Bible help to overcome Lust ?

 

A lustful thought is like a torpedo, cruising relentlessly, silently under the water, straight toward the hull of our ship. I understand that unless I take instant evasive action, I am in trouble. The truth is that I cannot afford to let any lustful thoughts into our minds. Enemy knows how to exploit that one little opening until it is a gaping hole in your spiritual armour as the little opening is all the Enemy needs. So, my plan to walk in victory over lustful thoughts is as under.

A Self-Defeating Fight: I know that I sometimes finish committing some lustful thoughts and then immediately begin to question, how did that happen, what went wrong. I was doing fine, how all of a sudden it happened. It always began as a tiny, silent thought in my mind.

Sometimes I tend to pay little attention to the thoughts that come into our minds. Some come and go so quickly but others linger. Some entice and tantalize & some are sinful and so hard to overcome. But I know that there is victory in Jesus Christ over impure thoughts and there are several things I must do to assure victory. My plan to overcoming is as under.

1. Break the Trance: The first is what I refer to as “breaking the trance.” When lustful thoughts will start to arise in my mind, I will try outwardly to break that momentum toward sin. The situation I am in is likely too conducive then something needs to immediately change. If watching television or using the computer is source, I will turn it off and take a short walk to help me get my thoughts redirected.

Colossians 3:5 says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” What does this mean? It means to stop feeding that thing & if anything not fed that will eventually die, or at least lose its power.

2. Pray Continuously:  Secondly, PRAY! I neglect the weapon of prayer far too often. I need Lord’s help. The Word of God instructs us to take our thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and the best way is to pray. It is impossible to pray and think lustful thoughts at the same time. Prayer has the power to overcome lust.

I decides that If I fail, I will take help from friend, or my spiritual mentor who can pray with you. I will Humble myself and confess my need for prayer to overcome these lustful thoughts. Such humility will the door for favour of the God. I understand that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (I Peter 5:5).

3. Clean House: Third I have decided to apply the words given by the apostle Paul: “Do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2a). Sometimes things I find like television is the source of lustful thoughts and crush my spiritual life or some catalogues and magazines filled with glossy advertising based on sensual appeals I will not use them to come out of it during that critical time. So decided to have a good housecleaning that will go a long way toward making my home the onslaught of sensual propaganda the world hurls at me.

But ultimately, these three steps will not produce lasting victory over lustful thoughts but I need to go hand-in-hand with a long-term transformation of my mind with word of God.

A Great Reversal:  Romans 12:2 goes on to say “…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Be transformed? What does it mean to have to have a renewed and transformed mind?

A transformed mind is one that draws its thoughts and motives from an increasingly vibrant relationship with God. Any time you “put off the old,” you must also “put on the new” (Ephesians 4:22, 24). Hollow and deceptive fantasies need to be replaced by something more wonderful. If I proclaim the relevant Scriptures that will renew the spirit of your mind. (Ephesians 4:23).

A new and transformed mind is filled with thoughts of Jesus and His love as it was revealed on the Cross. God wants to renew and transform my mind, my ugly, self-centred, lust-filled mind and give me “beautiful mind,” one that truly pleases and glorifies Him. I will continue to strive for the same to overcome the lustful thought soon and walk in total freedom.

Biblically how to overcome Anger,Depression, Worry and Low self Esteem

 

1.Anger: - In spite of our best not to do so angry thoughts bubble to the surface from time to time sometimes due to fight with our partner, disagreement with parents, or lost your job, there are a lot of reasons to feel angry about what life has thrown your way. If you are religious, you may even harbour some resentment towards God's plan for you, which maybe hasn't aligned with your own plan. But letting anger consume your thoughts and actions will only lead you down a sinful path with consequences. No one said letting go of anger and forgiving someone you feel has wronged you is easy, but these Bible verses about anger can help remind you of the importance of choosing forgiveness over revenge.

It is in your control to release any negative thoughts, keep faith, and have trust that the Lord will make sure those who have wronged you are held accountable. Being angry is valid, but don't let it become your character. These Bible verses about anger will help you accept, understand, and let go, and remind you of the consequences of holding grudges. Just read the verses and apply them into your life to get yourself delivered from anger.

PSALM 37:8, “Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble.” When you can act based on your negative emotions, you might make the wrong decisions, so take your time to calm down before doing anything.

