Southside Forums

[mtarry]

I have a question for the pastors, how was the order of the Bible determined? I know the Lord put the Bible together but why isn't it in chronalogicial order?

[Pastor Charles]

You might want to being looking at your Bible's table of Contents as you read this post

The Bible is actually in Chronological Order (somewhat). From Genesis to Esther is the entire old Testament time period in chronological order.

However The Chronicles are the Priests views of David and the Kings of Judah's which was already covered in 1 Samuel through 2 Kings.

Job is out of place since it is believed to have occured during the time of Abraham to Jacob but since it is not directly related to the story of the Jews it is put with the Books of Poetry. Of course then we have the Books of Poetry: Psalms through Song of Solomon, all of which that where written by David and Solomon except for those written by their contemporaries. From that point forward we have the Major and Minor Prophets who all are prophesying to different people in different locations at different times BUT all occuring during the time period covered by 1 and 2 Kings!

So beginning with Job and all the way through Malachi you have supplemental books to what is happening from 1 Samuel through Esther!

The Old Testament was wisely divided into 3 main sections:
Section 1 is the Books of HISTORY which cover the entire Story Line of God's People in Chronological Order (the first 17 books beginning with Genesis through Ester).
Section 2 is the Books of POETRY which help us to communicate, worship, and live for God - HIS Way (the next 5 books beginning with Job through Song of Solomon).
Section 3 is the Books of PROPHECY which cover God's messages to the people during the time period right before the captivity, during the captivity, and then coming back from captivity. (the remaining 17 books beginning with Isaiah through Malachi).

Remember this is a timeless message given to all people of all time and the message is like a diamond that has unlimited facets! Only God could decide how to put His message together.

I hope this helps.

Pastor Charles

[Pastor Charles]

Oops, I got all carried away on the Chronology and forgot to answer the

[John and Melissa Simmons]

I knew the answer to this question. But since a local Pastorial response was requested I didnt answer. Alot of times people outside the Lord look at the same question, not knowing what they are truly trying to ask about . The non -beleivers of biblical times, sometimes use the fact that there are books of history ,teaching/poetry, and prophecy, as a very very desperate attempt to cast doubt on the scripture. In 2000 years those same type of people still use the same tactics. They will accuse the Word of being contradictory or sometimes even an all out lie.
This type of knowledge is key not only for pastors or ministers, or teachers. But for the followers of Christ that serve the Lord in whatever capacity they are called to serve.
We must make everyone aware that even Satan knows the word as well as God. That being the case, and knowing he is a great deciever. It is Important , and imperative that we prepare those around us with that bit of knowledge as well ; which could very well save them from that fiery arrow.
I aslo beleive that this is why we are told in Timothy to Study to show ourselves approved to God. Workmen that needeth not to be ashamed. Writing dividing the word of truth.
And even in the book of Isaiah we are reminded again that the word of God will not return void. It will accomplish that which it is set forth to accomplish. Which means , it could even prick the heart of the non-beleiver that would propose such arguments as we witness to them. Sharing the Good News.
Basically the outright misconception or argument that the bible may be out of order, or contradictory , or even not true, of course, is simply not the case. Its just Satan's last acts of desperation to discourage us from studying the word , immersersing ourselves in the protection Ephesians 6 helps to instruct us as beleivers , to obtain and keep. Leaving Satan standing there with his teeth in his mouth, but not having much of a bite on that front. God Bless you all . really enjoy reading and learning and sharing. Kepp on Keeping on!
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God Bless ! John and Melissa Simmons

[llenox]

This is the hardest part for me to try to explain to a non-believer. I KNOW that the Bible is the true word of God because I trust in the Lord on faith. Many people have told me, and I thought this too at one time, that over the centuries the Bible was manipulated by man as a way to hold power over the masses-who did not have the easy access to the Bible we have today.
This is something that MUST stand on faith. There is no way to prove it's true. For every expert in the field who believes the truth, there are others who claim it's just a nice history book. The only thing I can think of is that the Bible teaches lessons that make perfect sense. It's all about love. Love for God and love for each other. If only these lessons were taken to heart by every person in the world-I can't even imagine the bliss! It's just a struggle to try to explain faith to someone who doesn't know God. Pasters, or anyone, do you have any advice?

[John and Melissa Simmons]

Well first things first. It is completely understandable ,as to why explaining our Faith and Beleifs is not always easy. So dont feel that your alone in this. As we grow as Christians and strive to better our relationship with the Lord , the 'witenessing' or testimony that our Christian life reflects, is how people outside the Lord and Christians alike will ultimately guage the faith we proclaim to have.

