Is the Bible Relevant Today?

♪ A warm welcome to all of you from all of us here at Tomorrow's World. We're happy you've joined us today, where I'm asking whether the all-time best- selling book is relevant in our postmodern world. After all, wasn't it written thousands of years ago? What meaning can it have for you today? The Bible has come under increasing attack in recent times as more and more people consider it to be out of touch in the 21st Century. Perhaps that thought has crossed your mind.

But, on this program, I'll show you why that is faulty thinking and give you four indisputable reasons why. So, let's get started. Reason number one is: Human nature is the same as it has always been. The Apostle Paul, writing nearly two thousand years ago, mentions on several occasions behaviors that are unacceptable for anyone seeking eternal life in the kingdom of God. One of those lists is in his first letter to the church at Corinth. Beginning in chapter 6, and verse 9...

"Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." Does adultery, thievery, drunkenness, or any of these other behaviors sound familiar? These traits of human nature were pervasive in the first century, even affecting some who had come to realize the need to put them aside. Notice it in verse 11... "And such were some of you.

But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." On another occasion, writing to the Church at Rome, Paul mentioned in Romans 1 verse 29...

"being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful." That was then, but is it any different today? No, human nature has not changed. And in fact, Paul said it would not change.

Writing to Timothy, Paul spoke of behaviors that would exist in the last days-- that's our day today. 2 Timothy 3:1-5... "But know this, that in the last days perilous [or dangerous]

Notice the similarities between first century behaviors and what Paul foretold for our day today: Can anyone dispute that what Paul foretold for our day is any different from what we see all around us? Also, who among us thinks these behaviors are beneficial to our world? No doubt, some would think so, but I doubt that you think that way.

Most rational people recognize that unruly children, slanderers, those who are filled with pride, or are traitors; and those who are brutal, unloving, and unforgiving are a detriment to society. Perhaps the Bible is not so out-of-date as some think. No, human nature is the same today as it was thousands of years ago. Now whether you agree that man's nature is good or bad, the fact that it has not changed is indisputable.

I'll give you three more reasons why the Bible is relevant for today, but I want to mention today's free offer-- the Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course. And when we say it can be yours free for the asking, we really mean it. When you call the toll-free number on your screen, you'll find a friendly agent who will be happy to take your request, and not even hint, for a donation.

So call the toll free number, or go to our website at TWTV.org/Study and discover just how relevant the Bible is to your everyday life. And when I come back, I'll give you three more indisputable reasons why the world's best- selling book answers the most important questions of life. ♪ For today's free offer call... Or go to... This clear and straight-forward resource will help you understand this vital truth-- straight from the pages of the Bible.

If you're calling for the first time, you will also receive a free annual subscription to Tomorrow's World magazine. Six inspiring issues discussing news, science, and modern culture will help you make sense of your world from a biblical perspective. Call today and join millions around the world who are turning to Tomorrow's World for truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times. Call now! Or go to... ♪ Welcome back.

On this Tomorrow's World program, I'm asking and answering the question, "Is the Bible Relevant Today?" And I'm here to say that it is. In the previous portion of this program, I gave you one of four irrefutable reasons why the Bible has relevance in the twenty-first Century. That reason is: 1. Human nature is the same as it has always been.

Now whether in the first century or today, we find pride, rebellious children, whisperers and slanderers, people who are unloving, untrustworthy traitors, people who are unforgiving, unmerciful brutal individuals. No, human nature has not changed, and that's irrefutable reason #1. The second reason we know the Bible is relevant for today, involves the outcome of human nature. 2. The problems caused by human nature have not changed.

James, an Apostle of Christ, asked two important questions nearly 2,000 years ago. The first is a question needing an answer and the second is rhetorical: James 4 and verse 1... "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?" But he didn't stop with the question. Notice his scathing answer beginning in verse 2... "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war.

Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." Whether we're talking about wars between neighbors, or between nations, unrestrained human nature, whether then or now, is the cause. However, problems go back much further than the first century. For that, we must go back to the beginning.

We read in the first book of the Bible, in Genesis chapter two, that our parents were given a test in the form of two trees. The tree of life symbolized putting trust in God. But to take of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, symbolized taking it upon themselves to determine right and wrong. And as most every Bible student knows, they chose the latter tree.

