======================================================================== THE WONDER OF THE WORD by John Zoller ======================================================================== John Zoller's celebration of the Bible's divine formation by forty human authors across 1,500 years, arguing that only God's master plan can account for its perfect unity. Chapters: 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. 00.4-Introduction 2. 01-The Wonder of Its Formation 3. 02-The Wonder of Its Inspiration 4. 03-The Wonder of Its Unfailing Accuracy 5. 04-The Wonder of Its Power to Change A Life 6. 05-The Wonder of Its Preservation ======================================================================== CHAPTER 1: 00.4-INTRODUCTION ======================================================================== INTRODUCTION We are now living in the space age, an age in which every belief known to man is being critically examined and tested. GOD’s Holy Word is now being made the special target for attack. Articles have been printed in current magazines in which the veracity and the credibility of GOD’s Word has been questioned, and as a result many today are groping in a fog of doubt and unbelief. Do we who are believers fear this attack? Indeed not, we welcome it for GOD’s Holy Word needs no defense, all we need do is give it an opportunity to assert its power. Let me ask you, dear reader, just how much do you know about the Bible? Can you explain to your friends the fact of its formation? Do you know what is meant when we say that the Bible is inspired? Can you demonstrate its accuracy to the satisfaction of its most bitter critics? Can you speak from experience of its power to change lives? Every Christian should know these things. It is pitiful how little knowledge the average Christian has regarding the Word of GOD. Go among the ranks of men-on the street, in our places of business, in the shops and factories, there you will find ignorant men holding up the Bible to ridicule and scorn. Thousands of people to-day doubt that the Bible is the Word of GOD. They doubt the existence of a personal GOD. They question the Deity and divinity of CHRIST. Therefore there is a deep need that we deal with this question. If the Bible is the Word of GOD, if it is truly inspired and if it will meet our needs when we meet its conditions, then we have a foundation upon which we can build, a foundation which is eternally secure. But if the Bible is but the product of Man’s mind, if it is full of errors and contradictions, full of speculations, not at all trustworthy and dependable as to its truth expressed, then we are like a ship at sea without a rudder, drifting we know not where. I am asking those of you who have doubts regarding GOD’s Holy Word that you read this book with an open mind. Do you really want to know the truth? If you do, then I can help you. If you are honest with yourself and with our Heavenly FATHER I know I can lead you out of this fog of doubt and unbelief into the glorious light and liberty of the Gospel of CHRIST. I do want to thank the pastors and friends who have read the manuscript, given their suggestions, as well as the help I have received from the books I have read, I am deeply grateful to each and all. But now, before you begin the reading of these chapters, will you, with me, ask GOD’s Blessing upon your study? PRAYER Dear Heavenly FATHER - we are in big business, this task of setting before every reader the truth relative to Thy Wonderful Word. We want to help those who have doubts regarding its inspiration, its accuracy and its power. We want every reader of these pages to know that it is indeed living and powerful. We want to strengthen the Babes in CHRIST and give them a deeper appreciation of its truth and a greater desire to study its message. Bless me as I read, help me to maintain an open mind, grant me the spiritual discernment Thou has promised, make my reading of this book a real Blessing, I ask in JESUS’ Name. Amen. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 2: 01-THE WONDER OF ITS FORMATION ======================================================================== THE WONDER OF ITS FORMATION Chapter 1 In 2 Peter 1:20-21 we have these words which tell us that the Bible is GOD given. "No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation, for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." The Bible is the most wonderful book in all the world. As one has said: "It reveals the mind of GOD, the state of man, the plan of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, its decisions are final. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. It tells us of Heaven and reveals to us the gates of Hell. CHRIST is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of GOD its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide our feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents. Owned, it is riches; studied, it is wisdom; trusted, it is salvation; lived, it is character; and obeyed, it is power. It is the Word of our GOD which shall stand forever". Here are a few facts that may interest you - there are 773,692 words in the Bible, and a total of 3,566,480 letters. There are 39 books in the Old Testament, 929 chapters and 23,214 verses. The New Testament has 27 books, 260 chapters and 7,959 verses. The shortest book in the Old Testament is Obadiah. The shortest chapters in the Old Testament are Psalm 117 (2 verses) and Esther 10 (3 verses). The shortest verse in the Old Testament is 1 Chronicles 1:25; the shortest verse in the New Testament is John 11:35, "Jesus wept." The longest chapter in the Old Testament is Psalm 119; in the New Testament the longest chapter is the first chapter of Luke. Psalm 117 is the central chapter of the Bible, the heart of the Word of GOD. It takes 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible as any ordinary person would read a newspaper. It will take 52 hours and 20 minutes to read the Old Testament, 18 hours and 20 minutes is needed to read the New Testament. In the Old Testament it takes 4 hours and 28 minutes to read the Psalms, in the New Testament the Gospel of Luke requires the longest time, 2 hours and 43 minutes. The Bible is published in over 1200 languages to-day and in over 1000 more dialects and the work is still going on. The Bible was the first book to be printed, this took place in Mentz, Germany in 1450 by Gutenberg. The first copy of the English Bible appeared in 1535 and fifty years later the Bible was spreading all over England. Large crowds gathered in St. Paul’s to hear it read. In 1611 the Authorized Version of the Bible (also known as the King James Version) was given to the world. In all the writings in the English language there are none that excel it in beauty and arrangement. Its power as literature can never be estimated, because of the depth of life which it sounds and the range of life which it covers. THE WONDER OF ITS NAME The word "Bible" comes to us from the Greek word "biblia" which means "the books". The Bible is composed, as I have already told you, of 66 books. And yet it is in the truest sense but ONE BOOK. The Bible speaks of itself as just one book. In Psalms 40:7 we read, "In the volume of the book it is written." The word "SCRIPTURES" is also given to the Bible. The word "Scriptures" comes from the Latin, and means "the writings". In Daniel 10:21 we read of "The Scripture of truth". The Bible is also called "the Scripture" in John 10:35 where we read, "The Scripture cannot be broken". Note also 2 Peter 3:16, "the Scriptures." The phrase "The Holy Scriptures" is only used only once. In 2 Timothy 3:15 Paul writes to Timothy - "From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures". In Hebrews 4:12 the Bible is called "The Word of GOD." There are other names I could give you, but let me mention just one more reference in which the Bible definitely states that GOD was the writer - "The statutes, and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment, WHICH HE WROTE FOR YOU, ye shall observe to do forevermore; and ye shall not fear other gods" 2 Kings 17:37. HOW THE BIBLE WAS FORMED Have you wondered how we received this wonderful book that I have been telling you about? Let me trace the wonder of its formation before you so that you, too, dear reader, might see the Hand of GOD in and through it all: for remember, GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF OUR BIBLE. The men He used were just the channels He used to write down the message that was given to them. Do you know that the prophets who wrote the Bible under the leadership and guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT, often searched to find the meaning of the messages that were given to them? Listen to this, - "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow" (1 Peter 1:10-11). Does this make clear to you the fact that there was but one Master mind that formed the Bible? Remember this, the Bible was written by some forty persons, men in all walks of life - some of it was written by kings, some by shepherds, by prophets, by fisherman. One writer was a tax collector, another a physician, another a plowman and yet another a miner. These men wrote during a period beginning about 1500 years before CHRIST or even longer, until 100 years after CHRIST when the Apostle John completed the Book of the Revelation while on the isle of Patmos. Their places of residence were hundred of miles apart as well. The prophet Daniel wrote from Babylon, which was the capital of the Chaldean monarchy; while the Apostle Paul wrote from a prison in Rome, nearly 1600 miles away. Then, too, think of the content of their writings! The Bible is more than a history. It contains prophecy, law, biography, poetry, drama, psalms and proverbs, as well as warnings and exhortations. What a book this is! As you study its pages you will note the strong individuality of the writers. There is a very marked difference between the writings of Moses and the writings of the Prophet Isaiah; or even between the writings of the Isaiah and Daniel. Yet through it all we realize that each writer was giving GOD’s message in his own way and manner. With at least forty authors, writing in three different languages - Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek - written in countries hundreds of miles apart, and by men in every station in life from king to fishermen, over a period of 1500 years, under such varying circumstances; naturally we would expect the greatest possible variance and discord in their writings, and yet, as we study what they have written we find a most wonderful and marvelous unity. As the late Dr. Torrey stated it, - "Every part of the Bible fits every other part of the Bible - one ever increasing ever growing thought pervades the whole." THE ERRORS AND THE CONTRADICTIONS I know what some will say, perhaps some who read these words, - "What about the errors and contradictions in the Bible - does this reveal a unity of the whole?" I will admit to you that sometimes, on the surface, it does look as though the Bible contained errors and contradictions. But you will find, IN EVERY INSTANCE, without a single exception, that when we study the Bible, comparing Scripture with Scripture, as we are told to do, every difficulty disappears, there is no error or contradiction whatever the marvelous unity of the whole is clearly apparent. And the more you study the Word the more this wonderful unity is revealed. Every writer of the Bible had a purpose in view. Let me illustrate, - It is stated in the Book of Genesis which is the Book of beginnings, that "The seed of the woman will bruise the serpent’s head" (Genesis 3:15). Here we have the first promise given to us of one who would redeem us from sin. And as we continue we are told more of the CHRIST (the seed of the woman) who is to come. Prophet, priest and king give us details concerning His coming. Then we are told that He is born, He lives and carries on His three-fold ministry of healing, preaching and teaching, He is crucified, dead and buried. He breaks the bands of death rising from the dead, He ascends into Heaven; and then we are told of His Second Coming, the rise of the Anti-Christ of a period of trouble the greatest the world has ever known as "The Great Tribulation", the Battle of Armageddon and the consummation of the period known in Scripture as "The Times of the Gentiles." It is a marvelous, swift moving unity that is alive! What answer can any thinking man give to this? There is only one answer - back of the forty writers (writing throughout the centuries) guiding and directing them, empowering them, speaking in them and through them, WAS THE MIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOD. This is the only answer. It is the final answer. THIS EXPLAINS THE WONDER OF THE BIBLE’S FORMATION! Suppose it were proposed to build in our Capital City of Washington a temple that should represent the stone products of every State in the Union - some from the marble quarries of Marlboro, New Hampshire, others from the granite quarries of Quincy, Massachusetts; some from the brownstone quarries of Middleton, Connecticut; some from the gray sandstone quarries at Berea, Ohio; some from the porphyry quarries below Knoxville, Tennessee; and some from the redstone quarries near Hancock, Michigan; some from brownstone quarries at Kasota, Minnesota; some from the gypsum quarries of the far west- some from stones from every state in the Union. I want you, dear reader, to be convinced in your mind that GOD is the author of our Bible, that the men who wrote the message GOD gave to them were but the secretaries. I want, here and now as you are reading, to give you the illustration Dr. Torrey gave us to set before you this truth for I do not know of a better one. He says, - The stones were to be of all sizes and shapes - some large, some small, some medium, some cubical, some spherical, some conical, and some rectangular. Each stone was to be hewn into its final shape at the quarry from which it was taken. Not a stone was to be touched by mallet or chisel after it reached its destination. Finally the stones are at Washington and the builders go to work. As they build they find that every stone fits into every other stone, and into its place. It is found that there is not one stone too many, or one stone too few, until at last the builder’s work is done, and there rises before you a temple with its sidewalls, its buttresses, its naves, its arches, its transepts and its choirs, its roof, its pinnacles and its dome, perfect in every outline and in every detail; not one stone too many, and not one stone too few, not one stone left over and no niche or corner where one stone is lacking, and yet every stone hewn into its final shape in the quarry from which it was taken, HOW WOULD YOU ACCOUNT FOR IT? There is one very simple way to account for it, AND ONLY ONE WAY TO ACCOUNT FOR IT AT ALL, namely, that back of the individual quarryman was the master architect, who planned the whole building from the beginning, and gave to each individual quarryman his work and specifications. Now this is precisely what we find in that Temple of Eternal truth which we call the Bible; the stones