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Christianity for Dummies - 13 - Application

by Michael Russell
January 2003

Based upon a sermon series by Pastor Jim Henry, senior pastor of First Baptist Orlando, and enhanced with my personal commentary and elaboration.

It is one thing to admire the Bible for its teaching. It is another thing to actually apply the teachings in your life. This lesson is a very quick summary of how the Bible is applicable to life.

1. Scripture references

Psalm 119:11-16 (NIV)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2. Confirmation

Because of the many witnesses to the validity and objective truth of the Scriptures, we have a sure foundation for our belief. We act upon what we believe. Because Scripture is true and independent of our rationalizations and feelings; we are able to make sound and right decisions when we apply Scripture.

2.1. The Witness of fulfilled prophecy

A large number of prophecies in Scripture have been fulfilled. Many of the prophecies are very specific, naming locations and even naming people. Some prophecies were fulfilled within a few years, others fulfilled within hundreds of years. Those prophecies that have not been fulfilled have a lot of backing so that we can confidently believe that they will be fulfilled eventually.

Think about the large number of prophecies fulfilled just in the birth of Jesus. These include the heritage, city, nature of the mother, exile into Egypt, growing up in Galilee, and more. Then there is the large number of prophecies fulfilled by Jesus' death and resurrection. There are the large number of fulfilled prophecies regarding Israel and Jerusalem. Even specific prophecies regarding surrounding cities, such as Nineva and Babylon.

2.2. Witness of archeology

Archeology continues to find supporting evidence for the peoples, places, and times of Scripture.

For example, a recent Discovery Channel special about the History of Moses pointed out how so many aspects of the Exodus story have been discovered in Egypt. From the recent discovery of the large horse stables that support the army Pharoah sent against the Israelites near the Red Sea to the surprise discovery of a special tomb for Pharoah Ramases II's first born son. Hmm, I wonder why the special tomb for a son that apparently died unexpectedly.

More recent discoveries, such as a house marker identifying King David or a discovery of the Hitite nation (long believed to just be a myth), or the confirmation of the Procouncil of Corinth.

2.3. Witness of science

While Scripture is not a science book, when it does describe nature it is always correct -- even to the point of identifying natural events that have only been "discovered" within the past 400 years.

For example, in Leviticus, Scripture says that the life is in the blood. Modern medicine is based upon knowing that it is the blood that carries life's nutrients to the rest of the body. Without blood, a person cannot survive.

In the book of Job, it points out that earth is a sphere, a concept not even thought about until a thousand years later in the Greek culture.

The Bible has a description of the hydrologic cycle long before it was theorized in the 19th century.

2.4. Witness of itself

The Bible contains many direct quotations of God speaking directly to the author or the people.

Also, there is the internal unity and consistency of all the books in the Bible. This is remarkable considering the span of time the books were written and assembled.

2.5. Witness of Jesus

Jesus himself quoted from and taught literally from the Old Testament writings. If Jesus thought the Old Testament events were just myths or legends, then why would he teach from them as if they actually occurred? Maybe it is because, as the Son of God would intimately know, they did actually occur!

Since the history recorded in the Bible is true; then we can be confident that what it says about Jesus is true. Since Jesus is true; then we can be confident in what He tells us about God. Therefore, we can be confident that the whole Bible tells us the truth about God.

2.6. Witness of transformed lives

Finally, the Bible is validated in the positive affect it has on people's lives.

Sure, there are some who try to twist and misuse Bible to achieve their own selfish and evil aims; but history shows that these people never survive and are shown for the liars they are. But, the evil of a few does not invalidate the good of the majority who honestly seek to live by God's instructions.

3. Translations

It is strongly recommended that believers study the history of the Bible translation they are using. It is remarkable how Godly men and women have worked hard to preserve and as best as possible create translations of the Scriptures that can be used for study and encouragement to all believers.

In general, for detail Bible study, a person would want a translation that uses the best source material and has the strictest guidelines. The Revised Standard and the New International versions are probably the best for detail study. Of course, parallel study with the original Greek and Hebrew is very important to get the full impact of a verse -- often sheding light on a verse that may not translate well to English.

In general, paraphrase translations, such as The Message or The Philips, are good for devotional readings -- they are good enough for daily encouragement and overall guidance.

4. Historical benefits

Over time, Bible believing individuals have benefitted society. These individuals and groups, inspired and motivated by Scripture teachings and truths, have made civilization a better place. The following are just some of the things that Bible believing individuals and groups have done for society:

• Created hospitals. Prior to Christian and Jewish involvement, there was no efficient method of providing medical care especially to those ravaged by war and famine.
• Establishment orphanages. Prior to Christian involvement, orphans were pretty much left on their own.
• Backed movement to abolish child labour and advanced child care provisions.
• Establish the YMCA to give youth a place to go rather than be trouble makers.
• Led the movement to abolish slavery.
• Established colleges and higher education. Most of the early universities, such as Harvard and Yale, in the USA were established by Christian individuals.
• Responsible for modern science; from the reformation period with greats such as Newton and Galileo.
• Had a large influence on the arts; including art, literature, and music. Most of the classical music library prior to the 19th century was religious in nature. The church was one of the largest buyer of art and scuplture. Modern architecture has a lot of foundation in the large scale monastary and catherdral architecture of the middle ages.
• Modern legal systems are based largely upon the Mosaic Law.

5. Summary

In summary, the Bible is sufficient for your life. While it may not tell you what colour shirt to wear, it does teach about being modest in attire and attitude. The Bible can be applied to the little things, such as savings and investing and choosing friends. It also applies to the bigger things, such as salvation and eternal life. The Bible provides guidance. It teaches how to deal with stress and other people. When a person abides by its instruction, then life just goes easier. (Note, I did not say, life goes easy, I said easier. Nowhere does God promise believers an easy life -- in fact, He promises that we will face trials and difficulties. But, God does promise believers joy and contentment. And, well, with that, then those difficulties just don't look as big.)