Pikes Peak Church of Christ

February 5 PM

  "ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

1. As much as we might want to be religiously like those around us,
   there are certain "issues" that necessarily differentiate one from
   others
   a. I call these "Issues Of Distinction"
   b. I choose the word "distinction" because it means...
      1) The act of distinguishing; differentiation
      2) The condition or fact of being dissimilar or distinct;
         difference
      3) A distinguishing factor, attribute, or characteristic
   c. Therefore "issues of distinction" are those which distinguish one
      from others in some way

2. Such "Issues Of Distinction" relate to matters of truth and error
   a. For those who love truth, that which is error holds no attraction
      1) Remember what the wise man said about truth - Pr 23:23
      2) Jesus declared the value of truth in Jn 8:31-32
      3) John wrote highly of those who "walk in truth" - 3 Jn 3-4
   b. Devotion to the truth, then, will necessarily distinguish one
      from those who may subscribe to error

3. In this introductory lesson, I would like to...
   a. Identify several important "Issues Of Distinction" (there are
      certainly others)
   b. Illustrate how they necessarily distinguish one from others


I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

   A. SOME QUESTION OR DENY THE EXISTENCE OF GOD...
      1. Such as ATHEISTS
      2. Or AGNOSTICS

   B. OTHERS BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF GOD...
      1. This includes those of all major religions, including:
         a. Buddhists, Hindus
         b. Jews, Moslems
         c. Christians
      2. The reasons for such belief may be varied, including:
         a. Evidences in nature
         b. Fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures
         c. Evidences for the resurrection of Jesus Christ


II. THE IDENTITY OF GOD

   A. MANY BELIEVE IN A MULTITUDE OF GODS...
      1. Such as BUDDHISTS
      2. And HINDUS

   B. OTHERS BELIEVE THE GOD OF ABRAHAM IS THE ONE TRUE GOD...
      1. On this side of the "issue" are:
         a. Jews and Moslems
         b. Christians
      2. The reason why people believe in the God of Abraham may vary:
         a. Jews believe because of Moses and the Prophets
         b. Christians believe because of Moses, the Prophets, and
            Jesus Christ
         c. Moslems believe because of all these plus Mohammed, their
            final prophet


III. THE IDENTITY OF JESUS OF NAZARETH

   A. MANY BELIEVE THAT JESUS WAS SIMPLY A GOOD MAN, PERHAPS A PROPHET,
      BUT NO MORE..
      1. Many JEWS hold a view of Jesus that He was a good man, but not
         the Messiah
      2. MOSLEMS believe that He was a prophet, but not the Son of God

   B. OTHERS BELIEVE JESUS TO BE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD...
      1. On this side of the "issue", are all professing Christians
      2. Together with Peter, they freely confess:  "You are the
         Christ, the Son of the living God." - cf. Mt 16:13-16
      3. Their reasons would include such things as:
         a. Fulfilled Messianic prophecies
         b. Evidences for His resurrection from the dead


IV. THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES

   A. MANY DISPUTE THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES...
      1. E.g., ROMAN CATHOLICS, GREEK ORTHODOX, etc., who accept in
         addition to the Bible:
         a. Traditions of the church
         b. Papal or ecclesiastical decrees
      2. E.g., MORMONS, JEHOVAH WITNESSES, SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS,
         CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS, PENTECOSTALS, etc., who believe in the
         need for:
         a. Latter-day prophets
         b. Modern-day revelations

   B. OTHERS BELIEVE THE SCRIPTURES TO BE AN ALL-SUFFICIENT GUIDE...
      1. On this side of the issue would be most mainstream Protestant
         churches
      2. Reasons are based upon the claim of the Scriptures themselves:
         a. To be sufficient for making the man of God complete - cf.
            2 Ti 3:16-17
         b. To have been revealed one time, for all time - cf. Ju 3


V. THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM

   A. MANY DENY BAPTISM HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION...
      1. This includes many MAINSTREAM PROTESTANT DENOMINATIONS
      2. Who teach that baptism is simply a confession of faith and not
         necessary to salvation

   B. OTHERS BELIEVE THE BIBLE TEACHES BAPTISM TO BE NECESSARY...
      1. Necessary for salvation - Mk 16:16
      2. Necessary for the remission of sins - Ac 2:38
      3. Necessary for becoming children of God through faith - Ga 3:
         26-27

