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Do the Ends Justify the Means? / Prime Minister Trudeau and SNC Lavalin

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Lead the Flock by Example, Not Simply Words

Some weeks ago, I introduced a list of topics that I intended, Lord willing, to write about this fall.  Since that time, I have sat down in front of my keyboard on a few occasions to begin drafting outlines for each topic.  However, I quite simply could not find the motivation that typically fuels my pen.  On reflection, I’ve realized that most of the articles I’ve written were fueled by a sudden interest for the topics.  (I know it’s hard to believe that 3 articles on women’s head-coverings were driven by a sudden interest for the topic…but when loyal reader ‘Joe’ pushes back at me, I get 'interested'…)  I still intend to cover the topics I listed previously but unless I become suddenly passionate about them; it will take some time to produce the articles.

What typically fuels my interest in a topic?  It may be a variety of things, including:

A particular event in my personal life, assembly life, or in the world that amuses me, frustrates me, or inspires me;

A strongly stated opinion on a particular ‘do’ or ‘don’t’ that I am unable to find in scripture or I see as being contrary to scripture;

A scripture reading that leads me to further study and research on a topic;

A mild disagreement or an exposed lack of understanding on a scriptural topic (the majority of times, it is I that lack);

And Joe…

I’ve recently been motivated to write an article on an aspect of the gifts given to the Church (large ‘C’) as presented in Ephesians 4:7-12:

“7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men.”  9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; (NASB)”

The comments that I wish to make on this passage, although prompted by a recent event, have been on my heart for some time.  I will provide no remarks on the recent event but there may be readers who will surmise my motivation.  I write this, not as a critique but rather, as an exhortation to ensure that our practice is in accord with our preaching.

In reading the verses above, we will note that Christ (following His ascension into heaven) gave gifts to the Church.  Note that these gifts are not the same as the spiritual gifts given to believers as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14.  The gifts presented in these chapters of 1 Corinthians are those which would appear to be exercised within the local assembly, through the leading of the Holy Spirit.  That is, someone may be exercised or led to minister, give out a hymn, to pray, or to prophesy (that is if prophesy means the interpretation of inspired scripture and not new revelation).

In contrast, the gifts in Ephesians 4 are literally individuals given to the Church; Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers.  (Pastors could also be translated as Shepherds – those that provide guidance to members of the Body of Christ).  I have it specifically on my heart to comment on Pastors and Teachers.  However, before commenting further on those gifts, I would like to quickly comment on those given as Apostles and Prophets.

These two gifts are considered as foundational gifts; gifts that were necessary during the early formation of the church before there was a completed canon of scripture.  While there may be some charismatics that disagree, I do not believe these two gifts exist today.  It can be easily demonstrated from Acts 1, that the gift of Apostle is no longer a possibility.  In Acts 1, we read of the 11 Apostles selecting a replacement for the office of Apostle left vacant by the departure of Judas (Acts 1:16-26). This chapter lists the two qualifications for Apostleship in verses 21-22:

An Apostle had to be a man that:

had accompanied the Lord during His earthly ministry, and

had been a witness to His resurrection.

The Apostle Paul was the only exception to these rules.  He saw the resurrected Lord on the road to Damascus, when he was converted, but he had not accompanied the Lord during His earthly ministry.  However, given that Paul was directly called to be an Apostle by the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, the exception stands uncontested.  I believe it fair to say that no one has existed, since the death of the Apostle John, who has fulfilled both or either of those qualifications.  Hence, we can conclude that Apostles no longer exist.

If we are to interpret the Prophets of Ephesians 4:11 as ones that foresee future events or receive fresh revelation from God, then I believe we are safe to conclude that gift no longer exists in the Church.  During the early years of the Church (when Paul was penning the epistle to the Ephesians), the Word of God was not yet completed.  Prophets, along with the Apostles, had their place during these formative years. 