ECCLESIASTES 7:9, “Keep your temper under control; it is foolish to harbor a grudge.”The Good News: A lot of situations can make us react angrily and that’s perfectly normal. But we shouldn’t hold grudges because it’s pointless and exhausting.

PROVERBS 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” When someone who is angry confronts you, don’t fight with them. Try and talk to them calmly as it’ll help calm them down and make their anger go away.

EPHESIANS 4:26, “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day.” When web are angry, we may do something we might regret later or act in a way that could hurt those around us. Wait until the anger dissipates before making a decision or taking action.

PROVERBS 14:17, “People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.”

Anger is a normal response to some situations, but it’s how you respond that makes you who you are.

PROVERBS 14:29, “Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.” We only have great power when we control our emotions and have patience, unlike those who let their anger take over. Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.”

EPHESIANS 4:29, “Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say.” The Good News: Know that your words have power, and wield them in a way that is positive and helpful for your community.

2.Depression: While with depression, it can sometimes be overwhelming or intimidating to seek help as not everyone who has depression has the same symptoms. Whether experiencing sadness, a loss of interest in life, or noticing changes in your sleep, appetite, or energy levels, being honest and open about your mental health is often the first step to finding relief. And what's more: Having depression is nothing to be ashamed of as, as per National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 6.7 percent of the adult population has likely dealt with depression at some point in their lives. It's important to know you're not alone and that there are valuable, effective resources out there that can help treat depression, from therapy to medication.

If you are a religious person, turning to the Bible in times of struggle might come naturally to you, too. If reading Bible verses for inspiration, looking to Bible verses about anxiety, or saying prayers to help ease anxiety has helped you in the past, knowing there are Bible verses that address depression could be helpful as well. Memorizing, reciting, or reflecting on these verses could be a great addition to seeking mental health counselling from professionals. No matter what, knowing that God loves you just as you are, regardless of what you are feeling or experiencing in life, is the most important thing. Some Bible verses are as under to remind you, which can help you to come out depression.

DEUTERONOMY 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” While depression can make you feel lonely, God is still there with you. And he’s not going anywhere.

JOHN 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus knows that you will experience difficult times. These comforting words can be a source of strength as you reflect on His love for all of us. Through faith, you can overcome the obstacles in your life.

JEREMIAH 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” There are better times ahead. God has a plan for you, even if your current circumstances are proving difficult.

JOSHUA 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Through previous struggles in your life, God has always been there. Even if you’re struggling with depression and other mental health concerns, God will continue to be by your side. This verse can empower you, and it reminds you that you are not alone.

PSALM 40: 1-2, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” The vivid imagery in this verse is especially relevant for those dealing with depression. It truly can feel like you’re in a pit sometimes. Through faith in God, you can find stability once again

ISAIAH 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “Dealing with depression can be scary. But this verse reminds you that with God on your side, there’s nothing to fear. You’ll find the strength you need to weather the storm by placing your trust in him.

3.Worry: Going through the anxious thoughts about the future can be mentally and emotionally draining and it may feel impossible to wade through these worries so that you can focus on the present and see the light at the end of the tunnel. But Bible verses about worry can help soothe whatever is causing you stress right now, whether it's money problems, an upcoming project at work, or an argument you recently had with a friend. God has the uplifting words and advice to help you overcome the worry troubling your mind.

Maybe you are afraid of a big life change that is coming your way or anxious about having a difficult discussion with your partner. It's in these stressful moments that reading or reciting comforting Bible verses can help alleviate indecision and bring you closer to clarity about the future. In addition to this scripture about worry, you can also incorporate a few prayers for anxiety to bring some calm at the hands of the Lord. These passages may not immediately quell your worries, but do your best to remain present and keep leaning on God's wisdom. Soon, your anxieties will begin to feel smaller and more manageable until they are able to be fully resolved.

MATTHEW 6:27-28 , And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Worrying accomplishes nothing but making you miserable put your trust in the Lord.

JOHN 14:1-3, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Jesus assures us that we are in his care, now and forever.

PSALM 6:2-4, “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord how long? Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.” The Good News: God’s steadfast love is ever available to strengthen us in times of trouble.

LUKE 24:38-39, “And he said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’” The risen Lord calls us to take heart and rely on our faith to support us.

SAIAH 35:4, “Say to those who hav e an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’”Cast aside your fears the Lord is with you.

JOHN 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. “The peace of the Lord far surpasses any assurances the world can give; rest comfortable in that knowledge.

