Did Jesus Believe His bible?

‘The Divine inspiration and supreme authority of the Holy Scriptures, the only infallible rule of faith and practice in all religious matters.’ is part of many statements and constitutions of numerous Denominations. How many leaders and members believe what they have agreed too in agreeing with those words?

Many are under pressure to be spiritually ‘schizophrenic’ in regard to the bible. Such a split attitude or double mindedness arises from compromising pressures from the world of Science and Higher Criticism. Believe the bible but don’t take Genesis too seriously, especially creation up to the flood is their mantra.

Accepting that line of thinking brings us onto a collision course with Jesus. ‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord” and do not do what I tell you?’ Luke 6:46. It makes us His judge not His servant. It declares twentieth century ‘Man’ knows more than He whom we call Lord, Creator, Saviour, Emmanuel. Why is there a collision? Because over and over again Jesus affirmed the authority of Moses and the Law! That Law does not by–pass Genesis. In one of His many debates with the religious leaders Jesus is quoted: ‘Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would have believed me, for He wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?’ (John 5:45–47) Are Australian Christians, and especially their preachers/teachers, in danger of worship God with their lips but with hearts far away from Him? Matt.15:7–10.

The Gospels vibrate with the prophetic energy and insight of the prophets about Jesus. This is one of the strong factors unveiling the promised One, the Messiah. Aspects of their statements are applied to Jesus with similar comment to ‘All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophets.’ (Matthew 1:22) It was these scriptures which convinced Philip about Jesus and to share it: ‘Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “we have found him about whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.”’ (John 1:45) Jesus moved in the atmosphere of the Jewish scriptures and declared ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil.’ (Matthew 5:17). In our day there are those who either question or ridicule the Genesis account of Creation, Adam and Eve, life’s longevity, Noah and the worldwide flood. Such people also scoff at the account of Jonah. Jesus affirmed them all. Where does that leave those who claim greater knowledge that the risen Lord Jesus Christ?

We rejoice in the wonder of our Lord triumphing over the horror of the cross. We have filled our minds with the typology (shadows, pictures) of this event in the Passover celebration. We see it foreshadowed in Psalm 22 and remain awestruck to think Jesus read Psalm 118 at the Last Supper.(There He declared ‘this was the day the Lord had made). The fingerprint of God on the work of Moses and the prophets is readily seen in Christ’s crucifixion. ‘It is written’ was the clarion call of the early church and it hasn’t changed for us today. So it comes back down again to that simple, searching statement of Jesus about believing or disbelieving Moses’ writings. ‘He (Abraham in the passage) said to him (the rich man in Hades) “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rose from the dead.”’ (Luke 16:31)

Two disciples were given a most wonderful bible study as they walked the Emmaus road. We do not have a detailed account of its content but as we know the Teacher it would have been spellbinding. The account is in Luke 24:13–27. We have been given a summary of the contents of what the risen Lord Jesus talked about. His opening remarks are not very complimentary to the disciples. Unfortunately the words are applicable to many today. ‘”Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.’ Did you notice that three letter word ‘all.’

When Jesus said that His followers would walk the ‘Narrow way’ we may imagine it being lonely, even difficult. There’s truth in that but we imagine the ‘Narrow way’ being separated from the ‘Broadway.’ I see the ‘Narrow way’ as actually taking the believer up the ‘Broadway’ with very marked lines and against the throng who are travelling that wide path to destruction. As we journey we will be bumped and hassled, even bruised and taunted by those who see us as fools, or merely being in their way.

As we hold to the truth and authority of the scriptures as did our Lord we are not to take them lightly. Those with the skills, training and knowledge are called upon to defend the veracity of Genesis through to Revelation. Those of us less qualified are to share our testimony about the power God’s word has had in our lives. We will not have the charisma of Paul but we can have his conviction. Acts 24:14: ‘I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything laid down according to the law or written in the prophets.’

May the Lord deliver us from spiritual and biblical schizophrenia so as to be of one heart and one mind believing that which has been written for our benefit.

Boundary Breakers of the Law

The book of Proverbs has great sayings about life and relationships. The one in chapter 29:16 is so apt for our world today. A look down history’s ‘corridor’ verifies its truth. ‘When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases …’

What do we mean by ‘transgression?’ It means crossing the boundary into unlawful territory. When the sign says ‘keep out’ and you don’t. Why would such conditions prevail under the rule of the wicked? Usually such reigns are cruel and oppressive. The standard set is what the unprincipled, the oppressed and the unrighteous will follow. If all that they can expect is defined by this life then the saying ‘let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die’ rings true.’ Perhaps we could rearrange the saying a little. ‘Let us cheat, lie and be violent for tomorrow we die.’