William Kelly wrote, “first two of these classes of gifts brought before us in verse 11, had for their aim the originating of a new work and testimony. They were destined for, and employed in, laying a foundation for that previously unknown building, the assembly gathered in one out of Jews and Gentiles in the confession of Jesus, the Son of God. The apostles were used not merely like the prophets as the inspired communicators of the mind of God which had not been before revealed, but also as invested with authority in the Lord's name…the prophet was used in what was of the deepest importance, in bringing out directly and immediately from God truth that had never till then been known or even disclosed.” [Source: http://stempublishing.com/authors/kelly/2Newtest/EPH_PT2.html#a4].

Once the canon of scripture was complete, God had no further need of giving revelation through man.  “God, who at sundry times and in divers(e) manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2a, KJV)”.  We now have the complete Word of God and have no need for Apostles and Prophets.  “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB).”

I will not say much on the gift of the Evangelist, as I wish to move on to my comments on Pastors and Teachers.  It will suffice to say that the Church has been blessed with, and continues to be blessed with, the gift of Evangelists.  I’m sure we can each think of someone who has been gifted to deliver the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with power, clarity, and utmost confidence.  “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (Romans 10:15, KJV).”  May God preserve and strengthen those so gifted and may He continue adding to the Church such as will be saved.

We now come to the two gifts given to the Church, on which I would like to dwell: Pastors and Teachers.  It is important to note that a Pastor is a gift given by Christ when He had ascended on high (Ephesians 4:8-11).  The Pastor is a gift not given by way of diploma, degree, or certificate.  Are there true Pastors within the Church that, along with being gifted, have received an education designed for a pastoral office?  Yes, no doubt.  A true Pastor is a gift given by Christ, however it may be augmented by education.

It is interesting to note that the syntactic structure of Ephesians 4:11 implies a connection between these two gifts.  The word ‘some’ appears in front of each of the first three individual gifts (i.e. some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists) while the last phrase reads “some Pastors and Teachers”.  Without being too dogmatic, I might suggest this indicates that we should expect a Pastor to also be a Teacher.  At the very least it implies an important connection between the two.  I really enjoy how C. H. Mackintosh puts it:

“…the pastor and the teacher. The two last named are closely connected, as we see from Eph. 4:11. It is important that this connection be understood and maintained. The teacher unfolds truth; the pastor applies it. The teacher enlightens the understanding; the pastor looks to the state of the heart. The teacher supplies the spiritual nutriment; the pastor sees to the use that is made of it. The teacher occupies himself more with the word; the pastor looks after the soul. The teacher's work is for the most part public; the pastor's work, chiefly in private. When combined in one person, the teaching faculty imparts immense moral power to the pastor, and the pastoral element imparts affectionate tenderness to the teacher.” [Source: http://www.stempublishing.com/authors/mackintosh/Bk6/PUBLICLY.html]

It may very well be that one could be a Teacher but not necessarily gifted as a Pastor.  However, I believe that a Pastor must also be a Teacher.  How else could he shepherd without the ability to apply scriptural teaching in a practical manner?  The Church has the need for both, but I might suggest that there is an urgent need of Pastors.

 I do recognize that each individual assembly of believers may not be blessed with all or any of these gifts.  These gifts are given to the Church and are not promised to each individual gathering of believers.  Yet in the local assembly we have need for both Pastors and Teachers.  If the gift is not present there, in humility and prayerfulness before the Lord, should we not attempt to put these things into practice?

Whether gifted or not, I see many that teach.

Whether gifted or not, I see many that are capable of long verbal dissertations on any variety of scriptural subjects and doctrines.  

Whether gifted or not, I see few who pastor or shepherd.

Whether gifted or not, I see few who volunteer to shepherd an individual when an uncomfortable situation arises.  When a difficult conversation is necessary, the teachers often become silent.

Whether gifted at pastoring or not, cannot and should not the teachers provide practical application of their teaching?  What is more encouraging; the message of a teacher; or witnessing the teacher living out the principles of their message practically?

The Apostle Peter wrote, “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:1-3)”.

I do not pretend for a moment to be gifted as either a Pastor or a Teacher.  However, I pray that I may be used (however feebly) of the Lord to fill the gap when either of those gifts are required.  I exhort you my readers to seek opportunities to pastor or shepherd others who may be struggling through a trial, struggling with their faith, or struggling with a sin.  Don’t avert your eyes and await others to do the work for you.  Do it voluntarily and be examples to the flock.

