How We Got Our Bible, Part 1 – Inspiration

How We Got Our Bible

Part 1 – Inspiration

Grateful acknowledgement to Dr. Richard Keltner and Pastor Daryl Hilbert for some of the material upon which this study is based.

I.     INTRODUCTION

A.   How does one determine if the Bible we hold in our hands is really God's Word or not? How were these early writings compiled and on what basis? In addition, how do we know that the Bible we purchase from the shelf of a Christian bookstore is the same as when it was first penned? We will attempt to answer these questions in the following study.

B.   There are four major parts to the subject, "How We Got Our Bible." The first part is Inspiration, the second is Canonization, the third is Transmission, and the fourth is Translation. Inspiration is how God gave His Word to man. Canonization is how man collected God's Word. Transmission is how man transmitted that word to succeeding generations. Translation deals with how the scriptures are conveyed in our native tongues.

II.   DEFINITION OF INSPIRATION

A.   Inspiration is the first and most important part of this study. Furthermore, Canonization and Transmission are hinged upon Inspiration. Without Inspiration, not only would it be pointless to go on in our study, but the other two parts would not even exist. Inspiration, simply defined, tells us how God gave us His Word.

B.   The Webster's Dictionary defines inspiration this way concerning sacred revelation, a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation.

C.   A better definition of Inspiration is found in the Scriptures, particularly in 2 Tim 3:16, where it says, All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.

D.   The word, "inspired," is the Greek word, theopneustos and literally means, “God-breathed” (theos - God & pneustos - spirit or breath). The idea is that the Scriptures have been God-breathed which means they originate from God and comprise His inerrant Word.

E.   Definitions for Inspiration are:

1.   The Bible is God's Word in the sense that it originates with Him and is authorized by Him. (Geisler and Nix, "General Introduction to The Bible", p.28)

2.   Inspiration (God-breathed), emphasizes the exhalation of God, hence, spiration would be more accurate since it emphasizes that Scripture is the product of the breath of God. The Scriptures are not something breathed into by God, rather, the Scriptures have been breathed out by God (Moody Handbook of Theology)

3.   Inspiration is God's superintending of human authors so that, using their own individual personalities, they composed and recorded without error in the words of the original autographs His revelation to man. (Ryrie, Basic Theology)

4.   We believe the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired; that it has truth without any admixture of error for its matter; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried. (CBC Doctrinal Statement)

III.   EXTENT OF INSPIRATION

A.    To what extent are the Scriptures inspired? What books or what parts are inspired? The extent of inspiration reaches to every word of Scripture.

B.    Jesus taught us the extent of inspiration in Mat 5:18, For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. (HCSB)

C.   The extent of inspiration in Scripture is found in the "smallest letter." The smallest letter would represent the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet (yod or jot). The "smallest stroke" would be the little brush stroke, that resembles a horn (lit.), used to distinguish Hebrew letters.

D.   This verse teaches us that every word of the Bible is inspired and is attributed as God's Word. In fact, even the smallest letter will be fulfilled before heaven and earth disappear.

IV.    PROCEDURE OF INSPIRATION

A.    A question that is always raised is, "How can it be God's Word if men wrote it?"

B.    First of all, God indeed did write down His Word with His own finger. In Ex. 31:18, God inscribed the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone by the "finger of God".

C.    Secondly, God also dictated the Scriptures to Moses when God said, "Write these words down" (Ex. 34:27).

D.    The two examples teach us that the finished product of Scripture is equivalent to God's Word. However, the procedure of inspiration is a little different than the last two examples though the outcome is the same.

E.    Through the process of inspiration, the Scriptures were written by the use of the writer's own personality and circumstances, yet he was guided by the Holy Spirit.

F.    2 Pet. 1:20-21 teaches us how the Scriptures are God's Word even though He used human agents:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For prophecy cam not in olden times by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

G.   Men of God (prophets and apostles) were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak and write (Rom 1:2) God's Word.

H.   The word "moved" (pheromenoi - present passive participle -lit. "being carried along"), was used in regards to ships that were moved and carried by the gusts of wind. In the same way, the "holy men of God" were mysteriously prompted and moved to write God's Word, while at the same time maintaining their personalities and circumstances. The final result was the inerrant, and infallible Word of God (cp. 2Pe 3:15-16).