for which are quarried in places remote from each other by hundreds of miles, and at periods of time 1500 years apart; stones of all conceivable sizes and shapes, and yet every stone fitting into its place, and fitting every other stone, until when the Book is finished there rises before you this matchless Temple of GOD’s Truth, perfect in every outline and in every detail, not one stone too many and not one stone too few, and yet every stone cut to its final shape in the quarry from which it was taken. HOW ARE YOU TO ACCOUNT FOR IT? There is but one rational way to account for it, that back of the human hands that wrought was THE MASTER MIND OF GOD that thought and gave to each individual workman His specifications for the work. You cannot get around it and be honest and fair. This is how our Bible was formed. Marvelous is the wonder of its formation. THE BIBLE WAS FORMED GRADUALLY Remember, dear reader, we did not receive our Bible complete from the beginning as we have it to-day. It was centuries in the making, the Scriptures were formed gradually, as the plan and program of GOD was unfolded. GOD spoke through men. The Bible came to us through the Jewish peoples. There just had to be a Divine channel, and Our Heavenly Father, in His loving purpose for the world’s blessing, selected this people through which the HOLY SPIRIT should work - not only for their sakes but for the sake of the whole world. You cannot read the Old and New Testaments without realizing that from the very beginning the people had an all pervading sense of GOD’s Presence and rule. Prophets and priests, apostles and teachers all had a part in revealing the plan and purpose of GOD. Some were ordinary men; others had a deep realization of GOD’s Presence and Power. They saw the sin of the people, they sounded out GOD’s call to repentance, promising His pardon and forgiveness. Each wrote under the guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT. Moses gave us the law; the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah and others, told us of things to come. They revealed to us the mind of GOD, they thundered out His punishment for sin. David sung songs of praise, Solomon gave us proverbs of Divine wisdom. Daniel told us of the beginning of Gentile World power, of its progress throughout the centuries and its ultimate end. Each gave us what the HOLY SPIRIT directed them to write. These writings became the Old Testament. The New Testament was formed the same way. BUT IT WAS GOD HIMSELF WHO GAVE US THE BOOK. HIS LOVE AND LIGHT SHINE THROUGH EVERY PAGE. A glory gilds the sacred page, Majestic like the sun; It gives a light to every age, It gives, but borrows none. The Hand that gave it still supplies The gracious light and heat, His truths upon the nations rise, They rise, but never set. Let everlasting thanks be Thine For such a bright display. As makes a world of darkness shine With beams of heavenly day. My soul rejoices to pursue The steps of Him I love, ’Til glory breaks upon my view In brighter worlds above. -- William Cowper Dear reader, spend more time reading your Bible. It has life, it has power. The sun never sets on its glowing page. It goes equally to the cottage of the plain man and the palace of the king. It is woven into the literature of the scholar, it colors the conversation of the streets. The Bible ministers to men when the fever of sickness is upon them; the aching head finds a softer pillow when the Bible is beneath. It blesses us when we are born; rejoices with us; sympathizes with us in our sorrow; it tempers our grief. It lifts us above ourselves, it reveals CHRIST and the glorious plan of salvation, and it shows us our final home. Begin the day by reading the Bible with the family. Many of you remember how your fathers and mothers read it when you were but a child. Its truth became a part of your very life. "The Bible is the best book The book we hold so dear, A story book, a picture book, A book of songs to cheer. The Bible tells of JESUS, Now in His home above, The Bible brings the message sweet Of GOD’s most wondrous love. -- J. W. Wood WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR BIBLE? Do you realize that it is a book of life? I am sure that you have a Bible, but what good is it if YOU NEVER READ IT? Perhaps, dear reader, you are one of those who know folk who scornfully ignore GOD’s Holy Word, or have heard others heap ridicule upon it. This has taken place so often and so long that you have come to believe that what these enemies of GOD’s Word are saying is true. HOW TO KNOW THE TRUTH Face the facts. Consider the wonder of the Bible’s formation. GOD wrote it using men. GOD has protected it from all the onslaughts of all its enemies. Every device known to man has been used to destroy it. In every age its enemies have been vanquished. GOD’s Holy Word still stands, transforming life and character, bringing its message of life and love to all who read its pages. There are more Bibles being printed and read in this space age than at any time in all the history of the world. It is in as great demand to-day as ever. Why? Because it meets man’s greatest need, the need of the soul. Examine any book written by man, your reaction will be normal and ordinary. But examine GOD’s Holy Word and you will find that something has happened, the Bible has examined you, you will see yourself as GOD sees you. If you want to know the truth, if you are willing to be honest with yourself and with GOD, the Bible will reveal it to you. You will see sin as it is - terrible, plighting in its power, soul destructive in its result, punished at its end. YOU WILL SEE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOUR, AS GOD IN THE FLESH, THE ONE WHO DIED UPON THE CROSS THAT YOU MIGHT LIVE. You will be convinced in your heart that He rose from the dead, that He ascended into Heaven and that He will soon return to take His own out of this world, so wicked and wrecked by sin. You will discover the secret of live itself from the Bible, for it tells of the personality and work of the HOLY SPIRIT and of His coming into this world to live in our bodies to meet our every need be it material, physical or spiritual. (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16). Do you want to know the truth? Then know this - this HOLY SPIRIT IS HERE NOW! He is there this very moment as you are reading, He is closer to you than the heart that is beating in your bosom. He wants to release GOD’s Mighty power to make real the wonderful promises of salvation and blessing the Bible tells you about. I mean this - I say it once again - The Blessed HOLY SPIRIT, of Whom the Bible tells IS HERE NOW, right now, there where you are. I want you to KNOW HIM. He does not have a body as our LORD JESUS did, He does not have a body that He might live in your body. When you open the door of your heart, and you do this by an act of your will, then He will enter your body and you will enjoy the wonderful blessing He brings. Then your Bible will cease to be just a book to you, it will become the very WORD OF GOD - food for your soul, a light to brighten your pathway, a guide to direct your footsteps, a source of supply for your every need. Are you asking me to tell you just what you should do that this experience may become real to you? If so, I will tell you. Begin reading the Gospel of John. Read it with an open mind, a willing heart. Throw aside all preconceived ideas, they are no help to you, only a hindrance. Give the HOLY SPIRIT a chance to speak to you through GOD’s Word. Read how the "Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Read the wonderful story of the New Birth in John’s Gospel, Chapter 3. As you prayerfully read the mighty truth of the Gospel will break like a flood upon your soul. You will see yourself as you are in GOD’s sight. YOU WILL SEE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS A SAVIOUR. When you open the door of your heart the HOLY SPIRIT will enter. He will make real the promise of GOD’s which says, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." You can be certain of this, if He will not cast you out, He will most certainly take you in. He will cleanse you from all your sin, for the promise given is, - "The Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). When the blood has been applied to your wicked sinful soul, then every sin you have committed in all your life is covered by the Blood, then your heart Is cleansed, then you are made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) then the HOLY SPIRIT unites with your spirit, this is how you are born again. Do you see what happens when this miracle takes place? The Bible becomes a personal message TO YOU. It calls you by name. Its winsome loveliness becomes so real to you that you wonder how you could have treated it as you did. It is like a mother’s love caroled out of the very heart of GOD. The message of love is understood in any language. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S MESSAGE OF LOVE TO YOU! When the cry of death is heard in the dark, when there is no star to lighten the way, only a muttering thunder as an accompaniment to the rustle of the wings of the angel of death, then this Blessed Word of GOD sends out its light. O the Wonders of the Word! "Blessed Book, Precious Book, On Thy dear old tear-stained leaves I love to look: Thou art sweeter day by day, as I walk the narrow way. That leads at last to that bright Home above" ======================================================================== CHAPTER 3: 02-THE WONDER OF ITS INSPIRATION ======================================================================== THE WONDER OF ITS INSPIRATION Chapter 2 In the last chapter I tried to bring to you, dear reader, some facts, showing you the wonder of the formation of GOD’s Holy Word. We saw how the Bible came to us gradually. Little by little, part by part, century after century, it came out in unrelated portions, written by forty different men, covering a period of over 1500 years. Moses laid its foundation not knowing who would build after him. Writer after writer followed, each writing in his own way, setting down the message which was given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. One man wrote in Arabia, another in Syria, a third wrote in Palestine, another in Greece and Italy. Some wrote hundreds of years both before and after the others. The first part was written hundreds of years before the man who wrote the last part was born. No man was ordered to write the Bible, nor was there any concerted plan followed by the writers; yet everything written is in perfect agreement with everything else, because the Bible was given to us under the inspiration and guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT. GOD is its author; the men the writers. Wonderful, indeed, is the fact of its formation. Yes, GOD wrote the Bible, every word of it. John 6:37. I am not trying to defend the Bible, dear reader, no man needs to do so, FOR THE BIBLE IS ITS OWN DEFENSE. What I hope I can do is to strengthen your faith, this always happens when we realize how firm a foundation GOD has given to us in the Word of GOD. So in this chapter I want to deal with the WONDER OF ITS INSPIRATION. I want, as best I can, to explain to you what is meant when we say, "The Bible is inspired". I hope that this will give you a greater love and reverence for GOD’s Holy Word. In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read, - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Before we go farther, I want to explain to you, dear reader, what I mean by "INSPIRATION". The Word rendered "Scripture" in the passage you have just read is the word "Graphe". It refers to ANYTHING WRITTEN. And all writing is composed of words. The word "inspiration" comes from the Greek word "Theopneustos" which, when translated, literally means "God-breathed". That is, the written words which compose the Bible are "God-breathed". Now go with me to the Book of Genesis where we read the story of the Creation. Consider these words, - "The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, AND BREATHED INTO HIS NOSTRILS THE BREATH OF LIFE, and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7). Do you see that it was the breath of GOD that gave man life? Let us turn now to the Book of Job. Elihu speaks, saying, - "The Spirit of GOD hath made me, and the BREATH OF THE ALMIGHTY hath given me life" (Job 33:4). There is yet one more verse at this time I would have you consider, it is found in Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Do you see that the same GOD Who breathed into the nostrils of man giving him life, and Who has given life to every soul since man was first created, is the One Who gave the breath of life to the Bible? For the Bible is made up of writings that are composed of words, and the words are "God-breathed". This is what gives the Bible "life". This is why, when you examine the Bible, as I told you in the last chapter, YOU FIND THE BIBLE EXAMINES YOU. It is because the Bible is living, it is GOD-breathed, and it is alive. This is what I mean when I say to you, "The Bible is inspired". THE MEN WHO WROTE THE BIBLE WERE NOT INSPIRED, IT WAS THEIR WRITINGS I hope you will give this statement some prayerful consideration, for I know that if you will do so it may clear up some of the difficulties you may have. For the Bible is either the inspired Word of GOD or it is the word of man. It is one of the two, you must agree with me in this. If the Bible is but the word of man as some Modernists teach, then man should write a Bible to-day that is just as good as the one we have. In fact, if this be true, THEN MEN SHOULD WRITE A BETTER BIBLE THAN THE ONE WE HAVE; for with all the added light men have to-day this should be possible if, as Modernist say, the Bible is but the word of man. But the truth is, men have not done so, men cannot do so. Why? Because the Bible is NOT THE WORD OF MAN BUT THE WORD OF GOD! It is "God-breathed". Men wrote as they were commanded by GOD. Let me show you, dear reader, for the Word of GOD amply demonstrates this truth. We go, first of all, to the Old Testament, - "And Moses said unto the LORD, ’O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since Thou hast spoken unto Thy servant: for I am slow of speech and of a slow tongue.’ And the LORD said unto him, ’Who hath made man’s mouth?... Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say’" (Exodus 4:10-12). Seven times Moses tells us that the tables of stone containing the commandments, were the work of GOD, and the writing was the writing of GOD, given upon the tables of stone. (Exodus 31:18). "And the LORD said unto Moses, ’WRITE THOU THESE WORDS’" (Exodus 34:27). "And He said, ’WITH HIM (that is, Moses) WILL I SPEAK MOUTH TO MOUTH’" (Numbers 12:8). Here is yet another command that GOD gave to Moses, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shalt ye diminish ought from it" (Deuteronomy 4:2). It was David who said, - "The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and His Word was in my tongue" (2 Samuel 23:2). Jeremiah puts it in these words, - "’Ah! LORD GOD! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.’ But the LORD said unto me, ’Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee,’ saith the LORD. Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, ’Behold, I have put My words in thy mouth’" (Jeremiah 1:6-9). Nearly 100 times the prophet Jeremiah says he is giving "The Word of the LORD." In the five books written by Moses and in the Psalm the words, "Thus saith the LORD," "The LORD said," "The Lord spake," "The LORD hath spoken," "The saying of the LORD", and "The Word of the LORD" are used hundreds of times. If there is any question in your mind, dear reader, as to whether what I have just told you is true, I suggest you take Your Bible Concordance and look this up for yourself. Then you will be convinced in your heart that the writers of the Bible WR0TE THE VERY WORDS THAT GOD GAVE TO THEM. Turn now to the Book of Isaiah. Do you know that over twenty times the Prophet Isaiah states that he is writing "the words of the LORD"? Every one of the prophets knew that their message was the Word of the LORD. Here are a few more examples, "Son of man, all My words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, ’THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD’" (Ezekiel 3:10-11). Dear reader, do you question the Prophet Ezekiel’s knowledge that GOD was speaking through him? Daniel said, - "When I heard the voice of His Words" (Daniel 10:9). Hosea said, - "The Word of the LORD" (Hosea 1:1). Joel said, - "The Word of The LORD that came to Joel" (Joel 1:1). Amos said, - "Hear this Word that the LORD hath spoken" (Amos 3:1.). Obadiah said, - "Thus saith the LORD GOD" (Obadiah 1:1). Jonah said, - "The Word of the LORD came unto Jonah" (Jonah 1:1). Micah said, - "The Word of the LORD that came to Micah" (Micah 1:1). I could go on in this way to the end of the Old Testament; for every writer, without a single exception, states that he is giving "THE WORD OF THE LORD." In the Book of Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, the words, "Thus saith the LORD," is used 24 times. Let us turn now to the New Testament. Here, too, in an even greater way, we see the hand of GOD - guiding, directing, and empowering those who wrote. Each had a work to do, each wrote presenting the message from a different point of view. Thus the writers of the four Gospels reveal to us the CHRIST of GOD - wonderful, Divine, the Saviour and Redeemer of men! Matthew wrote for the Jews, showing JESUS as the KING of the Jews, the Royal lawgiver. Mark wrote for the Romans, showing JESUS as the miracle worker, the mighty power of GOD. Luke wrote for the Greeks, showing JESUS as the Friend of sinners, human and understanding, yet the Wisdom of GOD. John shows JESUS as the Son of GOD, as well as the Son of man, HAVING AND GIVING ETERNAL LIFE. Each man wrote under the guidance and leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT. Matthew stresses CHRIST’s genealogy; Mark His majesty; Luke His humanity; and John His Divinity. At the close of the Book they wrote Matthew stresses His resurrection; Mark His ascension; Luke His parting benediction and promise of power, and John His coming again. This same wonderful leading, showing the hand of GOD, continues all through the Epistles, and is likewise shown in the Book of the Revelation. Each writer knew that he was but the channel, the means by which GOD’s message was given to man. Of course each wrote expressing his personality through his writings, but it was GOD’s message that was given. Dr. James Brooks is authority for the statement, "The phrase ’Thus saith the LORD’ or its equivalent, is used by the writers of the Bible over 2,000 times." If we were to take from the Bible this phrase and all that its context implies, I wonder how much of the Bible would be left? John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, has this to say about it, - "I beg leave to give a short, clear argument for the Divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. The Bible must be the invention of good men or angels, bad men or devils, or of GOD. It could not be the invention of good men or angels for they neither could nor would make a book and tell lies all the time they were writing it, saying, ’Thus saith the LORD’, when it was their own invention. It could not be the invention of bad men or devils, for they could not make a book which commands all duty, forbids all sins, and condemns their own souls to Hell for all eternity. Therefore, I draw the conclusion that the Bible must be given by Divine inspiration." THE LORD JESUS REALIZED THE WONDER OF THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE AND REGARDED IT AS THE WORD OF GOD Do you know that the precious name of JESUS occurs nearly 700 times in the New Testament? It is mentioned over 600 times in the Gospels alone. In the Gospels of Mark and Luke the name of JESUS occurs about 100 times in each book; in the Gospel of Matthew it occurs about 170 times; in John’s Gospel 250 times; in the Book of the Acts 25 times and in the Epistles about 30 times. THE NAME OF JESUS AND CHRIST JESUS is the personal name given to our LORD, it is identical with Joshua (Ezra 3:2). It means JEHOVAH, our Saviour. Hence the name "JESUS" fulfils the prophecy that His name should be called "Immanuel" GOD with us. CHRIST, MESSIAH, and The Anointed one are synonymous names. The word "CHRIST" comes from the Greek; the word "MESSIAH" from the Hebrew; and the word "The Anointed One" comes from the French. This title is official. He is the "Sent One", anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. The writers of the Old Testament wrote of the CHRIST who was to come, Just as a red cord runs through every piece of rope in the British navy, so a red cord runs all through the Old Testament, telling of the CHRIST who was to come. CHRIST’s virgin birth was told in Genesis 3:15 and in Isaiah 7:14, it was fulfilled in Matthew 1:23. His call out of Egypt was told in Hosea 11:1, it was fulfilled in Matthew 2:15. The time of His birth was told in Daniel 9:25, it was fulfilled in Galatians 4:4. His place of birth was told in Micah 5:2, it was fulfilled in Matthew 2:6. His name, "Immanuel" was given Him in Isaiah 7:14, it was fulfilled in Matthew 1:23. His appearance in the Temple was told in Haggai 2:7-9, it was fulfilled in John 2:13-16. His betrayal for thirty pieces of silver was told in Zechariah 11:12, it was fulfilled in Matthew 26:15. The parting of His garments was told in Psalms 22:18, it was fulfilled in John 19:23. His resurrection was foretold in Psalms 16:9-11, it was fulfilled in Acts 2:27-31. His ascension was foretold in Psalms 68:18, it was fulfilled in Acts 1:9. His coming again is stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, IT COULD BE FULFILLED TO-DAY, EVEN AS YOU READ. The LORD JESUS referred to the Old Testament over 400 times. He never questioned the inspiration of its writing. Whenever He made a reference to the Old Testament He did it without any hesitation whatever. He accepted the Old Testament narratives and records as authentic and historically true. He did not give or even suggest a mythical or an allegorical interpretation, not once; He accepted these narratives as true. Let me give you a few examples, When the Pharisees asked JESUS if it were lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause, He said, - "Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ’For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh?’" (Matthew 19:4-5). Modernists deny the story of creation as given in the Bible. They tell us life began with a primordial cell, that man is constantly improving. JESUS set His seal upon the creation story as given in GOD’s Word. He knew that man was created by GOD. How did He know this? He knew it because He was there when it happened, for He had a vital part in it. Remember, dear reader, Our LORD JESUS existed long before He was born in Bethlehem. Does this statement shock you? Perhaps it does, many believers think His wonderful life began with His birth but this was not the case. Let me prove what I am saying. Do you recall the experience of Moses at the burning bush? Moses was called by GOD to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. It happened at Mount Horeb while tending the sheep owned by Jethro, his father-in-law. Moses saw an angel suddenly appear before him out of a bush that burned with fire yet was not consumed. When Moses was commanded to return to Egypt and to go to Pharaoh asking him to let the Children of Israel go, Moses said, "Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, ’The GOD of your fathers hath sent me unto you,’ and they shall say to me, ’What is his name?’ What shall I say unto them? And GOD said unto Moses, ’I AM THAT I AM: and he said, ’Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, ’I AM’ hath sent me unto you’" (Exodus 3:13-14). It was centuries later, our LORD JESUS was talking to the Pharisees who were putting forth every effort to trap Him that they might kill Him. When He told them that all that would keep His sayings would never see or experience death, they said He was possessed of a demon. They said that Abraham was dead, the prophets were dead, but who are you, to say that if one would keep your saying he would never taste of death? Now note carefully what JESUS said to these Pharisees, - "’Abraham rejoiced to see My day; and he saw it and was glad.’ Then said the Jews unto Him, ’Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham?’ JESUS said unto them, ’Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM’" (John 8:56-58). I hope you see, dear reader, that JESUS, the "I AM" of the New Testament is also the "I Am" who spoke to Moses on Mount Horeb where the bush burned. But there is still more proof I would give you. The Apostle Paul said, regarding JESUS, - "For by Him were all things created that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers: ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM: AND HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS, and by Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:16-17). O, THE WONDER OF THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE! Our LORD JESUS accepted the Bible story of the He said, - "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37). JESUS likewise set His seal upon the truth of the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, see Matthew 11:23. Let me give you one more example showing you that our LORD JESUS accepted the inspiration of the entire Old Testament. This should convince the most skeptical. We turn to the 24th chapter of the Book of Luke. After the resurrection of the LORD JESUS from the dead two of the believers were walking to Emmaus, a village which was a little over six miles from Jerusalem. While they were walking on the way JESUS joined them though they did not know it was JESUS. They told Him why they were heavy of heart, they recounted the events which had taken place during the past week, the trial and the crucifixion of JESUS. Then JESUS began to explain to them the clear teaching of the Scriptures. Beginning with Moses, and going through the prophecies our LORD JESUS made clear to them what the Scriptures had to say concerning Himself. Let me ask you, is this not proof that He believed the Scriptures to be inspired of GOD? Then later the same day JESUS appeared to all the disciples. He said unto them, - "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:44-45). To me, this proves, without the shadow of a doubt, that JESUS knew that the Scriptures were inspired, that they were literally "GOD-breathed". What if men do question the inspiration of the Bible? Shall I accept the denial of the natural man, who does not have spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14), when I have the clear testimony of our LORD JESUS who is the Blessed Son of GOD? But there is yet another proof of the Wonder of its inspiration. And this is the greatest proof of all. I want to show you, - FINALLY, THE WONDER OF ITS INSPIRATION IS SHOWN IN ITS POWER TO IMPART SPIRITUAL LIFE AND SAVE A SOUL All unsaved folk, no matter who they are, are spiritually blind, they are bound by sinful habits, and they are spiritually dead. This is not only plainly stated in the Bible, it is proven by experience. How are they to be given spiritual life? There is only one way - through the inspired Word of GOD. Men cannot save themselves. A dead man has no life in him. Spiritual life can only come through the life-giving power of the HOLY SPIRIT. GOD’s Holy Word says, - "By grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES: it is the gift of GOD" (Ephesians 2:8). How can a dead soul get a saving faith? This is an important question and there is but one answer - the Bible gives it, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing BY THE WORD OF GOD" (Romans 10:17). Do you see the place the inspired Word of GOD has in the saving of a soul? If the Bible were just the writing of man, it would have no power; but the inspired Word of GOD is alive, it can impart spiritual life. JESUS said, - "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). Dear unsaved soul, bound by the habits of sin, spiritually dead, listen to GOD’s message to you given in GOD’s inspired Word, "Receive with meekness THE ENGRAFTED WORD WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS" (James 1:21). "Of His own will begat He us BY THE WORD OF TRUTH" (James 1:18). When you open the door of your heart, giving the HOLY SPIRIT entrance, and allowing Him to take complete control of you life, then He will apply the Blood of CHRIST which will cleanse your heart of all its sin, then unite with your spirit and you will be spiritually born, begotten of the HOLY SPIRIT. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Peter 1:23). What a wonderful message this wonderful Word of GOD brings to us! My sinner friend, it will completely change your life! 1. THIS INSPIRED WORD OF GOD WILL CLEANSE YOU FROM ALL SIN. Our LORD JESUS made this clear to us. Dear sinner friend, why wait another day when you can be cleansed from all your sins? Would you like to be made clean? Would you like to have your many sins completely blotted out? Would you like to begin life anew? YOU CAN! "Now ye are clean through the WORD which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3). "Husbands, love your wives, even as CHRIST also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water BY THE WORD, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25-27). The church is composed of the born again folk who are members of all the different denominations. When you accept CHRIST as your Saviour, opening the door of your heart, the HOLY SPIRIT enters and you are born again, you become a part of the church. 