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Seeking Refuge from Liberal Extremism

While I continue to engage in my study of the difficulties of being a working father, an interesting story has begun to develop that I would like to share.  If I was to move directly to the conclusion, this article is ultimately a prayer request for a Dutch family, seeking asylum in Canada.  Moving directly to the punchline is not something I typically do.  My usual style is to broach a topic, engage in meandering thought (rife with sarcasm and opinion), attempt to bring in a scriptural view to the topic, and then deliver the punchline.  However, on this occasion, lest my audience tire of reading the full article, I’ve front end loaded this prayer request into the first paragraph. 

Please pray for Edith, her husband, and son; first and foremost, for their salvation and secondly for their endeavor to move to Canada.  In order to understand the events that have led to this prayer request, I will need to provide you with some historic context.

Provide me the latitude to take you back a few months to the controversy and strife that ensued following the introduction of Trump’s immigration ban.  In one of Trump’s speeches on the topic, he referenced the increasing crime rates in Sweden and suggested it was a result of Sweden’s open arms immigration policies.  The left went crazy and the Swedish government vehemently denied any correlation between the huge influx of refugees and crime rates.  Conservative news media reported increases in the number of rapes and other violent crimes, while the liberal news media countered those reports with statistics showing percentage drops in crime rates.  Keep in mind that the calculation for annual crime rates is based on size of population.  Therefore, you can have a situation where the total number of crimes increase but because of a swell in population size, the calculated crime rate drops.  By way of mathematical example:

Country A: has a population of 50,000 people and last year they had 5 murders.

Country B: has a population of 5,000 people and last year they had 2 murders.

Which country has the biggest murder problem?  Based on simple math, you may pick Country A because it had 3 more murders than Country B.

However, if you calculate the crime rate, which normalizes the data based on the population size difference, Country B has the worst record.  Crime rate is typically expressed as the number of crimes per 100,000 people.  To calculate the crime rate for the two countries in our example:

Formula: (Number of Crimes / Population) x 100,000 = Crime Rate Per 100,000

 Country A:  (5 / 50,000) x 100,000 = 10 murders per 100,000 population

Country B:  (2 / 5,000) x 100,000 = 40 murders per 100,000 population

Armed with all this information, you could tell the story of these two countries in two different ways:

1.      Country B experienced 250% more murders than Country A.

2.      Country A had a crime rate that is 4 times that of Country B.

If you only heard the first story, you’d walk away thinking Country B was in terrible shape, and if you only heard the second story you’d have the opposite opinion.  Why have I bothered to walk you through that math?  For this reason: if I was to link to any news article (conservative or liberal) to prove the point that Sweden’s immigration/refugee policy is resulting in a spike in the country’s crime rates, I’m really proving nothing.  The statistics can be so easily manipulated to suit the bias of the particular news media outlet.

I will leave it to you, my readers, to research the topic and arrive at your own conclusions as to the veracity of the statement “Sweden’s open-border policy for immigrants and refugees has turned their country into the Chicago of Europe”.  My conclusion, based on the news articles that I’ve read and the statistics I’ve reviewed, is that the statement is true.  Sweden is a country of 9.9 million people, with one fifth of the population being of immigrant background.  Between 2004 and 2017, the population grew by approximately 900,000 people.  “Population increases during 2004-2012 have mainly been attributed to immigration from Muslim countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. This translates as an influx of Muslim immigrants as opposed to any other ethnicity.” 1  In 2015, “more than 160,000 refugees and migrants entered Sweden...In Western and Southern Sweden, Syrians are now the biggest foreign-born nationality group”.2

The relatively unchecked immigration into Sweden and the increase in crime, has resulted in recent protests from many native-born Swedes.  The government has responded by slowing down the number of immigrants and refugees allowed into the country in recent years, however, they refuse to acknowledge any link between crime and immigrants.  The government does collect information on the ethnicity of the perpetrators of crime but will not release the information because it would be considered racist.  The outrage among many Swedes, for the lack of responsibility shown by the current government, has led to a sudden surge in the popularity of the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats party.  “In 2014, the anti-immigrant Sweden Democrats gained 12.9 percent of the vote in parliamentary elections to become the country’s third-largest party, up from only 2.9 percent eight years earlier.”3

You may rightly be asking why I am talking about Sweden when the point of my article is a prayer request for a Dutch family.  (I do understand that Dutch people don’t live in Sweden.  They live in Dutchmanland…)  Trump’s comments on Sweden caused a media storm and put the focus on that Nordic nation.  I raised the topic of Sweden, for two reasons:

Many of you may remember the news stories that erupted in the spring, regarding the link between crime and immigration, and are familiar with the Swedish context.