V.       AUTHORSHIP OF INSPIRATION

A.   One passage that is very important when discussing the authorship of Inspiration is 1 Thess. 2:13. This verse calls Scripture the "word of God": For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

B.   There are three interesting points in this verse. First of all, the Thessalonians were receptive to Paul's message from the Scriptures as the Word of God. Some people do not receive the Bible as God's Word; they view the Bible as any other ordinary book with contradictions and errors.

C.   Secondly, the Thessalonians did not accept the Scriptures as the "word of men." In other words, even though it was written by men, they believed God watched over the writing of His Word. The finished product was not man's thoughts, but rather God's thoughts and very words. Paul confirmed that in reality (alethos - truthfully), it actually is the Word of God.

D.   Thirdly, Paul says that it is God's Word that is, "at work in you who believe." The Word of God alone is "living and active" (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17b; John 15:7). Certainly some of the writings of men inspire us, but it is only God's Word that is inspired (God-breathed). In addition, it is only God's Word that changes our lives completely, giving us life through the message of Christ's death on the cross (Jn 5:24; 6:68; Rom 10:17).

VI.    CONCLUSION

A.   Since inspiration is the most important part to the subject, "How We Got Our Bible", we must have an undeniable faith that the Bible is God's Word. Not only is it imperative for this study, but it is preeminently paramount for the Christian Faith.

B.   Take away inspiration out of the Bible and you are only a small step away from denying Christ's death for sinful man. Take away Christ's death for sinful man, and you take away the only name under heaven given to men by which he must be saved.

Easy Enchiladas

Here’s a recipe that I came up with after looking a couple of cookbooks because I had some leftover pork loin. Chicken or turkey would work just as well.

Hardware

large mixing bowl 10" (25 cm) skillet plate paper towels 9"x13" (23cm x 33cm) baking dish

Software

16 oz. (4 cups by volume) shredded colby-jack cheese, divided 2 cups chopped cooked pork loin (or chicken) 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream 1 cup (8 ounces) plain yoghurt (or Greek yoghurt) 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1/4 cup canned jalapeno slices, diced 2 tablespoons chopped onion 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 cup salsa verde, optional 10 - 10 inch (25 cm) flour tortillas canola oil

Algorithm:

1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of the cheese, and the next 9 ingredients. Mix well.
2. Heat about 2 Tbsp canola oil in a skillet. Fry tortillas one at a time, about 5 seconds per side, and place on a paper towel covered dinner plate. Add additional oil to skillet as needed.
3. Spoon a level 3/4 cup of the pork mixture off center on each tortilla; roll up and place seam side down in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover top with the salsa verde if desired.
4. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer.

Yield: 5 servings

Serve with sour cream, and/or picante sauce, and/or pico de gallo.

This Day in History… Republicans Pass Anti-KKK Act – Outlawing Democratic Terrorist Groups

On April 20, 1871, at the urging of President Ulysses Grant, Congress passed the Ku Klux Klan Act. Also known as the third Enforcement Act, the bill was a controversial expansion of federal authority designed to give the federal government additional power to protect voters. The act established penalties in the form of fines and jail time for attempts to deprive citizens of equal protection under the laws and gave the President the authority to use federal troops and suspend the writ of habeas corpus in ensuring that civil rights were upheld.

Founded as a fraternal organization by Confederate veterans in Pulaski, Tennessee, in 1866, the Ku Klux Klan soon became a paramilitary group devoted to the overthrow of Republican governments in the South and the reassertion of white supremacy. Through murder, kidnapping, and violent intimidation, Klansmen sought to secure Democratic victories in elections by attacking black voters and, less frequently, white Republican leaders.

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2014/04/this-day-in-history-republicans-pass-anti-kkk-act-outlawing-democratic-terrorist-groups/

Philippians -- Study #1

Philippians -- An Introduction

I. The Theme of Philippians: Joy in being Christ-minded
II. The Origin of the Philippian Church. Acts 16:7-34

• A. It began with a vision: v. 9
• B. It began with vitality: v. 10-12
• C. It began with a visit: v. 12-13
• D. It began with a victory: v. 14-15
• E. It began with violence: v. 16-24
• F. It began with vindication: v. 25-34

III. The Ongoing of the Philippian Church.

• A. It was a church about which no heresy was mentioned.
• B. It was a church commended for its liberality in giving: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.

