Sabbath Questions Answered Part 1

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Jerry

 

The Text:

Act 20:7 And on the first of the sabbaths, the disciples having been assembled to break bread, being about to depart on the morrow, Paul reasoned to them. And he continued his speech until midnight. (Literal Translation of the Holy Bible)

The Opening Post Challenge:

This is what Rome created, not Christianity, for it existed prior to Constantine, the one so many falsly claim created the religion named after it’s Christ in Acts 11:26.

Rome Admits the Truth

Catholic Record, London, Ontario, September 1, 1923.

Sunday is our mark of authority. The Church is above the Bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact.

From the Catholic Record, September 17, 1893:

Sunday is founded, not of Scripture, but on tradition, and is distinctly a Catholic institution. As there is no Scripture for the transfer of the day of rest from the last to the first day of the week, Protestants ought to keep their Sabbath on Saturday and thus leave Catholics in full possession of Sunday.

My Response:

The Roman Catholic Church did not create Christianity. The Book of Acts records that the followers of our Lord Jesus Christ were first called Christians in Antioch:

Acts 11:26

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
King James Version

The Roman Catholic Church came along many centuries after that.

And as for the Sabbath, the Sabbath was never changed to Sunday. Jews who follow their Bible still worship on the Sabbath. Christians who know their Bible worship on the First Day of the week, our Sunday. Sunday worship began in the time of the New Testament and neither Constantine nor the Roman Catholic Church had anything to do with it.

Christians worship on the First Day of the week to commemorate the historical fact that our Lord Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave on the First Day of the week, our Sunday.

OP Author Reply to Me (from supplied link):

Today I want to answer the question which so many listeners have been concerned about since our first broadcast on the Sabbath question. How did the change take place, substituting Sunday for Saturday as the day of worship? This is possibly one of the most disturbing religious questions among thinking Christians today. Unfortunately, the issue is not examined publicly very often for reasons that we’ll consider today. But multitudes have wondered when, how and why the change came about. We have established in previous broadcasts that the Bible itself speaks with absolute consistency on this subject.

No Change Documented in the Bible

In both Old and New Testament there is not a shadow of variation in the doctrine of the Sabbath. The seventh day, Saturday, is the only day ever designated by the term Sabbath in the entire Bible. Not only was Jesus a perfect example in observing the weekly seventh-day Sabbath, but all His disciples followed the same pattern after Jesus had gone back to heaven. Yet no intimation of any change of the day is made. The apostle Paul, who wrote pages of counsel about lesser issues of Jewish and Gentile conflicts, had not one word to say about any controversy over the day of worship. Circumcision, foods offered to idols, and other Jewish customs were readily challenged by early Gentile Christians in the church, but the weightier matter of weekly worship never was an issue. Why? For the simple reason that no change was made from the historic seventh day of Old Testament times, and from creation itself. Had there been a switch from the Sabbath to the first day of the week, you can be sure the controversy would have been more explosive than any other to those Jewish Christians.

MY RESPONSE: 

The Biblical evidence does not correspond with your claims regarding Sabbath observance.

During the lifetime of our Lord Jesus Christ upon earth, Jesus and His followers, all of whom were practicing Jews in good standing, obviously kept the Seventh Day Sabbath in accordance with the Mosaic Law.

For Jews, as I mentioned, the Sabbath is still observed in this manner and the Fourth Commandment has never changed. That is to say, the Sabbath has never been changed to a day that differs from the day found in the Law of Moses.

But if you carefully read and study the New Testament, you will never find a single mention of the Fourth Commandment regarding Sabbath observance mentioned as a command for Christians to observe. Not once. Be very careful to read my statement carefully.

Christians worship on the First Day of the week to commemorate the historical fact that our Lord Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave on the First Day of the week, our Sunday.

There are no provable examples in the New Testament record of Christians meeting for Christian worship (involving the celebration of the Lord’s Supper) on the Jewish Sabbath.

Christians worship on the First Day of the week to commemorate the historical fact that our Lord Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave on the First Day of the week, our Sunday.

Post Author Reply to Me: 

Then my question would be why did Jesus, as well as the disciples keep the Sabbath, which word itself denotes the 7th day?

Please read the link that was given you, because I fear you missed what Christ, as well as those who followed Him stood for. Christ is The Lord of the Sabbath, and as an expression describing Jesus which appears in all three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 12:1–8, Mark 2:23–28 and Luke 6:1–5. As Lord of the Sabbath His custom was to worship on the 7th day, which He taught His disciples to follow. This Sabbath keeping is in keeping with the law of the 10 commandments, the 4th to be more specific.

The Disciples Kept the Sabbath 85 Times in the book of Acts, this was done after Christs death and resurrection. There is no mention in the NT of commemorating Sunday for Christs resurrection. One would think that Christ would have mentioned that prior to His ascension, and that the disciples would have mentioned the change as well. But there is not a single Bible verse to support Sunday as the day of worship.

If one follows Christ, they will remember that Sabbath was made for man, not the Jew. Biblically when given in Genesis there was no Jew nor was there Moses or Mosaic Law, there was the command that God gave to man to worship on this day, that God sanctified. This has not changed and the fact that Christ’s disciples never commemorated SUNday for the reason you and a major part of Christian’s say is the reason, doesn’t mean it is in accordance to God’s law.

My friend I have to humbly disagree with you and remind you that the Word is to be used as the authority for what we do as Christian’s. God’s word doesn’t support SUNDAY worship no matter the reason you and others give, the Bible is to have the final say!

