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Shoulder To Shoulder #1300 -- 7/18/22 ---- "Seeking The Ancient Paths (Pt 8 -- Compass For the Journey - A)"

#1 · July 21, 2022, 6:57 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on July 21, 2022, 6:57 pm
Posted by: rtolliver49 <rtolliver49@...>

"Standing Together, Shoulder To Shoulder, As We Fight the Good Fight of Faith"

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER is a weekly letter of encouragement Bob has written since 1997, covering many topics selected to
motivate people to be strong students of the Word and courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is a personal letter of
encouragement to you, written solely to help "lift up hands that hang down".

    "The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." -- Albert Einstein

    “There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have -- a cheap Christianity which offends nobody,
    and requires no sacrifice, which costs nothing, -- and is worth nothing.” – J. C. Ryle

Shoulder To Shoulder #1300 -- 7/18/22

Title: "Seeking The Ancient Paths (Pt 8 -- Compass For the Journey - A)"

My Dear Friend and Fellow Kingdom Seeker:

Once again, it is necessary for me to apologize for my letter being later than usual. It has been another week of interruptions, tiring tasks, and distractions as I've tried to write. There have been far too many ditches into which my "oxen" have fallen, and too many "rabbits" I've had to chase. Nonetheless, . . .

Greetings again from Greer, AZ, in the White Mountains. It's another beautiful day -- a typical one this time of year -- with huge fluffy clouds spattering the azure blue sky serving as a backdrop to the mountain ridges surrounding three sides of the valley where the little town of Greer is nestled. Most high temperatures this time of year are in the 80's, and many afternoons bring refreshing showers of rain. The early dry season is over, and from now until probably late August things should generally be lush with mountain wildflowers, high desert grass, giant Ponderosas and Aspens.

Most days we get at least one and as many as three showers that keep things watered and wild life quietly emerges from the trees to feast on fresh green grass. Most days we will see either mule deer, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, elk, or an occasional antelope. Sometimes we'll see wolves or coyotes, but rarely see the mountain lions or black bears that are also present.

It's a wonderful place to spend a Summer ministering to retirees and vacationers who have escaped the triple-digit temperatures of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas valleys. But, having Yuma as our home base where it was 115 degrees several days last week while we were there for a few days, I couldn't seem to find a lot of sympathy for those Texas folks suffering at a mere 106 degrees.

Today I want to focus on an important tool for finding and following those "Ancient Paths" we've been considering the past several letters. We could call it a "Compass". There are more than 200 miles of hiking trails within a 10 to 15 mile radius of Greer. Many of the folks in our chapel are avid hikers. Some of them have been hiking these trails for 40 or 50 years -- or more.

Whether novice or veteran, one thing most hikers take with them -- even when in familiar territory -- is a compass. That's what I want to discuss today. And, we'll do that right after you consider . . .

QUOTES FOR THE WEEK:

    > "God is without contradiction, so it follows that His Word is also without contradiction. The reasoning here is that God’s nature is intertwined with the nature of the Bible. As is God so is the Bible." -- Davis Wetherell (Gospel Coalition)

    > "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." -- Patriarch Job (Job 33:4)

    > “The Bible has stood the test of time because it is divinely inspired by Almighty God, written in ink that cannot be erased by any man, religion, or belief system. Through the many dark ages of man, its glorious promises have survived unchanged. That is because God’s Word is pure—the beginning and the end. His written word has survived every scratch of the human pen.” -- Billy Graham

    > “The inerrancy of Scripture is the foundational doctrine in which all other doctrines rest, and the Psalmist rightly said, ‘If the foundation be destroyed, then what can the righteous do?'” -- Norman Geisler

    > "The Bible WILL always point us in the right direction." -- Darren Rogers (Sermon Central)

    > “There is an infinite majesty about every line of Scripture, but especially about that part of Scripture in which the Lord reveals Himself and His glorious plan of saving grace in the person of His dear Son Jesus Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon

    > ". . . the Bible is not 'breathed upon' by God, but 'breathed out.' God’s Word is God’s breath to us, bringing us life, making us more like Christ." -- Davis Wetherell (Gospel Coalition)

    > Precious Bible! What a treasure
            Does the Word of God afford!
        All I want for life or pleasure,
            Food and Medicine, shield and sword;
        Let the world account me poor --
            Christ and this, I need no more.
                                            – John Newton

    > "Stop living in a fantasy world in violation of God’s Word. Look at the Compass and follow it." -- Darren Rogers (Sermon Central)

THE COMPASS THAT CAN BE TRUSTED:

When I preached on this topic a couple of weeks ago, I was drawn once again to one of two Psalms that consistently point to the reliability of the compass -- Psalm 119. This is the longest Psalm in the Book -- in fact it is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. What many people don't know is that it is divided into twenty-two distinct sections or "stanzas", and that each stanza begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, beginning with the first letter (pronounced Aleph) and then each one chronologically to the last letter (pronounced Sav).

In preparing for that sermon, I was drawn to this section of the Psalm -- verses 33-44: --

    33. Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall observe it to the end. 34. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law And keep it with all my heart. 35. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. 36. Incline my heart to Your testimonies And not to dishonest gain. 37. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways.

    38. Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You. 39. Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your ordinances are good. 40. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through Your righteousness. 41. May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your word; 42. So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.

    43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your ordinances. 44. So I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. 45. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.

    46. I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. 47. I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. 48. And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes.

There are eleven different word couplets used in these 14 verses -- four relate to some aspect of God's nature or disposition -- ways, righteousness, lovingkindnesses, and salvation. The remaining seven refer to some aspect of God's written commandments as found in the Pentateuch, the histories, and the poetic scriptures. We know this was the time frame because none of the prophets had written books prior to the writing of this Psalm by David in the 11th Century B.C. So, clearly the reference was to the historical record of events from the creation of the world -- particularly mankind -- and the reign of David.

At first glance, you might think that these seven words are merely synonyms that mean essentially the same thing, but that would be a mistake that would cause you to consider them more casually than you should. The Hebrew language is a precise language and every word -- even every letter of the alphabet -- has significance. For that reason it will be helpful to us t briefly, consider each word:

    -- Your Statutes (33) = "an allotment, a fixed boundary, apportionment, enactment or appointment". God's Word establishes His parameters for your life -- "here, but not there". God's statutes were/are like a fence or wall that keeps one inside -- free from straying, free from danger, free from contamination. and free from misunderstanding and misrepresentation. Rather than those statutes -- boundaries -- being restrictive, they instead provided a greater sense of freedom because as long as one remained within the parameters of God's statutes, you were free to live life to the fullest.

David then continues his love for God's Word, calling it . . .

    -- Your Law (34) = "Precept or command from the Pentateuch".   Just as we have different types and levels of laws and statutes in our American polity, so it was with Israel. I don't know the count at the time of this Psalm's writing, but I do know that at one point there were over 650 rabbinical laws and rules outside of the Pentateuch. Many of them were attempts to understand and interpret the Pentateuch and Decalogue. They were often up for debate and interpretation. However, the commands God gave Israel in the wilderness, and particularly the Ten Commandments, were not up for debate. In many ways, they were the "Constitution" of the Jewish people -- not up for debate or change in any manner. God's law was the core of all Jewish social order.

Seemingly trying to make the scriptures even more personal, David identifies them to God as . . .