And under the sway of a powerful and evil spirit being, Eve rejected God's instruction and chose to follow her own judgment--Genesis 3:6... "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate." The Apostle John may have had this in mind when he warned us about the motivations of our nature in 1 John 2:16...

"For all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh [Eve saw that the fruit was good for food], the lust of the eyes [it was pleasant in her sight], and the pride of life [a tree to make her wise]-- is not of the Father but is of the world." You can read in 1 Timothy 2:14 that while Eve was deceived, Adam was not. He knew better, but went on to eat of the fruit anyway.

One can only imagine how different their world became, once they took it upon themselves to determine the difference between right and wrong, but as with far too many parents, they lived to see tragic results in their children, when Cain became jealous and murdered his brother Abel. Nearly 2,600 years ago, the prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 59...

"The way of peace they have not known, And there is no justice in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace." The problems we see in our world today are not new-- they've been around a long time, but here's the point. The Bible reveals right and wrong and gives instructions on how to overcome our nature. A gadget may be new, but not our nature, and there are tragic results when we choose our ways over God's ways.

Can any honest person dispute our first two reasons why the Bible is relevant today? 1. Human nature is the same as it has always been.

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold." How few in today's world realize that godly wisdom and knowledge is more precious than gold, silver, or precious jewels. The Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course is filled with godly wisdom and understanding, but unless you order it, it will remain out of reach, and less you open it and take the lessons, it is of no value.

Now I know that some of you already ordered this Bible study course. You started it with good intentions but became distracted for various reasons as happens to all of us. And is it not our human nature that once we lose momentum we find it difficult to start again. So, if that has happened to you I encourage you to determine right now to pick up where you left off. Open your Bible and finish what you started.

And for the rest of you pick up the phone or go to TWTV.org/Study to order your copy of the Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course and start digging for gold and rubies. And when I come back after this short 15 second break, I'll give you a third reason why the Bible is relevant in the 21st Century. ♪ This clear and straight-forward resource will help you understand this vital truth-- straight from the pages of the Bible. Call now!

Or go to... ♪ On this Tomorrow's World program, I'm asking and answering the question of whether the world's best-selling book is relevant in the 21st Century. Many believe it is not, but that is not what the facts reveal. And that's why I'm giving you four, of many reasons, why we need the Bible more than at any other time in human history. So far, I've given you two irrefutable facts as to why the Bible is as applicable now as it was 2,000 and more years ago.

They are: 1. Human nature is the same as it has always been. And 2. The problems caused by human nature have not changed. Let's now look at the third reason: 3. God's attitude regarding right and wrong has not changed. If God exists, and for good reasons, many of us believe that a Creator is the best explanation for life on this planet, then what He thinks matters. Why is it that people think God will bend to conform to their image, rather than the other way around?

Must God accept whatever behaviors we demand of Him? An honest and rational person ought to see how foolish that thinking is. And once again, this thinking is not new. It's been around for more than 3,000 years. The fiftieth Psalm, beginning in verse 18 tells us... "When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have been a partaker with adulterers. You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.

These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you." Closely associated with this, is the strange thinking that human beings can outvote God. Is this not what people reason when they say, "Well, everybody's doing it." You fill in the blank: cohabiting, committing adultery, cheating on your taxes, using profanity--the list is endless. And again, these rationalizations are not new. Mankind has always justified sinful behaviors, thinking that God does not see.

Breaking into a thought, let's notice what it says in Psalm 94, and verse 6... "They slay the widow and the stranger, And murder the fatherless. Yet they say, "The LORD does not see, nor does the God of Jacob understand." No, dear friends, there is nothing new under the sun. Whether 3,000 years ago or now, human nature is the same, the results of that nature have not changed, and God's attitude toward sin has not changed.

Notice how God responds to those so foolish as to think that God doesn't notice what they do. Here it is in verse 8... "Understand, you senseless among the people; and you fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see? He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct...?" Earlier, we read a quick synopsis of human nature from 1 John 2, and verse 16...

"For all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world." John then gives this warning... "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." Does any rational person think God changes to bend to our will, because we're so modern, so sophisticated, and so technologically advanced?

I think you know the answer to that, but let's look at one more scripture before moving to a fourth reason why the Bible is relevant for today. At the very end of the Bible, in the book of Revelation, after Christ returns to save us from annihilating ourselves, we read of God's attitude toward sin, whether in times past, present, or future. Here it is in Revelation chapter 21, and in verse 8...