My Reply:

I have read your link very carefully.

Unfortunately, the article is filled with inaccuracies which cannot be supported from the Bible itself.

I gave you two absolutes for you to attempt to refute.

If you can refute either or both of those absolutes by just one explicit New Testament example, you will have successfully refuted my claim.

My Claim 1: The New Testament NEVER states the Fourth Commandment regarding Sabbath observance as a command for Christians to follow.

My Claim 2: There is not so much as even ONE example of Christians meeting for specifically Christian worship (involving partaking of the Lord’s Supper) on the Jewish Sabbath.

Post Author Reply:

Number two is a claim with a condition of the Lord’s Supper attached to the Sabbath, the scriptures don’t even support that. The Lord’s supper has always been separate from the Sabbath. As well as a JEWISH sabbath which there is no such thing, supported by scripture. This was already mentioned and proved with the Genesis creation of the 7th day which is attached to the 4th commandment via creation.

So number two claim, based on how you have stated it, is an unfounded claim with no scripture to back it as you have stated it.

Now dealing with your first claim, let’s see if I’m following you:

1 are you saying that Christian’s not told to keep the 4th commandment?

Or

Are you saying the words 4th commandment are not used in commanding Christians to keep Sabbath?

2. Are you inferring the law of 10 commandments is no longer, meaning the 4th is no longer a command, therefor allowing for Sunday observance?

My Reply:

In my Claim 1 I am affirming that the Fourth Commandment regarding Sabbath observance is never once stated as a command in the imperative mood of command in the Greek text of the New Testament in a manner that applies to Christian believers.

In my Claim 2 I am affirming:

There is not so much as even ONE example of Christians meeting for specifically Christian worship (involving partaking of the Lord’s Supper) on the Jewish Sabbath recorded in the New Testament.

It is necessary to specify “involving partaking of the Lord’s Supper” in order to distinguish Christian worship of our Lord Jesus Christ from Jewish worship on the Sabbath. The first converts to Christ mentioned in the New Testament record were Jews along with a very small number of Gentiles, and Christian Jews at the first continued worship in the Jewish Temple and synagogue until Jews excluded them. This does not count as Christian worship. Christian Jews for a time continued Temple or synagogue attendance because this afforded them opportunities to witness to Jesus as the true Messiah in obedience to Acts 1:8.

With regard to your question 1,

“1 are you saying that Christian’s not told to keep the 4th commandment?”

Christians are never told, that is, specifically commanded in the imperative mood in the Greek New Testament, to keep the 4th commandment in the text of the New Testament.

With regard to your question 1,

“Are you saying the words 4th commandment are not used in commanding Christians to keep Sabbath?”

The 4th commandment regarding the Sabbath is never quoted in the New Testament in the form of a command directing Christians to keep the Sabbath.

With regard to your question 2:

“2. Are you inferring the law of 10 commandments is no longer, meaning the 4th is no longer a command, therefor allowing for Sunday observance?”

That is not my inference; nine of the ten commandments are re-stated in the New Testament in a manner that applies to Christian believers.

 

Posted in Apologetics--Christian, Doctrinal Discussions, False Religions, How to Interpret the Bible Correctly, Sabbath Issues | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Bible Nugget #828, Matthew 24:35

Posted on February 27, 2024 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Mat 24:35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

My Comment:

Do you want to see things change for the better? You ought to!

I think our greatest problem is that most Christians and most churches are asleep and have little impact upon what is going on in the world around them.

It is time to wake up! How to do that? Simple.

Start studying your Bible in earnest. Pray specifically for individuals within your circle of influence. Live in obedience to God’s Word yourself (Hebrews 12:14). Share the Gospel with others who know you and who respect your life and testimony. Disciple others by teaching them all you know about God and His Word. If each genuine Christian would do this the impact would make a difference!

I am thankful for Ken Sagely’s significant gathering of related Scripture passages pertaining to “The Infallible Word of God” which I share immediately below.

Don’t miss my presentation of notes and cross references for Matthew 24:35 which conclude this post. There is a spiritual feast for those willing and able to take the time to dig deeply into God’s Word and learn something new for a change.

From Ken Sagely’s Facebook Post:

The Infallible Word of God

is Eternal !!

1 KINGS 8.56
Blessed be the Lord that hath
given rest unto his people
Israel, according unto all that he promised:
there hath not failed one word of all his
good promise, which he promised by the

hand of Moses his servant.

PSALM 89.34
My covenant will I not break,
nor alter the thing

that has gone out of my lips,

PSALM 119.89
For ever, O Lord,

Thy Word is settled in heaven.

PSALM 119.152
Concerning Thy testimonies,
I have known of old

that Thou hast founded them for ever.

PSALM 119.160
Thy word is true from the beginning :
and every one of Thy righteous judgements

endureth forever.

PSALM 40.8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth :

but the word of our God shall stand forever

MATTHEW 24.35
Heaven and earth shall pass away,

but MY words shall not pass away.

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
ye saints of the Lord is laid for your faith
in His excellent Word! What more can He
say to you He hath said—To you, who for
refuge to Jesus have fled? When thru fiery
trials thy pathway shall lie My grace, all
sufficient, shall be thy supply, the flame
shall not hurt thee– I only design thy dross
to consume and gold to refine The soul
that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not. I will not, I will not desert to
his foes, that soul, tho all hell should
endeavor to shake, I’ll never–no, never–

no never forsake!