    -- Your Commandments (35) = "a directive or instruction expected to be obeyed". It is the image of, "this is the way; walk in it." (Isa 30:21). One will not grasp the real meaning of this couplet without retreating to the beginning of the sentence -- "Make me walk in the path of Your commandments." It is nearly the identical meaning found in Isaiah's words, "Whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it'." In other words, David is openly acknowledging that God's commandments are truly God's, that with the command is the expectation that they are to be obeyed, and that in order for him to obey them, he will need God's corrective guidance to keep him on the path. It isn't that God makes David stay on track, but rather that God enables him to do so.

I hadn't noticed this before, but each word David uses in describing the scriptures becomes more personal and intimate, calling them next, . . .

    -- Your Testimonies (36) = "admonition, witness, ordinance, or warning". David begins this request by asking God, "Incline my heart to . . ." While I cannot state this unequivocally, it seems to me that, because of the definition of the word, "testimonies", David is asking for God to draw his own heart toward the instruction, admonition, and warnings through the witness and work of the Holy Spirit. There is no doubt that we can never plumb the depths of God's Word to learn its rich truths unless the Holy Spirit leads us to it, immerses us in it, instructs us from it, and illuminates us by it. Until the Holy Spirit pierces our hearts with God's Word, it is nothing more than good reading literature. Seeing it as God's "testimonies" that "bear witness" in our hearts -- THAT is what changes our lives.

David seems to recognize that God's warnings and exhortations to him are more than just a set of instructions, but are so utterly profound that they become . . .

    -- Your Ways (37) = "pathway, road, journey, a well-trodden soon-to-be-familiar road, a manner of life, a perpetual lifestyle". God's Word is not only instructive and directive, but it is also protective. This seems to be the case as David uses this word, for he asks God to direct him away from things that are vain -- that is, desolate and waste -- and instead keep him on the right road for the journey. As is often the case with Hebrew words, this word is multifaceted. It is almost three dimensional, for it reveals David's heart that God will keep him true to God's teachings, faithful to God's prescribed path, persistent throughout life's journey, consistent in his faith lifestyle. It reminds me of the gospel song I used so sing in most of my musical performances, "Lead Me, O Lead Me" --
            "Lead me, O lead me!
              Never let me stray or roam!
            Lead me, O lead me!
        Lead me 'til I reach my heavenly home."

I can't get over how more personal God's Word is becoming with each successive term. David sees it not only as for him personally, but also as it relates to Who God Himself is, describing it as . . .

    -- Your Word (38) = "Uttered command, speech, utterance, voice". This word comes from a Hebrew root word that literally means, "to speak, to say something, to audibly speak". Even though what David wrote was probably on parchment or animal skin -- or perhaps clay tablets -- and was about the scriptures he had read in a written manuscript, he still saw it as God Himself personally speaking. But, it's not just personally speaking, but it is directly speaking. This was such an intense desire on David's part that he asked God that His Words would be so powerful as to generate a sense of overwhelming reverence and awe over Who God was. David wanted to come to a state that there would never be any doubt or wavering in his comprehension of God's goodness, mercy, majesty, and power. Reading that entire verse (38) leaves no doubt about David's desire.

Finally, David seems to want God's Word to be more than just intellectual stimulation or emotional exhilaration, but sees it as an applied, affirming, binding personal lifestyle for himself. Even then, though, he describes it as . . .

    -- Your Precepts (40) = "Appointed principles, mandate, and applied instruction". David concludes this stanza of his 22 verse song by identifying God's Word as "mandated principles". They are not merely good ideas, recommendations, or brilliant suggestions. No, he clearly identifies them as direct instructions that have been set in place with the mandate to observe them, keep them, and act on them. However, there is something more -- the word "precepts" refer NOT to a collection of precepts from which one may pick and choose. He doesn't even treat them as individuals drawn together into a collection where each one maintains its individual identity. The Hebrew word is in plural form, collectively, but as a single whole. In other words, it is an "all or nothing" situation where to reject one is to reject them all. I can how David might declare, "Lord! All of your mandates and principles I love as a body of Your truth. I can't even pick one that I like best. Rather, I love them all -- each one equally, but all as an entire whole! I can't imagine breaking even one. They are like many pieces of one picture -- many facets of one diamond -- many colors of one prism."

And that leads me to . . .

    -- One Final Thought:

The leading word in each couplet is not without significance It is the word, "Your". David is making certain that both the reader and God Himself know that David fully understands that the scriptures the Hebrew possessed and revered were clearly from God, and from no other. He states . . .

    + "Teach me so I can adhere to Your righteous parameters you have set for me." (v. 33).

    + "Give me understanding so I can keep before me, guard, and preserve Your eternal scriptures." (v. 34).

    + "Cause me to walk the ancient paths according to Your directives and instructions." (v. 35).

    + "Move my heart toward the impression and witness of Your Holy Spirit, and away from all dishonesty." (v. 36)

    + "Keep me away from all that is desolate and worthless, and make me alive again to Your plans, path, and lifestyle for me." (v. 37)

    + "Make Your voice clear to me so I will revere, honor, and worship You in every way that I can." (v, 38).

    + "More than anything, I long for and want Your mandates and instructions en toto to be the sum and substance of my life." (v. 40).

DOES SUCH A COMPASS EVEN EXIST?

The thing that makes a compass work properly is the presence of "North".

It's my understanding that there are actually four "north" poles -- Grid North, Magnetic North, Geomagnetic North, and True North. While they are all in the same general direction, they are not all in the same identical spot. A compass needle always points to the magnetic North Pole, and not to the the grid north, geomagnetic north, or true north. A compass is designed to always point toward that which pulls it by some inexplicable power. Thus, a compass is consistently drawn toward the Baffin Island region of Canada, which is the current location of the Magnetic North Pole.

I am reminded of the scripture, "there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Prov 14:12; 16:25). One can get to the true North Pole, and one can get to Grid North by his own ability to properly read maps, and (I have been told) one can locate the Geomagnetic North Pole through the use of equations used in the study of planetary movements. Apparently the Geomagnetic North Pole is the point where the axis on which the earth rotates and "wobbles" is nearest the earth's crust.

The interesting thing about the Magnetic North Pole, however, is that one cannot possibly find Magnetic North without the magnetic drawing power of some source. For the past 700 years or so, it has been and is currently located in the Baffin Islands region. Wherever it might move over centuries, the needle of a compass will always find it -- unless, of course, there is some other electrical or magnetic interference.

While there clearly can be a breakdown in my illustration if you consider "True" north from "Magnetic" north, there is still adequate imagery here to point out that neither"True" north, "Grid" north, or "Geomagnetic" north, have any drawing power beyond man's adventurous spirit and/or his ability to properly read maps or understand principles of astronomy. Only "Magnetic" north points the compass needle of life. Such is the Bible.

It is imperative as Christians that you and I live by the compass of God's Word, because its needle always points toward life and its source. The Bible describes itself in many ways, but never specifically as a compass -- although there are hundreds of times it is referred to as giving direction to life. Nonetheless, one of my favorite scriptures is the one I mentioned earlier from Isaiah -- "this is the way; walk in it." (Isa 30:21).