IV. The Occasion of the Philippian Epistle. Philippians 1:1

• A. The church had sent Paul a gift: v. 4:18
• B. The Apostle Paul sending thanks to the church:

V. The Object of the Philippian Epistle.

• A. To assure them of his remembrance and affection: Phil. 1:3-4 & 7-8
• B. To exhort them to unity: Phil. 1:27 ; 2:4; 3:15; 4:2
• C. To stir them from complacency: Phil. 3:15-17
• D. To fix their eyes on Christ as all-sufficient: Phil. 4:11,13,19

VI. The Outlook of the Philippian Epistle. “Joy” and “rejoice” are used 16 times in this epistle.

• A. The secret of Christian fulfillment: Joy (Phil 1:4)
• B. The source of Christian happiness: Joy (Phil 4:4)
• C. The spring of Christian contentment: Joy (Phil 4:10-11)
• D. The center of Christian service: Joy (Phil 2:16-18)

VII. The Outline of the Philippian Epistle.

• A. Christ is the principle of the believer’s life (Phil. 1:21)
• B. Christ is the pattern of the believer’s life (Phil. 2:5)
• C. Christ is the passion of the believer’s life (Phil. 3:10)
• D. Christ is the power of the believer’s life (Phil. 4:13)

Many try to follow Him as the Pattern, or seek His Power, or desire His Passion, without having Him as the Principle of their lives

Grateful acknowledgement is made to Pastor Paul Fedena for his study in Philippians, on which this study is based.

My Christian Faith

I am a Christian and I take my faith very seriously. Simply put, I love God. And if I both love God and believe that mankind is created in His image, then I must necessarily love people too. All of them. Every single one.

Extra Sour Refrigerator Pickles

Started off making Alton Brown's Bread & Butter Pickles, which are very good.  But if you like your pickles on the sour side, you'll like this modification, which I've developed over the past couple of years.  

2 to 4 cucumbers (depending on size, about 1 1/4 lb.), thinly sliced
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
4 tsp. minced garlic
3 Thai chilies (optional)
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/4 cups distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons pickling salt
1 tsp. mustard seeds
1/4 tsp. ground tumeric (or 1 tsp. fresh grated tumeric)
1 tsp. celery seeds
2 tsp. mixed pickling spice

Pickling cucumbers work best  but regular slicers will do as well. Layer the cucumbers, onions, and garlic (and chilies, if used) in a quart canning jar.  (Spring-top jars are ideal.) Pack them in fairly tight, or they'll all float to the top when you add the liquid.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan.  Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 5 minutes.

Pour the hot vinegar mixture into the jar, filling it to the top.   Let the jars cool to room temperature.  Use any leftover vinegar mixture to top off the jar (some liquid will absorb into the cukes -- and that's a good thing.)  Fasten the lid and refrigerate.

The pickles will be ready to eat in about 2 days, but the flavor will be even better if you wait a little longer.  They'll should keep in the frig for 6 weeks, although they've disappeared long before that in my experience.

Other modifications.  You like dill pickles?  Replace 1/2 cup of the white vinegar with water.  Increase the sugar to 1/2 cup. Reduce the pickling spice to 1 tsp and add 1 tsp of dill seed and 1 tsp of dill weed.  It's won't be quite like a fermented kosher dill, but you'll get a hint of that dill flavor.

Hot & Sour Soup

This is a pretty easy recipe. This is just my variation of a fairly standard recipe.  

Hardware:

• 4 qt. saucepan or stockpot
• small mixing bowl
• assorted measuring spoons/cups

Software:

• 2 qts. low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 c. low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 c. cooked & shredded chicken breast
• 1 c. brown mushrooms, finely diced
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. garlic chili sauce
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper (preferably white)
• 1/4 c. white vinegar
• 1/4 c. rice wine vinegar  
• 1 can (8 oz.) bamboo shoots, julienned
• 7 oz. firm tofu, diced in 1/4" chunks
• 1/4 c. cornstarch and 1/4 c. cold water
• 2 eggs, beaten thoroughly
• 4 green onion stalks, diced
• 1 tsp. sesame oil

Algorithm:

1. Bring broth to boil in stockpot.  Reduce heat to simmer.
2. Add mushrooms, soy sauce, chili sauce, and chicken.  Simmer 5 minutes.
3. Add vinegar, bamboo shoots, tofu, and pepper.  Simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Combine the corn starch and cold water in a sealed container and mix thoroughly.  
5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the soup.  Stir in.  Simmer for another 5 minutes.  Soup will thicken some.
6. Beat eggs in small bowl thoroughly.  Pour egg very slowly into the soup in a fine stream.  Stir for 1 minute.
7. Add green onions and sesame oil and stir in.  Remove from heat and serve.

Output:  Approximately 10 servings.