 

Cross Reference Bible Study for Matthew 24:35 from The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Matthew 24:35
Heaven. *Mat 5:18, Job 14:12, Psa 36:5; %+*Psa 89:2; %+*Psa 89:37; **Psa 102:26 note. **Psa 119:89, Isa 34:4; *>Isa 51:6; Isa 54:10, Jer 4:23; *Jer 31:35; *Jer 31:36; %+*Jer 33:25, Mar 13:31, Luk 16:17; Luk 21:33, Heb 1:11, 12; Heb 12:27, *2Pe 3:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, Rev 6:14; Rev 20:11; Rev 21:1.

and earth. Job 18:4, +*Ecc 1:4, Isa 13:13, Mar 13:31, Luk 21:33.

shall pass away, but. FS111, Gen 18:27. This is most assuredly the Figure Meiosis, also known as Litotes (Luk 11:4 note), involving a Balanced Sentence where the first statement is contrary to fact or reality, and is used in a contrast to most strongly emphasize what is affirmed in the last statement.

In this form of statement the last statement is frequently introduced by the word but, which helps to mark this figure (see Isa 51:6; Isa 54:10, +Luk 11:4). Scholars can wrangle with my assertion all they please; their contrary opinion only demonstrates they have not studied the Scriptures carefully enough. I have. Jesus does not, and absolutely could not, affirm that heaven and earth will pass away.

The expressions used here are frequently reflected elsewhere in Scripture (see the preceding Parallel Passages). Surely our Lord Jesus Christ and His Jewish hearers, intimately acquainted with the Hebrew Scriptures (T1122, +**Joh 6:14), were aware of the context, for example, of **Psa 102:26  as seen in Psa 102:28, something apparently missed by some modern scholars.

God’s Covenant Promises are absolutely guaranteed as being more sure than the promise that the earth abides forever and shall never perish, so sure are the sure mercies of David, mercies above and greater than the heavens (Psa 108:4).

Note carefully in the context of Psa 102:26 the statement of Psa 102:28 that the generations of “thy servants shall continue” (+**Psa 72:5) and be “established before thee.”

Surely the Bible writers who cite or allude to one statement in their hymn book (Psalm 102:26) were most aware of its context and the assurance of Psalm 102:28! Psalm 102:28 comes immediately after and concludes the whole hymn.

So when Jesus states “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,” His words are the guaranteed words of the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants, which are more sure than the heavens and will certainly come to pass. God Himself appeals to the promised eternal constancy of the universe (Jer 31:35, 36, 37) to affirm the absolute certainty of the “Sure mercies of David” (+**Isa 55:3).

To suggest the heavens or the earth shall literally pass away would violate the provisions of the Abrahamic Covenant (+**Gen 12:2 note) and the Davidic Covenant (+**2Sa 7:10 note), which would contradict the very character of God Himself (+*Mal 3:6), which is utterly impossible (+**Gen 18:25 note. +*Tit 1:2).

If our Lord Jesus Christ is to rule eternally here upon this earth in Jerusalem on the Throne of David forever over the whole earth (+**Isa 24:23, Dan 7:13, 14, +*Zec 14:9, +*Mat 5:5, **Luk 1:32; **Luk 1:33, Rev 11:15), then the earth as we know it will stand forever (**1Ch 16:30, **Psa 148:5; **Psa 148:6). Psa 58:8; +**Psa 108:4, +**Luk 1:32; +**Luk 1:33.

my words. Plural of logos. Gen 21:1; Gen 28:15; Gen 32:12; *Gen 41:32, Num 11:23; +*Num 23:19, 1Sa 9:6, 2Sa 7:21, 1Ki 8:15; 1Ki 16:34; 1Ki 22:38, 2Ki 7:16; 2Ki 23:16, 2Ch 6:4, *Psa 19:7; Psa 56:10; **Psa 89:34; Psa 93:5; *Psa 119:58; ***Psa 119:89; *Psa 119:96; *Psa 119:152; **Psa 138:2, Pro 12:19; +*Pro 30:5, Isa 9:8; Isa 21:17; **Isa 31:2; **Isa 40:8; **Isa 55:11; Isa 58:14, Jer 32:24; Jer 32:42; **Jer 33:20; **Jer 33:21; **Jer 33:25; **Jer 33:26; Jer 36:28; Jer 36:32; Jer 39:16; Jer 44:28, Eze 5:17; *Eze 12:25; Eze 17:24; Eze 21:32; Eze 24:14; *Eze 26:14 note. Eze 36:36, Dan 2:45; Dan 4:28; Dan 6:8, **Amos 9:9; **Amos 9:11, Hab 3:6, Zep 2:2, Zec 1:6, **Joh 10:35, Rom 3:3; Rom 9:6, 1Co 1:9, 2Co 1:19, 1Th 5:24, 2Ti 2:13, **Tit 1:2, **Heb 6:18, *1Pe 1:23; *1Pe 1:25, Rev 3:7; Rev 3:14.

not. FS158, +Mat 5:18.

pass away. 2Co 5:17, Heb 8:13; Heb 12:27, 2Pe 3:10, 1Jn 2:17, Rev 21:4.