For me personally, I see God's Word as being illustrated in ten other specific ways, equally important to our living according to those "Ancient Paths" of which Jeremiah wrote. In quick summary, they are . . .
.
    1.    Truth -- John 17:17. "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
.
    2.    Milk -- I Pet 2:2. “. . . like . . babies, long for the pure milk of the word, . . .“
.
    3.    Honey – Psalm 19:9-10. “The judgments of the LORD . . . sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb”
.
    4.    Gold – Ps 119:72. “The law of Your mouth is better to me than . . . gold.”
.
    5.    Water – Eph 5:26; John 15:3. “. . . Christ . . . cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, . . . holy and blameless. (Eph 5:25-27)
.
    6.    Mirror – James 1:23. “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks . . . in a mirror; . . . ” (1:23-25)
.
    7.    Hammer – Jer 23:29. “Is not My word . . . like a hammer which shatters a rock?”
.
    8.    Fire – Jer 23:29. “Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD. . . ?”
.
    9.    Seed – Lk 8:11. “. . . the seed is the word of God.”
.
10. A Sword – “And take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

When you have the opportunity, take time -- hours, days . . . even weeks -- to dig into each of those images about God's Word. Your life will be enriched, I promise you.

In the meantime, let's again refresh our minds of the core scripture for this series before getting to the primary focus of our "Compass For The Journey"

    "Thus says the LORD, 'Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' 17. And I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen'."

        -- Jeremiah 6:16-17.

Because of Judah’s stubborn refusal to return to the ancient paths, God said He would bring about the promised disaster -- not as an arbitrary expression of anger, but as the fruit of the people’s actions they refused to change (Jer 6:19). The judgment would just and deserved – not because God was angry or revengeful, but as a natural consequence of their disobedience. Too often we accuse God from being mean, unjust, or unkind -- when we brought our calamity upon ourselves by our own action.

Actions always have consequences. “The soul that sins will die” (Ezek 18:4, 20). This death, you see, is NOT because God hates people, but because we sinned. Just as the people of Israel faced a choice of whether or not to follow God’s ancient paths, we stand at a crossroads -- both as individuals, as Christians in general, and as a democratic republic built on biblical principles.

The question is, then, how do we decide which road to take? Will it be the ways of the world, the ways of other religions, the ways of secularism, the ways of Socialism -- or the ancient paths God so clearly set out before us in His Word? Every culture -- even those who don't believe in the God of the Bible -- that lives by those principles will prosper. His principles of morality work for all people who will practice them.

One thing that will help us to make that choice is to use a compass – and to use the right compass. Obviously the “compass” we must use is the Bible itself. It is both the pathway itself and also the compass by which we walk the pathway.

What is it about the Bible that makes it a trustworthy compass that we can bank our lives on? What characteristics does it have that makes it worth our trusting – AND obeying?

>From my earliest childhood, I have believed the Bible to be God's divinely inspired Word, unique in every way from every other book ever written in human history -- both in content, era, style, purpose, and authorship.

Now I know that I wrote about this not too long ago, but it is so important to this particular theme on "Seeking The Ancient Paths", that I need to rehearse it again for you. So, having said that, and hopefully with your understanding and tolerance, there are four special characteristics that make the Bible trustworthy – It is Inspired, Inerrant, Infallible, and Sufficient.

I.   IT IS INSPIRED:

There are two passage of scripture I want to focus on in describing this most unique characteristic. First, . . .

II Tim 3:16-17: Interestingly, this is the only time in the Bible that the term, "Theopneustos" is used. As you know, it literally means, “God-breathed”. "Theos", of course, means "God". "Pneustos" is the word for "breath" or "breathe". It is the word from which we get the words pneumonia, pneumatic, etc.

The fact that the Bible is "God-breathed" indicates that this Book that you and I read and love is actually the end result of some kind of divine activity. It didn't come just from human origin. It came from God Himself.

There is something more explicit in this fact, though, than what first meets the eye. The picture, according to the Greek text, is not that of God sitting around on His throne, merely breathing as He observes man's plight on this earth. Rather, the picture is that God is intentionally and powerfully engaged in breathing out His Words to mankind. The word, "Theopneustos" is a description of the "forceful exhalation" of God's own words that express Not just what He says or thinks, but actually Who He IS.

What are words, in the first place? When you write a letter, what are your words? When I write these emails to you, what are they? They are the audible or written expression of what we think -- even of our attitudes, opinions, or character. You can tell by one's words whether that person is sad, happy, angry, or disengaged.

So it is with the Bible. The Bible is actually the spoken or written expression of God’s thoughts, attitudes, character, and nature. So, when He gave the scriptures to mankind, God "exhaled" or "breathed out" His thoughts, intents, character, and nature.

Apologist Rob Phillips points out an important element in this process, saying, "God didn’t breathe into the Scriptures, thus inspiring them; He breathed out His Word. The Bible’s origin is God Himself.” Some people believe that men wrote these different books and letters, and then God blessed them and inspired them by breathing His truth into them.

That is simply not the case, and there is no biblical reference anywhere to support such a theory. It is a man-made theory that cannot be supported by evidence.

There is something more about this word, "Theopneustos". There is the strong and undeniable element that the "breathing" was not normal breathing, but was a "forceful" breathing. In fact, it is a breathing that borders on the idea of a "violent" breathing that is so forceful that it could destroy something. There is a determined intentionality about it.

When I study that word, a rather amusing picture comes to mind -- that of old "father winter" blowing a gale-force blast of frigid north wind strong enough to knock you over, freeze you into an ice cube, and then bury you in thirty feet of snow. That, of course, is not the true picture of God's Word nor its intent, but it is this force of "theopneustos" with which God breathed out His Word to the forty human scribes who penned what He had thrust into their hearts. Davis Wetherell of The Gospel Coalition said it well in a July 23, 2019, article, . . .

    "God is without contradiction, so it follows that His Word is also without contradiction. The reasoning here is that God’s nature is intertwined with the nature of the Bible. As is God so is the Bible."

There are numerous occasions when we read that God "breathed" or "spoke". The first, of course, is in Gen 2:7, when Moses recorded, "Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

Scripture also tells us that God "breathed" the universe into existence. Psalm 33:6 reads, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."

Another occasion is found in John 20:20-22 -- "And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'."

Since God is an unchanging God, He will not and cannot change our scriptures -- because He is an Unchanging God.   At the same time, man cannot change them because he did not create them. He merely wrote them down. They originated with God, and not with man.

But, also consider, . . .

II Peter 1:20-21: -- “No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God”.

You cannot go to one part of the Bible and say that it is "more" inspired than other parts, or that some part is inspired while another is not. It is a matter of, "All or none!" That's because of its origin -- it's "God-breathed", and this is decisively borne out in this passage.

The word "moved" is pherō̄ in the Greek text and means, to "be carried, sustained, driven". Being a fisherman, Peter must have remembered what it was like when a ship moved outside of its own power because the wind caught its sails and carried it, driving it over a sustained course.

There was nothing within the ship that would energize or empower it to move. It was moved by an invisible force. So it was, according to Peter, with those who had written down God's Words. And for over 1400 years at Peter's writing, those Words had been proven to be true and entirely trustworthy.

You see, the Bible is either "God-breathed" in its entirety, or it is suspect in every area. You can’t "cherry pick" the Bible.

History: -- The historical accuracy of the Bible is another evidence of it being "God-breathed". When you consider that the Bible was penned by some 40 writers from numerous occupational backgrounds (from fisherman to tax collector to a scholarly rabbi), on three continents, in three languages, and over an astounding period of some 1,500 years, one would expect to find at least a handful of discrepancies or errors.

Yet, just the opposite is true. As far as I have been able to research, no book of this type has ever been written containing so many specific historical, biographical, and geographical references without a single mistake or contradiction. In fact, as in the case of the Hittite empire, later archaeological or historical researchers have discovered that the Biblical account turned out to be absolutely accurate.