PSALM 18:6, “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” Lord hears the Cries of His children.

MATTHEW 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Don’t let worries about the future overwhelm you; turn to the Lord for support in the present. God always hears your cries and will never forsake you.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is an ever-sure means to open your heart to God and receive His blessing.

4.Low self Esteem, God wants us to have confidence in life! Not boastful, arrogant pride but an assured knowledge of who we are in Him! Our self-worth should be seen through the eyes of God, our creator. When you need a boost of self-esteem, there is no better place to turn to than the Bible! Scripture is filled with truths and promises that we can place our confidence in.

Our confidence is in Jesus Christ and the love of God. When you feel not good enough or not strong enough, remember who God says you are! We hope this collection of Bible verses about having confidence brings your courage and strength through the love of God.

Hebrew 10:35-36, Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: So continue to have confidence in the words of God.

2 Corinthians 12:9, And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, out faith on the bible verses about self-esteem.

Genesis 28:15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Continue to keep your trust on His words and not yourself.

Philippians 4:13 ESV, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In Christ we can do much more and so keep on proclaiming His words.

Hebrew 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. For our need we need to approach our God and He shell provide.

1 Peter 2:9, But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. We are His chosen, a royal priest hood so believe on it.

Matthew 10:31, Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. We have much more value.

2 Corinthians 12:9 , But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Gracious God is with us and powerful and His power will rest upon us in our weakness.

Hebrews 10:22-23, Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Proclaim His words and He is faithfully.

Isaiah 61:1-3, The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. Proclaim these words and receive the oil of gladness and liberty from captivates in the form is low self esteem.

Pastor to have a heart of Servant!

 What does it mean to have a servant heart?

To answer the question, “what does it mean to have a servant heart,” we must first learn what a servant is. A servant is a person who meets the needs of others. A servant is an individual who puts themselves under submission to another. A servant is different from a slave in that a servant’s loyalty to one’s master is voluntary, but a slave’s is not. Every slave is a servant, but not every servant is a slave.

In Christianity, we are called first to submit to God, then to one another.

When I stayed with my friend, she had such a beautiful servant heart. She served selflessly, humbly. She gave of herself without expecting anything in return. She loved God and wanted to bless me with the overflow of that love. It left me wondering, how well do I serve others and what do I use as my guide?

5 Tips for Having a Servant Heart

1. Use Jesus as your model: Jesus was the greatest servant of all

Jesus came to earth as a servant with a commitment to serve. He always put others’ needs first. If He had come, instead, to be served, our salvation and sanctification could and would never have taken place.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:6-7)

By coming as a servant, Jesus provided a living, breathing example for us to follow of how we are to treat others, and the approach we are to take in our relationships.

“So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” (John 13:12-15)

To cultivate a servant heart, use Jesus as your role model. He was the greatest servant of all.

2. If we want to be great, we must be least

When we watch the example that Jesus was for his disciples and for us, He has really given us two choices:

• • We can choose to serve ourselves, OR
  • We choose to serve others.

If we choose to serve ourselves, then we cannot be His disciples, because he taught his disciples that if they were going to follow him, they had to be willing to put themselves last.

If we choose to serve others, then we show others His love, and in that way, they will know we are His disciples.

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

God’s kingdom operates differently from our earthly hierarchical structures. Greatness in God’s kingdom does not come from occupying positions of power or being praised by men. God is more interested in a servant heart and our attitude toward others.

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” (Matthew 20:26)

A hindrance to being a good servant is a desire for praise, power, and recognition by others or self-exaltation.

“A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:24-30)

We must choose to serve others and be the least of these in order to have a servant heart.

talents that we are to use for serving others.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10)

In turn, serving others may be what God uses to touch their hearts and draw them to Him. Share the love of God by using your gifts to serve others. It’s another aspect of having a servant heart.

3. We show our love for God by loving others

Jesus told his disciples, and us, that if we love him, we will keep His commandments. Our obedience is an outward demonstration of our love for God.

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13)

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

“Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24)

When we obey God’s commandments, we exhibit a servant heart.

4. Consider Others Before Yourself

In today’s society, there has become a tendency to focus on self-fulfillment rather than making it a priority to serve God and others. This is not consistent with Scripture.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Modern society has made an industry out of self-fulfillment and self-help for everything from dieting to reaching one’s greatest potential. The focus of a Christian should instead be on knowing and loving God, and from that relationship, serving others according to the example Jesus provided.