2. WE ARE KEPT FROM SIN AND FROM THE POWER OF THE DEVIL THROUGH THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD. Show me a Christian who feeds daily upon the Word of GOD, making it a part of his daily life, and I will show you a man who knows the thrill of victory. Just think! That Bible that you have in your home - in the bureau drawer or lying on that center table but rarely opened - will keep you from sin and give you victory over the temptations of the Devil. Listen to these testimonies from GOD’s Holy Word, - "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalms 119:11). "By the Word of Thy lips, I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer" (Psalms 17:4). Dear reader, if you would enjoy victory over the Devil then spend more time reading GOD’s Holy Inspired Word. In the Pacific Garden Rescue Mission in Chicago in the Bible, which they give to every convert you will read these words, "THIS BOOK WILL KEEP YOU FROM SIN, OR SIN WILL KEEP YOU FROM THIS BOOK." How true this is! Oh that men would use the Inspired Word to keep them from sin! 3. THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD WILL FULFIL ALL ITS CLAIMS AND PROMISES IF WE WILL MEET ITS CONDITIONS. Unsaved soul, reading these lines, will you heed the message of GOD’s Holy Word? I have tried to show you in this chapter the WONDER OF ITS INSPIRATION. I know what it will do in your life. It is alive! It is living and powerful! Turn to its life-giving message! It was prepared for YOU! You can, even now as you read, experience the power of its cleansing through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT: Let men mock, let them sneer and heap ridicule upon GOD’s Holy Word. There are many who are doing so in this space age, but remember this - GOD’S HOLY WORD WILL ALWAYS ENDURE! Tell it in the shop, ring it out in the school, proclaim it in the church and the home - THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD! Tell it to the world - "IT IS GOD BREATHED". Tell it everywhere, that what Moses said; and David said; and Isaiah; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; Matthew; Mark; Luke; John and all the other writers said IS WHAT GOD SAID! Oh for a revival of faith in GOD’s Holy Inspired Word! Let the Word of GOD be read again in all our schools! Oh for a revival of the old fashioned Family Altar, when the entire family opened and read the Holy Word of GOD! Has the Spirit of GOD been talking to you as you have been reading? Do you sense His Presence? He is with you, even NOW. Will you let Him, Who inspired GOD’s Holy Word, take complete control of your life? GOD help you to do it! ======================================================================== CHAPTER 4: 03-THE WONDER OF ITS UNFAILING ACCURACY ======================================================================== THE WONDER OF ITS UNFAILING ACCURACY Chapter 3 In the first chapter I brought before you THE WONDER OF THE BIBLE’S FORMATION. We saw the hand of GOD working through more than forty writers, men from all walks of life, writing over a period covering more than 1500 years - yet the finished product is a wonderful, unified whole. There is only one explanation for this, it is that GOD IS ITS AUTHOR. In chapter two we considered THE WONDER OF THE BIBLE’S INSPIRATION. We saw that the writings of the men that GOD used were literally "GOD-BREATHED". From cover to cover of the Bible we hear the words sounded hundreds of times - "Thus saith the LORD". It is indeed GOD’s message to man. In this chapter we will carefully examine "THE WONDER OF ITS UNFAILING ACCURACY". Attempts have been made in every age to discredit its statements, to prove the Bible false. Especially is this true in this space age. I want to call to your attention some of the attempts that have been made; and to show you that GOD’s Holy Word is absolutely accurate in what it says, that every effort made by man to discredit the Bible has proved a complete failure. How our faith is strengthened when we realize that this is true! This proof has been piling up throughout the ages; to-day a mountain of testimony is before us. The enemies of the Bible have not been able to produce one single error. Here is a verse I would like to have you commit to memory, "Thy Word is true from the beginning" (Psalms 119:160). I hardly know where to begin the consideration of the WONDER OF THE BIBLE’S UNFAILING ACCURACY, there is so much proof that can be produced. To give you what I have gleaned in the preparation of this manuscript would fill a small volume in itself. Therefore I can only give the heart of what I have found. Remember this - the Devil is behind all the attacks that have been made to discredit the Bible. The Word of GOD is "THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT", therefore the Devil would do all he can to destroy "THE SWORD". What good is a soldier if he does not have a weapon? Just as GOD used men to write the Bible, so the Devil uses men to try to discredit its statements. Dear reader, do not be misled by the type of men who attack the accuracy of the Bible. It matters not whether they be men working in a shop or factory, or whether teachers in some school or university, or modernists in the garb of a minister standing behind a pulpit. Just because they may be men in some exalted position, holding a place of influence and authority, does not mean that what they teach, preach or write against the accuracy of the Bible is true. DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THESE MEN, do some constructive study and thinking for yourself. I want to prove to you the WONDER OF THE UNFAILING ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE FROM FIVE DIFFERENT SOURCES, - 1. The testimony of geologists. 2. The spade of the archeologist. 3. The laboratory of the chemist. 4. The telescope of the astronomer. 5. The study of the prophetic student. FIRST OF ALL, LET US CONSIDER THE TESTIMONY OF THE GEOLOGIST There is much the geologist can tell us. He studies the rock strata of the earth. If the Bible be true, if its statements are unfailingly accurate, then what it says should be in harmony with the findings of the geologist. GEOLOGY CONFIRMS THE BIBLE STORY OF THE CREATION OF MAN. I need not tell you that most of our schools and colleges teach that man is a lineal descendant of the lower animals. I believe this doctrine of Evolution is the greatest menace to Christianity to-day, this doctrine that man was not created by GOD as the Bible says he was, but is a blood relative of the brutes below him. Dear reader, there is not one single reference either by word, phrase, or syllable, that in the most remote way suggests such a doctrine. GOD’s Holy Word definitely contradicts such teaching. Read the Word for yourself, "All flesh is not the same flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds" (1 Corinthians 15:39). The pick of the geologist has discovered over 100 specimens of vertebrate life in the early rocks, and most of these are alive to-day. Not one instance can be found where there is any material change from the time they were buried in the rocks until to-day. All nature confirms GOD’s law as stated in the Bible; every living thing brings forth AFTER ITS KIND. THE SPADE OF THE ARCHEOLOGIST ALSO BEARS TESTIMONY TO THE UNFAILING ACCURACY OF GOD’S HOLY WORD Let me throw up the warning sign - atheists, infidels, skeptics and unbelievers, beware! You had better drop your spade and not attempt to dig in Bible ruins, for IN EVERY INSTANCE the spade has brought to light discoveries that substantiate the Bible record to the most minute detail. Let me illustrate this fact, - College students attending some universities one hundred years and more ago were told by their professors that Moses could not have written the first five books of the Bible because written language was unknown at that time. How they did heap ridicule and scorn upon the Bible! As a result, many of the students became atheists, some died as unbelievers because of this false testimony. Why do I say "false testimony"? Because several generations ago a peasant woman working in her back yard preparing a garden, found some stone tablets. When the authorities dug up all they could find they found that they had 320 letters which they labeled the "Tel El Amarna" letters. These stone tablets when translated were seen to be the correspondence from Egyptian consuls in Palestine to Pharaoh and his officials in Egypt regarding business and political conditions in Caanan. They were old, old letters, for the date was definitely fixed that they were written before the conquest of Palestine by Joshua. How do the authorities know this date to be correct? Because the Canaanities were still in possession of the land when these consuls wrote home to Egypt. These consuls give by name the nations destroyed by Joshua, as well as the names of the cities conquered by him. This proves without a shadow of a doubt that writing was not only known and used during the time of Moses, but it had been in existence hundreds of years before. Do you still question whether Moses wrote the books ascribed to him? Thus these tablets found by that peasant woman give ABSOLUTE PROOF OF THE UNFAILING ACCURACY OF GOD’S HOLY WORD. THE DISCOVERY OF THIRTY-FIVE MUMMIES At almost the same time Professor Maspero, who was one of the leading archeologist of that day, learned that tourists coming from the region of the Nile were bringing with them valuable curios, which after examination he discovered they had come from the tombs of royalty. No official report of a royal find had come to him, so he decided to investigate. Some months later he found an Arab who with his brothers had discovered in the region of the tombs of the kings a room that was full of mummies and curios. They uncovered an opening which led into the ground thirty-seven feet. At its end was this room, it was thirteen feet wide and twenty-three feet long and here, closely packed together were thirty-five mummies. They were, of course, well wrapped. They took them to a museum at Cairo where they were unwrapped. Let me tell you, dear reader, what they found. They had the body of the Pharaoh’ of Joseph’s time, the mummy of Pharaoh’s daughter who found Moses, her father Ramses the Great, who ruled Egypt when the children of Israel left Egypt. The oldest mummy was one who had been dead five thousand years. Among these mummies were those of Jannes and Jambres who were spoken of by the Apostle Paul who said, "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth" (2 Timothy 3:8). Among these mummies were these two men, who, no doubt, by their cunning tried to reproduce and discredit the miracles wrought by Moses. Even the expression on their faces showed the kind of men they were. What a testimony the archaeologist has given us to the unfailing accuracy of the Bible! Skeptics and agnostics have told us that these kings never existed. Yet GOD has preserved their bodies for over five thousand years, that in His own time they might be brought forth to prove without the shadow of a doubt, that they actually lived. Thus the record of the Bible is substantiated, not only the Old Testament story given us by Moses, but the New Testament record given us by the Apostle Paul, as well. If space allowed I could tell you more in detail how Professor Naville of Geneva in 1884 while excavating at Tanis, Egypt, found a square of underground buildings having thick walls. They were two story buildings. When he examined the lower tiers of bricks he found they had been made without straw, thus confirming the story given in the fifth chapter of the Book of Exodus, telling how the Israelites were forced to make bricks without straw. I would tell you also of the Grenfell and Hunt expedition which in 1897 in the valley of the Nile, some 120 miles south of Cairo, discovered literally tons of Greek papyri, hundreds of which were written in the language of the New Testament. These confirm the message of the Word of GOD, revealing to us that GOD’s Holy Word is unfailingly accurate; it is true and absolutely dependable. GOD help you, dear reader, to realize this truth! THE LABORATORY OF THE CHEMIST LIKEWISE SHOWS US THE WONDER OF THE UNFAILING ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE I have already told you that the Bible story of the creation of man can be relied upon as absolutely true. Now let chemistry, as well, testify to the unfailing accuracy of the Book! 1. CONSIDER THE ELEMENTS COMPOSING THE HUMAN BODY. The Book of Genesis, chapter two, verse seven tells us, "And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul." The Word of GOD says that man was formed "of the dust of the ground". Chemistry has demonstrated to us that, as far as we know now, the universe is composed of 118 chemical elements, no more, no less. Now listen to this - there are 16 elements in the dust of the ground. And we are told that man is composed of just 16 elements. The late Dr. Arthur I Brown is authority for the following facts: - "The protoplasm in man is composed of 72% oxygen, 13.5% carbon, 9.1% hydrogen and 2.5% nitrogen. This leaves about 3% made up of small amounts of phosphorus, chlorine, sulphur, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and silicon, with a touch of fluorine, iodine and manganese. To this is added about 70% water." Dr. E. F. Lawson gives us the following analysis to a person weighing 140 pounds: "Water enough to fill a ten gallon keg. Fat enough for seven bars of soap. Carbon enough for 9000 lead pencils. Phosphorus enough to make 2200 matches. Magnesium enough to make one dose of salts. Iron enough to make one medium sized nail. Lime enough to whitewash a chicken-coop. Sulphur enough to rid your dog of fleas. The whole worth about 78 cents." Here again we see the unfailing accuracy of the Word of GOD. 2. CONSIDER THE CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD THROUGH THE BODY. A normal man of 160 pounds has about four quarts of blood in his body. For centuries it was believed that the arteries were hollow tubes. No one knew that the blood circulates through the body once every 23 seconds, until an English doctor by the name of Harvey made known to the world what is now a well established fact. Yet the Bible in Ecclesiastes 12:6 gives us the proof for the circulation of the blood. This is just another proof of the unfailing accuracy of GOD’s Holy Word. Tell me, dear reader, who gave this information to Solomon? 3. CONSIDER THE LAWS OF BACTERIOLOGY GIVEN TO US IN THE BIBLE. Have you ever watched a surgeon scrub his hands under a tap just before he begins an operation? Years ago medical science learned that if an operation were to be successful, everything used about the patient must be as sterile as possible. This is why the surgeon will scrub and scrub until every possible germ is removed from his hands. Why does he use running water? Why just fill the bowl and then scrub? Simply because his hands would never be clean if he washed in a bowl. Germs would be in the water, and no matter how long he scrubbed germs would still remain on his hands. The running water carries off the germs as fast as they are scrubbed loose. We have only known the laws that govern bacteria a short time, but GOD gave these laws to Moses centuries before. Read GOD’s command, "When he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing; and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh IN RUNNING WATER, and shall be clean" (Leviticus 15:13). How did Moses know the laws governing bacteriology unless GOD gave them to him? Oh the wonder of the unfailing accuracy of the Bible! 