Although Sweden is not the only country in Europe now suffering from large influxes of immigrants/refugees, they are one of a few countries where people have actually begun to yell loud enough to be heard.  Their government and the liberal media may be trying to cover it up but the Swedish people are speaking up.

The Netherlands, where our Dutch family lives, is suffering a similar fate as Sweden.  It has not, however, garnered as much media attention and the Dutch people’s vocalization of their concern for their country has not yet reached the same pitch.  The Netherlands, with 17.1 million people, is much larger than Sweden and has let in far more immigrants/refugees (in terms of total count) in the last few years.  In 2016 - 110,000 people immigrated into the country (29,000 were Syrian refugees)4, in 2015 – 203,000 (21,000 Syrians), in 2014 – 183,0005… Lots of people moving in and the Muslim population is swelling. 

What has been the impact on life in the Netherlands?  I will let Edith explain that in her own words – but first I should explain my connection with her family.  In 2015, my wife and I went to Mexico on vacation, where we met three Dutch ladies; a mother and her two daughters.  Edith was the oldest of the two daughters, the other being a teenager.  We struck up a friendship with them and have remained in ‘Facebook’ contact since.  A couple of weeks ago, my wife received a message from Edith asking for advice on how to begin the immigration process for moving to Canada.  My wife was happy to help and, in her response to Edith, asked why she was thinking of moving to Canada.

This was Edith’s answer (please keep in mind that English is her second language):

“Thank you for your kind reaction!:)  The reason we would like to move is that our country is not our country anymore. The country were we were proud of is disappeared.  Muslims and allah rules more and more things here. And all our own traditions disappears. out of respects for them. What is ridiculous. Many people with bad plans fled to the Netherlands (borders are open) including terorrists. several attacks have been, young girls are raped and the Dutch state protects them and shows to the outside world that nothing is going on. We're losing our country, our traditions, nothing of it still does exist. It only getting worse, they want dutch children go to the moskee. Not yet in de whole country, but the beginning is there. The muslim people even want to stop us celebrating christmas. and beginning celebrating their traditions. They even start that Dutch daddy's can no longer enter the pool to get their child, out of respect for their religion. We live in the Netherlands to serve them, instead of them follow our traditions. many Dutch people do not say anything about it and follow, because the state says so and let it happen. We are one of a few who does feel not home again and feel no longer respected. But this is not the only reason, my husband did wanted this already 15 years ago. but i did not want it. I didn't want to leave my family, and still that is a hard thing. but things are changed, this country is changing. We love the Christian tradition but they destroy it here. This all together brought us on the idea to look and to [immigrate] somewhere else. Canada always has a place in my husbands hart. He loves the nature and way of living. and the fact you speak English in Canada, what we all have learned on school, makes it an easyer choice…those countries are only ask for trouble. But they won't change, they think they have to save the world, But they forget their own residents. And we have to pay the price.”

Those words tell the story better than any news articles or statistics.  I do not believe that Edith and her family are true believers, although it was encouraging to read that there is a profession or at least an association with Christian ‘traditions’.  Please pray for their souls and their desire to move to Canada.  Also, think our many dear brothers and sisters in Christ that face the same challenges in these European countries.  Unfortunately, North America is not far behind.

 PS:  My Facebook account that many of you were friends with, no longer exists.  In its place, is a Facebook page that you can FOLLOW but not FRIEND.  For those that find this article directly through Tumblr or via Twitter, can I ask that you follow this link to the new Facebook page and share it with your friends? https://www.facebook.com/Salt-Light-359224097842815/

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1Source:http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/sweden-population/

2Source: http://nordic.businessinsider.com/swedens-foreign-born-population-is-nearly-17-million-people---finns-are-the-biggest-group-2017-3/

3Source:  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/24/world/europe/sweden-nation-of-open-arms-debates-implications-of-immigration.html

4Source:  http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2017/01/the-netherlands-population-hits-17-1-million-in-2017/

5Source:  https://nltimes.nl/2016/01/27/immigrants-push-netherlands-population-17-million

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I post this on behalf of a reader...