Serving others according to the example we have in Jesus is a quality of having a servant heart.

5. Use your gifts in order to serve

God has given each of us certain gifts and talents that we are to use for serving others.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10)

In turn, serving others may be what God uses to touch their hearts and draw them to Him. Share the love of God by using your gifts to serve others. It’s another aspect of having a servant heart.

 

How We Got the Bible Original Bible?

The answer to this question is both “no” and “yes.” In the strictest sense, no, the original documents that comprise the 66 books of the Bible—sometimes called the “autographs”—are not in the possession of any organization. However, in a very real way, yes, humankind does have the actual words and books that make up the Word of God. How can this be? To gain an understanding of how the original Bible was written and how it compares to what is read today, it’s necessary to look at the process that resulted in its original compilation and what has happened since that time.

Background of the Original Bible

According to skeptics, there has never been a true “original” Bible. For example, Dan Brown’s fictional book The Da Vinci Code has his storyline “expert” say the following about the Bible: “The Bible did not arrive by fax from heaven. . . . The Bible is the product of man, my dear. Not of God. The Bible did not fall magically from the clouds. Man created it as a historical record of tumultuous times, and it has evolved through countless translations, additions, and revisions. History has never had a definitive version of the book.” Brown’s charge does indeed belong in a work of fiction because the assertion is simply not true.

It is correct that the Bible was written over a long period of time. Written by 40 authors over a period of nearly 1,500 years, Scripture is comprised of 66 books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. The Old Testament is often divided into three sections: (1) The Pentateuch, which is sometimes referred to as “The Law” and includes the first five books of the Bible; (2) The Prophets, which includes all the major and minor prophetic writings; and (3) The Writings, which includes Psalms, Proverbs, and a number of other books.

The New Testament is also divided into three segments: (1) The Gospels; (2) Church History, which basically includes just the book of Acts; and (3) The Apostolic Writings, which includes everything else.

Compilation of the Original Old Testament

How was the original Bible compiled? Its assemblage can be traced through Scripture in a fairly accurate manner. After Moses wrote the Pentateuch (Exodus 17:14; 24:4, 7; 34:27; Numbers 33:2; Joshua 1:8; Matthew 19:8; John 5:46–47; Romans 10:5), it was placed in the Ark of the Covenant and preserved (Deuteronomy 31:24). Over time, other inspired texts were added to the first five books of the Bible. During the time of David and Solomon, the books already compiled were placed in the temple treasury (1 Kings 8:6) and cared for by the priests who served in the temple (2 Kings 22:8). More books were also added during the reign of King Hezekiah: David’s hymns, Solomon’s proverbs, and prophetic books such as Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah (Proverbs 25:1). In general, as the prophets of God spoke, their words were written down, and what was recorded was included in what today is the Old Testament.

During the exile of the Jews in the sixth century, the books were preserved. Around 538 BC the Jews returned from the Babylonian captivity, and Ezra the priest later added other inspired works to the compilation. A copy of the Torah was then stored in the Most Holy Place of the second temple, where the ark of the covenant used to sit. Following a meticulous process, other copies of the Torah were made to protect and preserve the inspired writings. This collection of Old Testament books, written in the Hebrew language, is what Judaism calls the “Hebrew Bible.”

In the third century BC, the Old Testament books were translated into Greek by a team of 70 Jewish scholars, with the finished work being called the LXX (which stands for “70”), or the Septuagint (a Latin word derived from phrase “the translation of the seventy interpreters”). The Septuagint was certainly used and quoted by the apostles, including Paul, in their writings. The oldest manuscripts of the LXX include some 1st- and 2nd-century BC fragments.

In AD 1947 the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the area of Qumran in Israel. Various scrolls date anywhere from the 5th century BC to the 1st century AD. Historians believe that Jewish scribes maintained the site to preserve God’s Word and to protect the writings during the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The Dead Sea Scrolls represent nearly every book of the Old Testament, and comparisons with more recent manuscripts show them to be virtually identical—the main deviations are the spellings of some individuals’ names and various numbers quoted in Scripture.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a testimony to the accuracy and preservation of the Old Testament and give confidence that the Old Testament we have today is the same Old Testament used by Jesus. In fact, Luke records a statement made by Jesus regarding the assemblage of the Old Testament: “For this reason also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and some they will persecute, so that the blood of all the prophets, shed since the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the house of God; yes, I tell you, it shall be charged against this generation’” (Luke 11:49–51, emphasis added). Jesus confirmed the 39 books of the Old Testament in these verses. Abel’s death is found in Genesis and Zechariah’s in 2 Chronicles—the first and last books of the Hebrew Bible.