The divine inspiration of the Bible makes it totally distinct from all other sacred texts, philosophical writings, mythical stories, and books of wisdom that have been preserved and passed down through generations. To quote revered John Piper, “We have access to knowledge that is unshakably true and infinitely valuable.”

Not only is the Bible Inspired (Theo-neustos = "God-exhaled"), but . . .

II. IT IS INERRANT:

This simply means that the Bible is free from error and totally true.

Think about the words "true" and "truth". By their very definitions we can conclude that if something is "true", then it is error free. While the word, "inerrant" is nowhere to be found in the Bible, words like "true" and "truth" and "truths" abound. In fact those three words appear an amazing 288 times, many of them in direct reference to something the triune Godhead has spoken. To illustrate, . . .

    + Ps 119:160 -- "The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting." In fact, see all of Psalm 119 for an extraordinary description of God's Word.

    + Jn 17:17 -- "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."

    + Prov 30:5-6 -- Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar."

    + Psalm 18:30 -- "As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven [to be true]; He is a shield to all who trust in Him."

    + Psalm 119:142 -- Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth."

I could list dozen more scriptures, but since I may address this subject in the future, I'll leave it at that -- except to point out that . . .

The Bible is not only true theologically, but it is also true in its historical accuracy, geographical references, and even scientific references. I've written extensively about some of these things in the past, and since my letter is already too long, will save that for a later time.

But, keep this in mind -- Sixty-six separate books were written over a period of 1,500 years by some 40 different writers from many diverse backgrounds, written on three continents, and in three different languages -- and yet, all of them are in complete harmony and without any theological, historical, geographical, or scientific errors. This is why the psalmist confidently affirms: “The entirety of Your word is truth” (Ps.119:160).

Next, in that the Bible in both Inspired by God and without error, that also means . . .

III. IT IS INFALLIBLE: --

One of the most thrilling aspects of the Bible, but which Christians too often think little of, is the fact that the Bible is what theologians call "infallible".

When we think of someone being "infallible", what do we usually consider him or her to be? Generally, we mean, they are undefeatible. He can't be beaten. With the Bible, though, the word literally means far more.

Infallibility is the Bible’s very core. What does the word mean?   Simply put, it means "incapable". But, in a more comprehensive application, it also means something is, . . .
    1. absolutely trustworthy or sure,
    2. unfailing in effectiveness or operation,
    3. exempt from liability to error.

Thus, when we see the Bible as being "infallible", we are considering a profound truth. In what way is the Bible, therefore, Infallible? Well, here are some ways:

1. The Bible is Incapable of Error, therefore trustworthy and unfailing in every way,

2. It is incapable of Perversion, therefore trustworthy in truth and application,

3. It is incapable of Destruction, therefore trustworthy in durability and eternality,

4. It is incapable of Forgery, therefore trustworthy in authenticity and purity,

5. It is incapable of Failure. therefore trustworthy in assurance and hope.

So, this raises the question as to Why the Bible is infallible. That's because it is Inspired ("God-breathed"), and because it is Inspired, it is Inerrant (without error). Because, then, it is Inerrant, it is by virtue of inspiration and inerrancy, it is unavoidably Infallible.

Said a bit differently, by His Spirit, God "breathed out" His very nature, character, thoughts, intents, and instructions in a perfect and unadulterated form. For that reason, the Bible is incapable of being wrong, mistaken, opinionated, destroyed, or failing in some way. Therefore, it is inerrant and infallible.

God does not lie, make mistakes, or lead us astray. He cannot.   It is beyond His nature to do so. Therefore, you can bank on it. It is RELIABLE.

Since, then, the Bible is divinely breathed into existence without error and incapable of being diminished or destroyed, we can be fully and entirely confident in conclusively saying that . . .

IV. IT IS SUFFICIENT: --

It is sufficient because it is Inspired by God – God-breathed, Inerrant and free from all deception or error, Infallible and incapable of changing, failing, deceiving, being destroyed, perverted; -- always true always.

For that reason it is absolutely sufficient and adequate for every, any, and all situations and circumstances. Try to think of one single issue of life about which the Bible does not address in some way. Are you discouraged? The Bible will lift your spirits and tell you how to be encouraged. Are you angry? The Bible will explain to you why you shouldn't be, why you are, and how to get rid of it. Are you fearful and full of anxiety? The Bible will tell you where fear comes from, and how to reject it. It will tell you to be courageous, and will tell you how to develop courage.

Are you undecided or uncertain about decisions you need to make -- or already made? The Bible will explain how the Holy Spirit can guide you, and will go so far as to show you that the flag of peace is confirmation that you made the right decision. Are you struggling financially? The Bible will explain why you are struggling, and how to use your resources wisely and biblically. It will also show you how to be content with what you have.

I could go on for hours pinpointing those many areas where you and I face challenges, but I think you get the idea. So, what is it that actually has made the Word of God that remains the most published, sold, and read book in the world to be so trustworthy and sufficient for all things?

The answer is actually pretty simple. It is the central character and message – JESUS CHRIST, He is the focus of every book in the Bible. It is He to Whom the needle of the compass is inevitably magnetically drawn. Our compass for walking those Ancient Paths is always drawn toward Him. He is the "magnetic north" of the Christian life.

This is why Paul declared, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36). The writer of Hebrews echoed those same sentiments, declaring, "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.: (Heb 2:10).

Paul again encouraged the Ephesian believers, stating, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." (Eph 1:7). Similarly, when talking with the skeptics on Mars Hill in Athens, Greece, he insisted, "for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children'." (Acts 17:28).

Finally, though I could quote dozens more, Paul addressed both the Corinthian and the Philippian believers with words that affirm the all-sufficiency of Christ -- in every situation, under every circumstance, and for every need.

To the Corinthians he wrote, . . .

    "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, "HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER."

    "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God." -- (II Cor 9:6-11).

To the believers in Philippi, he wrote similar words of encouragement and confidence, stating out of his own experience, . . .

    "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.

    "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

    "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

    "Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

    "Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen." -- (Phil 4:10-20).

So, my friend, . . . . what else can I say? -- The Bible is "All-Sufficient".

CONCL:

So, there you have it -- Our "Compass" for walking the "Ancient Paths" that Judah had long abandoned is the same as it was for them. It is the Word of God -- divinely inspired, thoroughly Inerrant, absolutely Infallible, and fully Sufficient. You need no further revelation, or to add "one jot or one tittle" to the Word. It has all the words God intended to say for all time, for all men, for all needs.

Now, then, if we truly understand that seeking, finding, and following the "Ancient Paths" to which God called Israel and Judah to return, is virtually essential for any healing, restoration, and peace that we need, can we ever possibly find an any more trustworthy "Compass" that the Bible???

Absolutely Not. No! Never!

There is no better compass for the journey along the Ancient Paths God set out in His Word. It always points “Magnetic North” -- Always to Jesus Christ.

Is there any reason why you would Not believe it, love it, absorb it, and obey it? Do you have any good alternative? Even if you never have before, are you willing to give it a try? Even if you have sometimes been disappointed -- or confused -- with the outcome. Still yet, . . . are you willing to risk it -- now?

Any nation that embraces the Compass as a guide to follow it will be blessed. Any person who obeys it by faith will be blessed.

    " "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

    "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

    "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deut 6:4-9).

SO????