   C. IF THIS LATTER CONVICTION BE TRUE...
      1. Then those who teach otherwise are not proclaiming the gospel
         Jesus and His apostles proclaimed, which is God's power unto
         salvation - Mk 16:15-16; Ro 1:16
      2. Paul warned about those teaching a perverted gospel - Ga 1:8-9


VI. THE NATURE OF THE LORD'S CHURCH

   A. SOME DENOMINATIONALIZE THE CHURCH...
      1. I fear this is the case with many CHURCHES OF CHRIST, and
         especially THE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF CHRIST
      2. By changing the nature of cooperation among local churches,
         they create a de facto denomination

   B. OTHERS BELIEVE THE SCRIPTURES TO REVEAL A LIMITED FORM OF CHURCH
      COOPERATION...
      1. Local churches may cooperate, but in ways that:
         a. Follow the New Testament pattern for church cooperation
         b. Allow local churches to maintain their local autonomy and
            independence
      2. E.g., congregations may support preachers, missionaries, needy
         Christians or churches
      3. But the New Testament pattern reveals this was done directly,
         with no intermediate or overseeing church

CONCLUSION

1. Love for one's fellow man...
   a. Makes one want to accept everyone as they are
   b. And to let nothing come between us

2. But love for God and truth must be stronger...
   a. It must take precedent over love for our fellow man
   b. It must prompt one to let whatever is truly an "issue of
      distinction" differentiate one from those who believe otherwise

3. Of course, it is very important...
   a. That we do not artificially put up barriers
   b. To diligently study matters to determine whether they merit such
      importance as to differentiate ourselves from others
   c. To present our conviction on such matters in the proper spirit:
      1) Speaking the truth in love - Ep 4:15
      2) Without quarreling, in gentleness, with patience and humility
         - 2 Ti 2:24-25

February 19  AM

"SPIRITUAL GROWTH"

Spiritual Growth And Self-Esteem

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson we saw that "Spiritual Growth Is A Choice"...
   a. Commanded by God - cf. 2 Pe 3:18
   b. Requiring diligent effort - cf. Ph 2:12
   c. Assisted by God - cf. Ph 2:13
   d. Blessed by God - cf. 2 Pe 1:8-11

2. Yet many Christians do not reach their potential for spiritual
   growth...
   a. Character development is minimal, abilities likewise
      underdeveloped
   b. Years pass by with little progress

3. I am persuaded a major reason is poor self-esteem...
   a. Causing Christians to underestimate their true potential
   b. Hindering their efforts to grow

I. SELF-ESTEEM AND THE CHRISTIAN

   A. UNDERSTANDING SELF-ESTEEM...
      1. Self-esteem is our internal feelings and evaluation of
         ourselves based on our "perceived" self-image
         a. How we feel about ourselves
         b. Based on how we view ourselves
      2. Self-esteem and self-image are closely related, based mostly on
         feedback during childhood
         a. Feedback may come first from others (parents, peers, other
            important figures)
         b. But then reinforced by our own self-talk (what we tell
            ourselves)
      3. Healthy self-esteem is enhanced by childhood experiences that
         include:
         a. Being praised
         b. Being listened to, being spoken to respectfully
         c. Getting attention and hugs
         d. Experiencing success in sports or school
         e. Having trustworthy friends
      4. Childhood experiences that lead to low self-esteem include:
         a. Being harshly criticized, yelled at, or beaten
         b. Being ignored, ridiculed or teased
         c. Being expected to be "perfect" all the time
         d. Experiencing failures in sports or school
         -- People with low self-esteem were often given messages that
            failed experiences (losing a game, getting a poor grade,
            etc.) were failures of their whole self
      5. The consequences of poor self-esteem:
         a. Can create anxiety, stress, loneliness and increased
            likelihood for depression
         b. Can cause problems with friendships and relationships
         c. Can seriously impair academic and job performance
         d. Can lead to underachievement and increased vulnerability to
            drug and alcohol abuse
         -- These negative consequences themselves reinforce the
            negative self-image and can take a person into a downward
            spiral of lower and lower self-esteem and increasingly
            nonproductive or even actively self-destructive behavior