When religion overtly or covertly endorses such attitudes what was meant to erect boundaries actually destroys them. The treatment of women of all ages, as ‘things’, is in the news as they are used and abused by violent men! From Papua New Guinea to Pakistan, from the Western to Eastern cultures men crash the barriers of respect and restraint. The tragedy of child abuse and slavery has destroyed so many lives. So true is Proverbs 29:2b ‘When the wicked rule, the people groan.’ In Australia a Royal Commission is being set up to investigate corruption in the Union movement. There are numerous areas around the world which also needs such a Commission.

When the wicked smash the boundaries ‘Hell’s horror’ stalks the land. However who defined the boundaries? 1 John 3:4 ‘Sin is lawlessness.’ The word for sin means a falling short of a standard. Which standard? Mohammed’s! He was a mere man who fell short of the standard. Buddha? Offered fine words for selfish living but also missed the standard. The standard must be set by the Lord God of Hosts, the Creator. He has recorded these in the Bible. No other book can measure up to its standard. No other book can endure the scrutiny it has endured. No other book spells out the benefits for staying within the boundaries. No other book reveals dire consequences for breaking through the moral and spiritual boundaries God has set. No other book reveals the way to restore the broken boundaries and lives. No other book points the person to the One, Jesus Christ, who can give you a clean heart and a new beginning. He also gives the power and wisdom to live within the boundaries.

If you took the time to look at society you will notice some interesting facts. It is the Law of the Lord Jesus which is attacked by the nice and not so nice lawless ones. As one ‘T’ shirt worn by a young women put it ‘No god, No shame.’ Such an attitude leads to ‘No shame, no blame’ and ultimately they hope ‘no consequences and no condemnation.’ In every case the ‘T’ shirts will be wrong. However in the meantime that personal view will spill over and dominate politics, morality and the treatment of the unborn, the aged, infirm and the needy around the world. It is such lawless people, views and behaviour the Lord Jesus declared His people must resist. Indeed Jesus calls upon us to be boundary riders preserving righteousness, truth and caring for the poor and despised. It is by such men and women of faith Proverbs 29:2 speaks about ‘When the righteous are authority the people rejoice.’

Jesus made a promise. To walk with Him will prevent you from walking in the darkness of the lawless. To walk with Jesus is to walk in His light of righteousness, truth and grace. It will be a blessing to some. Others will be offended, guilt-ridden and curse you. However as you live within the boundaries He has set, you will know a hope, peace, health and meaning no lawless participant will ever experience. By the power of our risen Lord Jesus, He will keep us safe. By His grace we will measure up to His standard.

Bullying's Antidote

Bullying has taken on new dimensions through Social Media. Some of the results have been deadly especially to the young and vulnerable. Reports indicate that this attitude has increased substantially in recent years. At the moment Governments are establishing commissions and committees to see why it is increasing and what can be done.

However in the context of global conflicts and the loss of a moral compass about what is right and what is wrong, should we be surprised? With young and old captured by the electronic world of violent games why be surprised by similar behaviour. When children are spectators to their mother being assaulted by her husband what lessons are being taught? Even those who have a religious tendency don’t seem immune from perpetrating acts of violence, deceit and oppression.

In Australia the Islamists appear on the news insisting their religion is one of peace. With the backdrop of Syria and a host of other countries such words are a sad and unfunny joke. Some like the Buddhists try and sidestep violence by renouncing desire. The problem is passion and pain are on the ‘doorstep’ when they come out of yoga or meditation. Christians cannot claim any moral high ground. Church history can be a record of Denominational blood letting. Is there any hope for our world of violence?

In essence the problem is personal. When there isn’t any inner peace there will always be relational turmoil. In the bible book of James is the following quote. ‘Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts.’ (James 4:1–2) Multiply this by what ever number add into the mix national vested interests and racial divides and we soon enter various ‘war zones.’

There isn’t any doubt individuals and nations want peace. However they want it their way. The Lord has given Governments authority to rule according to law. Unfortunately the human heart is devious and seeks to circumvent or overthrow such well intentioned laws. The bible says there will be peace talks and calls for peace, but sudden destruction always crashes the ‘peace party.’ Because the human heart is so devious and corrupt before peace can reign the heart must experience a great big makeover. How can this take place. In reality there are two options. One is highlighted by Islam, especially by the extreme expressions of Islam such as Hezbollah. Imposing Sharia law, restricting the rights of women and adhering to the teachings of Imans from the Koran is their solution. All right if you are a male without any emotional capacity for the well being and education of your wife and daughters.