In His Bond, By His Grace, and for His Kingdom,

Bob Tolliver -- Romans 1:11

    "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness,
    examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." -- Dr. Luke (Acts 17:11)

    "A fire kept burning on the hearthstone of my heart, and I took up the burden of the day with fresh courage and hope." -- Charles F. McKoy

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Copyright July, 2022

    "If Jesus had preached the same message that many ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified." -- Leonard Ravenhill

    "The time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the Church will have clowns entertaining the goats." -- Charles H. Spurgeon


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"Standing Together, Shoulder To Shoulder, As We Fight the Good Fight of Faith"

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER is a weekly letter of encouragement Bob has written since 1997, covering many topics selected to
motivate people to be strong students of the Word and courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is a personal letter of
encouragement to you, written solely to help "lift up hands that hang down".

"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." -- Albert Einstein

“There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have -- a cheap Christianity which offends nobody,
and requires no sacrifice, which costs nothing, -- and is worth nothing.” – J. C. Ryle

Shoulder To Shoulder #1300 -- 7/18/22

Title: "Seeking The Ancient Paths (Pt 8 -- Compass For the Journey - A)"

My Dear Friend and Fellow Kingdom Seeker:

Once again, it is necessary for me to apologize for my letter being later than usual. It has been another week of interruptions, tiring tasks, and distractions as I've tried to write. There have been far too many ditches into which my "oxen" have fallen, and too many "rabbits" I've had to chase. Nonetheless, . . .

Greetings again from Greer, AZ, in the White Mountains. It's another beautiful day -- a typical one this time of year -- with huge fluffy clouds spattering the azure blue sky serving as a backdrop to the mountain ridges surrounding three sides of the valley where the little town of Greer is nestled. Most high temperatures this time of year are in the 80's, and many afternoons bring refreshing showers of rain. The early dry season is over, and from now until probably late August things should generally be lush with mountain wildflowers, high desert grass, giant Ponderosas and Aspens.

Most days we get at least one and as many as three showers that keep things watered and wild life quietly emerges from the trees to feast on fresh green grass. Most days we will see either mule deer, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, elk, or an occasional antelope. Sometimes we'll see wolves or coyotes, but rarely see the mountain lions or black bears that are also present.

It's a wonderful place to spend a Summer ministering to retirees and vacationers who have escaped the triple-digit temperatures of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas valleys. But, having Yuma as our home base where it was 115 degrees several days last week while we were there for a few days, I couldn't seem to find a lot of sympathy for those Texas folks suffering at a mere 106 degrees.

Today I want to focus on an important tool for finding and following those "Ancient Paths" we've been considering the past several letters. We could call it a "Compass". There are more than 200 miles of hiking trails within a 10 to 15 mile radius of Greer. Many of the folks in our chapel are avid hikers. Some of them have been hiking these trails for 40 or 50 years -- or more.

Whether novice or veteran, one thing most hikers take with them -- even when in familiar territory -- is a compass. That's what I want to discuss today. And, we'll do that right after you consider . . .

QUOTES FOR THE WEEK:

> "God is without contradiction, so it follows that His Word is also without contradiction. The reasoning here is that God’s nature is intertwined with the nature of the Bible. As is God so is the Bible." -- Davis Wetherell (Gospel Coalition)

> "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." -- Patriarch Job (Job 33:4)

    > “The Bible has stood the test of time because it is divinely inspired by Almighty God, written in ink that cannot be erased by any man, religion, or belief system. Through the many dark ages of man, its glorious promises have survived unchanged. That is because God’s Word is pure—the beginning and the end. His written word has survived every scratch of the human pen.” -- Billy Graham

    > “The inerrancy of Scripture is the foundational doctrine in which all other doctrines rest, and the Psalmist rightly said, ‘If the foundation be destroyed, then what can the righteous do?'” -- Norman Geisler

    > "The Bible WILL always point us in the right direction." -- Darren Rogers (Sermon Central)

    > “There is an infinite majesty about every line of Scripture, but especially about that part of Scripture in which the Lord reveals Himself and His glorious plan of saving grace in the person of His dear Son Jesus Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon

> ". . . the Bible is not 'breathed upon' by God, but 'breathed out.' God’s Word is God’s breath to us, bringing us life, making us more like Christ." -- Davis Wetherell (Gospel Coalition)

    > Precious Bible! What a treasure
            Does the Word of God afford!
        All I want for life or pleasure,
            Food and Medicine, shield and sword;
        Let the world account me poor --
            Christ and this, I need no more.
                                            – John Newton

> "Stop living in a fantasy world in violation of God’s Word. Look at the Compass and follow it." -- Darren Rogers (Sermon Central)

THE COMPASS THAT CAN BE TRUSTED:

When I preached on this topic a couple of weeks ago, I was drawn once again to one of two Psalms that consistently point to the reliability of the compass -- Psalm 119. This is the longest Psalm in the Book -- in fact it is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. What many people don't know is that it is divided into twenty-two distinct sections or "stanzas", and that each stanza begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, beginning with the first letter (pronounced Aleph) and then each one chronologically to the last letter (pronounced Sav).

In preparing for that sermon, I was drawn to this section of the Psalm -- verses 33-44: --

    33. Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall observe it to the end. 34. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law And keep it with all my heart. 35. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. 36. Incline my heart to Your testimonies And not to dishonest gain. 37. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways.

    38. Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You. 39. Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your ordinances are good. 40. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through Your righteousness. 41. May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your word; 42. So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.

    43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your ordinances. 44. So I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. 45. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.

    46. I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. 47. I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. 48. And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes.

There are eleven different word couplets used in these 14 verses -- four relate to some aspect of God's nature or disposition -- ways, righteousness, lovingkindnesses, and salvation. The remaining seven refer to some aspect of God's written commandments as found in the Pentateuch, the histories, and the poetic scriptures. We know this was the time frame because none of the prophets had written books prior to the writing of this Psalm by David in the 11th Century B.C. So, clearly the reference was to the historical record of events from the creation of the world -- particularly mankind -- and the reign of David.

At first glance, you might think that these seven words are merely synonyms that mean essentially the same thing, but that would be a mistake that would cause you to consider them more casually than you should. The Hebrew language is a precise language and every word -- even every letter of the alphabet -- has significance. For that reason it will be helpful to us t briefly, consider each word:

-- Your Statutes (33) = "an allotment, a fixed boundary, apportionment, enactment or appointment". God's Word establishes His parameters for your life -- "here, but not there". God's statutes were/are like a fence or wall that keeps one inside -- free from straying, free from danger, free from contamination. and free from misunderstanding and misrepresentation. Rather than those statutes -- boundaries -- being restrictive, they instead provided a greater sense of freedom because as long as one remained within the parameters of God's statutes, you were free to live life to the fullest.

David then continues his love for God's Word, calling it . . .

-- Your Law (34) = "Precept or command from the Pentateuch". Just as we have different types and levels of laws and statutes in our American polity, so it was with Israel. I don't know the count at the time of this Psalm's writing, but I do know that at one point there were over 650 rabbinical laws and rules outside of the Pentateuch. Many of them were attempts to understand and interpret the Pentateuch and Decalogue. They were often up for debate and interpretation. However, the commands God gave Israel in the wilderness, and particularly the Ten Commandments, were not up for debate. In many ways, they were the "Constitution" of the Jewish people -- not up for debate or change in any manner. God's law was the core of all Jewish social order.

Seemingly trying to make the scriptures even more personal, David identifies them to God as . . .

-- Your Commandments (35) = "a directive or instruction expected to be obeyed". It is the image of, "this is the way; walk in it." (Isa 30:21). One will not grasp the real meaning of this couplet without retreating to the beginning of the sentence -- "Make me walk in the path of Your commandments." It is nearly the identical meaning found in Isaiah's words, "Whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it'." In other words, David is openly acknowledging that God's commandments are truly God's, that with the command is the expectation that they are to be obeyed, and that in order for him to obey them, he will need God's corrective guidance to keep him on the path. It isn't that God makes David stay on track, but rather that God enables him to do so.

