A Minute With The Bible Aired during February, 2001 Does the Bible teach organic evolution of the species? is question often asked of Christians(and others). The Bible answer is straightforward. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth"(Genesis 1:1). The record also pointed out that on the sixth day of creation, Jehovah "created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27). There were not eons of time by which some small creature evolved into a human. God made man upright; God made man with reasoning power; God made man with a soul that would enable man to exist beyond this life. Mankind IS NOT a product of evolution, but the masterful work of a divine being. Not all of the eons of time, with all of the conditions of the climates, or any other factor, would it be possible for a man to come through an evolutionary process.
What does the Bible reveal about miracles? The Bible points out that miracles took place in the days of the apostles. "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people"(Acts 5:12). From miracles of healing to miraculous revelation, the power of God was manifested in the early days of the church. Such was evidence confirming the truth of the gospel. There are no miracles today. "...but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there by knowledge, it shall be done away"(I Corinthians 13:8). The miracles served their purpose and ceased when the perfect will of God was fully revealed in the New Testament. Once the word was confirmed, there was no further needs for signs. No one, in spite of their claims, can perform miracles today. The "part" (miracles) was done away(I Corinthians 13:10). Do not be deceived by religious frauds.
"And he said, How can I, except some one shall guide me?" was the answer given to a gospel preacher when asked if he understood what he read from the scriptures(Acts 8:31). Philip would begin at the passage the Ethiopian Eunuch was reading and proclaim the gospel to him. A clear understanding of some scriptures does require help. We may read the Bible and wonder what the writer means by what is written. However, through patient study and the assistance of someone who knows the scripture and beleives what is revealed therein, it is possible to understand what one reads. Those who believe the scriptures to be God's word are always happy to aid someone in becoming acquainted with the will of Jesus Christ. However, always be sure that the one who offers to help you knows the scriptures and respects what the Bible teaches.
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?"(Acts 2:37). The preaching of the apostle Peter, as he pointed out they had been guilty of crucifying the Lord, moved the audience to ask what they should do. The apostle did not hesitate to point out that, in order to be cleansed of sin, they were to "Repent ye and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins"(Acts 2:38). This response is the same that continues since the day of Pentecost. In order for them to be clean through the blood of Christ, they must obey the will of Christ. The answer of Peter is not always the answer you hear among religious teachers. One thing, however, is sure. Peter, an inspired man, revealed what was necessary to be cleansed of sin. The same instructions apply today.
'Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled: and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus"(Acts 4:13). There was something about walking, talking, and associating with Jesus Christ. The apostles had been privileged to be in the very presence of God's Son. They heard him, they learned from him, and, he became their savior, as well as the savior of all men. We can be with the Lord today through his word, the New Testament. We have access through the gospel to his life and his teachings. The epistles of the New Testament abound with the will of Christ and what it means for one, even today, to be able to be with the Lord in a spiritual sense. How close are you to our Savior? Would others see that you have been with Jesus through his teachings?
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common"(Acts 4:32). The liberality foound among the early Christians is remarkable. Many of them, steeped in poverty, saw others in need and they responded to that need. So much did they care for others that they sold this own property and made sure that the needs of fellow disciples were met. What an excellent example for today. These Christians sacrificed in order to see to the welfare of others. How willing are we to accept and imitate their example? When one is in need, and I have the means to assist that person, how do I respond? The faithful of today will imitate this example and make the necessary sacrifices. How about you...and me?
"They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the word"(Acts 8:4). A "great persecution" had arisen against those who were Christians. Stephen, a devout disciple, had been stoned to death. Those who opposed the gospel increased the persecution against the church of our Lord. The opposition did not stop the disciples, however, because as they scattered from their homes, they were teaching others about Jesus Christ. The persecution actually opened up opportunities in other localities. One's reaction to such trials measures the faith of that person. When things are bad, the word of God still needs to be obeyed...and taught to others. These saints did not give up, but persisted in carrying the gospel of Christ to others. The lesson is obvious: however unpleasant the circumstances NEVER GIVE UP!
"Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always"(Acts 10:1-2). When this passage is read, it would lead many to believe that such a man is indeed righteous in God's sight and would be acceptable to him. However, such was not the case. The apostle Peter would teach Cornelius, a Gentile, the gospel of Christ. Cornelius would become a Christian by his obedience. It is now evident that God wants both Jew and Gentile to accept the message from God's Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord does not look upon men as do other humans. Jesus died for all, regardless of their background, color, age, or any other physical characteristic. His blood will cleanse any sinner, whatever he is or has been, upon one accepting and following the commands of the Lord.
"Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him"(Acts 10:34-35). The words of the apostle Peter ring down through the ages to express the willingness of God to accept any man who is willing to fear him and to follow his commandments(that is, work righteousness). The Lord cares nothing about your background when it comes to serving him. His desire is that you be willing to change your life by obeying his word and remain faithful to him. Whatever sin you may have committed, whatever words you may have spoken, whatever evil thought you have had--the Lord is willing to accept and forgive you. No man, however evil, is denied the opportunity to become righteous through the gospel of Christ. However hopeless you think you may be, the Lord still cares about your soul.
"And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people: and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch"(Acts 11:26). These people had responded to Paul and Barnabas' preaching and obeyed the gospel, becoming Christians. The word carries the idea of belonging to Christ. All those who obey the truth of God's word are Christians, nothing more, nothing less. When the seed(the word of God) is planted in the hearts of men, it produces the same result that it did in the first century: Christians. That simple term describes those who belong to Jesus Christ and serve him. Nothing more is needed. One is just a Christian, without any human names or descriptions. It is sad that our divided religious world will not teach the multitudes to be a Christian. That was all that existed in the early days of the apostles.
"Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city of idols" (Acts 17:16). Is it not strange that people will take a stone and bow down to it while claiming it is their god? How foolish indeed. No wonder Paul reacted in the manner that he did. Gods that are worshipped, however, are not confined to stone and rocks. Men worship wealth, power, esteem, and a host of other inanimate objects and ideas. When one permits any desire or ambition to interfere with the service one is to give to the Creator of humanity, he becomes an idolater in his heart. That which we value most becomes first in our lives and all other ambitions, cares, desires, and aims are controlled by that idol, even though it is not made of stone. Consider what is first in your thinking and your life. By the way, what or who is your god and what do you worship?
"And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight"(Acts 20:7). The Christians in the days of the apostles met together on the first day of each week to remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Lord's Supper, one looks back into the events which took place almost 2000 years ago. No more suitable memorial could have been appropriate as using the bread and the fruit of the vine. They assembled each first day of each week for this remembrance feast. This apostolic example is followed by Christians today as they assemble on the first day of the week to remember the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Ecclesiastes 2:1 states, "I said in my heart, Come now, I will prove thee with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure: and behold, this also was vanity." Solomon's experience with the pursuit of pleasure, appraised by the wisdom God gave him caused this conclusion: mirth and pleasure do not satisfy the real needs of man. While there is momentary delight in such pursuits, the real needs of mankind are not met in a life that is governed by the flesh. Solomon had the opportunity to do anything offered in his age. After tasting the many "good times" as viewed by most humans, Solomon knew that nothing could take the place of a life that is filled with goodness, mercy, kindness, and obedience to God. He tried it all: nothing satisfied! And in our day, a host of people seem bent on pursuing all of the fleshly pleasures of life. In the end, they will find the same answer that Solomon found. Where is your heart?
Ecclesiastes 2:11 states, "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do; and, behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun." Solomon the wise man was also a builder. He had magnificent structures in which to live and rule. He beautified his surroundings by the diligent pursuit of that which appeals to the eyes of men. His accomplishments were so great that the queen of Sheba said, "...the half was not told me; thy wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard"(I Kings 10:7). When even the rulers of this world are amazed at Solomon's accomplishments, they must have been impressive indeed. And, yet--Solomon realized, while gazing at his material accomplishments, that such structures, gardens, and so forth, could not meet the real needs of human beings. Wise men agree with Solomon.