“I have a very sorrowful heart today as one of my very good friends, Julie Frechette went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning.

We had a great relationship, but then due to a division we lost contact with each other. I know that it was recommended that it would be preferable for her to stay in touch with those who she had been having fellowship with. Finally, she joined Facebook and we were able to reconnect. I wished that I had persisted to continue our friendship but did not want to rock the boat for her. I am so thankful, that we got close again and especially during her sickness. Please let this be a lesson for all. Continue your friendships with Christian friend no matter where they gather, as like me I acted too late. I could of enjoyed our friendship for so much longer and encouraged each other in the Lord (source: anonymous].”

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I add my Amen to this.  Love your brothers and sisters in Christ. Build up yourselves in your most Holy faith (Jude 1:20).  Ecclesiastical differences may divide us, but we must uphold each other in love.  “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:2-6)”.   We will be spending eternity together in glory. If not for evil doctrine or moral evil, we have no reason to not fellowship with one another on this earth…and if evil doctrine or moral evil persists, let us reach out in love to encourage, correct and restore where necessary.

My heart and my prayers go forth tonight for those that lost a relative or friend.  Julie is currently enjoying a paradise that none of us would want to bring her back from - she is in the arms of her Savior. We will see her again someday.  In the meantime, let’s demonstrate our love one to another, so that we have no regrets as to our conduct in this earthly scene.

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An email to my Mormon friends

Over the course of the last 2 or 3 months, I have had the opportunity (on 3 separate occasions) to sit down and share the gospel with a number of Mormon missionaries.  These young men have been so horribly deceived and enslaved to a system of works salvation that can never bring peace.  I pray, and I ask that you pray, that the Holy Spirit will work in the lives of Jacob, Jim, Logan, Pierce, Austin, and Daniel - convict them of their sins and lead them to Christ.

If you listen to the audio file that I posted on Facebook this week, you will hear how the last meeting ended.  I may not see them again, but I was able to read lots of scripture to them and provided the gospel message again and again.  The Lord can do the rest.

With their permission, I audio recorded each meeting.  I did so to ensure that I would represent them properly, if I am to ever write about the experience.  In future articles, I may share portions of that audio and provide some explanation.  It may be of some help to you, if you have opportunity to share the gospel with Mormons.

In this article, I will share a copy of an email that I sent to Jacob today.

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Hi Jacob,

I am writing this email in follow-up to our last meeting.  I appreciated the opportunities I had to meet with you and your friends over the last couple of months.  My desire in each of those interactions was to allow for the Truth to be proclaimed - most importantly, the truth of the gospel (which is of eternal importance).  “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1, 3b-4, KJV).” 

The Lord Jesus Christ died so that you and I could have eternal life through faith and grace alone.

Galatians 2:16 – “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (KJV).”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (KJV).”

Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (KJV).”

 A correct teaching of the gospel is of absolute importance.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 1: 6-9 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed (KJV)”.  Those are strong words – a stern warning to anyone that would pervert the gospel of salvation through grace.

Our last meeting ended with Pierce asking me to apply the challenge put forth in the book of Mormon:

Moroni 10:4 – “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

I declined that challenge for a reason that I attempted to articulate during our last meeting.  I would like to once again present that reason in this email.  I believe it to be a significant point that is important for you to understand. 

 I declined that challenge, first and foremost, because it is not scriptural.  The Bible (which we both accept as scripture) instructs us to test any new teaching or revelation against the Bible itself (the revealed Word of God). 

1 Thessalonians 5:21 – the Apostle Paul instructs us to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good”.   Following that instruction along in context we then read in verse 27 “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.”  The Apostle Paul upholds scripture as the authority.