4. CONSIDER THE INVENTION OF PRINTING Printing was unknown until a man by the name of Gutenberg discovered by accident this wonderful art. The Bible was the first book to be printed. And yet, do you know that Job, centuries before CHRIST was born, wrote of printing a book? Hear the cry of the prophet Job, "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book!" (Job 19:23). Writing was known to man but who revealed to Job the fact that it was possible to print a book? This was known long before the chemist gave us printers ink. There are many other illustrations I could give you but these will, I do believe, suffice to prove to you the unfailing accuracy of GOD’s Holy Word from the laboratory of the chemist. GOD’s Word is true! GOD’s Word is revealing! Oh, that I could get you to faithfully study its pages! THE TELESCOPE OF THE ASTRONOMER LIKEWISE BEARS TESTIMONY TO THE UNFAILING ACCURACY OF THE SCRIPTURES I have already mentioned the ideas that the ancients had regarding the earth, stating that they believed it was held up on the heads of elephants. It was generally believed that the earth was flat; even in the days of Columbus believed the earth to be round, even though his sailors believed the earth to be flat and that if they sailed far enough they would come to the "jumping off place". But centuries before, the prophet Isaiah preached that the earth was round. Speaking of GOD Isaiah said, "He sitteth upon the circle of the earth" (Isaiah 40:22). Who told the prophet Isaiah that the earth was round? The common belief was that the earth was flat. Job, who gave to us what is believed to be the oldest book in the Bible, bears this testimony regarding the earth, "He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing" (Job 26:7). Astronomers tell us that in all the universe there is only one place where there are no stars, and that is in the north. Who gave the prophet Job this information? Who revealed to him the laws that govern the universe? It was Galileo who discovered that the earth revolved on its axis, but Job knew this centuries before. It was Torricelli who discovered that the air has weight, but this was already known by Job. "He... seeth under the whole Heaven; to make the weight for the winds" (Job 28:24-25). THE SINGING STARS Turn now to the 38th chapter of the Book of Job, and read one scientific fact after another which is known and accepted. Take the seventh verse, "The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of GOD shouted for joy." Here is another Bible reference to this same fact, "Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice" (Psalms 65:8). Let me tell you what this means. Modern astronomy makes clear to us the fact that "light is vocal". When the ether waves vibrate rapidly, this is what constitutes light, this vibration creates a singing sound. We cannot hear it for our ears are not sensitive enough to hear the music, but it is there nevertheless. How marvelous is this testimony to the unfailing accuracy of GOD’s Holy Word! Each succeeding generation reveals to man new discoveries, which are stated in GOD’s Word. Editions of man’s books are absolutely out of date in a few years; encyclopedias of a few years ago can be bought at half price because of man’s changing ideas. But the Bible never changes, it is always up to date, it is scientifically correct! THE NUMBER OF THE STARS Take, for instance, the number of the stars. It was believed at one time that the total number of the stars was 3,146. But as men invented more powerful telescopes they realized the truth of GOD’s Holy Word that, "The host of Heaven cannot be numbered" (Jeremiah 33:22). "He telleth the number of the stars, He calleth them all by their names" (Psalms 147:4). Only GOD, who created the stars, knows their number. He knoweth them everyone. We invent larger, more powerful telescopes. We then discover that the Universe is so vast it is ABSOLUTELY AND COMPLETELY BEYOND OUR COMPREHENSION. "The host of Heaven cannot be numbered". GOD knows this. He knows how many there are. He has given us this information in His Holy Word. Praised GOD for the testimony given through the telescope of the astronomer to the unfailing accuracy of GOD’s Holy Word! FINALLY, THE UNFAILING ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE IS PROVED BY THE FULFILLED PROPHECIES, THE RECORD OF WHICH IS BEFORE US Do you realize that hundreds of prophecies are stated in the Bible, most of which have been literally fulfilled? All the prophecies relating to the first coming of CHRIST were fulfilled to the very letter. The prophecies regarding Israel, prophecies regarding the church, prophecies relating to the Gentile nations, prophecies pertaining to the Jews, all have been fulfilled or are being fulfilled. Let the enemies show just one instance where prophecy failed in fulfillment, let them produce just one instance! They cannot do so, they would if they could. GOD’s Holy Word is true, and these fulfilled prophecies show us the unfailing accuracy of GOD’s Holy Word! As I close this chapter let me ask you these questions, "What are you doing with this precious Bible? Do you realize that you cannot find one single truth anywhere but its substance can be found somewhere in the Bible?" If you would know the truth of the Word, then let Him who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" come into your heart. The HOLY SPIRIT is there where you are even now as you are reading. If you will admit Him He will enter, He will cleanse you of all your sin, then He will unite with your spirit and you will be spiritually born. Then you will begin to live. Will you open the door of your heart and let Him in? ======================================================================== CHAPTER 5: 04-THE WONDER OF ITS POWER TO CHANGE A LIFE ======================================================================== THE WONDER OF ITS POWER TO CHANGE A LIFE Chapter 4 In the first chapter I tried to show you the Wonder of the Formation of GOD’s Holy Word. We saw that the Bible is indeed a library consisting of 66 books, written by men from every walk of life, during a period of over fifteen centuries. And yet truly it is but one Book, for there is a marvelous unity throughout which shows us that it has but one author and that Author is GOD. In the second chapter I showed you the Wonder of its inspiration. We saw that the Bible is indeed "God-breathed." GOD spake to men through the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT. We saw that the LORD JESUS set His seal upon the Old Testament Books, using them and quoting from them as the inspired Word of GOD. When I hear worldly men mock and sneer at the Blessed Word of GOD I can truly understand why they do so, for GOD’s Holy Word tells us that, "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of GOD: for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). This explains why worldly men speak of GOD’s Holy Word as they do. They are spiritually blind, they are bound by destructive, fleshly habits, they are spiritually dead. When they are spiritually born then they, too, will know the Bible to be GOD’s Holy Word, they will love to study its pages, I trust this truth is clear to you. In the third chapter we considered the Wonder of the unfailing accuracy of the Bible in the light of the pick of the Geologist, the spade of the Archaeologist, the laboratory of the chemist, the telescope of the astronomer, and the study of the prophetic student. We saw that each and everyone bore testimony to the unfailing accuracy of GOD’s Holy Word. NOT ONE INSTANCE, IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM, COULD BE FOUND IN WHICH THE BIBLE WAS UNTRUE OR NOT IN ACCORD WITH THE TRUE FINDINGS REPORTED. In this chapter we will consider the Wonder of the Bible from the standpoint of its power to change and transform lives. Dear reader, GOD’s Holy Word has TREMENDOUS TRANSFORMING POWER. I want you now to consider with me verse 12, chapter 4, of the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:12), "The Word of GOD is quick (living) and powerful: and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." There are several words that stand out in this verse of Scripture - I want you to consider them carefully, "LIVING" - GOD’s Holy Word is alive. Examine the Bible and you will find that it will EXAMINE YOU. Try this, you will find that what I have told you is true. "POWERFUL" - There is dynamite in the Word (Romans 1:16). We shall see that this is true before we end this chapter. "SHARPER" - It cuts deep into the very heart of a sinner. Have you experienced this cutting power? "DIVIDING" - Just try to escape its dividing power if you can. "DISCERNING" - GOD’s Holy Word gets down where we live, it probes the very depths of our lives. Yes, dear reader, there is mighty power in the blessed Word of GOD. Not one of us will ever know just how much power there is wrapped up in your Bible which you so often neglect, allowing it to lie unread and unused in your home! I pray that through the reading of this book I can get you to respect and love your Bible enough to read it prayerfully every day! "POWER" - Consider this word "POWER". I say consider it because it is found so many times in GOD’s Holy Word. Men in every age, especially today, are interested in obtaining "POWER". They will do anything to get "POWER". Men will sell their love, their honor, their reputation, yes there are those who would even sell their very soul to get "POWER". Men want power to rule others, power to make others look up to them, power to give full expression to inward desires. And oh, so often such power brings death and destruction! It so often brings unhappiness, broken homes and broken lives. But the power released through the Blessed Word of GOD transforms and blesses lives, leaving behind a trail of blessing, joy and peace! Let me show you just what I mean. THE WORD OF GOD HAS POWER TO CONVICT OF SIN I need not tell you that man is a sinner, born with a tendency to sin. We take to sin like a duck takes to water. Sin is bred in the bone, it is a part of our very lives. There is no spiritual life in anyone of us until the Spirit of GOD imparts life. I know there are those who tell you differently, but I know and your heart tells you that we are born with this tendency to sin. We know this by experience. GOD’S HOLY WORD TELLS US ALL ABOUT IT. It tells us that, - "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12). EVERY ONE OF US, DEAR READER, ARE SPIRTUALLY BLIND, BOUND BY SINFUL HABITS AND SPIRITUALLY DEAD. This is why men act and talk as they do. A blind man cannot see. When he tries to walk he stumbles and falls. This is why you need light. Where am I to learn where I might receive spiritual sight? Certainly no school can teach me this. All the churches in the world cannot give anyone spiritual sight either; they can only tell you where you may find it. There is only one source of spiritual light, THIS IS GOD’S HOLY WORD. Your Bible, ignored and despised by so many, held up to ridicule, and so often neglected, tells of our LORD JESUS who said, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness" (John 12:46). Dear reader, if you are a poor, blinded sinner, the Bible will convict you of sin, it will reveal to you the reason for your spiritual blindness, it will point you to the CHRIST Who can and will give you light! This is not talk, you can prove what I say by experience. SINNERS ARE SPIRITUALLY BOUND I need not tell you of the tremendous power of sin, for you have already experienced its power, you know what it is to be bound by sin. You are tied tighter than any shackles man could forge. Some men are bound by drink, others by gambling, others by adultery and lust in all its forms, others by the curse of money (and it can certainly become a curse). You know what is your besetting sin, it is the sin that binds you. Would you like to be liberated? If our ears could hear it we would be deafened by the cry, "Liberty, oh give us liberty!" Where are we to find liberty? How is it to be obtained? The slavery of sin is terrible, no wonder men cry out like the Apostle Paul, "Oh wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24) There is only one answer to this question in all the world, only one answer and the Bible gives it, "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). Oh, the Wonder of the Bible! Oh, the power of GOD’s Holy Word! It has power to convict of sin. It has power to set the prisoner free. As you read these lines you know I am telling you the truth! There is no other source of power in this world, anywhere, where freedom can be obtained. Drunkard, you know you are a slave to drink, you know you are bound by sin. Your money is gone, your self-respect is gone, you now see yourself as you are, and as GOD sees you. Listen to the heartcry of your loved ones whom you are killing slowly by inches. Why, oh why, will you go on killing yourself by drink, until you wind up a dirty drunken sot, without GOD and without hope in the world, doomed of a drunkard’s Hell? I know that you do not want to drink, in your heart you long for deliverance, I want you to know that the Bible which convicts you of sin ALSO TELLS YOU OF THE ONE WHO CAN DELIVER YOU FROM BONDAGE OF DRINK. May GOD help you to see and realize this truth! Yes, this very Bible which you have neglected and ignored can bring you deliverance, it can bring you life and liberty. GET IT NOW, and begin to prayerfully study its pages. INFIDELITY CANNOT HELP YOU Perhaps you have been listening to men who ridicule GOD’s Holy Word, men who boast of their infidelity. Show me one man, ANYWHERE, who has been delivered from the power of drink through his infidelity! Show me one home that was once dirty and quarrelsome, a Hell upon earth, that is to-day a little Heaven, where love rules and every need is supplied, that was made so by the power of infidelity! You will never find one. Show me one gambler delivered, one adulterer whose life was changed, in fact, ANY ONE PERSON ANYWHERE, who was delivered from the power of sin through infidelity! Search from now until the day of judgment, and all you will find is death and ruin in its trail. So why listen any longer to those who fill your ears with the poison of infidelity, which has no power to do anything but bring wreck and ruin to a life! Thank GOD for the power of GOD’s Holy Word to convict of sin! This is why you who read these lines and who have heard the Gospel message of the Bible from the lips of faithful, born again pastors, cannot eat or sleep until you make a decision to either accept or reject our LORD JESUS CHRIST. The result is either a life of victory or a life of defeat - it is either CHRIST or the Devil, Heaven or Hell. THE WORD OF GOD HAS POWER TO CLEANSE FROM SIN "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to THY WORD" (Psalms 119:9). Consider this, dear reader, that even NOW AS YOU READ you can be made clean, through the power of GOD’s Holy Word, CLEANSED FROM EVERY SIN! I am wondering, is there an ache in your heart, is there a heart cry which comes from the depths of your being? Would you like to have that burden of sin removed forever? This, dear reader, is my message to you. The Holy Word of GOD reveals the One who can cleanse you from sin. Think