The other option is promoted by the Christian Faith. It seeks to work from within the mind and heart of a person. The teachings of Jesus Christ are designed to dominate the human nature with His love, grace and mercy. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and offers this quality of life to His disciples. Notice, Jesus is not a pacifist! His peace comes at the point of the sword, not to the body but to the heart. His sword is actually the cut and thrust of His teaching which aims to cut away ungodliness and replace it with righteousness. It is when a person is at peace with God through yielding to His Son, Jesus, that the person is able to control his or her tendencies for bullying and abuse.



The bible is God's directory to peace.



For inner peace to penetrate a believer’s realm of influence the Lord has supplied His Holy Spirit and the holy scriptures. Neglect these and peace is squashed by selfish obsessions. Walk in step with Christ’s gifts and you will bless others with peace. There is much, much more on this subject from Christ’s perspective. Secure a bible and a concordance and go on a journey of discovering the peace which passes all our understanding.

Grapes, Hops and Happiness

It was an unpleasant outcome to a marvellous day. The sons of Aaron, with their dad had just been set apart for their duties. Seven days of instruction preceded ordination. Part of their teaching dealt with doing things by God’s word. God had stressed the importance of holiness and how to approach Him.

Nadab and Abihu thought they knew better. They made up their own incense and fire believing it was good enough for God. (Leviticus 10) The Lord God struck them down. What caused these two sons of Aaron to disregard the teaching and treat lightly the character of Yahweh? Leviticus 10:8–10: ‘The Lord spoke to Aaron: “Drink no wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons, when you enter the tent of meeting, that you may not die; it is a statute forever throughout your generations. You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.”’

The bible doesn’t condemn wine or alcoholic beverages. It does condemn drunkenness. Part of the reason can be discerned in Nadab and Abihu’s attitude and behaviour. Such drinks befuddle the mind and takes control by making the person uncontrollable. Another statute about strong drink applied to the King. Proverbs 31:4-5 ‘It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or the rulers to desire strong drink; or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed, and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.’

Drunkenness is a killer. It destroys the mind, relationships and careers. Its curse affects children until the third or fourth generation in numerous ways. Then people blame God for a baby affected by the scourge of a parent or grandparent more addicted to beer than to holiness. In Australia binge drinking is so rife and assaults with crippling even killing punches are now so common that Governments are concerned. However apart from penalties what can be done to change the causes for such behaviour?

I’ve known many over the years in the ‘grip of the grape’ or ‘handcuffed to hops.’ They succumbed to peer pressure because they would not accept abstinence or moderation. Others looked on life as meaningless and God, if He existed, didn’t care. Hopelessness was drowned through the bottle or glass. Trouble was it kept coming back. However I’ve also known of men and women who in their desperation and desire to break free from this evil force cried out to the Lord Jesus for help. Today their testimony is about being set free, of knowing forgiveness, cleansing, meaning and hope. Some still wear the scars of their yesteryears. However the radiance of their faces, their integrity of character and faithfulness in relationships is awesome.

The reference to priests and Kings when on duty not to be affected and infected by wine or strong drink has a spiritual lesson. This is for Christians to heed. The bible tells us that followers of Christ Jesus are ‘kings and priests’ with Him. As such we are on duty 24/7 and all year round. For me, that’s a good reason, a strong incentive and a personally satisfying motive to avoid that which would otherwise destroy my mind and body.

What Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth still applies. ‘Do you not know your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.’ 1 Corinthians 6:19–20.

Holiness is the call of God to His people. Health and happiness is His gift to those who take His word seriously. One of the many great things about the Lord Jesus Christ is this! He is always ready to give your life His heavenly make–over. Why not ask Him to accept your application right now!

Vandalsing Marriage

Vandal: A person who destroys or damages beautiful or valuable things on purpose. Defined by the World Book dictionary.

Marriage: No longer definable.
Once so easily understood and easily explained has now been defaced beyond meaning. Cut loose from its primary reason for existence it has mutated into a hideous non–descript caricature.





Originally marriage was associated with creation according to Genesis 1–2. There is a uniqueness and a mystery it its presentation. When the Lord created Adam the man was a solo creature. He needed a helper, a soul mate. God performed the first surgery when He drew out from Adam’s side the first female. It was love at first sight and he named her Eve.