"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." It's sheer madness to think that God will bend to our standards of right and wrong, that's our third irrefutable reason why the Bible is every bit as relevant today as it has ever been.

Frankly, there are many reasons to study this all-time best seller, but before giving you a fourth reason, I want to remind you of today's free offer-- the Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course. Here is one of many comments we receive from students of this course: "I am a subscriber to your magazine and also a student of your Bible Study Course. Thank you for designing such a course! I have found the study of God's Word to be the most rewarding and fulfilling thing in my life.

The lessons are stimulating and I look forward joyfully to receiving them. I now comprehend so much more." The Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course explains prophecies that are being fulfilled right now. It explains in detail the purpose for life, what the true gospel is, and why the Ten Commandments are important. You can learn about the Sabbath day that Jesus kept, the meaning of the Biblical Holy Days and Festivals, and so much more.

So pick up the phone, or go to our website--TWTV.org/Study to receive your first four lessons. All 24 lesson of Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course are absolutely free of charge. And when I come back, I'll give you a fourth reason why the Bible is relevant for you and for your loved ones. ♪ For today's free offer call... Or go to... This clear and straight-forward resource will help you understand this vital truth-- straight from the pages of the Bible.

If you're calling for the first time, you will also receive a free annual subscription to Tomorrow's World magazine. Six inspiring issues discussing news, science, and modern culture will help you make sense of your world from a biblical perspective. Call today and join millions around the world who are turning to Tomorrow's World for truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times. Call now!

Or go to... ♪ Today we've been answering the question of whether the Bible is relevant for 21st Century man. So far, I've given three irrefutable reasons why the world's best-selling book is important for you and your loved ones. 1. Human nature is the same as it has always been. 2. The problems caused by human nature have not changed. And 3. God's attitude regarding right and wrong has not changed.

There are many more reasons why the Bible is relevant today, but let's now look at a fourth reason. 4. The purpose of life has not changed. Precious few people today understand why they are here. How can they when there is such religious confusion in our world with different ideas regarding an afterlife, or even if there is a life beyond the grave. Sadly, many do not even care enough to find the answer, and those who do care, most often don't recognize the correct source for the answer.

Scripture tells us that there is a powerful spirit being who has deceived the world, and that includes the largest religion on earth--Christianity. Open your Bible and read Revelation 12:9 for yourself... "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Notice that Jesus said the first sign leading up to the end of the age and His return would be false Christianity.

Write this down and look it up for yourself--Matthew 24:3-5... "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name [in other words claiming to represent Him], saying, 'I am the Christ' [in other words admitting that Jesus is the Messiah], and will deceive many." This is why we are offering you our free Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course.

It addresses the purpose God has for you and me. And that purpose has not changed from the beginning, but few today understand it. Satan has deceived people into believing something very different, from the exciting reward the Bible actually offers. Frankly, dear friends, it's amazing how deceived Christians can be about the book they profess to believe in. Consider this passage of scripture from Daniel 7:27 where it speaks about the future rule of the Messiah...

"Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him." Now as a side note, when Scripture uses the word "saints" it's not speaking of someone who has been "sainted" by some religious body.

It's simply speaking of servants of God--ordinary people such as you and me--who may be led by, and have the spirit of Christ, dwelling in them. But here in this Old Testament passage in Daniel, we read of the kingdoms of this world being taken over by the kingdom of God. Now turn over to the New Testament, to Revelation 20:4, where it describes this same time in the future... "And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.

Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived [and notice this: they lived] and [they] reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Yes, the servants of God will reign with Christ for a thousand years. But, where? Let Revelation answer that for you. Chapter 5, verses 9-10...

"And they [that is the servants of God who will be resurrected at Christ's return] sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; [and note it here] And we shall reign on the earth." How different this is from rolling around in heaven with nothing to do.

No, the purpose for your life goes way beyond what is taught in the typical Sunday morning church service. And it's all in the Bible for those called of God who are willing to search it out. And that's why we're offering our Tomorrow's World Bible Study Course. It'll help you in your search for answers that you'll find nowhere else, so order your first set of four lessons before you forget.

And join us again next week when Wallace Smith, Rod McNair, and I will bring you more plain truth from the pages of the Bible. See you next week. ♪ For today's free offer call... Or go to... Call today and join millions around the world who are turning to Tomorrow's World for truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times. The preceding program is produced by the Living Church of God. ♪