 

Posted in Bible Promises, Bible Prophecy, Daily Bible Nuggets, Ken Sagely contributions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Bible Nugget #827, Lamentations 3:25

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Lamentations 3:25  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.  (KJV)

Lam 3:25  The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to anyone who seeks help from him. (GW, God’s Word translation)

My Comment:

We can find comfort and grace to help (Hebrews 4:16) as we take the time to seek the Lord. In this day, I believe we can most profitably seek the Lord by studying His word in the Bible. As we seek Him, we will discover He cares for us.

From Ken Sagely’s Facebook Post:

HE CARETH FOR YOU

1 PETER 5.7

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

( Never let Satan cause you to

doubt this, dear believer)

1. PSALM 9.9-10
The Lord also will be a refuge for the
oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble
9.10 And they that know thy name will put
their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken

them that seek thee.

2. LAMENTATIONS 3.25
The Lord is good unto them that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him.

3. PSALM 147.3, 5
3. He healeth the broken in heart, and
bindeth up their wounds
v5 Great is our Lord, and of Great power;

his understanding is infinite.

4. 2 TIMOTHY 2.19
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth
sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

5. Psalm 43.2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be
with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not
overflow thee: when thou when thou walkest
thru the fire, thou shalt not be burned: neither

shall the flame kindle upon thee.

6.LAMENTATiONS 3.22-23
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are
not consumed his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

7. PSALM 103.14
For He knoweth our frame;

He remembereth that we are dust.

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
Ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your
faith in His excellent Word! What more
can He say than to you He hath said, To

You who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

To dig deeper on this important subject, read the cross references for Lamentations 3:25 as they are found in:

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: 

Lamentations 3:25
good: Lam 3:26; Gen 49:18; Psa 25:8, Psa 27:14, Psa 37:7, Psa 37:34, Psa 39:7, Psa 40:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Psa 61:1, Psa 61:5; Psa 130:5, 6; Isa 25:9, Isa 30:18, Isa 40:31, Isa 64:4; Mic 7:7, 8; Zep 3:8; 1Th 1:10; Jas 5:7

unto: 1Ch 28:9; 2Ch 15:2, 2Ch 19:3, 2Ch 30:19, 2Ch 31:21; Psa 22:26, Psa 27:8, Psa 69:32, Psa 105:3; Psa 119:2; Isa 26:9, Isa 55:6; Hos 10:12

The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Lamentations 3:25

good. +*Exo 34:6; Psa 25:8, 9, 10; Psa 86:5; +*Jer 29:11; *Nah 1:7; +*Mat 5:45; +*Luk 6:35

that wait for. ver. *Lam 3:26; Gen 49:18 ≥℘. *Psa 25:8; *Psa 27:14; *Psa 37:7; Psa 37:34; Psa 39:7; *Psa 40:1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Psa 62:1; Psa 62:5; *Psa 130:5; Psa 130:6; Isa 25:9; *Isa 30:18; *Isa 40:31; Isa 49:23; *Isa 64:4; Mic 7:7; Mic 7:8; Zep 3:8; *1Th 1:10; *Jas 5:7

soul. Heb. nephesh, +Gen 12:5

that seeketh. +*1Ch 28:9; *2Ch 15:2; *2Ch 19:3; *2Ch 30:19; *2Ch 31:21; +*Psa 9:10; *Psa 22:26; Psa 27:8; *Psa 69:32; Psa 105:3; Psa 105:4; *Psa 119:2; ✓Isa 26:9; ✓Isa 55:6; *Hos 10:12; Luk 11:9; Luk 11:10; Heb 11:6

The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury: 

Lamentations 3:25
The Lord is good. +*Exo 34:6, Deut 8:16, Psa 25:8, 9, 10; Psa 86:5; Psa 125:4, +*Jer 29:11, *Nah 1:7, +*Mat 5:45, +*Luk 6:35.

that wait for. *Lam 3:26, Gen 49:18 <rp. 1Sa 28:7, 2Ki 6:33, Ezr 8:22, Job 14:14; Job 17:13, +*Psa 25:3; *Psa 27:14; *Psa 37:7; *Psa 37:34; Psa 39:7; *Psa 40:1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Psa 52:9; Psa 62:1; Psa 62:5; Psa 123:2; *Psa 130:5; *Psa 130:6, +*Pro 20:22, +*Isa 8:17, 18, 19, 20; *Isa 25:9; *Isa 30:18; Isa 33:2; *Isa 40:31; Isa 49:23; Isa 50:10; *Isa 64:4, Jer 14:22, *Hos 12:6, Mic 7:7, 8, Hab 2:3, Zep 3:8, Zec 11:11, Luk 12:36, Rom 2:7; Rom 8:25, Gal 5:5, +*1Th 1:10, *Jas 5:7; *Jas 5:8.

soul. Heb. nephesh, +Gen 12:5.

that seeketh him. 1Ch 16:11 note. +*1Ch 28:9, *2Ch 15:2; *2Ch 19:3; *2Ch 30:19; *2Ch 31:21, +**Psa 9:10; *Psa 22:26; Psa 27:8; *Psa 69:32; Psa 70:4; Psa 73:28; Psa 105:3, 4; *Psa 119:2, Son 3:4, +*Isa 8:19; +*Isa 8:20; **Isa 26:9; **Isa 55:6, +Jer 29:13, *Hos 10:12, *Amos 5:4, +**Luk 11:9; +**Luk 11:10, **Heb 11:6.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord. Note that man is encouraged to seek after God. It is therefore possible for man to do so. See the Parallel Passages given at +**Psa 9:10, 1Ch 22:19, *2Ch 11:16, +**Psa 9:10; +*Psa 27:8 note. Psa 53:2; Psa 69:32; Psa 77:2; Psa 105:2; *Psa 105:3; Psa 105:4, Pro 8:17; +*Pro 28:5, +*Isa 8:19; +*Isa 8:20 note. +*Isa 26:9; **Isa 45:19; Isa 51:1, +*Jer 29:13, *Lam 3:25, Amos 5:4; Amos 5:6, *Zep 2:2; *Zep 2:3, Joh 7:17 note, *Act 17:27, %Rom 3:11, +*Heb 11:6.