Why did God go about this relationship in what at first appears a back to front manner? For it is the woman who gives birth, not the man. What was the Lord God’s purpose in doing it His way? He was presenting future generations with the mystery undergirding the marital and sexual relationship of a man and wife. Adam prefigured Jesus Christ and Eve foreshadowed the Church. On the cross we are told when the Roman soldier speared the side of Jesus out flowed blood and water. What was not seen then but realised later was from the pierced side came the Church. Every–time a marriage was to be celebrated it was to point to this eternal, majestic and spiritual meaning.



Fifty years of knowing the meaning of marriage



Also, when Adam and Eve came together in sexual intercourse it portrayed oneness, a unique wholeness. The beauty, the wonder, the mystery of marriage is expressed in this physical act. For in this union the man and the woman in their body, soul and spirit become ‘one flesh’. This is the reason the scriptures so oppose pre–marital or extra–marital relationships. The ‘oneness’ is debased, dishonoured and disfigured morally, spiritually, emotionally.

The mystery and the magic of marriage have been vandalised. Its beauty and meaning weakened, broken and trivialised over an extended period. The Christian Church must take its share of the blame. It has failed to teach the significance of the mystery of Marriage. Rejection of the Genesis account has cast marriage adrift from its moorings.

Into this void has rushed a whole bunch of unchristian ideas and practices. It began taking fidelity in marriage lightly and loosely. De–facto relationships and adultery spread from celebrity pastimes to a common practice. Along comes modern science with a real boon for marital couples, contraceptives. Sex lost one of its ‘dangers’ that of becoming pregnant. Sex education was mandated to be taught in schools. Result! Sexuality aroused without boundaries. The urge to experiment becomes almost overwhelming. Before long why wait for a civil or religious wedding service, let’s live together anyway. It isn’t any longer a husband and a wife relationship, they’re ‘partners’ a business arrangement. All this paves the ‘vandal road’ for recognition of same sex relationships.



Devotional book on Marriage.



People call it marriage because they have no idea of the meaning or mystery undergirding that term. Even evolution would hide its face from that term for evolution is concerned with the continuation of the species. This is something so called ‘gay marriages’ cannot produce. How long before society accepts multiple partners and other forms of living together and vainly, falsely calling it marriage?

Christians can wring their hands in horror at the state of marriage. They may write and protest but are they living out the meaning, majesty and beauty of the biblical definition of marriage? The early church faced bigger obstacles than we do in more areas than simply marriage. Its view of marriage and morality ultimately won the day. How? By living out their faith and by being different from the rest of pagan society! For many it was at great cost but it was counted a privilege to pay for the cause of Christ Jesus. Perhaps that is something we might have to expect and to do.

Sexual Relationships - any barriers

Sex occupies a lot of media news, books and debate. The escapades of celebrities fuel our self images as whether we are a ‘James Bond’ or the ‘Femme Fatale.’ Same sex supporters and their Mardi Gras images are constantly bombarding and influencing society’s views. When others, in particular Christians, take a stand against such relationships out pours cries of homophobia and narrow mindedness.





Part of the problem is an ongoing clash of worldviews. Both look at life from their particular belief systems, their sense of absolutes and their life’s experiences. For Christians their framework for relationships, lifestyle and ethics flows from the Bible. The reason for this is because Jesus Christ is the Lord and Saviour. Those outside of the Christian faith are governed by other religious systems such as the Koran with its Sharia law. The other major influence is the religion called Atheism with its creed of Evolution.

The Christian worldview is actually a dangerous outlook. Why this should be is perplexing (from a purely rational point of thinking). Why would anyone want to crush a Faith promoting faithfulness, grace, purity and ethical behaviour? Could I suggest it is because such views, including salvation, forgiveness, judgement and the nature of God, require absolutes and accountability. Sharia law knows little of such matters. Evolution rejects any ground for any accountability to God and any framework for absolutes. Yet by declaring there are no absolutes destroys their argument because they are making an absolute statement.



How does all this come into play with sexual relationships? This is important for Christians to understand. Why? For they are under pressure to accept the view of tolerance which opposes absolutes. In Leviticus 18 is an uncompromising framework for sexual restraint and holiness. In this section you will be confronted by God the Creator and Redeemer’s view on the most sacred expression of marital fidelity and love. To break through the barriers the Lord has established has consequences far beyond the sexual moment. There are emotional, physical, psychological, relational and eternal health matters at stake.

What does the list reveal as contrary to the nature of God and His purposes for safe, satisfying and secure sex? (Next week I will blog what the Bible defines as marriage and why it is a relationship between a man and a women) Leviticus 18 lists no–go areas which I’ve summarised as: adultery, pre–marital sex, incest, fornication, paedophilia bestiality and same sex relationships. Our society is harassing Christians and the Church to accept same–sex relationship as normal because the ‘couple’ are in love. Society without any absolutes cannot understand or tolerate the Christian Faith because it has them.