of it, dear burdened sin-sick soul, you can be cleansed through the Word! Our LORD JESUS said, "Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3). Thief, murderer, you who are now in prison, how my heart goes out to you! Look up, even now as you read, there is hope, there is cleansing for you. You can begin life anew. This wonderful book, GOD’s Holy Word, will show you the way. You can be cleansed from every sin you have committed, even now as you read, if you will accept our LORD JESUS as your own Personal Saviour. I do not care who you are, what color of skin you may have, whether you are educated or ignorant, I do know what our LORD JESUS can do for you, the Bible makes this plain. I do know that GOD can cleanse and make you whole. TAKE HEED TO GOD’S HOLY WORD! THE WORD OF GOD HAS POWER TO TRANSFORM A LIFE Let me tell you the story of Jerry McCauley. Jerry was a river thief, he would steal from the ships anchored in the New York harbor. Time and again he was thrown into prison but as soon as he was released he was back at his old life of stealing once again. One day when in prison a Salvation Army lassie read to him out of the Bible and then gave him a copy of the Book. Jerry McCauley began to examine the Bible. It examined him, and on his knees in his cell Jerry McCauley found the CHRIST of the Book. His life was completely transformed. He at once, like the Apostle Paul, began to tell others of the CHRIST he had found and whom he had learned to love. When he was released, he began to work, he saved his money and then opened a mission, which is a spiritual lighthouse to-day. When Jerry McCauley was called home the Mayor of New York City, the Governor of New York state and others in high positions of authority all came to present floral tributes and pay their respects to one whose life was transformed by the mighty power of GOD’s Holy Word. Tell me, dear reader, what book written by man could have wrought transformation of life and character? Thomas Titcome, veteran missionary to the cannibals, told me how he went to these cannibal tribes in the heart of Africa, where men lived in dirt and filth beyond description, bringing to them the message of GOD’s Holy Word. He told me how he climbed over a wall of human skulls to enter the grass hut of the chief, he was the first missionary to these cannibals to tell them of our LORD JESUS in that district of Africa. To-day, after more than half a century of the preaching of the Bible these people tell of the power of GOD’s Holy Word. No longer do they drink the blood of their enemies out of skulls. No longer do they go about naked, living in filth. The transforming power of GOD’s Holy Word has made them a different people. I could go on, dear reader, and tell you stories, one after another, of men and women in all walks of life, whose lives have been transformed by the mighty power of the Word of GOD. Do you know that even nations have been changed because of the reading of the Bible? How we need to read it daily in every home! Do you read it with your family? Are you storing GOD’s Holy Word in the minds and hearts of your loved ones? In this space age, with crime and divorce on the increase, how it is needed! Such a heritage given to your children is worth more than money. It is something of untold value that money cannot buy! THE WORD OF GOD HAS POWER TO GIVE WISDOM Dear reader, I hope I can get you to do some constructive thinking. It may be that you hear GOD’s Holy Word held up to ridicule almost every day, and it may even be that you join in the unholy chorus. GOD’s Holy Word does give wisdom, now read, "The entrance of Thy Words giveth light" (Psalms 119:130) I have known men with but little school learning, but well versed in the knowledge of GOD’s Holy Word. I know such persons as I write these lines and so do you. They have more wisdom in the things of greatest practical and eternal import than many of the most learned men who have neglected the Bible. Let me give you some material to give to others who laugh at GOD’s Holy Word and ridicule its truth! Do you know that the greatest productions of man in literature, both prose and poetry, in all this world, were motivated by the Bible, this wonderful Book you may be neglecting daily? Let us examine some of this great wealth of poetry and prose. I can give you but a few illustrations out of the multitude that are available. Mr. Whittier, poet of the common people, gives us this wonderful prayer. Read it and make it personal - "Dear LORD and Father of Mankind, Forgive our feverish ways, Reclothe us in our rightful mind In purer lives Thy service find, In deeper reverence, praise. Drop Thy still dews of quietness, ’Til all our strivings cease, Take from our souls the strain and stress, And let our ordered lives confess The beauty of Thy peace. Breathe through the heats of our desire Thy coolness and Thy balm. Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire, Speak through the earthquake, wind and fire, O still small voice of calm." Tell me, please, dear reader, where did Mr. Whittier receive his inspiration to write such a wonderful prayer which expresses just what we want to say? One answer, it is the Blessed Word of GOD. There is a song I love above any other. It was written by a man who had a most remarkable experience. Four times he walked to a river to drown himself; four times he was held back by an unseen hand. He filled a cup with poison, three times he raised the cup to drink; yet did not. Twice he placed a gun to his head, twice he lowered it, restrained by the same unseen hand. Opening the Bible he read, again and again, the story of the death of our LORD JESUS upon the Cross. As he saw the sacred blood dripping from the cross William Cowper fell upon his knees and then and there another life was born anew. Taking his pen he wrote, "There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel’s veins: And sinners plunged beneath that flood Lose all their guilty stains." The late Eddie Guest, America’s greatest poet, had these words to say about this wonderful book, "And should my soul be torn with grief, Upon my shelf I find A little volume, torn and thumbed For comfort just designed. I take my blessed Bible down And read its pages o’er, And when I part from it, I find I’m stronger than before." Washington Gladden, poet and scholar sings, - "Shine forth, 0 light, that we may see With hearts all unafraid, The meaning and the mystery Of things that Thou hast made. Shine forth and let the darkening past Beneath Thy beam grow bright, Shine forth and through the future vast With Thine untroubled light." Percy De Armer Writes, - "Book of Books, our people’s strength, Statesmen, teachers, hero’s treasure. Bringing freedom, spreading truth, Shedding light that none can measure. Wisdom comes to those who know Thee. All the best we have we owe Thee." Fawcett, another Spirit-filled poet writes, - "How precious is the book divine, By inspiration given, Bright as a lamp its teaching shine To guide our souls to Heaven.’ It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts In this dark vale of tears, Life, light and joy it still imparts And quells our rising fears. This lamp through all the tedious Of life shall guide our way ’Till we behold the clearer light Of an eternal day." Dear reader, I could quote from many more, for there is a wealth of material. There is Tennyson, Milton, Wadsworth, Ruskin, Caryle, Spencer, Shelly, Dante, Browning, Riley, and many more who could be mentioned. I do, however, want to give you one more poem that has been a blessing to so many throughout the years, ~ "There’s a dear and precious book though its worn and faded now Which recalls the happy days of long ago When I stood at mother’s knee, with her hand upon my brow, And I heard her voice in gentle tones and low. There she read of JESUS’ love as He blessed the children dear, Well, those days are passed and gone, but the memory lingers still. And the dear old Book each day has been my guide. And I seek to do His will, as my mother taught me then, And ever in my heart His words abide. Blessed Book, Precious Book, On Thy dear old tear-stained leaves I love to look, Thou art sweeter day by day, as I walk the narrow way That leads at last to that bright home above." THE REALM OF ART We now leave the realm of literature and enter the realm of art. Here, too, we see the tremendous influence of GOD’s Holy Word. The greatest treasures in the world of art were created through the inspiration given by the Word of GOD. To illustrate this I mention Michaelangelo’s "LAST JUDGMENT" AND "THE MADONNA OF THE CHAIR." THE "IMMACULATE CONCEPTION" By Da Vinci; Raphael’s "SISTINE MADONNA" and many others I might name. Go to the great Art Institutes and see the copies for yourself. Dear reader, what answer can unbelievers give to this? These great artist saw beyond the temporal; inspired by GOD’s Holy Word and indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT they dipped their brushes in the glory of Heaven and painted for time and eternity. While in the Art Institute study the greatest in sculpture. Here, too, you can see the mighty influence given by the Word of GOD. Dear reader, why doubt? How can anyone be so blind as not to see the tremendous influence of GOD’s Holy Word upon all the creations of men. THE REALM OF MUSIC Go into the realm of music and here, too, we see this influence manifested. It is not the jazzy, rock and roll music of this space age that we hear to-day but the mighty oratorios; I am thinking now of Handel’s "MESSIAH". I shall never forget the first time I heard it. I was a student in college working my way through school. Through special effort I managed to earn enough to buy two inexpensive tickets, and, with my roommate I went to orchestra Hall in Chicago where this great oratorio was to be sung. Our seats were up in the highest balcony on almost the back row. I think that perhaps you can picture in your mind where we were sitting. How small that large choir seemed; they were so far away! But I am convinced we had one of the best seats in the house. How thrilled we were as we listened to the strains of, - "He shall feed His flock and like a tender Shepherd lead them." And then at the close, when this mighty choir, singing in perfect harmony and mighty volume the soul-stirring strains of the Hallelujah chorus, "Hallelujah! For the LORD GOD omnipotent reigneth, The Kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdoms our LORD and of His CHRIST. He shall reign forever and ever King of Kings and LORD of Lords, And He shall reign forever and forever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" Tears were running down our cheeks unheeded. Dear reader, only GOD’s Holy Word would inspire a Spirit-filled musician to write an oratorio like that. Compare the music of the "MESSIAH" with any of the cheap rock and roll music of this space age that is so popular to-day, produced by the enemies of the Bible! The mere mention of it suggests the answer. Unbelief is negative, atheism has not produced one positive, soul-lifting, heart-stirring production in any realm! Wherever atheism goes it leaves a trail of blasted lives, broken homes, heart-ache, suicide and death! Yes, dear reader, the Word of GOD has power to give wisdom. An atheist some days ago, curling his lip in scorn, ridiculed GOD’s Holy Word, stating that it had no power. NO POWER! - Study the march of civilization and see what GOD’s Holy Word has done for men! As settlers located in a new land, the school and the church were builded together and the mighty influence behind both, giving the wisdom for the moulding of the lives of childhood and youth, uplifting and exalting womanhood, protecting and honoring old age, is not the cold, stark blighting atheism but THE EVER LIVING WORD OF GOD can! Deny this, atheist, if you can! NO POWER! - STUDY THE STORIES OF OUR GREATEST HEROES, I want you to note that the motivating spirit that impelled them to say good-bye to loved ones, home and all we count most dear, and go to carry the wonderful message of salvation through the shed blood of our Blessed LORD JESUS to these poor, bound slaves of ignorance and superstition, and finally die for their faith, is not deadly, paralyzing atheism but the power and wisdom of GOD’s Holy Word! NO POWER! - See the man of GOD as he goes to the bedside of the dying sinner, life fast slipping into a Christless eternity with nothing but the record of a wicked, sinful wasted life. Unbeliever, WHAT HAVE YOU TO SAY TO THIS DYING SINNER? What word can you give him that will bring peace to his sin-sick soul? You stand beside him, powerless and helpless, no message of hope, no word of life. Any word you might would only come back to an empty echo and the rebound would be the endless wail of the eternal lost! The man of GOD, looking into the eyes of the dying man, opens the pages of GOD’s Holy Word and quietly the message of salvation is given. The dying man listens as the man of GOD reads, - "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that heareth my Word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death into life" (John 5:24). "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37). See the load of sin roll away as the dying sinner appropriates the promise of GOD’s Holy Word to his needy soul. The smile of forgiveness lights up his face, the shed blood has been applied and another soul has been born unto the kingdom of GOD even in the dying hour through the power of the Living Word! NO POWER! - Your loved one is slipping from you. You feel the icy finger of death lay his hand upon the body. The last gleam of consciousness fades, the lips grow cold, and soon you are left alone with your beloved dead. The voice that praised GOD is now silent and still. Atheist, skeptic, agnostic, unbeliever, you who sneer and ridicule GOD’s Holy Word, tell me, what message can you give in this, life’s dark hour? What hope of a future reunion in a home where all tears shall be wiped away, where there is no sickness, no suffering, no dying, can you give? YOU STAND IN THIS HOUR IN A DARKNESS BLACKER THAN EGYPT’S NIGHT! But, thank GOD, there is a light! GOD’s Holy Word rings loudly above the chilling blasts of atheism’s night the message of life, - "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of GOD, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1). "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26). THE WORD OF GOD HAS POWER TO COMFORT IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL Does GOD seem far away? Read Psalm 139. Do you feel that there is no hope for you? Read John 5:24. Have friends failed you? Read Psalm 27. Are you discouraged, whipped, beaten? Read Isaiah 40. Are you worrying because you lost your job, your home, or your money? Read Matthew 6:19-34. Are you sick and afraid to die? Read Psalm 23. Are you lonely and fearful? Read John 14:16-27. Are you having the blues? Read Psalm 34. Do you want rest and peace? Read Matthew 11:25-30. Is your heart broken because of the death of a dear one? Read John 15. Would you like to know if you are saved or not? Read Romans 8. Dear reader, how well our SHUT-INS know the mighty power of GOD’s Holy Word to bring comfort