and his strength. T1537, 2Ch 6:41, Psa 63:2; Psa 68:35; Psa 78:61; +Psa 86:16 (T1715). FS121M, +Exo 8:23, i.e. the Ark of the Covenant, which was the sign and symbol of His Presence and strength. So Psa 105:4, according to Psa 132:8.

seek his face. *Psa 4:6; *Psa 27:8; *Psa 27:9; Psa 67:1.

continually. T1153, Psa 72:15, Isa 62:6, Dan 6:20, Hos 12:6, Rev 4:8.

Posted in Bible Promises, Bible Study Tools, Christian Living, Daily Bible Nuggets, Ken Sagely contributions, Practical Application Bible Studies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Adam failed the test but Jesus passed the test

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Jerry

 

The Text:

1 Corinthians 15:47  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

The Muslim Challenge:

If disciples knew Jesus is God or he wanted to die for their sin, why they all fled when Roman soldiers came to arrest (Matthew 26:56) Jesus? How someone 2000 years later know Jesus better than those who had years of eyewitness knowledge?

My Response:

Take time to read the account given in the New Testament carefully.

The disciples fled the scene because Jesus asked that they be allowed to do so:

John 18:8

8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
King James Version

 Post Author Replied:

Why they fled if they believe Jesus is God?

My Answer:

I hope you are able to read and carefully consider my answers to your questions and challenges. Thank you for reading my answers. Thank you for asking very good questions.

Satan challenged Jesus to jump off the top of the Temple in Jerusalem. Satan even quoted some verses from the Psalms which said angels would protect Jesus from injury.

Jesus answered Satan with Scripture which said we are not to tempt the Lord our God.

The Bible offers some good advice in Proverbs 22:3,

Pro 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. (KJV)

Pro 22:3 Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later. (GNB, Good News Bible)

When Judas betrayed Jesus and brought a large group of Temple police to arrest Jesus, they did not come to arrest the whole group of disciples. Jesus, therefore, asked that his disciples be allowed to leave the scene for their safety, and the disciples were allowed to do so.

Notice that at all times Jesus was in control of the situation.

Joh 18:8 “I have already told you that I am he,” Jesus said. “If, then, you are looking for me, let these others go.” (GNB)

Jesus did what He did in order to do the will of God and fulfill Bible prophecy.

 

Post Author Asked:

If Jesus wants  to forgive you by killing himself, why Satan is needed?

My Answer:

Satan is a great deceiver and an absolute liar (John 8:44). Satan deceived Eve by getting her to eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden of Eden when Adam was not immediately present.

Adam made the choice to also eat of the fruit of the forbidden tree when Eve brought the fruit to him. He did not want to be separated from Eve. Adam had been lonely until God created her.

Adam failed the test by failing to obey God’s one commandment no matter what. Jesus passed the test by keeping God’s commandments perfectly and by not giving in to any of Satan’s temptations.

When Adam made this choice, he lost the position of dominion over the earth and was excluded with his wife Eve from the garden. But before Adam and Eve were sent out from the garden, God clothed them with the skins of animals. God, in effect, made this animal sacrifice to clothe them as a picture of the fact that sin can only be forgiven on the basis of a blood sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22).

Adam also in effect gave up the privileged position he had (Genesis 1:26, dominion) and his privileged position was given to Satan (Luke 4:6).

Jesus is called the Second Man (1 Corinthians 15:47) in the New Testament. He successfully lived a perfect and sinless life (John 8:46. Hebrews 4:15). Unlike the first Adam, Jesus passed the tests when Jesus was tempted by Satan. Jesus now has all authority on earth and in heaven (Matthew 28:18).

It was necessary for Jesus to die as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. This He did by His death on the cross.

The sacrifices for the sins of the people in Old Testament times were offered annually on the Day of Atonement mentioned in detail in Leviticus chapter 16. On the Day of Atonement two goats were involved. One goat was killed and became a burnt offering for the sins of the people and its blood was sprinkled on the altar in the Holy of Holies.

Then the high priest placed his hands on the head of the other goat and the high priest confessed all the sins of the people. This live goat was then taken and released into the wilderness.

This annual ceremony of the Day of Atonement required two goats to depict what Jesus would do for us when He died as an atoning sacrifice for all of us. Jesus was both the priest and the offering (1 John 2:2) in His atonement sacrifice for us by which He took our sins (John 1:29). His death is the provision made for all people. The benefit of this provision is conditional–we must believe He is the Son of God who died for our sins and that He rose again from the dead. The proof that God accepted this atoning sacrifice is that Jesus was raised bodily from the dead on the third day as He Himself predicted (Matthew 17:23).

 

 

Another Participant:

Posted a link to an Instagram video titled “Christian Scholar, Bart Ehrman, exposes the Bible.”