I hadn't noticed this before, but each word David uses in describing the scriptures becomes more personal and intimate, calling them next, . . .

-- Your Testimonies (36) = "admonition, witness, ordinance, or warning". David begins this request by asking God, "Incline my heart to . . ." While I cannot state this unequivocally, it seems to me that, because of the definition of the word, "testimonies", David is asking for God to draw his own heart toward the instruction, admonition, and warnings through the witness and work of the Holy Spirit. There is no doubt that we can never plumb the depths of God's Word to learn its rich truths unless the Holy Spirit leads us to it, immerses us in it, instructs us from it, and illuminates us by it. Until the Holy Spirit pierces our hearts with God's Word, it is nothing more than good reading literature. Seeing it as God's "testimonies" that "bear witness" in our hearts -- THAT is what changes our lives.

David seems to recognize that God's warnings and exhortations to him are more than just a set of instructions, but are so utterly profound that they become . . .

    -- Your Ways (37) = "pathway, road, journey, a well-trodden soon-to-be-familiar road, a manner of life, a perpetual lifestyle". God's Word is not only instructive and directive, but it is also protective. This seems to be the case as David uses this word, for he asks God to direct him away from things that are vain -- that is, desolate and waste -- and instead keep him on the right road for the journey. As is often the case with Hebrew words, this word is multifaceted. It is almost three dimensional, for it reveals David's heart that God will keep him true to God's teachings, faithful to God's prescribed path, persistent throughout life's journey, consistent in his faith lifestyle. It reminds me of the gospel song I used so sing in most of my musical performances, "Lead Me, O Lead Me" --
            "Lead me, O lead me!
              Never let me stray or roam!
            Lead me, O lead me!
        Lead me 'til I reach my heavenly home."

I can't get over how more personal God's Word is becoming with each successive term. David sees it not only as for him personally, but also as it relates to Who God Himself is, describing it as . . .

-- Your Word (38) = "Uttered command, speech, utterance, voice". This word comes from a Hebrew root word that literally means, "to speak, to say something, to audibly speak". Even though what David wrote was probably on parchment or animal skin -- or perhaps clay tablets -- and was about the scriptures he had read in a written manuscript, he still saw it as God Himself personally speaking. But, it's not just personally speaking, but it is directly speaking. This was such an intense desire on David's part that he asked God that His Words would be so powerful as to generate a sense of overwhelming reverence and awe over Who God was. David wanted to come to a state that there would never be any doubt or wavering in his comprehension of God's goodness, mercy, majesty, and power. Reading that entire verse (38) leaves no doubt about David's desire.

Finally, David seems to want God's Word to be more than just intellectual stimulation or emotional exhilaration, but sees it as an applied, affirming, binding personal lifestyle for himself. Even then, though, he describes it as . . .

-- Your Precepts (40) = "Appointed principles, mandate, and applied instruction". David concludes this stanza of his 22 verse song by identifying God's Word as "mandated principles". They are not merely good ideas, recommendations, or brilliant suggestions. No, he clearly identifies them as direct instructions that have been set in place with the mandate to observe them, keep them, and act on them. However, there is something more -- the word "precepts" refer NOT to a collection of precepts from which one may pick and choose. He doesn't even treat them as individuals drawn together into a collection where each one maintains its individual identity. The Hebrew word is in plural form, collectively, but as a single whole. In other words, it is an "all or nothing" situation where to reject one is to reject them all. I can how David might declare, "Lord! All of your mandates and principles I love as a body of Your truth. I can't even pick one that I like best. Rather, I love them all -- each one equally, but all as an entire whole! I can't imagine breaking even one. They are like many pieces of one picture -- many facets of one diamond -- many colors of one prism."

And that leads me to . . .

-- One Final Thought:

The leading word in each couplet is not without significance It is the word, "Your". David is making certain that both the reader and God Himself know that David fully understands that the scriptures the Hebrew possessed and revered were clearly from God, and from no other. He states . . .

+ "Teach me so I can adhere to Your righteous parameters you have set for me." (v. 33).

+ "Give me understanding so I can keep before me, guard, and preserve Your eternal scriptures." (v. 34).

+ "Cause me to walk the ancient paths according to Your directives and instructions." (v. 35).

+ "Move my heart toward the impression and witness of Your Holy Spirit, and away from all dishonesty." (v. 36)

+ "Keep me away from all that is desolate and worthless, and make me alive again to Your plans, path, and lifestyle for me." (v. 37)

+ "Make Your voice clear to me so I will revere, honor, and worship You in every way that I can." (v, 38).

+ "More than anything, I long for and want Your mandates and instructions en toto to be the sum and substance of my life." (v. 40).

DOES SUCH A COMPASS EVEN EXIST?

The thing that makes a compass work properly is the presence of "North".

It's my understanding that there are actually four "north" poles -- Grid North, Magnetic North, Geomagnetic North, and True North. While they are all in the same general direction, they are not all in the same identical spot. A compass needle always points to the magnetic North Pole, and not to the the grid north, geomagnetic north, or true north. A compass is designed to always point toward that which pulls it by some inexplicable power. Thus, a compass is consistently drawn toward the Baffin Island region of Canada, which is the current location of the Magnetic North Pole.

I am reminded of the scripture, "there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Prov 14:12; 16:25). One can get to the true North Pole, and one can get to Grid North by his own ability to properly read maps, and (I have been told) one can locate the Geomagnetic North Pole through the use of equations used in the study of planetary movements. Apparently the Geomagnetic North Pole is the point where the axis on which the earth rotates and "wobbles" is nearest the earth's crust.

The interesting thing about the Magnetic North Pole, however, is that one cannot possibly find Magnetic North without the magnetic drawing power of some source. For the past 700 years or so, it has been and is currently located in the Baffin Islands region. Wherever it might move over centuries, the needle of a compass will always find it -- unless, of course, there is some other electrical or magnetic interference.

While there clearly can be a breakdown in my illustration if you consider "True" north from "Magnetic" north, there is still adequate imagery here to point out that neither"True" north, "Grid" north, or "Geomagnetic" north, have any drawing power beyond man's adventurous spirit and/or his ability to properly read maps or understand principles of astronomy. Only "Magnetic" north points the compass needle of life. Such is the Bible.

It is imperative as Christians that you and I live by the compass of God's Word, because its needle always points toward life and its source. The Bible describes itself in many ways, but never specifically as a compass -- although there are hundreds of times it is referred to as giving direction to life. Nonetheless, one of my favorite scriptures is the one I mentioned earlier from Isaiah -- "this is the way; walk in it." (Isa 30:21).

For me personally, I see God's Word as being illustrated in ten other specific ways, equally important to our living according to those "Ancient Paths" of which Jeremiah wrote. In quick summary, they are . . .
.
    1.    Truth -- John 17:17. "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
.
    2.    Milk -- I Pet 2:2. “. . . like . . babies, long for the pure milk of the word, . . .“
.
    3.    Honey – Psalm 19:9-10. “The judgments of the LORD . . . sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb”
.
    4.    Gold – Ps 119:72. “The law of Your mouth is better to me than . . . gold.”
.
    5.    Water – Eph 5:26; John 15:3. “. . . Christ . . . cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, . . . holy and blameless. (Eph 5:25-27)
.
    6.    Mirror – James 1:23. “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks . . . in a mirror; . . . ” (1:23-25)
.
    7.    Hammer – Jer 23:29. “Is not My word . . . like a hammer which shatters a rock?”
.
    8.    Fire – Jer 23:29. “Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD. . . ?”
.
    9.    Seed – Lk 8:11. “. . . the seed is the word of God.”
.
10. A Sword – “And take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

When you have the opportunity, take time -- hours, days . . . even weeks -- to dig into each of those images about God's Word. Your life will be enriched, I promise you.

