman government. On another interesting historical note, the 18th Century French infidel, Voltaire, boasted that the Bible would be non-existent within 100 years of his time. Yet, today, the Bible remains the world’s best-selling and most widely-distributed book. Also noteworthy is the fact that, 50 years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society produced many copies of the Bible…, using Voltaire’s own house and press.
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The Enduring Nature of The Bible CONTINUED… by Mark Nickles Theologian Bernard Ramm once wrote, “A thousand times over, the death knell of the Bible has been sounded, the funeral procession formed, the inscription cut on the tombstone, and committal read. But somehow the corpse never stays put.” While this information will not persuade all critics of the Bible to become believers in the truth found within its pages, they have, do, and will continue to motivate some to investigate this amazing literary work. I, and undoubtedly many other ministers in your area, would be happy to give aid to those seeking information on its origins and endurance. I would also recommend the long-time bestseller by Josh McDowell, “Evidence That Demands a Verdict”.
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Grace Over Nature by Ken Barnes But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head. So Joseph lifted it to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. “No, my father,” he said. “This one is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.” (Genesis 48:17-18 NLT) God's sovereign will does not always choose by order of nature. God often picks the younger over, the older, and those seemingly less qualified over others. Manasseh was Joseph's oldest son. The first-born always was the first to receive their inheritance. In modern-day monarchies, the eldest son or daughter is first in line to the throne, not so with God. Remember, Isaac was chosen before Ishmael, Jacob before Esau, Moses before Aaron, and David before his elder brothers. God does not choose based on birth order, the education degrees we possess, or the affection that others' may place upon us. He decides as he pleases. That is why we call him God.
Joseph was upset because Jacob, his Father, was ignoring the rule of natural succession in his family. Today, we get angry because someone is picked for leadership that may be less well-positioned, or seemingly less qualified than others. We can be particularly distressed when that choice is someone else before us. One of the most freeing things I have ever learned is that I don't always have to be first. God calls us through the grace bestowed upon us through our gifts and natural abilities. These gifts and talents are commensurate with our level of calling. It is not about our age or position in an organization, but God's sovereign will. God knows where we will be most effective and fulfilled. Grace always prevails over nature.
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What is Your Power Source? by Susan LeDoux We all need something or someone greater than ourselves to strengthen us when life becomes difficult. Sometimes we suffer through whole seasons full of nothing but pain and anxiety. It is like standing in the middle of a desert, surrounded by dirt, dirt, and more dirt. I think when we go through difficult times, we search for peace of mind, direction, a way to reduce stress. Not all “desert experiences” need answers. Sometimes it is just a matter of taking to heart Eugene Peterson’s book title, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.” Somehow, some way, we must put one foot ahead of the other and get through the day, and the next day, and the day after that. To do that, we need to tap into a power source that feeds our spirit. Some find peace communing with nature. A long walk in the woods does wonders for the body and soul. A friend or confidant is a blessing through difficult times. Some people find strength in support groups. I find that quilting takes my mind off my woes and gives me an almost meditative peace. But for the strongest power source, I turn to God. However, at times I feel something blocks his power. I’m reminded of the orthodox Jew who was davening (praying) before the temple wall in Jerusalem. “How does that feel? Does that work?’ someone asked him. The man sighed and responded, “It’s like talking to a wall.” Does God hear us? Does he answer our cries for help? How will I know if a solution is from God? Does God guide me to the correct solution? The Bible tells us we can trust him. PASTORING TODAY
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What is Your Power Source? CONTINUED… by Susan LeDoux Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ASV) I question if I trust God enough. How many times have I handed him a problem, only to take it back in the next minute as I continue to fret? Finally, tired of my whining, I decided to trust God fully, no matter what is crashing around me. He is sovereign, and I’m learning to get on board with whatever his plans are for me. That will be my power source. So, I begin each day praising God, meditating on some Bible verses, and telling him what is on my heart. That gets me centered, or “off on the right foot.” There is a Bible verse that says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 ASV) I can hear a skeptic say, “Fine for you believers. There are other ways to tap into power. For example, aerobic exercise releases feel-good endorphins, promotes restful sleep, while it strengthens the heart. Meditation lowers blood pressure, clears the mind. People use Tai Chi and Yoga.” I agree with you, my friend. These practices do help us reach our inner power. A neuroscientist/minister at a seminar I attended talked about an experiment done with nuns. Since nuns were used to meditation, they studied their brains before and after meditation. To no one’s surprise, meditation, changed their brains’ matrix. “See, that proves there is a God,” exclaimed Mother Superior upon hearing the results of the test. After publication, an atheist said, “That proves it’s only biological.” PASTORING TODAY