   B. THE CHRISTIAN'S BASIS FOR SELF-ESTEEM...
      1. The Christian has two primary reasons for having a healthy
         self-image:
         a. Dignity by virtue of divine generation
            1) We were created in God's image - cf. Gen 1:26-27
            2) We were created to exercise dominion - cf. Gen 1:28
            -- God has further demonstrated His high estimation of
               mankind by His love - cf. Jn 3:16; 1 Jn 4:10; Ro 5:8
         b. Dignity by virtue of spiritual regeneration
            1) Yes, we are sinners, but we have been regenerated
               - Ti 3:5
            2) We are now loved as His children - cf. 1 Jn 3:1
      2. Christians have other reasons for having a good self-esteem
         a. The blessing of continued forgiveness when we sin - 1 Jn
            1:9-2:2
         b. The blessing of God's Spirit to help us overcome sin - Ga
            4:6; Ro 8:12; Ep 3:16
         c. The blessing of God's family (the church) to help us - He
            3:12; 10:25
         d. The blessing of God's own assurance never to forsake us - He
            13:5-6


II. SELF-ESTEEM AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

   A. POOR SELF-ESTEEM HINDERS SPIRITUAL GROWTH...
      1. Not believing they are capable of growing, some tell
         themselves:
         a. "I could never do that (teach a class, preach a sermon,
            etc.)..."
         b. "I will make too many mistakes..."
      2. Prone to giving up too soon, some tell themselves:
         a. "I just don't have the ability..."
         b. "I am only a one talent individual..."
      3. Poor self-esteem on an individual basis can easily carry over
         to how the group feels
         a. "We are too small as a church to do..."
         b. "We are too poor..."
      -- All such excuses are indications of poor self-esteem, and
         prevent spiritual growth from occurring!

   B. PROPER SELF-ESTEEM ENHANCES SPIRITUAL GROWTH...
      1. Consider the healthy self-esteem the apostle Paul had:
         a. For himself - cf. Ph 4:13
         b. For others - cf. Ph 1:6; 2:12-13
      2. We should have a similar estimation of ourselves
         a. We can do whatever God wants us to do, because Christ
            strengthens us!
         b. We may not all do the same, but we can contribute much to
            the glory of God! - cf. Ro 12:3-8; 1 Pe 4:10-11
      -- Instead of making excuses, tell yourself:  "I can do all things
         through Christ who strengthens me"! - Ph 4:13

   C. PRACTICAL STEPS FOR IMPROVING SELF-ESTEEM...
      1. Identify and accept your strengths, weaknesses--everyone has
         them, no one is perfect
      2. Take an "I can" attitude and offer yourself encouragement along
         the way
      3. Set realistic goals, and then take joy in your achievements
         (giving God the glory!)
      4. Don't try to be someone else, but be thankful of who you are
      5. Explore your own talents, learn to love and appreciate the
         unique person you are (God loves you, your brethren love you,
         shouldn't you?)
      6. Eliminate negative self-talk; consider the following:
         a. It takes about 20 positive statements about ourselves (the
            foundation of our self-estee,) to counteract even just 1
            negative personal statement!
         b. It doesn't take a continual repetition of negative
            statements from our parents, peers, and others throughout
            our childhood to cause low self-esteem
         c. Once we get a couple in our head, we can use them over and
            over again; again and again we take those false negatives
            and repeat them unconsciously (completely unaware) - it's
            like having a constant heckler with you

CONCLUSION

1. Poor self-esteem is a major hindrance to spiritual growth...
   a. We make excuses for not trying
   b. We often give up before we make progress

2. On the other hand, spiritual growth greatly enhances self-esteem...
   a. As we grow, our achievements encourage us to do more
   b. As we grow, we gain confidence that we are on the right track
      - cf. 1 Jn 3:18-19

3. Rather than let a mistaken estimation of self to hinder our service
   to God...
   a. Allow God's estimation of us to enhance our self-image and self-
      esteem
   b. Allow God's estimation of us to encourage the spiritual growth He
      desires
   -- We will feel better about ourselves when we do!