Compilation of the Original New Testament

Dan Burstein, in his book Secrets of the Code (a book similar to Dan Brown’s book), says this about the New Testament: “Eventually, four Gospels and twenty-three other texts were canonized into a Bible. This did not occur, however, until the sixth century.” Is this assertion true? Actually, it is 100 percent false. The truth is the composition of the New Testament was officially settled at the Council of Carthage in AD 397. However, the majority of the New Testament was accepted as authoritative much earlier. The first collection of New Testament books was proposed by a man named Marcion in AD 140. Marcion was a Docetist (Docetism is a system of belief that says all spirit is good and all material matter is bad), and so Marcion excluded any book that spoke of Jesus being both divine and human, and he also edited Paul’s letters to match his own philosophy.

The next proposed collection of New Testament books on record was the Muratorian Canon, dated AD 170. It included all four gospels, Acts, thirteen of Paul’s letters, 1, 2, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation. The final New Testament canon was first identified by the church father Athanasius in AD 367 and ratified by the Council of Carthage in AD 397.

But history shows that the actual New Testament in modern Bibles was recognized much earlier and that it is an exact reflection of what the “autographs” contained. First, Scripture itself shows that the writings of the New Testament were considered inspired and equal to the Old Testament. For example, Paul writes, “For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages’” (1 Timothy 5:18, emphasis added). The latter quotation is from Luke 10:7, which shows Paul considered Luke’s Gospel to be “Scripture.” Another example includes a statement made by Peter: “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:15–16, emphasis added). It is clear that Peter regarded Paul’s letters as equally inspired as the Old Testament canon.

Second, quotations from the early church fathers allow the reconstruction of almost the entire New Testament as it is found today. For example, Clement (c. AD 95) quotes from eleven New Testament books, Ignatius (c. AD 107) quotes from nearly every New Testament book, and Polycarp (a disciple of John, c. AD 110) quotes from seventeen New Testament books. Using the early church fathers’ quotes, the entire New Testament can be pieced together, with the exception of 20–27 verses, most of them from 3 John. Such evidence witnesses to the fact that the New Testament was recognized far earlier than the Council of Carthage in AD 397 and that the New Testament we have today is the same as what was written 2,000 years ago.

Third, there is no literary rival in the ancient world to the number of manuscript copies and the early dating of the New Testament. There are 5,300 Greek, 10,000 Latin, and 9,000 miscellaneous copies of the New Testament extant today, and more continue to be unearthed via archaeology. The combination of early dating and the enormous number of New Testament copies causes historical experts such as Sir Frederic Kenyon (former director and principal librarian of the British Museum) to say, “The interval, then, between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established.”

Original Bible – Conclusion

In summary, while no one today possesses the original autographs, we do have many extant copies, and the work of biblical historians via the science of textual criticism gives us great confidence that today’s Bible is an accurate reflection of the original writers’ work. As an analogy, if the original and preserved unit of measure known as a “yard” was lost in a fire in its holding place in Washington, D.C., there is little doubt that that measurement could be replaced with full assurance through all the exact copies of it that exist elsewhere. The same is true of God’s Word.

What is the meaning of “for I know the plans I have for you” in Jeremiah 29:11?

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” This verse or portions of it are very popular. Jeremiah 29:11 is often displayed on posters, T-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. This verse is often spoken as a promise of hope to people who are grieving or discouraged. However, before it can be applied, it must first be understood in context.

When interpreting Scripture, we must keep in mind the distinction between a passage’s interpretation and the same passage’s application: a passage can have only one meaning, but it may have many applications. Jeremiah 29:11 is no different. The verse has only one meaning.

Jeremiah 29 is addressed to the exiles in Babylon. As punishment for the sins of Judah, God was going to send the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem and the temple and to carry away many of the people to Babylon. (See Jeremiah 25:8–14 for one example.) At the time Jeremiah wrote Jeremiah 29, Nebuchadnezzar had already removed some Jews to Babylon (see verse 1), although the total destruction of Jerusalem and the temple was still to come. Jeremiah writes to the exiles to tell them that people would return to the land after 70 years (verse 10). Then he reassures them in verse 11 that God has not forsaken them. They will be restored. God’s plans for His Chosen People were “for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (NLT).