I Replied:

I am quite familiar with the claims and writings of Bart Ehrman. Dr. Ehrman is a great Greek scholar. Unfortunately, if I understand his testimony correctly, he lost his faith when he learned there are many variations in the manuscript texts of the New Testament as they have been preserved for us.

It is very likely that I have been studying such issues for many more years than he has been studying them. I have not lost my faith at all as a result of learning about manuscript variations.

Dr. Ehrman sensationalizes some of these issues when he writes for public consumption. He is more reserved and careful when he writes for a more academic and scholarly audience.

I have exposed Dr. Ehrman on my website and I show that there are sometimes some very good reasons to disagree with what he claims about the Bible.

 

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Another example of misreading Scripture

Posted on February 12, 2024 by Jerry


The Text:

Joh 8:46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?

My Comment:

Before you criticize the Bible it would help your case to be sure you have read it correctly first!

Muslims often post what they think are valid criticisms of Jesus and the Bible without understanding the Bible and its cultural background.

I taught the students in my English classes at Cass Technical High School that when you criticize, dislike, or disdain a great work of literature, your opinion of the work of literature says more about you than what you imagine your view reflects about any shortcomings you suppose you found in the work of literature.

The Muslim Challenge: Did Jesus Command or Permit His Disciples to Steal from Others?

Jesus was a big sinner according to the Bible !!
Was Jesus was without sin ?
According to the Christian bible he is replete with examples of sinning!
“from lying, to breaking various laws, to dishonoring his parents, to stealing.”
“. . . Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Jesus needs them, and he will send them right away. . .7 They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.” Matthew 21:1-7.
Jesus and his disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.
plucking grain violates the Sabbath and the apostles were guilty of theft for eating from a field not theirs.
” (Matthew 12:1-2)”
D’varim / Deuteronomy 5:19
“You shall not steal”
Sh’mot / Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.”
May be an illustration of text

My Response:

You might consider the possibility that you are misreading the Bible.

Certainly our Lord Jesus Christ fully kept the Law of God. He never commanded anyone to steal anything. The better view would be to understand that Jesus had pre-arranged with the owners the disposition of the donkey and its colt. They were aware Jesus had need of them on this momentous occasion and were most willing to have Jesus use them for His purpose. Jesus stated that if anyone questioned their actions, let them know Jesus needs them, and the person will send them right away.

As for plucking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus and His disciples apparently knew the Law better than the Pharisees did or the writer of this Muslim post. The Law permitted this activity. Furthermore, Jesus proclaimed He was the Lord of the Sabbath. Let that sink in and discern Who Jesus must be when he boldly made this claim (Mark 2:27, 28).

Jesus challenged His critics:

John 8:46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?

His enemies and critics could not convict Jesus of any sin. If they could not convict Jesus of any sin then when Jesus challenged them to their face, no critic today has any legitimate grounds for thinking they can do so now.

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What John saw that caused him to believe

Posted on February 10, 2024 by Jerry


The Text:

John 20:7  And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

The Mistaken Muslim Challenge:

Top 100 Reasons, Reason 47, Jesus Was Never Crucified, Killed And Died For Others

Mary Magdalene And Others Did Not See Anyone In The Tomb Nor Outside Of It

– If some women or a woman saw some angels in a vision, a man, two man in person, two angels in person, or an angel in person, we have many authors in each gospel, if you are told the Gospel of Mark, John, Matthew, Luke just forget about that and these authors are not eyewitnesses, otherwise there would be no contradictions amongst them about the crucifixion and the resurrection

– This gives us an impression that Mary Magdalene and other Mary did not see anyone, otherwise Mary and other women would not contradict their own words, only a lie has different versions, unless Christians admit the holy spirit wasn’t with the disciples, Mary and other Mary

-If the New Testament is inspired by God, it’s not made up and Mary Magdalene and other Mary went to the tomb for real, there would be no contradictions. Therefore 2 Timothy 3:16 is false and fabricated. Paul the founder of the crucifixion, resurrection, trinity, Christianity said “all the scripture is God-breathed, the reasons is to guide and correcting people, so a book that has contradictions and needs to be corrected cannot correct us and anything else

– The crucifixion and the resurrection is man made, it’s based on Philippians 1:18, it says you are allowed to lie when preaching Jesus christ. If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do? (Psalms 11:3).

My Response:

I trust that you are not knowingly misreading and misrepresenting the genuine and true historic first century primary source records now found in the 27 books of the New Testament.

Here are some verses which, properly and fully understood, change everything and ought to by themselves answer the mistaken perspective you continue to promote:

John 20:1  The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
Joh 20:2  Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
Joh 20:3  Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
Joh 20:4  So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
Joh 20:5  And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
Joh 20:6  Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
Joh 20:7  And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
Joh 20:8  Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

What John personally saw caused him to believe.

What did John see that was so striking?

Joh 20:7  And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

wrapped together. or, rolled, or coiled round and round. Gr. entulissō (S# G1794). Used elsewhere, only in Mat 27:59 and Luk 23:53 of the linen cloth. Here it implies that the cloth had been folded around the head as a turban is folded, and that it lay still in the form of a turban. The linen clothes also lay exactly as they were when swathed round the body. The Lord had passed out of them, not needing, as Lazarus (John 11:44), to be loosed. It was this sight that convinced John (John 20:8).

In plain English, Jesus arose bodily from the dead but left his grave clothes behind and undisturbed. His body was no longer there, but risen from the dead.