in an hour of need! See their well worn Bibles. They know the promises are true. They are like the old lady who marked her Bible with the letters "T. P." in many places. When she was asked to tell what these letters stood for she replied, "They mean ’tried and proven’, I have tried them and I have proven that they are true." Our shut-ins know that these promises are true and will be fulfilled to the very letter when we meet the conditions. The shut-ins know the power of GOD’s Holy Word to transform a life. Dear Reader, read GOD’s Holy Word. Spend more time studying its pages. To know its truth, to enjoy its wisdom, to experience its power, you need to know Him Whom the Word glorifies, our LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST, the Son of GOD. If you are not a Christian, will you now, before you read the next chapter, open the door of your heart and give the HOLY SPIRIT entrance? He will cleanse you from all your sin, then unite with your spirit and take up His abode in your body, bringing to you untold joy, peace and happiness, and releasing to you power to meet all your needs, be they physical, material or spiritual. GOD HELP YOU TO MAKE THIS DECISION! ======================================================================== CHAPTER 6: 05-THE WONDER OF ITS PRESERVATION ======================================================================== THE WONDER OF ITS PRESERVATION Chapter 5 We come now to the last and concluding chapter of this series of messages on "THE WONDER OF THE WORD." We have seen that GOD’s love for us was so great that He gave us a revelation of Himself and His plan, not only for our own lives but for the world as well, Over forty men, in all walks of life, had a part in bringing us this Blessed Bible. GOD Himself is the author, these men but the writers. This is why we find such a wonderful unity throughout the Book, even though it was written during a period of time covering over 1500 years. We saw also that its statements and promises are true, they can be relied upon, regardless of the many attacks made upon it. When put to the test the Bible has always been proven to be true, there has never been a single scientific error found in the entire Bible. Geology, archaeology, chemistry, astronomy - in fact all the sciences, bear testimony to the unfailing accuracy of GOD’s Holy Word. Then, too, we have seen its influence upon the lives of men. The most wicked, depraved men have been turned into powerful preachers of the Gospel, all through the power of the Living Word. It has always preceded the march of civilization. Nations have been transformed by its power. We know, also, that the greatest productions in literature, music and art were motivated and produced through the power of the Word. How I pray I can get you, dear reader, to have a greater love and respect for your Bible, and a greater longing to read its pages! Now in this concluding chapter of this series I want to show you that this Wonder Book is hated as no book written by man in all the world has been hated. I want to show you WHY THIS IS TRUE. I want you to see THE REAL ENEMY, to learn how he works, and to understand the nature of his attack. As a result of this attack many, many folk are now groping in a fog of doubt and unbelief. I receive many letters from folk who do not know where they stand; perhaps YOU, dear reader, are one of this number. Do you know that in this space age literally thousands are questioning everything that relates to life? Not only GOD’s Holy Word but EVERYTHING is thrown into the melting pot of inquiry, nothing escapes. Christianity, and everything relating itself thereto the Bible, Creeds, yes, even life itself is questioned. But what of it? Need we fear this questioning? Are we afraid the foundations of our faith will crumble and fall? GOD’S TRUTH NEEDS NO DEFENSE Do you know, I rather like this questioning attitude. I am glad that our youth in this space age want to understand fully the foundations of our faith. Some folk are so afraid of this questioning. Some years ago I was given two tickets to hear a noted atheist a man with a very brilliant mind, who, I was told, was going to destroy the faith of men in GOD’s Holy Word, in fact his plan was to destroy the very foundations of our faith. I wanted to hear him because I wanted to get the attitude of the atheist. My roommate was on the defensive. "Do you think," he retorted," that I want my mind to be filled with doubts, my faith to be destroyed? Do you consider for a moment that I am willing to have the teachings of my father and mother, my pastor and this school that I am now attending, to be made of none effect? Why should I expose myself to this danger?" To which one of the other boys who were in the room with us replied, "If your faith cannot stand the attack of this atheist, if its foundation is so flimsy and the teachings and life lived by your father and mother are such that they can be overthrown by the reasoning of one brilliant atheist, THEN IT OUGHT TO GO!" We went to hear Mangasarian. He was a brilliant atheist, a forceful speaker, he did his best to undermine the foundation of our faith, he did everything in his power to destroy our faith in GOD’s Holy Word. But it was easy to see the fallacies of his reasoning. He reasoned purely and cleverly from the standpoint of the natural man and we knew what the Bible had to say about that. We knew, "The natural man receiveth NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14). "For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of GOD." (1 Corinthians 1:18). When we returned after the lecture we rejoiced in the fact that after hearing the lecture, instead of instilling doubt in our minds and sending us home in a fog of doubt and unbelief, our FAITH WAS STRENGTHENED; and we were praising GOD for being a channel for the HOLY SPIRIT. THE ENEMY There is a reason for this terrific opposition to GOD’s Holy Word. The Word has a supernatural enemy. This enemy is Satan or the Devil. He knows and has felt its mighty power. Dear reader, do not make jokes about the Devil nor carelessly use his name; for the Word of GOD tells us that Michael, the archangel, when disputing with the Devil about the body of Moses, durst not bring a railing accusation against him, but said, - "The LORD rebuke thee." (Jude 1:9). The Devil knows that "The Word of GOD is quick and powerful." Hebrews 4:12. Do you recall how JESUS conquered the Devil when He was tempted by using the Word of GOD? How I hope I can get you to realize the mighty power of GOD’s Holy Word! This is why the Devil hates it so greatly: this is why his fight against it is so terrific. HE WANTS TO GET YOU TO IGNORE YOUR BIBLE. He wants to destroy our faith in GOD’s Holy Word. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT Look at the nations of the world today! Do you think that the nations of the world would be fighting in Asia as they are mixing blood, brains and mud and leaving behind a trail of broken lives and wrecked homes, if the teachings of GOD’s Holy Word were followed? Do you think that we would have so many strikes, and so much turmoil in the industrial world if we followed the teachings of the Word of GOD? Do you think that nearly all the wealth of the world would be concentrated into the hands millions of others live in poverty, if the teachings of the Word of GOD were obeyed? Do you think that if we read GOD’s Holy Word daily in our homes, that our home life would be in such danger of collapse because of the divorce evil which has increased until we now have one divorce to every three marriages? Do you think that our news stands would carry so many magazines that cater to the material, feeding the desires of the flesh, and almost none who minister to the spiritual, if we followed the teaching of GOD’s Holy Word? THE BIBLE CONTROLS THE ACTIONS OF MEN The Bible is the only book in all the world that claims the right to control the actions of man. It condemns the sins of men telling them in a plain, direct way what they can or can not do, speaking with a wisdom and authority which none may question or dispute. It shows man just what he is and MAN DOES NOT LIKE IT. Let me give you a few verses from GOD’s Holy Word to illustrate what I mean, - "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful; Who, knowing the judgment of GOD, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them" (Romans 1:29-32). "There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after GOD. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable, there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known; There is no fear of GOD before their eyes." (Romans 3:10-18). There are many, yes, a good many more passages that I could give you. Do you see now, dear reader, why GOD’s Holy Word is so hated? Man will have no authority higher than his own. He will not be rebuked; he wants the world to believe that he is a noble being, always aspiring toward the attainment of exalted ideals. He wants his achievements to be applauded and his wonderful civilization praised to the skies. Do you think that the Devil wants the drunkard, the gambler, the adulterer, the thief, the liar and all others to know our LORD JESUS Who can not only cleanse from sin, but can also deliver from the power of sin? Of course he doesn’t, so he fights GOD’s Holy Word. Yes, the Bible does claim authority to control the actions of men. It tells us in a straight from the shoulder way just what we can and can not do. It speaks with a wisdom that no man can dispute. Sinners, controlled by the Devil, do not like this. They want the world to laud to the skies the things they do. They want the praise of men. They hate GOD’s Holy Word because it denounces sin, because it demands a surrender of life, and sinners want to run their own lives. Pride must go, money must be subordinate, our LORD JESUS alone made the master of life. Do you see now why the Bible is such a hated Book? THE PLAN OF ATTACK The attack against the Bible began as soon as the Word of GOD was produced. Every method and instrument known to man has been used. Century after century the storm of battle has continued, the smoke of battle has been seen. But in every conflict GOD’s Holy Word has come forth unharmed. In the early centuries men tried to burn it and to bury it. Crusade after crusade was organized to wipe it out of existence. Kings of earth set themselves, rulers of the church took council together to destroy it from the face of the earth. Diocletian, the Roman Emperor, in 303 A. D., put forth the greatest effort known to men to destroy it. He almost succeeded but "God’s Word abideth forever"! Thousands of Christians were cruelly murdered yet 22 years later the Emperor Constantine enthroned the Bible as the infallible Judge of Truth, in the first great council! Throughout the middle ages the fight continued. Men were burned alive for owning a copy of the Bible. Homes were searched, every Bible that could be found was destroyed. Yet the Word of GOD continued to spread, and to transform and bless the lives of men. Then came men who went up and down the land, seeking to destroy the faith of men in GOD’s Holy Word. Its bitterest foes were men who claimed liberty of thought. Julian the Apostate, Voltaire, Goethe, Strauss, Bolingbroke, Mill, Hume, Hobbs, Darwin, Spencer and Huxley, all thought they would soon exterminate the Bible. Thomas Paine thought he would forever do away with the Bible, so he wrote a book which he called "THE AGE OF REASON", a book that is full of contradictions from the beginning to the end. He said that in 25 years not a copy of the Bible would be read anywhere. GOD’S ANSWER What happened? Examine the record for yourself and learn that Thomas Paine died cursing GOD, then again crying to GOD asking for mercy! Do you know, dear reader, that the very site where "THE AGE OF REASON" was printed is to-day the headquarters of the American Bible Society! Thousands upon thousands of copies of GOD’s Holy Word are being printed every month, and are being circulated throughout every part of the world. Tom Paine’s "AGE OF REASON" is so out of date it is hard to find a copy anywhere. A man by the name of Ingersoll also went up and down the land heaping ridicule upon the Word of GOD. With flowery words he sought to destroy the faith of men in the Bible. In the years since he has gone he has been forgotten, while the testimony of Moody, Sunday and a host of Spirit-filled evangelists, and in this space age, will never die. "The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the Word of the LORD endureth forever" (1 Peter 1:24-25). "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away" (Mark 13:31). In this space age, while the nations battle in war-torn Asia there is a battle going on to destroy the Holy Word of GOD. No longer do men, like Ingersoll and others, go up and down the land lecturing against the Bible. The attack is more subtle than this. IT IS A COVER-UP ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH SCIENCE AND SCHOLARSHIP. The enemies of GOD’s Holy Word to-day have set science and the Bible against each other. They tell us that the Bible contradicts the proven facts of science. But this is not the case - it is a plain lie. THERE IS NOT ONE STATEMENT IN ALL GOD’S HOLY WORD THAT IS IN CONFLICT WITH ANY DEMONSTRATED FACT OF SCIENCE. The truth is, many of the most outstanding scientists in the world are devoted Christians who read and study GOD’s Holy Word daily, they make it the rule and practice of their lives. Remember this, dear reader, "The natural man receiveth NOT the things of the Spirit of GOD; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED" (1 Corinthians 2:14). SCHOLARSHIP IS ENLISTED TO DESTROY THE BIBLE Then to reach other multitudes these enemies of GOD’s Holy Word have enlisted men of the highest intelligence, culture and scholarship. These men and women are learned in the knowledge and scholarship of this world, they are WORLD-WISE BUT SPIRITUALLY DEAD. Many are sincere in their attack upon the Bible but they are ignorant of spiritual truth. They do not have spiritual discernment. Only the Spirit of GOD can give spiritual discernment. Poor folk, how they need our prayers! Let GOD’s Holy Word answer them, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not GOD made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of GOD the world by wisdom knew not GOD, it pleased GOD by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Corinthians 1:19-21). Notice this - "the world by wisdom knew not GOD". This is why these enemies of GOD’s Holy Word act as they do. They are spiritually blind, bound by sinful habits of life, spiritually dead! HOW THEY WORK These enemies use their scholarship following a carefully laid plan. They ridicule and mock GOD’s Holy Word in the grade schools where the plastic minds of youth are molded: the plan of attack is continued in the High School and the University where character becomes fixed and the foundations of life are laid. Here, from early youth to mature manhood and womanhood, day after day, these teachers deny the authority of the Bible, they question its morality, they ridicule its claim upon the conscience and the hearts