In the meantime, let's again refresh our minds of the core scripture for this series before getting to the primary focus of our "Compass For The Journey"

"Thus says the LORD, 'Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' 17. And I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen'."

-- Jeremiah 6:16-17.

Because of Judah’s stubborn refusal to return to the ancient paths, God said He would bring about the promised disaster -- not as an arbitrary expression of anger, but as the fruit of the people’s actions they refused to change (Jer 6:19). The judgment would just and deserved – not because God was angry or revengeful, but as a natural consequence of their disobedience. Too often we accuse God from being mean, unjust, or unkind -- when we brought our calamity upon ourselves by our own action.

Actions always have consequences. “The soul that sins will die” (Ezek 18:4, 20). This death, you see, is NOT because God hates people, but because we sinned. Just as the people of Israel faced a choice of whether or not to follow God’s ancient paths, we stand at a crossroads -- both as individuals, as Christians in general, and as a democratic republic built on biblical principles.

The question is, then, how do we decide which road to take? Will it be the ways of the world, the ways of other religions, the ways of secularism, the ways of Socialism -- or the ancient paths God so clearly set out before us in His Word? Every culture -- even those who don't believe in the God of the Bible -- that lives by those principles will prosper. His principles of morality work for all people who will practice them.

One thing that will help us to make that choice is to use a compass – and to use the right compass. Obviously the “compass” we must use is the Bible itself. It is both the pathway itself and also the compass by which we walk the pathway.

What is it about the Bible that makes it a trustworthy compass that we can bank our lives on? What characteristics does it have that makes it worth our trusting – AND obeying?

>From my earliest childhood, I have believed the Bible to be God's divinely inspired Word, unique in every way from every other book ever written in human history -- both in content, era, style, purpose, and authorship.

Now I know that I wrote about this not too long ago, but it is so important to this particular theme on "Seeking The Ancient Paths", that I need to rehearse it again for you. So, having said that, and hopefully with your understanding and tolerance, there are four special characteristics that make the Bible trustworthy – It is Inspired, Inerrant, Infallible, and Sufficient.

I. IT IS INSPIRED:

There are two passage of scripture I want to focus on in describing this most unique characteristic. First, . . .

II Tim 3:16-17: Interestingly, this is the only time in the Bible that the term, "Theopneustos" is used. As you know, it literally means, “God-breathed”. "Theos", of course, means "God". "Pneustos" is the word for "breath" or "breathe". It is the word from which we get the words pneumonia, pneumatic, etc.

The fact that the Bible is "God-breathed" indicates that this Book that you and I read and love is actually the end result of some kind of divine activity. It didn't come just from human origin. It came from God Himself.

There is something more explicit in this fact, though, than what first meets the eye. The picture, according to the Greek text, is not that of God sitting around on His throne, merely breathing as He observes man's plight on this earth. Rather, the picture is that God is intentionally and powerfully engaged in breathing out His Words to mankind. The word, "Theopneustos" is a description of the "forceful exhalation" of God's own words that express Not just what He says or thinks, but actually Who He IS.

What are words, in the first place? When you write a letter, what are your words? When I write these emails to you, what are they? They are the audible or written expression of what we think -- even of our attitudes, opinions, or character. You can tell by one's words whether that person is sad, happy, angry, or disengaged.

So it is with the Bible. The Bible is actually the spoken or written expression of God’s thoughts, attitudes, character, and nature. So, when He gave the scriptures to mankind, God "exhaled" or "breathed out" His thoughts, intents, character, and nature.

Apologist Rob Phillips points out an important element in this process, saying, "God didn’t breathe into the Scriptures, thus inspiring them; He breathed out His Word. The Bible’s origin is God Himself.” Some people believe that men wrote these different books and letters, and then God blessed them and inspired them by breathing His truth into them.

That is simply not the case, and there is no biblical reference anywhere to support such a theory. It is a man-made theory that cannot be supported by evidence.

There is something more about this word, "Theopneustos". There is the strong and undeniable element that the "breathing" was not normal breathing, but was a "forceful" breathing. In fact, it is a breathing that borders on the idea of a "violent" breathing that is so forceful that it could destroy something. There is a determined intentionality about it.

When I study that word, a rather amusing picture comes to mind -- that of old "father winter" blowing a gale-force blast of frigid north wind strong enough to knock you over, freeze you into an ice cube, and then bury you in thirty feet of snow. That, of course, is not the true picture of God's Word nor its intent, but it is this force of "theopneustos" with which God breathed out His Word to the forty human scribes who penned what He had thrust into their hearts. Davis Wetherell of The Gospel Coalition said it well in a July 23, 2019, article, . . .

"God is without contradiction, so it follows that His Word is also without contradiction. The reasoning here is that God’s nature is intertwined with the nature of the Bible. As is God so is the Bible."

There are numerous occasions when we read that God "breathed" or "spoke". The first, of course, is in Gen 2:7, when Moses recorded, "Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

Scripture also tells us that God "breathed" the universe into existence. Psalm 33:6 reads, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."

Another occasion is found in John 20:20-22 -- "And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'."

Since God is an unchanging God, He will not and cannot change our scriptures -- because He is an Unchanging God. At the same time, man cannot change them because he did not create them. He merely wrote them down. They originated with God, and not with man.

But, also consider, . . .

II Peter 1:20-21: -- “No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God”.

You cannot go to one part of the Bible and say that it is "more" inspired than other parts, or that some part is inspired while another is not. It is a matter of, "All or none!" That's because of its origin -- it's "God-breathed", and this is decisively borne out in this passage.

The word "moved" is pherō̄ in the Greek text and means, to "be carried, sustained, driven". Being a fisherman, Peter must have remembered what it was like when a ship moved outside of its own power because the wind caught its sails and carried it, driving it over a sustained course.

There was nothing within the ship that would energize or empower it to move. It was moved by an invisible force. So it was, according to Peter, with those who had written down God's Words. And for over 1400 years at Peter's writing, those Words had been proven to be true and entirely trustworthy.

You see, the Bible is either "God-breathed" in its entirety, or it is suspect in every area. You can’t "cherry pick" the Bible.

History: -- The historical accuracy of the Bible is another evidence of it being "God-breathed". When you consider that the Bible was penned by some 40 writers from numerous occupational backgrounds (from fisherman to tax collector to a scholarly rabbi), on three continents, in three languages, and over an astounding period of some 1,500 years, one would expect to find at least a handful of discrepancies or errors.

Yet, just the opposite is true. As far as I have been able to research, no book of this type has ever been written containing so many specific historical, biographical, and geographical references without a single mistake or contradiction. In fact, as in the case of the Hittite empire, later archaeological or historical researchers have discovered that the Biblical account turned out to be absolutely accurate.

The divine inspiration of the Bible makes it totally distinct from all other sacred texts, philosophical writings, mythical stories, and books of wisdom that have been preserved and passed down through generations. To quote revered John Piper, “We have access to knowledge that is unshakably true and infinitely valuable.”