An Australian Senator was castigated for saying acceptance of same–sex relationships opens the way to other forms of sexual license as listed in Leviticus. What would stand in the way of acceptance of paedophilia or bestiality or multiple wives/husbands? Public opinion! If it has no absolutes or a Christian worldview then public opinion will yield to the coercion and bullying tactics of vested interests. The Biblical stress upon maintaining a holy and God ordained sexual relationship is for the welfare and health of individuals, children and society. Even a casual glance is able to discern the horrible price being paid for rejecting God’s absolute code for sexual relationships. One day the eternal God will hold accountable those who smash His no–go zones to pieces. The judgement is that they are unacceptable to be in His presence.

While we have breath it is the right time to step over and into the God ordained and holy worldview according to Christ Jesus and the Bible.

A Palestinian Jesus?

Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the Palestinian Authority gave a Christmas message. This sounded rather strange knowing that Abbas is a Muslim, hates Jews and Christians. It is due to the P.A’s encouragement that Muslim pressure has meant an exodus of Christians from such places as Bethlehem.

However as Abbas spoke about Jesus two things became apparent. The man didn’t know what he was talking about and secondly Chairman Abbas was using Jesus as a ‘Poster boy.’ The reason for this was to make Jesus out to be a Palestinian (the term means Philistine in the bible) who was the original freedom fighter. Such a ploy has been used many times by cults, gay rights activists and anti establishment groups. To make Jesus Christ a mere ‘poster boy’ for a cause is ridiculous to the facts and scurrilous to the person. How such leaders from Arafat to Abbas try to use the Church as a political platform while seeking its extinction is beyond comprehension. Still hypocrisy has no shame.

The apostle Paul has called such endeavours as an attempt to create another Gospel and thereby another Jesus (Galatians 1:6–9. 2 Corinthians 11:4). His verdict upon such promoters is that they are cursed.

I wondered how the Islamic world would have reacted if the Pope had twisted the history of Mohammed in a similar fashion. What if it was said that the founder of Islam was a secret admirer of Israel and supportive of their right to the God given land. What if Mohammed was seen as a freedom fighter against the forces that occupied the land of Israel when he lived. Oh boy there would have been a jihadist uprising to put things right as they understood it. Here is a big difference between the two belief systems. Christians are called by their Lord Jesus Christ to pray for their enemies and the ignorant leaders such as Mahmoud Abbas. Islam says ‘kill them!’

In Matthew 24 Jesus gives some insights into what precedes His promised return to earth. Part of His message included a warning about pretenders to His name and authority. In verse 23 the Lord said ‘If anyone says to you “look! Here is the Messiah!” or “there he is!” – do not believe it.’ Such expectations are built upon similar delusions as to who is Jesus and denying what the bible reveals about Him. Chairman Abbas’ comments fall into that arena.

When you look at all the founders of religious belief and enterprises one thing stands out. You can take all but one of them out of their faith system and it would roll on as if nothing happened. However should it be possible to do that to the Judeo–Christian Faith and remove the Messiah Jesus everything falls apart. On top of that the Christian Faith actually becomes meaningless. The same applies to the person, work and promises of Jesus in the life of His followers. Why?

Because He is their Lord and Saviour! He is the Way the Truth and the Life. It is by Him and with Him that we enter into the Father’s kingdom. Without Jesus there isn’t any message of amazing Grace. There isn’t any foundation for sin’s penalty paid and forgiveness available. Without Jesus there is a desperate groping around to be good enough for a god you can never know. For where would you look and how would you know such a god if you found him or her, or it? Humanity, you and I, needed God to come seek us and present Himself with verifiable proof from a previous record able to be checked out. Such information must then be tested as to whether His life and history matched the prophesies. That is the purpose of the Old Testament and its history. It is the claim of Jesus in the Gospels to check Him out (John 5:39). It is the testimony of the New Testament writers to what they saw in this Jesus. It is the beauty of God’s amazing, transforming and sustaining Grace that Jesus fulfils all the requirements.

That is Jesus. He is from the tribe of Judah, a Jew, not a Palestinian.He is the Messiah! Jesus fulfilled scripture even to dying on the cross (check Psalm 22. Isaiah 53. Palm 110.) He is risen from the dead and is coming again. Don’t settle for counterfeits or the ‘cover boy’ of terrorists.