Peter and John were eye witnesses to the fact of the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and met with Him shortly thereafter where they handled Him and witnessed Him eat a meal before their very eyes as the Gospel record in Luke 24 records (Luke 24:38-43).

Luke 24:38  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Luk 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
Luk 24:40  And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
Luk 24:41  And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
Luk 24:42  And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luk 24:43  And he took it, and did eat before them.

May I kindly caution and warn you not to continue to twist the Scriptures to your own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).

God’s Warning:

2Pe 3:16  As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

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Daily Bible Nugget #826, Colossians 4:2

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Jerry


The Nugget:

Col 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

My Comment:

There is much to learn from the Bible about prayer. We are thankful to God for His answers to prayer. Sometimes we are puzzled, frustrated, or discouraged from what seem to be our unanswered prayers. I posted articles here on the reasons given in the Bible for unanswered prayers. To those reasons I must add what the Bible teaches about the Silence of God. Colossians 4:2 still stands as an encouragement to “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” It is the directly stated will of God that we “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18).

From Ken Sagely’s Facebook Post:

COLOSSIANS 4.2  Pray Persistently

Continue in prayer,and watch in

the same with thanksgiving

Cross references

HEBREWS 4.16 Pray Boldly for Help

Let us therefore come boldly
to the throne of Grace that
we obtain mercy, and find grace

to help in time of need

PHILIPPIANS 4.6 Pray in Everything

Be careful for nothing; but in everything
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

MATTHEW 21.22, Mark 11.24 Pray in Faith, Believing

And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer
believing, ye shall receive. Mark 11.24 What things
soever you desire,when you pray, believe that ye

receive them, and you shall have them.

JOHN 15.7 Pray according to God’s Word

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you,

you shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

ROMANS 8.26 Pray in the Spirit

We know not what we should pray for
as we ought: but the spirit itself maketh

intercession for us.

EPHESIANS 6.18 PRAY ALWAYS

Praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit , and watching thereunto with all

perseverance and supplication for all saints

I MUST TELL JESUS

2 TIMOTHY 4.17
The Lord stood with me

and gave me strength

I must tell Jesus all of my trials,
I cannot bear these burdens alone
In my distress He kindly will help me:
He ever loves and cares for His own
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus I
cannot bear by burdens alone I must
tell Jesus Jesus can help me, Jesus

alone!!

 

Posted in Bible Promises, Christian Living, Daily Bible Nuggets, Ken Sagely contributions, Practical Application Bible Studies | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Bible Nugget #825, Psalm 119:105

Posted on February 8, 2024 by Jerry


The Nugget:

Psalm 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

My Comment:

There are many individuals who do not believe the Bible is understandable to the ordinary reader. I even read a comment recently somewhere online that no reader today can understand the English of the King James Version of the Bible!

I am especially concerned for those who have been taught by their church that only their church has the authority to interpret the Bible.

There are those who argue that if it were not for their church, we would not even have the Bible today. They claim it was their authoritative church that determined which books belong in the Bible, and that this was not done until 382 AD, if I recall correctly.

Apologists for this church argue that there is no verse in the Bible that says we must go by the Bible alone. They argue we must also go by the traditions of their church.

There is a Bible verse which declares we are to go by the Bible alone. That verse is Isaiah 8:20. I discussed this verse in this connection here before at Daily Bible Nugget #820, Isaiah 8:20. Read that post to see the full argument.

My Answer to Such Challenges:

In my long and carefully studied opinion, I am certain you are mistaken in your assertions regarding (1) the canon of Scripture; (2) the meaning of “Sola Scriptura.”

In any case, we now have the New Testament. The New Testament consists of 27 primary source first century historical documents penned by the Apostles of Christ or their immediate disciples.

If you have carefully read and studied those 27 primary source documents for yourself in the manner I recommend every Christian or non-Christian would benefit by doing, you will experience the spiritual growth God intended His written Word in the Bible to bring to your life.

I recommend that you read the New Testament long enough each day (for a total of at least 20 minutes) and often enough each week (at least four days a week) on a permanent and continuing basis to experience the benefits in your life such reading will bring.

Anyone who has done such reading of God’s Word would immediately recognize, upon reading any of the Gnostic texts, that Gnostic texts are not at all comparable in content and are obviously not divinely inspired Scripture.

The Bible itself plainly declares within its text that we are to go by the Bible alone (Isaiah 8:20) and not add anything to or subtract anything from its content (Deuteronomy 4:2). The Bible also declares its own perspicuity–that it is understandable to the ordinary reader or hearer (Psalm 119:130).

Isaiah 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Deuteronomy 4:2  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Psalm 119:130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

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Daily Bible Nugget #824, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

1 Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

My Comment:

I have been reading a book newly added to my Logos library:

Eggerichs, Emerson. 2018. The 4 Wills of God: The Way He Directs Our Steps and Frees Us to Direct Our Own. Nashville, TN: B&H Books.

Giving thanks in all things is one of the four wills of God for us detailed in the New Testament. Sometimes giving thanks for all things is a very “tall order” as a spiritual discipline, but the author makes a good case for doing this.

Here is a verse which connects praise with thanksgiving:

Heb 13:15  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

From Ken Sagely’s Facebook Post:

PRAISE ENLARGES THE JOY OF SALVATION

PSALM 13.5
But I have trusted in Thy mercy;

my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.

PSALM 71.8
Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise

and with Thy honour all the day.