First off. Lets look at faith. What is it? One wakes in the morning to the sound of an alarm clock , eyes still shut they hit the off button after a couple times of pushing the 'snooze' button. They roll over and up , eyes still closed slide out of bed and begin to walk. Why didnt this person look to see if the floor beside the bed was still there? Before they started walking? Because it is 'assumed' the floor would be there. Did you know that most every assumption anyone might make in life is made in faith ?concerning a certain beleif or understanding....
Folks get in their vehicles ,catch a bus, ride subways everyday. Most of which are going to work or to take care of some sort of business. Some folks watch there kids get on a bus everyday for school.
Hardly anyone gives it a second thought. They assume there wont be an accident or a mechanical breakdown . They assume the buses and subways will run on time . They assume there wont be some teenager on the same bus with a gun that has snapped and is going to go on some kind of homicidal rampage. Why so many assumptions? What are those assumptions based on. Noone has ESP that I know of. Noone I have ever met can fortell the future. All of these assumptions have one common denominator. They are based on faith. Alot of times that faith is placed in another person . We as Christians know that our faith can only prove fruitful and beneficial, if that same faith is placed where it should be , in our Lord.
Some Christians have a tendency to want to proclaim Satan is attacking them anytime something goes awry. Alot of times when a wrong(sin) has taken place in someone life , it seems the company line with some folks is that Satan made us do it .
We know from reading the Bible that Satan can only be at one place at one time at any given time in this world. He walks to and fro like an ordinary person. Can you imagine being a Pastor, knowing this fact, and having dozens of people come up to you in one day and say Satan has been attacking them? Satan is the source of all that is evil . And even he has his own angels that will join him in the Lake of Fire on Judgement day. But human imperfection , 9 times out of 10 is the true reason for our struggles in life. In the new testament, I beleive it is the Apostle Paul that tells us that it is even the thought life(our thoughts) that defile us and betray us. Exceptions to this would be illness or loss of a loved one, or things of this nature. Things we as humans have little if any control over. Things we have to hand over completely to God.These issues are the ones where faith especially comes into play.
Lets understand how God defines faith in his word.
Hebrews 11:1(NLT) Says -Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
We live in a generation, that now more than ever relies on tangeable evidence ,scientific proffing of the existence of any given thing. Some churchs(denominations) really beleive the only way you can be annointed or healed or touched by prayer is through the laying on of hands, the use of olive oil and a number of other symbolic ceremonies. This is a misconception of the New covenant of faith we live under in Christ, where faith is the only thing that will truly make a difference. Jesus says we if we even have the faith of a small mustard seed, we can move mountains. (Mark Chapter 11)

The apostle Paul relays the Lords message again in 2nd Corinthians 5:7
We walk by faith, not by sight. If we find ourselves needing the ceremonies referred to above , then that isnt really faith is it? Because we are utilizing a tangeable catalyst , ie: olive oil, laying on of hands, etc. This is where the metal meets the meat here. Our faith has to be in God and God alone. James 1:5-6(Nlt)-5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. That is not to say that annointing or the 'laying on of hands' is a sin. Its not. But we must be mindful of where our faith is, misplaced faith can lead to sin. As so many other things. And of course sin can lead to eternal seperation from God.
As far as teaching someone about faith. It is not a subject that is taught from a book. Although the bible has many examples of what faith should consist of in substance, ranging from Noah and the Ark , all the way to the thief who was saved on the cross next to Jesus, at the time of his Crucifiction, faith is something that must be obtained and sought out.
So how do we as Christians pass our faith on to those who are lost?
How do we light that fire in a non beleiver?
Well to answer the first question , the way our lives exemplify our faith in God and his will for our lives mostly. How we set a Christian example. How we answer our calling to serve. And most of all by living the faith we proclaim to have in thought and deed.
As Christians we know that one of the fruits of the Spirit, is faith- Galatians 5:22
Our salvation is a Gift from God through Faith by His Grace-so none may boast Ephesians 2:8
A good way to approach someone when sharing the Christian faith, and beleifs is when the subject of faith comes up. Make some of the points mentioned above , about driving to work, getting out of bed, etc. Then maybe start asking them about 'people' family, friends, coworkers,bosses,etc. Perhaps even fellow Christians past or present. Ask if they have ever been disappointed or offended or let down by those people. Chances are you will get at least one yes in every category of people.Then ask them if they were putting their faith in God with whatever the situation was, or in a person.Wording that question as delicately as the situation dictates , but being fervent as well. Even Christians sometimes mess up here and find that they were trusting in a person to do the right thing , when in fact it is God who was deserving and demanding of the faith instead. I would Encourage you to read through Hebrews, especially chapters 10 and 11. Where both the issue of Gods faithfulness to us and our faithfulness to him are explained very well. And there are alot more examples and teachings of faith throughout the bible. But Hebrews hits on the nitty gritty of it and is very plain spoken.
Ultimatley though , when people are putting our faith under the microscope, it is the way we live , beleive and strive to become even closer to our Lord that will serve as the best teacher about faith. That is until that person decides to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior . The we move to the last question. Lighting that fire.
We cant convince faith into someone. We cant convict anyones heart. These things reside under the the pervue of the Holy Spirit, which God sends to us after we have accepted Christ. It is the Comfortor(Helper) that will convict that persons heart. That will ultimately fuel that persons fire for a stronger faith and closer walk with God. It is the Spirit that will move that person to accept Christ to begin with.
A word of caution to us as Christians. Jesus says not to cast our pearls before swine. Sometimes witnessing and sharing our faith can lead to discouragement for us and possibly even a stumbling block because the people we witness to have no other inention than to qustion and criticize and mock all that is shared. It is a discernment that we ourselves can not make entirely on our own. We must allow the Spirit to lead us in our outreach, and pray for wisdom . And most of all remember what God has said. .....Be still and know...... I AM GOD. He is in control. All we have to do, is have a little faith. I hope this helps. There are countless messages one could bring from the pulpit on this one very important topic. But I also encourage you to seek the counsel of Pastor Charles and the Pastorial team there at Southside, should the need arise. There are manyh aspects of faith that one needs to be aware of. But i hope this gets you started with the desired answer to your question.


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God Bless ! John and Melissa Simmons

[John and Melissa Simmons]

One important note I wanted to make . Is that the bible teaches that faith comes from hearing the word of God. So sharing the teaching of the bible is neccesary to bring that issue of faith to bear with the non-beleiver. The analogy I was using about not learning about faith from a book, was worded a bit to vague. I was meaning to say it cant be taught like a math or science study, it is decidedly more involved than that.
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God Bless ! John and Melissa Simmons