February 26  AM

"SPIRITUAL GROWTH"

Goals For Spiritual Growth

INTRODUCTION

1. Thus far in our study of spiritual growth I have sought to establish
   the following...
   a. Spiritual growth is a choice that we must make
      1) Commanded by God
      2) That requires diligent effort on our part
      3) Yet we are assisted by God in our effort
      4) And we are blessed by God both in this life and the one to come
   b. Spiritual growth is too often hindered by low self-esteem
      1) Too many Christians sell themselves short, because they do not
         view themselves capable of attaining higher levels of spiritual
         growth
      2) Not believing in their God-given capability, they are prone to
         making excuses for not trying, and therefore not growing
  Yet because God commands us to grow, we need to have a stronger
      faith that we can grow

2. But what should be our goals regarding spiritual growth?
   a. For what are we to strive, making diligent effort?
   b. By what measurement can we determine that spiritual growth is
      taking place?

3. As with any venture, having goals and attaining them is essential to
   success...
   a. The athlete excels when he or she sets goals, and attains them
   b. The successful business man understands the importance of goals


I. BEHAVIORAL GOALS

   A. OUR ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO BE LIKE CHRIST...
      1. Jesus intimated such in talking about discipleship
         a. A disciple is to become like his teacher - cf. Lk 6:40
         b. Jesus wants us to become His disciples - cf. Mt 28:19-20
      2. Paul made it clear that this is the goal of our redemption
         a. God's desire is that we be conformed to the image of His Son
            - Ro 8:29
         b. As we are being transformed, it is in the image of Christ
            - cf. 2 Co 3:18
         c. We are to be renewed according to the image of Christ - cf.
            Co 3:10-11
       So an essential element of spiritual growth is to become more
         Christ-like, renewing our behavior to conform to the example of
         Jesus Christ

   B. THIS INVOLVES GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST...
      1. Which Peter commanded in 2 Pe 3:18
      2. Not just academic knowledge, but personal knowledge through
         character development - 2 Pe 1:5-8
         a. We must add spiritual graces to our faith, such as virtue,
            knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly
            kindness, love
         b. It is with the development of such graces that we are truly
            fruitful in the knowledge of Christ - cf. 2 Pe 1:8
       These graces were best personified in Jesus Christ; the more we
         grow in them, the more we truly know and understand our Lord
         and Savior!

   C. THE CHALLENGE OF REACHING OUR BEHAVIORAL GOALS...
      1. It requires diligent effort - cf. 2 Pe 1:5,10
      2. It requires sustained effort - cf. Ga 6:7-9
       As stressed before, such growth does not come naturally; if we
         are not careful, we may revert back to our former conduct and
         character - cf. 2 Pe 2:20-22

II. FUNCTIONAL GOALS

   A. THE CHURCH IS A BODY WITH MANY MEMBERS...
      1. In which every member is important - cf. 1 Co 12:12-22
      2. In which not every member has the same function - cf. Ro 12:3-5
      3. In which every member must do its part - cf. Ep 4:16
       The Lord's church grows only as each member does his or her
         part in the body of Christ

   B. AS MEMBERS OF THE BODY, WE MUST GROW...
      1. We must find and develop our unique function(s) in the body of
         Christ - Ro 12:6-8
         a. For some, it may be laboring in the Word (preaching,
            teaching)
         b. For others, it may involve ministering to others (visiting,
            serving)
         c. For many, it may involve a multitude of talents and
            abilities
      2. We must utilize our gifts (functions) in the service of God
         - cf. 1 Pe 4:10-11
         a. Those who speak, doing so as the oracles of God
         b. Those who serve, with the strength God supplies
       Failing to grow brings reproach (e.g., He 5:12-14;), for we are
         guilty of wasting what God has given us (cf. Mt 25:14-30)

   C. THE CHALLENGE OF REACHING OUR FUNCTIONAL GOALS...
      1. The challenge of determining our function(s) in the body of
         Christ
         a. Not all members have the same function; what is mine?
         b. Am I lacking in certain talents, or are they simply needing
            to be developed?
         c. Am I truly a one-talent individual, or using that
            possibility as an excuse not to develop what I am truly
            capable of?
      2. The challenge of developing our function(s) in the body of
         Christ
         a. While some skills may come naturally, others may take time
            and energy
         b. Is my lack of development the result of indifference or
            laziness?
         c. Am I selling myself short through negative self-talk?
         d. Am I allowing the allurements of the world to preoccupy my
            time and energy?
       We need to be honest with ourselves; indeed, the day of
         Judgment will reveal whether or not we have been honest (cf.
         2 Co 5:10; Mt 25:14-30)