of men. As a result of this attack thousands of the best youth of our land graduate from our colleges and universities sneering and making sport of GOD’s Holy Word. I have had many a father and mother, tearfully tell me that their son or daughter graduated from the University an avowed atheist openly denying every vital truth of Christianity. Many practice doctrines of free love and other pernicious practices. This terrible work has been done through scholarship. This is what is taking place all over the world today! Dear reader, our greatest peril are they who would destroy faith in GOD’s Holy Word. Our first line of defense in this space age is not nuclear bombs, rockets, tanks and guns but the Bible reading praying people of the World! Washington read GOD’s Holy Word and prayed kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge, Lincoln prayed all night when America faced a crisis. Oh GOD, give us a night of prayer here in America! How we need prayerful study of GOD’s Holy Word! It would save our nation and save us from destruction! SPIRIT-FILLED MINISTERS OF GOD’S HOLY WORD ARE CALLED FANATICS The minister who believes the Bible and accepts it as GOD’s Holy Word, and who preaches its truths is called an ignorant fanatic, a fool. Unsaved men do not like preaching that thunders out the truths of GOD’s Holy Word regarding sin, Man’s need of a Saviour, of Heaven, of Hell, of the judgment of individuals and of nations, and the return of individuals and of nations, and the return of our Blessed LORD JESUS in power and glory. They despise and reject any supernatural interference with the natural. HOW MODERNISM WAS BORN Then it was that the enemies of the Cross of CHRIST and GOD’s Holy Word worked out a master scheme. They would augment the efforts of atheists, agnostics, skeptics and unbelievers with preachers, who from the pulpit would deceive the people. These preachers would be given the best possible education the world can give, from early youth to mature manhood they would be taught a gospel of denial and this in turn would be preached to the people. The day the devil worked out this scheme Modernism was born. Young men by the thousands are being educated in the best Universities and Seminaries of our land and throughout the world and assigned to churches. Many of these men occupy the largest pulpits of the nation. By preaching and teaching from the pulpit, through the press, radio and television, they influence the minds and hearts of multitudes. Other hundreds of young men who enter the business and industrial world spread these soul-destroying doctrines and as older Modernists die off and go to Hell the younger men take their places. And so to-day from the rock-ribbed shores of Maine to the sunny sands of southern California, perhaps I should say that wherever man meets in groups, these Modernist preachers face folk with heavy aching hearts, and, instead of giving them the Life-giving bread of the Holy Word of GOD they are given a stone. WHAT THEY PREACH These Modernist preachers sound forth a message of denial, they attack the deepest and most fundamental truths of GOD’s Holy Word. Instead of making clear that the Bible IS GOD’s Holy Word they teach that the Bible CONTAINS the Word of GOD. Dear reader, do you note the distinction? They teach that the Bible is inspired as men to-day are inspired, thus bringing GOD’s Holy Word down to the level of the writings of man. They ridicule the Genesis story of the creation, preaching in its stead the theory of Evolution. They deny the fall of man; they preach that man is a noble creature, constantly growing better, and soon he shall usher in a golden age. The Virgin birth of our LORD JESUS is denied; they teach that our LORD JESUS was the son of Joseph or of someone who is unknown. He was a good man but ONLY A MAN. He is divine in the sense that all men are divine. The Deity of our LORD JESUS is denied, they explain away His miracles, the New Birth is denied, the fact of Hell is denied, salvation through the shed blood of CHRIST is denied. The resurrection of our LORD JESUS is denied. His ascension to Heaven is denied - you can see that they preach a gospel of denial. Do you see, dear reader, that this kind of preaching is just as dangerous as soul-destroying Atheism? It is even more so, because the people look to the pastors of the churches to guide them aright. Noted infidels no longer need go up and down the land attacking the Bible. This is done much more efficiently by these Modernist ministers who masquerade as men of GOD in our pulpits! THEIR SOUL-DESTROYING PREACHING They preach what they are pleased to call, "THE SOCIAL GOSPEL". This space age "the new age" as though new inventions, space travel, higher education, culture and refinement could change the wicked human heart! They preach SALVATION BY ENVIRONMENT. This doctrine is of the Devil. Man fell in the midst of a perfect environment in the Garden of Eden. In order to eliminate this, Modernist ministers reject the story of the fall. They preach SALVATION BY WORKS. This is a false doctrine. There is but one way to get into the kingdom of GOD, you must be born into it. Modernist ministers reject the New Birth and ridicule salvation through the substitutionary blood sacrifice of our Blessed LORD JESUS CHRIST. They love to preach sermons dealing with ethics, sociology, economics, book reviews, politics, and current events. MODERNIST PREACHERS AND THE BIBLE What have these Modernist ministers done with our Bible? To put it out of existence they, - 1. First operated on it tongue and teeth to keep it from speaking so plainly of the working of GOD in supernatural power, 2. Then they went a little lower in order to weaken its throat that it might not put force into its sayings, 3. Then they went directly to its heart to take from it the work of the Cross of CHRIST and its atoning Blood. But all their efforts to destroy the vital teaching of GOD’s Holy Word does not change or alter in the least its power, note what it says, - "As the rain cometh down, and the snow from Heaven, and returneth not thither but watereth the earth, and maketh it to bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void but shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10). Men put forth every effort they knew to destroy the precious LORD. They beat Him until his body was a mass of bloody, dripping flesh; they put a crown of thorns upon His head until his hair was matted with blood; they spiked His hands and His feet to a Cross and left Him to die. But He rose triumphant from the dead and to-day He is seated at the right hand of GOD the Father. And now the fight rages more fiercely than ever against GOD’s Holy Word. The Atheists, Agnostics, Skeptics, Infidels, Modernists and all other unbelievers have joined their forces to destroy its testimony, to take away its Authority, to rob it of its power. THE BATTLE LINE Let me show you the line of Battle in this effort of the Devil to destroy the Word of GOD. 1. I think we should mention first THE GODLESS HOME. Our land is filled with homes where profanity is heard from morning until night, where parents and children alike sneer and scoff at the Word of GOD, or else ignored entirely. 2. I have already mentioned THE GRADE SCHOOLS, HIGH SCHOOLS; THE WORLDLY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WHERE ATHEISTIC TEACHERS AND PROFESSORS seek to destroy faith in GOD’s Holy Word. 3. Then there are the places where liquor is sold - THE BEER GARDENS, FASHIONABLE NIGHT CLUBS, with all kinds of worldly entertainment. The Bible here is held up to sport and ridicule vital Christianity is dragged into the mire. 4. I mention also POOL ROOMS AND DANCE HALLS, as well as places of one kind or the other where worldly folk gather. Here, too, GOD’s Holy Word is mocked and despised. 5. In all kinds of social gatherings wherever folk gather, GAMBLING HALLS, BRIDGE PARTIES, CHURCH FAIRS AND RAFFLES, AND ETC. THERE men oppose the Bible, reject its authority, sneer at its teachings. 6. Go to SHOPS AND FACTORIES, IN MANY BUSINESS OFFICES AND IN MANY STORES. Here men and women who believe in GOD’s Holy Word, and who stand for the truths of Christianity are considered fanatics, considered "not all there". 7. Then, too, consider the GODLESS BOOKS AND MAGAZINES that are flooding the land to-day. Countless thousands of copies are mailed into the homes of the people. Every newsstand carries this soul destructive material which is read by youth and adults alike. The Bible is made a laughing stock, surrendered, spirit-filled believers are considered fools, the church is considered obsolete. 8. We need also to mention TELEVISION AND RADIO PROGRAMS, where the best talent obtainable is used. We have heard programs where GOD’s Holy Word was dragged into jokes which carry a double meaning; some of its most sacred truths desecrated, and GOD’s Holy Word dragged to a level below the writings of man. 9. You realize also that the Devil is using many of these modern godless popular songs to discredit the Bible and the vital truths of Christianity. Do you know that many of these songs carry a double meaning? 10. I know that you will agree with me that a large sector of this battle against GOD’s Holy Word is taken by the motion pictures made and shown throughout the world to-day. Professed Christians who would never think of entering a movie theater years ago are now watching movies that are shown daily on our television screens. Pictures are now being made and advertised for "adults only", but the theater managers care not who enters as long as the admission price is paid. And what do they see? Smoking, drinking, shooting, killing, virtue is laughed at, vice exalted; and when reference is made to a spirit-filled minister, such a one is pictured as a long-haired fanatic. Just imagine what effect this has upon the receptive minds of boys and girls who watch the picture on the television screen daily in the home. These children, all too many of them come from homes where the Bible is never read; and who rarely, if ever, attend Sunday School. What shall the harvest be? 11. Perhaps the greatest enemy of the Bible, and the most subtle of all, is the minister, who by his life and ministry denies the most sacred doctrines of the Bible. This is the final, supreme effort of the Devil in the closing days of this age, to destroy the power of GOD’s Holy Word. He knows he cannot do away with the Bible, so he seeks to rob it of its power. THE RESULT I have shown you the battle-line, and the battle rages, just where do we stand to-day? I am glad to tell you, dear reader, that in spite of every effort put forth by his enemies GOD’s Holy Word is still here, more powerful than ever, transforming the lives of men. It continues to give life to the spiritually dead, light to the spiritually blind; and liberty to the spiritually bound. Its circulation is greater to-day than that of any hundred books you may name. Its popularity is on the increase. The people of the world are buying millions of copies of the Bible every year; this in spite of the fact that the Bible is not read as it should be. More copies of the Bible are turned out than the combined production of all the automobiles manufactures of the world. Someone has said, "Thank GOD for a Book so alive, so living, so powerful, that when the trump shall sound and all the universe shall be dissolved, it will still speak on in thunder tones of majesty, and whisper messages of light and love. For it is wrapping in itself the everlasting past and opening and expanding from itself the everlasting future; and like and all irradiating sun, will still march on while deathless ages roll - the one, unchangeable, ever-living revelation of GOD". Thank GOD for the preservation of this wonderful, glorious, life-giving Book that tells us of GOD and of ourselves! The greatest men and women in every realm of life believe in GOD’s Holy Word and reverently read its pages. WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR BIBLE? Open its pages reverently. Give the Blessed Holy Spirit the opportunity to reveal to your heart its wondrous truth. It will reveal to you the CHRIST of GOD Who asks you to receive Him and to place your life unconditionally in His hands. Now believe His promise, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12). You need not take my word for this, just give GOD’s Holy Word the opportunity to demonstrate its power. Hundreds of atheists, skeptics, agnostics and unbelievers have found that when they began to read GOD’s Holy Word with an open, receptive mind, that the fog of doubt and unbelief which engulfed them was dispelled, and now they walk in the glorious light and liberty of the Gospel, unbelievers no longer. Now they have found spiritual blessing, physical health and material prosperity through reading and believing GOD’s Holy Word. WILL YOU, IF UNSAVED, FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE? Remember this, when all the enemies of GOD’s Holy Word have been exhausted the last bit of their puny strength, when their feeble voice has been silenced and they have gone to their reward like those before them; when the Battle of Armageddon has been finished and the Antichrist and False Prophet have been thrown into the Lake of Fire; when the last trump has sounded and the wicked dead have come forth from their graves to stand before the White Throne Judgment Bar of GOD; when the Devil, the arch enemy of GOD’s Holy Word has been cast down and a New Heaven and a New Earth have appeared, even then, will the Word of GOD stand as a mighty rock, imperishable and eternal. "The Word of the LORD abideth forever." I trust, dear reader, that you have received a blessing through the reading of this book. I trust that it has created in you a greater desire to study its message, that you will indeed hide GOD’s Holy Word in your heart that you might not sin against Him. I trust that you are convinced that all the efforts of its enemies cannot destroy it; that it will indeed live FOREVER! And now, will you join me in a closing prayer? If you have not as yet given the HOLY SPIRIT complete control of your life, will you do so, now? The Spirit of GOD is there where you are, even now, waiting to flood your life with His blessing. Will you let Him do this? And now join me in this closing prayer. PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the fellowship we have had together through the reading of these pages. We thank Thee for Thy precious Holy Word. It is indeed a living Book, revealing our precious LORD JESUS and His plan for our busy, complex lives. Bless its truth to our hearts as we read it daily! May parents teach it to their children, may Family Altars be established in every home throughout the world in this space age! May we study it more in our individual lives, as ministers preach it from our pulpits, as believers live it in our daily lives! Forgive Thou all our sins, use us to glorify Thy Holy Name, keep us true and faithful until we see Thee face to face, we ask in JESUS name and for His sake, Amen. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/zoller-john-the-wonder-of-the-word/ ========================================================================