PSALM 71.14-15
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise
Thee more and more.
15 My mouth shall show forth Thy righteousness
and Thy Salvation all the day; for I know not the

numbers thereof

PSALM 71.23
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee;

and my soul, which Thou has redeemed

PSALM 147.1
Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing
praises unto our God: for it is pleasant; and

praise is comely.

ISAIAH 12.3-4
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of
the wells of salvation.
4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD,
call upon His name, declare His doings among

the people, make mention that His name is exalted.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord ,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt
“Marvelous grace, infinite grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin “

Cross Reference Bible Study for 1 Thessalonians 5:18 from:

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:18
every: Eph 5:20; Php 4:6; Col 3:17; Job 1:21; Psa 34:1; Heb 13:15

for: 1Th 4:3; 1Pe 2:15, 1Pe 4:2; 1Jn 2:17

The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In. ƒ41, +Gen 10:1

every. Job 1:21; Psa 34:1; See on *Eph 5:20; *Php 4:6; *Col 3:17; Heb 13:15

give thanks. =1Ch 23:30

the will. +*1Th 4:3; =Num 4:27; =1Ch 6:48; Eph 2:10; *1Pe 2:15; 1Pe 4:2; *1Jn 2:17

The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury

1 Thessalonians 5:18
In. FS41, +Gen 10:1.

every thing. 1Th 3:3; 1Th 4:13, Job 1:21, Psa 34:1, **Hab 3:17; **Hab 3:18, Act 10:2, See on *+Eph 5:20, *Php 4:6, *Col 3:15; Col 3:17, Heb 13:15.

give thanks. Gr. eucharisteō (S# G2168, 2Co 1:11). 1Th 1:2; 1Th 2:13, +Lev 7:12, Deut 8:10, Rth 4:14, =1Ch 23:30, Neh 11:17, Psa 50:14; Psa 106:1; +*Psa 119:62; +Psa 136:1, Dan 6:10; Dan 6:20, Luk 6:35; Luk 10:21; Luk 22:17; Luk 22:19; +Luk 24:30, Joh 6:11, Rom 1:21, 1Co 1:14, Eph 1:16; Eph 5:4, +Php 4:6, +*Col 2:7; +Col 3:17; Col 4:2, 2Th 1:3; 2Th 2:13, 1Ti 2:1, Heb 13:15.

the will. Gr. thelēma (S# G2307, Gal 1:4). *+1Th 4:3, =Num 4:27, =1Ch 6:48, +*Mat 6:10; +*Mat 7:21, Eph 2:10; Eph 5:17; Eph 6:6, **Php 2:13, Heb 13:21, *1Pe 2:15; 1Pe 4:2, *1Jn 2:17.

in Christ Jesus. +Act 19:4.

concerning. or, in regard to. Php 2:12, 13 note.

 

Posted in Bible Promises, Bible Study Tools, Christian Living, Daily Bible Nuggets, Ken Sagely contributions, Practical Application Bible Studies, Principles of Christian Living | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Only God is Omniscient

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Jerry

 

The Text:

Mat 17:24  And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (KJV)

The Context:

Mat 17:24  When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter. They asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
Mat 17:25  “Certainly,” he answered. Peter went into the house. Before he could speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the world collect fees or taxes? Is it from their family members or from other people?”
Mat 17:26  “From other people,” Peter answered. Jesus said to him, “Then the family members are exempt.
Mat 17:27  However, so that we don’t create a scandal, go to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that you catch. Open its mouth, and you will find a coin. Give that coin to them for you and me.” (GW, God’s Word translation)

My Comment:

What I have noted in this passage is that it teaches the omniscience of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only Omniscience would know that:

(1) a fish had swallowed a coin,

(2) the coin was sufficient to pay the Temple tax for both Jesus and Peter,

(3) the first fish Peter caught would be the fish that swallowed the coin,

(4) Peter had this conversation with the Temple tax collectors before Peter came to tell Jesus about it.

Psalms 139:4
4  Even before there is a single word on my tongue, you know all about it, LORD.
GOD’S WORD

As for why provision was given for the payment of just two and not the whole group of twelve disciples and Jesus is explained by the question that was asked of Peter, “Does not your teacher pay the tax?” The Temple tax collectors by their question only specified tax was due from Peter and Jesus, so that is what was paid.

My Conclusion:

Only God is omniscient (all knowing, knows everything). Omniscience is a divine attribute that belongs to God exclusively, and cannot be communicated, delegated, or given to a created being.

In theology, omniscience is classed as an incommunicable attribute. In this account of the Temple Tax and how Jesus paid it we see the omniscience of our Lord Jesus Christ clearly demonstrated.

Therefore, Jesus not only had a human nature, but possessed a divine nature, demonstrating He was God in human flesh.

Only God is omniscient. Jesus demonstrated His omniscience. Therefore, Jesus is God.

Jesus is not God the Father. Jesus is a separate person. Jesus is God the Son.

In the New Testament, the Father is called God (John 6:27); the Son is called God (John 1:1, 14; John 20:28); the Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3, 4).

This proves the doctrine of the Trinity, even though the word “Trinity” is not used in the Bible.

This proves the doctrine of the Trinity, even though Jesus is never called “God the Son” in the Bible.

Be careful, when interpreting the Bible, that you do not fall for the “exact word” fallacy. Be careful, when interpreting the Bible, that you not make the mistake of not employing “necessary inference” to arrive at the truth of what the Bible teaches. That is what false cults and false religions do.

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