III. CONGREGATIONAL GOALS

   A. INDIVIDUAL GROWTH IS INTERTWINED WITH CHURCH GROWTH...
      1. A primary function of the church is the edification of the
         saints - Ep 4:11-16
      2. We are challenged to minister our gifts to one another - 1 Pe
         4:11
      As we grow individually, so we grow as a church, and vice versa

   B. CHURCH GOALS SHOULD INCORPORATE INDIVIDUAL GOALS...
      1. A congregation's goals should allow for the fulfillment of
         individual goals
         a. Providing encouragement through its educational programs
         b. Providing opportunity for Christians to serve in their
            various roles
      2. A congregation's goals will require the fulfillment of
         individual goals
         a. Does a church have a goal for growth?  It requires teachers
            and others who minister to the flock
         b. Does a church have a goal for spreading the gospel?  It
            requires preachers and those who will support them - cf. Ro
            10:14-15
       If we desire to grow individually, we benefit greatly with the
         help of congregational goals!

   C. THE CHALLENGE OF REACHING OUR CONGREGATION GOALS...
      1. It depends heavily upon the cooperation of all the members
      2. If we are not united in the need for spiritual growth, it is
         unlikely we will set congregational goals that will nourish
         such growth
      3. If we are not growing individually, any congregational goals
         will unlikely be met
       If we desire to grow as a congregation, we need to be growing
         as individuals, and set our goals to allow for such!

CONCLUSION

1. Spiritual growth requires the setting and obtaining of goals...
   a. Individuals must have both behavioral and functional goals
   b. Both individuals and congregations must have similar goals

2. As we obtain our goals as individuals and as congregations...
   a. Christ will be glorified!
   b. As disciples and as members of His body we will become what He
      desires us to be!

If we desire to grow spiritually, then we need to set and strive for
behavioral, functional, and congregational goals that will inspire us in
the right direction!

February 26  PM

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

The Identity Of God

INTRODUCTION

1. Our previous lesson briefly surveyed some of the arguments for the
   EXISTENCE of God:
   a. The ontological argument (if man can conceive of a perfect God,
      one must exist)
   b. The general argument (the universal belief in God and man's
      religious instinct)
   c. The cosmological argument (every effect must have a cause; the
      cosmos is an effect, and its adequate cause is God)
   d. The teleological argument (evidence of design necessitates a
      Designer)
   e. The moral argument (moral nature in man and sense of "ought"
      demands a Moral Person in back of all things)
   f. The esthetical argument (beauty in the universe and man's
      response to it suggests a Supreme Being with an eye for beauty)
   -- These philosophical arguments are based upon what is seen in
      CREATION, which reveals something of the Creator - cf. Ro 1:20

2. But these arguments do not, nor does creation, IDENTIFY who this
   Supreme Being is...
   a. Is He the God revealed in the Bible?
   b. Is He the God or Gods believed in by Hindus, Buddhists, etc.?
   c. Or is He some Being yet to be discovered by mankind?


I. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE

   A. IF GOD IS NOT THE ONE REVEALED IN THE BIBLE...
      1. Then the Jew, the Moslem, and the Christian are in error
         a. For they are united in their belief that He is the God of
            Abraham
         b. And that He has revealed Himself through prophets
      2. Then we should be looking elsewhere to learn who God is
         a. Either to the eastern religions, such as Hinduism or
            Buddhism
         b. Or perhaps some other religion among the many in the world

   B. IF GOD IS THE ONE REVEALED IN THE BIBLE...
      1. Then we owe it to ourselves to carefully read the Bible
         a. To learn what God has revealed about Himself
         b. To learn what God expects of mankind
      2. Then we have narrowed down the choices as to what is the true
         religion in the world:  Judaism, Christianity, or Islam

[As we proceed to consider arguments for believing that the God of the
Bible is the One True God, a certain line of reasoning will be
followed:

   The Bible claims to be the Word of the One True God; if this is
   true, we should find evidence of INSPIRATION.


