____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ May 22, 1994 ____________________________________________________ Having Something to Believe In by Tom Edwards About seven months ago, I read through a book (actually nine short books in one) written by a man to whom Cicero gave the distinguished title of "the Father of History.'' This Greek historian who lived c. 484 to 425 B. C., wrote primarily of the Persian wars; and he speaks of Cambyses, Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes, and Artaxeres to name a few--individuals of whom the Bible also makes mention. The first half-or-more of Herodotus's book I found pretty interesting, especially the parts that dealt with outlandish customs of various peoples, and some of their different modes of life. It provides a fascinating insight into ancient cultures much unlike our own. In Herodotus's writings, however, though much of it I imagine is factual, there seems to also be a goodly portion of that which reads more like a myth or a humorously fictitious anecdote--some being unbelievably bizarre. For instance, Herodotus tells a story about Arabian sheep that are unlike any other sheep in the world because their tails are extremely long: ``not less than three cubits in length, which, if they were allowed to trail on the ground, would be bruised and fall into sores.'' Amusingly, his narrative continues by pointing out that the shepherds knew enough about carpentry to make ``little trucks for their sheep's tails. The trucks are placed under the tails, each sheep having one to himself, and the tails are then tied down upon them.'' It's been said that these little ``trucks'' not only supported the tail, but also had some type of wheels attached to them so the sheep could pull them along. Herodotus also writes about the giant ants dwelling in India that are smaller than dogs, but bigger than foxes. It is said that while these dig their homes, the sand that is thrown to the surface is filled with gold. After the Indians come to gather some of this in bags, they then ride away as speedily as they can, for the Persians say that the ants will catch scent of the Indians and chase them speedily. They refer to these giant ants as being ``so swift, that there is nothing in the world like them.'' You might say that I have trouble believing these particular ``accounts'' because I don't really believe Herodotus. It appears he is just trying to be humorous in some of his works, though he expresses them as historical fact. Bizarre claims, such as the above mentioned, make me a little more skeptical about even some of his plausible writings. As I read through his ``history,'' one thought--and feeling--that kept pervading my mind was the contrast between his writings and God's word. Surely, there are many things in God's word that probably sound highly absurd to the non-believer; but how different it is when you truly believe in its Author. Jesus referred to many incidents in the Old Testament, such as Jonah and the great fish, Sodom and Gomorrah, the overwhelming flood of Noah's day, and various other accounts that might seem even more incredible to the atheist than some of the bizarre writings of Herodotus; but to the Christian, who knows the Savior, who believes in the divine inspiration of the Scriptures and its truthfulness, the Bible story is one that can be accepted heartily, without reservation, joyfully. The believer can stand--and rest--on the sure foundation of God's word, for he knows with certainty that those things are so. When living in a world that is often dishonest, deceitful, and out to take advantage of others, isn't it good to have something we can fully believe in with great hope and confidence? Something that will never let us down. And not just something, but the life-giving power of God's word. No other message in all the universe can do for you as God's divine Scriptures can. As I once heard a preacher say about the uniqueness of the Bible, during a gospel meeting, ``It's the only book from `out-of-this-world.''' Think about that for a while! It's a book from God Himself!!! As we've been considering in some of the recent sermons I've been preaching here: Bible prophecy helps to substantiate the truthfulness of the Bible's own claim toward divine inspiration. It is, by far, the only plausible explanation for the numerous predictions in the Old Testament--and many of them very specific in application--that came to have fulfillment in the New. And it's not a case of having merely a few come to pass out of many, but rather EACH ONE finding fulfillment as God said it would. The Lord's prophecies do not fail. What a difference one's attitude can be from these books of men in contrast to the book of God, the Bible; and how reassuring and comforting it is to have a writing that we can place our full confidence in, knowing with all our heart of its accuracy and truthfulness. Yes, it is great to have something we can fully believe in; and the Lord is a being who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and nothing--or no one--is greater than God Himself. Paul commended the Ephesian elders ``to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified'' (Acts 20:32). Before the Scriptures can do this, however, one must have the same attitude as those in 1 Thessalonians 2:13: For these had accepted ``the word of God's message...not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.'' If you lack faith in God's word then take more time to read it. Examine it carefully. Let it instill within you the faith you need as you consider the evidences set before you and ``reason together'' with the Lord. What a glorious illumination God's message is. As Peter declares in 2 Peter 1:19: ``And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the mourning star arises in your hearts.'' Through Jesus Christ, we can all have not just something to believe in, but the greatest thing of all. For faith in Christ is not merely a way of thinking; it is a way of life! ___________________________________________ GIVE ME THE TRUTH by Bill Crews If you are my friend, if you are concerned about my soul, give me the truth. Do not flatter me. Do not praise my virtues while remaining silent about my vices. Do not fear that the truth will offend me. Do not treasure our friendship, our friendly relations, above my salvation. Do not think that by ignoring my sins, you can help me. Do not think that being blind to my sins will prove yourself charitable. However I may react to it, whatever may be my attitude toward you after you have done it, GIVE ME THE TRUTH! For the truth, and only the truth, can make me free from the shackles of sin, strengthen me in the pathway of righteousness and lead me to the joys of heaven. If I am wavering, weak, lukewarm, indifferent, neglectful; if I have been overtaken in a trespass; if I have been drawn into the pleasures of the world; if I have left my first love; if I have been led astray by error; or if I have done none of these, but simply need to grow in the knowledge and to be edified, GIVE ME THE TRUTH. "For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well" (James 3:2). "This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:19-21). "And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Heb. 13:16). ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 1314 Montgomery Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 10:50 A.M. Worship 6:30 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:30 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (606) 325-9742 e-mail: tedwards@zoomnet.net Gospel Observer web site: http://www.zoomnet.net/~tedwards/go ________________________________________