Ecclesiastes 3:16 states, "And moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there." Solomon speaks of the evils of his day and was aware that, instead of following God's way, men followed the ways of Satan. Throughout the generations that followed this wise man, the same observation has proven accurate. Justice and righteousness often take the back seat to wickedness. Men are more prone to pursue evil than good. The lusts of the flesh push aside the pursuit of righteousness. What Solomon discusses is a product of the heart. If one has a strong desire to follow the ways of God, such a person will be willing to put aside sin. The one who so desires must, of necessity, overcome weaknesses of the flesh and live by the spirit. It is possible to be righteous, but it takes dedication to obtain and retain righteousness.
Ecclesiastes 4:13 reveals, "Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth now how to receive admonition any more." Often we accuse the young of "not listening" or "not heeding" what is said or what is happening. However, while this may be true in some cases, such ignoring of instruction is not limited to the young, as Solomon stated. The accumulation of years should bring an open heart that is receptive to the truth in all matters. However, we can become foolish in our senior years and cease to study, cease to reason, and cease to accept admonition. Such is foolish indeed! No one, so long as one's faculties are intact, can cease to need correction, admonition, and instruction. Do not be like a foolish old king; be like the receptive and youthful mind of the younger generation. Do not take the attitude of one lady who said she was too old to learn any more. It is never too late to listen.
Ecclesiastes 4:13 reveals, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for God is in heaven and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." The tongue gets most all of us in trouble at times. Even James said, "So the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things...And the tongue is fire..."(3:5, 6). The only way to deal with the tongue is to learn to control it. It can be a device that helps and inspires others, or, it can be a devastating instrument that creates chaos and disorder in any given situation. When one says, "Well, I cannot control what I am saying," they are only making an excuse for their own weakness(and, sometimes, wickedness). Sure, the tongue can be controlled. Proper control makes the tongue a great asset in guiding, teaching, encouraging, blessing, and helping others. Have you learned to control your tongue?
Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." The Lord desires that every person seek his way, putting forth an effort to know what God expects of man and applying what is learned to his or her own life. Jesus does expect each person who would desire to follow his commandments and live the life he offers to put forth effort and make sacrifices. In a society in which you push a button to start your meal, push a button to start your entertainment, push a button to get needed funds, and who knows what buttons will be pushed in the future. The religion of Christ is not push button. It is a way of life that one must sacrifice in order to obtain, work to keep, and die, if necessary, in order to be true to the one who sacrificed himself for each of us. Just remember: you must ask, seek, and find to have eternal life.
Matthew 7:12 states these words of Jesus, "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them; for this is the law and the prophets." This teaching of Christ is often referred to as the golden rule. The principle had been true down through the ages, even though men others, whether in the home, in the schools, in the workplace, in the automobile, or wherever men may be found. Think of how you want to be treated. Is it with kindness, concern, sympathy, and the host of other qualities that enhance one's life? If that is what you desire and expect of others, you should be practicing the "golden rule" yourself. Humans tend to treat others as they treat them. If you want others to treat you right then you must treat others right. How do you treat others?
Christ taught in Matthew 7:13, "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby." The contrast Jesus made shows that it is clear that not many will be saved. The majority will be lost. Entering in by the narrow gate requires obedience and sacrifice. Those who are unwilling to accept the gospel and obey it, living a life that pleases the Lord, will be on the broad way. The choice is up to the individual. To choose the way to life is to choose the teachings of Jesus Christ. Those teachings are found in the New Testament. When one walks in the light of the scriptures, obeying the principles set forth in the word of God, he is in the narrow way. When one ignores or refuses to accept and follow what the New Testament teaches, he is on the broad way. The way you follow is up to you.