II. EVIDENCES FOR THE IDENTITY OF GOD

   A. THE UNIFORMITY OF THE SCRIPTURES...
      1. The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written:
         a. Over a 1600 year span
         b. Over a period of 40 generations
         c. By approx. 40 authors from every walk of life; e.g.:
            1) MOSES, a political leader trained in the universities of
               Egypt
            2) PETER, a fisherman
            3) AMOS, a herdsman
            4) JOSHUA, a military general
            5) NEHEMIAH, a cup bearer to a king
            6) DANIEL, a prime minister
            7) LUKE, a physician
            8) SOLOMON, a king
            9) MATTHEW, a tax collector
           10) PAUL, a tentmaker and rabbi
         d. In different places
            1) Moses in the wilderness
            2) Jeremiah in a dungeon
            3) Daniel on a hillside and in a palace
            4) Paul inside prison walls
            5) Luke while traveling
            6) John in exile an the isle of Patmos
            7) Others in the rigors of military campaign
         e. At different times
            1) David in times of war
            2) Solomon in times of peace
         f. During different moods
            1) Some writing from the heights of joy
            2) Others from the depths of sorrow and despair
         g. On three continents
            1) Asia
            2) Africa
            3) Europe
         h. In three languages
            1) Hebrew
            2) Aramaic
            3) Greek
         i. Which subject matter includes hundreds of controversial
            topics
            1) The origin of man & the universe
            2) The nature of God
            3) The nature of sin & man's redemption
      2. Despite all this, there is harmony and continuity!
         a. For example:
            1) "The Paradise Lost of the book of Genesis becomes the
               Paradise Regained of Revelation"
            2) "Whereas the gate to the tree of life is closed in
               Genesis, it is opened forevermore in Revelation."
               - GEISLER and NIX
         b. Compare the continuity of the Bible with any other such
            writings of man
            1) Imagine what you would have if you just took ten
               authors...
               a) From one walk of life, one generation, one place, one
                  time, one mood one continent, one language
               b) Speaking on one controversial subject
            2) You would have a conglomeration of ideas, not harmony!
      3. The reason for the UNITY of the Bible?
         a. The writers were all inspired by the same God - cf. 2 Pe
            1:20-21
         b. Providing evidence that the God of the Bible is the One
            True God!

   B. THE SCIENTIFIC FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE...
      1. The nature of this argument:
         a. In the Bible there are scientific truths...
            1) That were unknown by man with all his wisdom and
               resources
            2) That are stated as facts hundreds of years in advance of
               the discovery of these truths by men
         b. That the writers of the Bible could have known these facts
            only through inspiration
         c. That such evidence of inspiration confirms they were
            writing or speaking for the One True God!
      2. Just a few examples of facts written about in the Bible, but
         confirmed only recently with the aid of modern science...
         a. The roundness of the earth - Isa 40:22
         b. The suspension of the earth in space - Job 26:7
         c. The currents in the seas - Ps 8:8
         d. The springs in the seas - Job 38:16
         e. All nations of one blood - Ac 17:26

   C. FULFILLED PROPHECIES FOUND IN THE BIBLE...
      1. The nature of this argument:
         a. The prophecies of the Old Testament foretold events in
            detail that were beyond the scope of human speculation
         b. How did the writers do it?
            1) They attributed it to God!
            2) And God declared that such evidence was a proof of His
               existence and superiority over men and all heathen gods
               - Isa 41:21-24; 42:8-9; 46:8-11
      2. A few examples (Messianic prophecies will be considered in the
         next study):
         a. The fall of Babylon, written two hundred years before it
            occurred - Isa 13:17-22
         b. The fall of Egypt, that it would be destroyed more by civil
            war than by outside forces - Isa 19:1-4
         c. The fall of Nineveh, with its utter desolation - Zeph 2:
            13-15
         d. The fall of Tyre, with its becoming a place for the
            spreading of nests - Ezek 26:1-5
        CONCLUSION

1. We have briefly surveyed evidence suggesting the Bible to be
   inspired by a Supreme Being...
   a. The uniformity of the Scriptures
   b. The scientific foreknowledge of the Bible
   c. Fulfillment of prophecies found in the Bible

2. The Bible is either the work of men or of God; if it is from God...
   a. Then it is easy to understand how these men could write as they
      did
   b. Then the IDENTITY of the One True God is known:
      1) He is the God of the Bible!
      2) And that Book is His Word to us!

3. But among those who believe in the God of the Bible, there are
   differences...
   a. Most Jews accept only the Old Testament portion as Scripture
   b. Christians accept both the Old and New Testaments
   c. Moslems believe that both the Old and New Testaments have been
      corrupted, so as to present an improper picture of Moses and
      Jesus

4. The core of these differences revolve around another "issue of
   distinction":  The Identity Of Jesus of Nazareth