Not only is the Bible Inspired (Theo-neustos = "God-exhaled"), but . . .

II. IT IS INERRANT:

This simply means that the Bible is free from error and totally true.

Think about the words "true" and "truth". By their very definitions we can conclude that if something is "true", then it is error free. While the word, "inerrant" is nowhere to be found in the Bible, words like "true" and "truth" and "truths" abound. In fact those three words appear an amazing 288 times, many of them in direct reference to something the triune Godhead has spoken. To illustrate, . . .

+ Ps 119:160 -- "The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting." In fact, see all of Psalm 119 for an extraordinary description of God's Word.

+ Jn 17:17 -- "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."

+ Prov 30:5-6 -- Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar."

+ Psalm 18:30 -- "As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven [to be true]; He is a shield to all who trust in Him."

+ Psalm 119:142 -- Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth."

I could list dozen more scriptures, but since I may address this subject in the future, I'll leave it at that -- except to point out that . . .

The Bible is not only true theologically, but it is also true in its historical accuracy, geographical references, and even scientific references. I've written extensively about some of these things in the past, and since my letter is already too long, will save that for a later time.

But, keep this in mind -- Sixty-six separate books were written over a period of 1,500 years by some 40 different writers from many diverse backgrounds, written on three continents, and in three different languages -- and yet, all of them are in complete harmony and without any theological, historical, geographical, or scientific errors. This is why the psalmist confidently affirms: “The entirety of Your word is truth” (Ps.119:160).

Next, in that the Bible in both Inspired by God and without error, that also means . . .

III. IT IS INFALLIBLE: --

One of the most thrilling aspects of the Bible, but which Christians too often think little of, is the fact that the Bible is what theologians call "infallible".

When we think of someone being "infallible", what do we usually consider him or her to be? Generally, we mean, they are undefeatible. He can't be beaten. With the Bible, though, the word literally means far more.

Infallibility is the Bible’s very core. What does the word mean?   Simply put, it means "incapable". But, in a more comprehensive application, it also means something is, . . .
    1. absolutely trustworthy or sure,
    2. unfailing in effectiveness or operation,
    3. exempt from liability to error.

Thus, when we see the Bible as being "infallible", we are considering a profound truth. In what way is the Bible, therefore, Infallible? Well, here are some ways:

1. The Bible is Incapable of Error, therefore trustworthy and unfailing in every way,

2. It is incapable of Perversion, therefore trustworthy in truth and application,

3. It is incapable of Destruction, therefore trustworthy in durability and eternality,

4. It is incapable of Forgery, therefore trustworthy in authenticity and purity,

5. It is incapable of Failure. therefore trustworthy in assurance and hope.

So, this raises the question as to Why the Bible is infallible. That's because it is Inspired ("God-breathed"), and because it is Inspired, it is Inerrant (without error). Because, then, it is Inerrant, it is by virtue of inspiration and inerrancy, it is unavoidably Infallible.

Said a bit differently, by His Spirit, God "breathed out" His very nature, character, thoughts, intents, and instructions in a perfect and unadulterated form. For that reason, the Bible is incapable of being wrong, mistaken, opinionated, destroyed, or failing in some way. Therefore, it is inerrant and infallible.

God does not lie, make mistakes, or lead us astray. He cannot. It is beyond His nature to do so. Therefore, you can bank on it. It is RELIABLE.

Since, then, the Bible is divinely breathed into existence without error and incapable of being diminished or destroyed, we can be fully and entirely confident in conclusively saying that . . .

IV. IT IS SUFFICIENT: --

It is sufficient because it is Inspired by God – God-breathed, Inerrant and free from all deception or error, Infallible and incapable of changing, failing, deceiving, being destroyed, perverted; -- always true always.

For that reason it is absolutely sufficient and adequate for every, any, and all situations and circumstances. Try to think of one single issue of life about which the Bible does not address in some way. Are you discouraged? The Bible will lift your spirits and tell you how to be encouraged. Are you angry? The Bible will explain to you why you shouldn't be, why you are, and how to get rid of it. Are you fearful and full of anxiety? The Bible will tell you where fear comes from, and how to reject it. It will tell you to be courageous, and will tell you how to develop courage.

Are you undecided or uncertain about decisions you need to make -- or already made? The Bible will explain how the Holy Spirit can guide you, and will go so far as to show you that the flag of peace is confirmation that you made the right decision. Are you struggling financially? The Bible will explain why you are struggling, and how to use your resources wisely and biblically. It will also show you how to be content with what you have.

I could go on for hours pinpointing those many areas where you and I face challenges, but I think you get the idea. So, what is it that actually has made the Word of God that remains the most published, sold, and read book in the world to be so trustworthy and sufficient for all things?

The answer is actually pretty simple. It is the central character and message – JESUS CHRIST, He is the focus of every book in the Bible. It is He to Whom the needle of the compass is inevitably magnetically drawn. Our compass for walking those Ancient Paths is always drawn toward Him. He is the "magnetic north" of the Christian life.

This is why Paul declared, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36). The writer of Hebrews echoed those same sentiments, declaring, "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.: (Heb 2:10).

Paul again encouraged the Ephesian believers, stating, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." (Eph 1:7). Similarly, when talking with the skeptics on Mars Hill in Athens, Greece, he insisted, "for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children'." (Acts 17:28).

Finally, though I could quote dozens more, Paul addressed both the Corinthian and the Philippian believers with words that affirm the all-sufficiency of Christ -- in every situation, under every circumstance, and for every need.

To the Corinthians he wrote, . . .

"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, "HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER."

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God." -- (II Cor 9:6-11).

To the believers in Philippi, he wrote similar words of encouragement and confidence, stating out of his own experience, . . .

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.

    "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

    "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

    "Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

"Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen." -- (Phil 4:10-20).

So, my friend, . . . . what else can I say? -- The Bible is "All-Sufficient".

CONCL:

So, there you have it -- Our "Compass" for walking the "Ancient Paths" that Judah had long abandoned is the same as it was for them. It is the Word of God -- divinely inspired, thoroughly Inerrant, absolutely Infallible, and fully Sufficient. You need no further revelation, or to add "one jot or one tittle" to the Word. It has all the words God intended to say for all time, for all men, for all needs.

Now, then, if we truly understand that seeking, finding, and following the "Ancient Paths" to which God called Israel and Judah to return, is virtually essential for any healing, restoration, and peace that we need, can we ever possibly find an any more trustworthy "Compass" that the Bible???

Absolutely Not. No! Never!

There is no better compass for the journey along the Ancient Paths God set out in His Word. It always points “Magnetic North” -- Always to Jesus Christ.

Is there any reason why you would Not believe it, love it, absorb it, and obey it? Do you have any good alternative? Even if you never have before, are you willing to give it a try? Even if you have sometimes been disappointed -- or confused -- with the outcome. Still yet, . . . are you willing to risk it -- now?

Any nation that embraces the Compass as a guide to follow it will be blessed. Any person who obeys it by faith will be blessed.

" "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

"You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deut 6:4-9).

SO????

In His Bond, By His Grace, and for His Kingdom,

Bob Tolliver -- Romans 1:11

"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness,
examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." -- Dr. Luke (Acts 17:11)

"A fire kept burning on the hearthstone of my heart, and I took up the burden of the day with fresh courage and hope." -- Charles F. McKoy

Life Unlimited Ministries
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"If Jesus had preached the same message that many ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified." -- Leonard Ravenhill

"The time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the Church will have clowns entertaining the goats." -- Charles H. Spurgeon

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