In the primary application, Jeremiah 29:11 has nothing to do with any person living today. This verse applied only to the Jews who were in exile in Babylon during the sixth century BC. However, the sentiment expressed is so beautiful and encouraging, is there not any sense in which it applies today? The answer is, yes.

Jeremiah 29:11 has other applications. In particular, this verse reflects a more general principle of God’s grace and affections for those whom He loves, including the modern church. This more general application can be made because of the unchanging nature of God.

God had promised to bring Israel back; therefore, the exiles could be assured that they had a future and a hope. This promise was not made to all nations at the time, but only to Israel. Likewise, God has promised believers in Christ certain things that are not applicable to the human race in general. For those who are in Christ, God has promised that our sins are forgiven and we stand before God justified. God has plans for those in Christ, and those plans are good.

Shades of Jeremiah 29:11 are seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Romans 8:31–39: “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Believers in Christ can be confident that all things will work together for our good and that God has a future planned for us. We have hope that “does not put us to shame” (Romans 5:5). We have been given promises to rely on, just as Israel was. So, if by quoting Jeremiah 29:11 we are thinking of our security in Christ, then the wording is appropriate, even if the historical context does not apply.

A word of caution, however, that Jeremiah 29:11 can be misused as well. First, it is sometimes wrongly applied to humanity in general. Strictly speaking, the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 does not apply to every human being, but only those who are in Christ. Perhaps it could even be extended as part of the invitation to receive Christ: “If you come to Him, He promises you a future and a hope!” Outside of Christ, the only Savior, there is no future and no hope (see John 3:18). Too often, Jeremiah 29:11, quoted without context and applied universally, is made to give the impression that God is a doting grandfather who just wants to spoil us.

The second danger of using this verse without understanding the context is the same as the danger of taking Romans 8:28 out of context. Jeremiah 29:11 promised that the nation of Israel would be restored, but very few of the exiles lived to see the fulfillment of that prophecy 70 years later. Most of them died without seeing the future that God had planned. Likewise, the future and hope we have in Christ are not a guarantee that things will go well in this life. For most believers throughout history and in the world today, the world is a cold and dangerous place. In fact, the promise outlined in Romans 8:28 is specifically that, even though believers will face all sorts of dangers and persecutions in this life (trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword—see verse 35), Christ will never abandon them. In this life, believers have hope because of the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, but the future and the hope and the prosperity that God has planned for believers will be fully realized only after this life of suffering is over.

What does it mean that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17)?

In Isaiah 54:11–17, the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from God about the restoration of Jerusalem after its destruction by the Babylonians. The people would be in chaos and confusion, but the Lord promises a future day when the city will be more glorious than ever. God’s people will return to their land and live there without fear of further devastation: “‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,’ Says the LORD” (verse 17, NKJV).

In saying that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper,” God promises the people of Jerusalem that no enemy will be able to produce successful weapons against them. The word prosper here means “succeed.” The previous verse gives context: “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc” (Isaiah 54:16). In other words, God is in charge. He created the one who creates the weapons, and He will see to it that whatever weapons are wielded by Israel’s enemies would be ineffective against them. This promise will see its ultimate fulfillment in the millennial kingdom of Christ (see Isaiah 51).

The promise to Israel is often applied to God’s children today, as we deal with spiritual enemies. No matter what the devil devises to throw at us, in the end it will fail because God is the sovereign ruler of our destiny. He gives us the shield of faith, “with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). The Good News Translation phrases Isaiah 54:17 like this: “‘But no weapon will be able to hurt you; you will have an answer for all who accuse you. I will defend my servants and give them victory.’ The LORD has spoken.”

The primary theme the Lord wants to communicate in this passage is that God is our salvation. Even when bad things happen to us—when we feel defeated and crushed by our enemies—we can trust and not be afraid: “God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence” (Psalm 46:1–3, GNB). Even if our cities lie in ruins, a deadly disease wreaks havoc in the world, the economy fails, and we lose our job, the Lord Almighty is with us, and He will save us: “God is in that city, and it will never be destroyed; at early dawn he will come to its aid. Nations are terrified, kingdoms are shaken; God thunders, and the earth dissolves. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:5–7, GNB).