2 Timothy 3:13-17 – the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about evil men and seducers that would come and try to deceive Christians and Paul points Timothy – where?  To pray for a subjective feeling to validate what was true?  No, back to scripture: “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Not only does the bible instruct us to do so, but that is indeed the model we see practiced by the Apostles and other believers within the very text of scripture.  In Acts 17, we read of Paul and Silas preaching in the city of Berea.  In verses 10 and 11 we read this:  “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.  11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so”.

Paul and Silas came preaching about a man named Jesus who was the promised Messiah, and spoke of his death and resurrection.  This was a new revelation to these Bereans.  Did they pray for God to reveal whether the words of Paul and Silas were true or not?  It tells us that they searched the scriptures daily to see whether they were true.  They had the Old Testament scriptures, which contain the Messianic prophecies.  Through a comparison to scripture, they were able to determine that the words spoken by Paul and Silas were true.  Of course the Holy Spirit played his role in convicting their hearts of sin and leading them to Christ.

As well, consider how the New Testament writers presented the revelation of Jesus Christ by referring their audience back to the Old Testament prophecies.

Christ’s Birth:

Matthew 1:23 – “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  Quoted from Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 2:3-6 – “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel (KJV)”.  Quoted from Micah 5:2.

Introduction of John the Baptist

Mark 1:2-3 – “As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight (KJV).”  Quoted from Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3.

Death and Resurrection:

Luke 24:44-47 – “And 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.  45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (KJV).”  These words are spoken by Jesus, Himself, after He had risen from the dead.  He spoke of His suffering, death, and resurrection, and pointed the men back to the Old Testament scripture as evidence that these things were true.

I could provide hundreds of examples from the New Testament, where the writers point back to, and quote from, the Old Testament to corroborate a new teaching or revelation.  For sake of time, I won’t – but I do encourage you to read the bible (Old Testament and New) and see how they are woven together in perfect accord.  They agree with each other because God’s Word is perfect.  The New Testament can be accepted as God’s Word because it is in agreement with the Old Testament scriptures, and of course the Holy Spirit which indwells the believer, can guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

Now allow me to once again present the trail of logic that I attempted to present in our last meeting.

The Old Testament came first.  It contains God’s first written revelation of Himself and His dealings with men.

The New Testament came second.  It contains a further revelation from God, through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  Because it contained fresh revelation (not previously revealed in full), the New Testament authors, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, constantly pointed back to and quoted from the Old Testament to prove the validity and truth of what they were teaching. You can hardly turn a page in the New Testament without finding a quote from the Old Testament, which corroborates the truth of the revelation of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation.

The New Testament directs us to test any new teaching against scripture to validate its truth.  As I quoted above, the Apostle Paul wrote “if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed”.  How are we to validate if someone is teaching the true gospel?  We have the witness and teaching of the Apostles to compare to, as contained in the bible.

Then 1800 years later, we get the book of Morman.  It claims to be another revelation from God.  However, when one applies the biblical standard of comparing its words back to the scriptures that came before we find significant discrepancies. 

These discrepancies are not just in peripheral matters.  The very gospel itself is changed.  The bible is very clear that we are saved by God’s grace alone and yet the book of Mormon tells us in 2 Nephi 25:23b “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do”.  In Romans 11:6 it says, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace”.  The book of Mormon changes the gospel; it takes away God’s grace and replaces it with man’s works.

What did the Apostle Paul say about anyone that would dare preach a different gospel?  “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8)”.  According to Joseph Smith, who gave him the golden plates, which teach another gospel?  It was an angel called Moroni.

I cannot pray for God to reveal the book of Mormon to me as truth.  It is demonstrably false when compared against the infallible standard: God’s Word, the Bible.  If you are reading a book that claims to be the word of God and it is not – then who might the author be?  I am terrified to even think of praying to that author.

Jacob, I urge you to read the bible and I pray that the Holy Spirit will work in your heart and in the heart of your friends.  The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross because we were helplessly lost in our sins.  We can do nothing.  It is through faith in Christ by grace alone.  And because it is by grace we are saved, despite all we do – we can have perfect peace in our salvation.  It is all in God’s hands.

Romans 5:1-2 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God (KJV).”

Praying earnestly for your salvation,

S&L