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Are You Ready To Give An Answer -- Part 2 Introduction: We are commanded to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within us, 1 Peter 3.15. In first lesson I made the point that our goal should be to make people think. Often done by saying something people agree with and then going from there. See that with the Samaritan woman in John 4, and Paul at Mars Hill in Acts 17. In the first lesson we dealt with one who does not believe in God. Appeal to the Law of Cause and Effect. Also, where did God come from? Which is really asking, "Does God exist?" We are limited in our knowledge and experiences. The Bible tells us about God and our creation, it is up to us to decide if it makes sense or not. I) Why Don't The Church of Christ Believe In The Old Testament? A) Another way of saying this is, why don't you... some out of the Old Testament 1. Explain that we, I, do believe the Old Testament to be the word of God, 2 Timothy 3.16-17. 2. Jesus quoted from the Old Testament, thereby, giving credence to its writings. a. Luke 17.32 "remember Lot's wife" b. Matthew 24.38 Jesus spoke of Noah, the flood, and the ark c. Jesus spoke of people in the Old Testament, David, Elijah, Moses, etc. B) Old Testament (specifically the Law of Moses) was fulfilled by Jesus, Matthew 5.17-18 1. The Old Law and prophets pointed toward a New Covenant God would make with Israel and Judah, Jeremiah 31.31-32 2. This point is made in the New Testament, Hebrews 8.7-13 3. The Old Testament was given to bring us to Christ, Galatians 3.22-25. a. Tutor or schoolmaster taught and watched over a young child. At the point of adulthood the child was no longer under the tutor. b. When people try to go back to the Law of Moses they are like an adult trying to go back to their tutor. 4. In Colossians 2.13-17 the comparison is made between the Law of Moses and Law of Christ by speaking of the shadow and the substance. 5. What does this mean? The Law of Moses is no longer in effect but we are under the Law of Christ a. We have a contract that includes various things. The contract expires and we write up another contract. Perhaps there are some similarities and some things exactly the same. Which contract are we going by? The one that expired or the one that took its place. b. We cannot appeal to the Law of Moses for our authority for we are under the current Law. But we recognize the Old Testament as the word of God. II) If We Are Not Under The Old Testament, Why Study It? A) We gain a greater understanding of God's plan of redemption when we understand its planning, and prophecies 1. Why did Jesus die on the cross? 2. Why was it important that the Messiah be born of the tribe of Judah? 3. Why was Jesus born of a virgin? B) The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, while the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. Luke 24.44-47 1. The examples of the Old Testament tells us of God's nature, punishment for sin, His power, etc. 1 Corinthians 10.6, 11 2. The more I learn about the Old Testament the more sense the New Testament makes to me and vice versa, Romans 15.4. III) Why Don't The Church of Christ Believe In Music? (Why don't you believe in instrumental music?) A) Two issues 1. Not recognizing the distinction between the Old and New Testament 2. Not recognizing the difference between vocal and instrumental music B) Cannot appeal to Old Testament for our practices today 1. Have to go back and point out that we are no longer under Law but under grace, Galatians 5.1-4 2. We are under grace. What is grace? It is unmerited favor. Where is grace found? In Christ, John 1.16-17 3. Those who want to appeal to Law of Moses or David for instrumental music just ask the following: a. How about Sabbath Day keeping, Colossians 2.16 b. How about the Levitical priesthood? c. How about temple worship? Animal sacrifices, etc. C) Singing is the type of music we read of in the New Testament 1. Colossians 3.16 and Ephesians 5.19. 2. Every person is to sing, if singing includes playing an instrument then every person is to play. D) Question often asked, "What about Revelation?" and instrumental music mentioned there? 1. Revelation is written in "symbolic terms" Revelation 1.1. a. The symbol does not stand for itself, Revelation 1.15 b. Seen in Revelation 9.9 2. Revelation 14.2-3 some questions to ask a. Where is this happening? Before the throne b. Where is the throne? In heaven, Revelation 4.1,4 Conclusion: It is our hope that everyone will be interested in studying the Bible to see what God requires of us. Only by pleasing Him will be have fellowship with Him and the hope of heaven. If you need to obey the Lord's invitation tonight come as we sing. |