A weapon is anything designed to inflict harm. In 2 Corinthians 10:4, the apostle Paul tells us that we have been given tools to fight against our enemy, but our weapons are not ordinary armaments: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” Often, the enemy hits us with spiritual strongholds of confusion, depression, anger, anxiety, fear, temptation, and loneliness. But the Lord has given us His Word as our sword and faith as our shield (Proverbs 30:5; Hebrews 4:12), and we have His spiritual armor to protect us (Ephesians 6:10–18).

God is in command. He controls both those who make weapons and those who use them. The battle is not ours, but the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15; 1 Samuel 17:47). He has already won the contest. Through Jesus Christ, He has defeated the final enemy, who is death, and purchased for us eternal life (2 Timothy 1:10; see also Isaiah 25:8; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 1:18). The Lord will protect and uphold His children, no matter what we face, and help us through to the final victory (Isaiah 41:10). As God’s people, we can be confident in the Lord’s ultimate triumph over every enemy. In Isaiah’s time, as in all of history, and in the future in its fullest sense, every child of God can say, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper!”

What does the Bible say about torture?

Torture can be defined as “the infliction of intense pain to punish, to coerce, or to derive sadistic pleasure.” Of course, sadism is never appropriate or just, but what about punishment or coercion? Is there ever a time when inflicting pain is justified in order to punish wrongdoing or to obtain a confession? What does the Bible say?

The Bible acknowledges the existence of torture. In a parable, Jesus spoke of a servant who was “turned . . . over to the jailers to be tortured” (Matthew 18:34). Such an allusion seems to indicate that the use of torture was common in the prisons of the day. The Bible also records the stories of many victims of torture: Jesus, Paul and Silas (Acts 16), the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:2; 38:6), and other unnamed saints (Hebrews 11:35). In every case, we see that the godly are the victims of torture, never the perpetrators of torture.

As individuals, we are not to seek revenge. Vengeance belongs only to the Lord (Psalm 94:1; Romans 12:19). Also, as individuals we have no authority to punish society’s wrongdoers or to extract confessions from them. Therefore, as individuals, we can have no license to torture; inflicting intense pain on others is wrong. God alone is able to mete out punishment with perfect justice, and it is His prerogative to make His punishment painful. Demons are aware of a future time of “torture” for themselves (Matthew 8:29). Hell is a place of “torment” and intense agony (Matthew 13:42; Luke 16:23-24). During the Tribulation, torment will be part of the plagues upon evildoers (Revelation 9:5; 11:10). In any of His judgments, God is holy and perfectly fair (Psalm 119:137).

Now we’ll consider the use of torture in relation to governmental policy. We know that God has appointed civil governments and charged them with maintaining justice in this world (Romans 13:1-5). “For [the ruler] is God’s servant to do you good . . . an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (verse 4). Elsewhere, God calls judges and magistrates “gods”; that is, their authority to provide justice comes from God Himself (Psalm 82:1-4). If they fail in their duty, they will themselves be judged by the Lord, the Judge of all (verses 7-8).

So government bears the responsibility to protect the good and punish the evil. What methods may it employ in carrying out that responsibility? Beyond the endorsement of capital punishment (Romans 13:4; Genesis 9:6), the Bible does not say. The Bible neither condemns nor condones a government’s use of torture.

Many questions can and should be asked: What specific techniques should be considered “torture”? Where do we draw the line? Is the infliction of any kind of pain inherently wrong? What if there are no permanent physical effects? Is sleep deprivation torture? What about a forced change in diet? Should yelling at a prisoner be considered psychological torture?

May a government, in order to protect its law-abiding citizens, engage in “highly coercive interrogation” (the use of strongly persuasive techniques to obtain tactical information)? What if these techniques do not inflict physical pain?

What if the goal of torture is to prevent further tragedy? What if a prisoner is withholding information that could save the life of an innocent person? What if a hundred lives could be saved? A thousand lives? Should that prisoner be threatened with physical pain until he reveals the information? What, then, if his information is wrong? And what about unlawful enemy combatants who are, legally, not prisoners of war and therefore do not fall under the rules of the Geneva Convention?

These are all questions not addressed in the Bible and that are beyond the scope of this article, but they highlight the need for us to pray “for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:2). May our policy makers have the wisdom to distinguish good from evil and to provide true justice.