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What is Your Power Source? CONTINUED‌ by Susan LeDoux Yes, biologically and spiritually we do respond to all of the above. I think God created these pathways to enable us to tap into well-springs of power common to all humans. They will work for the monk or the atheist. I do believe, however, that we experience greater strength and wisdom to deal with life when we use these pathways to reach for an all-powerful God and ask for his grace. Believer or non-believer, I think it is vital we turn daily to whatever or whomever constitutes our power source. Otherwise, something else will run our lives.
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Provision in Times of Trouble by Mark Nickles
One of God’s most vital characteristics is His faithfulness. If God says He will do something, it is as good as done. This trait becomes emphasized during times of trouble; it’s a blessing to know that we can count on His provision of our needs, especially during life’s most challenging times. We find a testimony to this from King David, in Psalm 18:26-36. Verse 28 states that God “turns my darkness into light.” This has a few applications. While containing an over-arching implication of God’s comfort, it also alludes to the provision of light during emotional and spiritual darkness, relief from afflictions, as well as preservation, restoration, safety, glory and confidence. In ancient times, the concept of light held all of these applications. But the primary idea is that God gave David great comfort. In verse 29, David stated that, with God’s help, he could “advance against a troop”, and “scale a wall.” It is well-known to those who read his story that David overcame great odds during the time in which he was being hunted by King Saul. Despite the attempts to kill him, David escaped the king’s efforts, thus overcoming a great obstacle. God gave David victory. Verse 30 is a testimony to the trustworthiness of God’s word. David stated that God’s way is “perfect”, that His word is “flawless”, and that “He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” This is an indication that there is no greater moral authority than God’s word, and that we need nothing else on which to base our lives. In this way, God provided David with stability.
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Provision in Times of Trouble CONTINUED… by Mark Nickles
Another of our greatest needs in the difficult times of life is strength. To endure stressful times, successfully weather strife and come out on the other side better for it, we need strength. Thankfully, verse 32 addresses that very need, as the psalmist says that God “equipped” him “with strength”. The original language also includes the idea of surrounding the individual with a force. This is not to say that God insulates us from all trouble; there would be no need to write this, if that were the case. Rather, it is assurance that, even in the midst of difficulty, God not only gives us strength we wouldn’t have without him, but he even infuses the situation with his own power and presence, so that we can have confidence that he is working in it. When life goes dark, for a time, the knowledge that God “has our back” in such a way is HUGE. Sometimes, life is such that it seems the most valuable thing we can have is safety. Verse 33 tells us, “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.” In ancient times, being quick was a desirable quality for a warrior. Whether pursuing, engaging an enemy, dodging an attack, or even retreating from a more powerful warrior, being swift of foot could save a person’s life. This analogy serves to illustrate the ability God often gives us to navigate difficult, or even dangerous times. At times we advance on, or attack a problem, engage a challenging circumstance, dodge a hurdle in a relationship, or even retreat from a temptation that is beyond our ability to bear (See 1 Corinthians 10:13). And then sometimes, God, himself places us “out of reach” of situations which may be too powerful for us; he “sets us secure on the heights”, if you will. PASTORING TODAY
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Provision in Times of Trouble CONTINUED… by Mark Nickles Consider these questions: Could you use some comfort in your life, right now? How about victory over some difficulty or challenge? Are you presently in need of stability, as it seems that your life is coming apart? Here’s good news for you: God not only CAN provide all of those things, but it is His earnest desire to do so! God “has the back” of the person who has trusted him with everything. Do you have that assurance? You can, by surrendering your life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
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All Roads Lead To Calvary His Choice of Obedience By TRG
Matthew 26:36–42 NASB 36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” 39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Consider the setting… THE GARDEN Adam failed in the first garden, he disobeyed The second Adam (as Christ is referred to) He is victorious Obeys His Heavenly Father The Humanity and Deity of Jesus Christ are beautifully pictured here God’s Will! God’s Plan… and Obedience SIN is disobeying God! Jesus never sins!
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MENTORING & DISCIPLESHIP "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." – Colossians 1:28
Mentoring includes training and the transfer of skills and knowledge, but it's so much more. It's a witness to an open life worthy of imitation, perhaps an older, experienced person holding the ladder for a younger colleague. It may be someone with a particular gifting patiently helping others to believe that they can attempt and succeed at something new. In OM, we esteem all backgrounds and cultures because we know we can learn from each other. Mentoring in OM isn't just a trendy word; it's handson, side-by-side, walking in faith to see each other develop and grow as God has gifted us. It's walk, not talk. The typical limitations of too few church leaders serving too many young believers means there's an acute need for mentors in every OM ministry. We want people whose love for the people they serve is more widely known than their expertise. Most of all, we want godly mentors who will coach and develop more mentors who see it not as a ministry, but as the best way of life.
Come and teach us. Come and learn from us (www.om.org). PASTORING TODAY
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All Roads Lead To Calvary His Choice of Obedience continued… By TRG His Control in the Chaos Christ intended to go to the cross… In the midst of the chaos we see Christ fully in control • The Arrest • Crowd with clubs and swords • Jesus goes willingly • Ears chopped off • Jesus tells Peter to put the sword away/ heals the man • The Illegal Trials • Going from one person to another • The witnesses contradicting each other • Jesus stays quiet not adding or defending himself in all the accusations • Only opens His mouth to affirm He is the Messiah the Son of God • Pilate not wanting to kill Jesus • Jesus offers up no plea • The scourging • Soldiers mocking and spitting on Him • Taking the crown of thorns • Not calling upon all the angels of heaven waiting and watching • The crowds were chanting they want to crucify Him! • Wanting Barabbas rather than the Son of God • He is then led to Golgotha to be crucified…
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All Roads Lead To Calvary His Choice of Obedience continued… By TRG The Sacrifice is Given 1 Peter 2:24 NASB and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. Psalm 22:14–18 NASB I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death. 16 For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18 They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots. God inspires King David to write a psalm that would minister to His Son as He hung on the cross for you and me! We don’t know what event could have inspired a Psalm like this one... full of agony, desertion, suffering. This is a psalm of lament over an innocent one who is suffering David describes those around him as savage animals... Matthew 27:39–43 NASB 39 And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, 42 “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 “HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” As He hung there the shed blood of the Lamb of God was covering the Sin of man.
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All Roads Lead To Calvary His Choice of Obedience continued… By TRG
Jesus the Lamb of God As the Son of God hang dying on the cross ONLY God’s Words could comfort God at that moment. At the 9th hour (3pm), the beginning of twilight when the high priest would slay the Passover lamb, Jesus cries out “it is finished” paid in full. And gives up His Spirit and dies. Tonight I want us to contemplate Christ taking your place with God’s wrath. He died so you may live. Matthew 27:45 NASB 45 Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. God planned from the beginning that even creation would morn at that moment for His Son…
As this occurred God turned His back unable to look upon the sin Friends had betrayed Him, abandon Him, the people of Israel had rejected Him Matthew 27:46 NASB46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” PASTORING TODAY
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