Topic(s): Jesus

Most of us are likely familiar with the parallel which has often been noted between the four Gospel Accounts and the four “living creatures” in the opening vision of the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:10). The lion symbolizes supreme strength, kingship; the man, highest intelligence; the ox, lowly service; the eagle, heavenliness, mystery, divinity.

• In Matthew we see the Messiah-King (the lion).
• In Mark we see Jehovah’s Servant (the ox).
• In Luke we see the Son of Man (the man).
• In John we see the Son of God (the eagle).

It needs all four aspects to give the full truth. As Sovereign He comes to reign and rule. As servant He comes to serve and suffer. As Son of Man He comes to share and sympathize. As Son of God He comes to reveal and redeem.

Wonderful fourfold blending—sovereignty and humility; humanity and deity! Ezekiel’s vision is seen again by John (Revelation 4:6–8). The Pulpit Commentary says,

The patristic interpretation which finds in the four living creatures the symbols of the four evangelists . . . must be considered as the play of a devout imagination, but not as unfolding the meaning of either Ezekiel or St. John.”

“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” —John 20:30–31

Phrases to Avoid:

Topic(s): Christian Life

• “I heard . . .”
• “They say . . .”
• “Everyone knows that . . .”
• “Isn’t it awful . . .”
• “I think it’s perfectly terrible . . .”
• “Just between you and me . . .”
• “Don’t say that I told you, but . . .”
• “Don’t breathe it to a soul . . .”
• “You can take it for what it’s worth . . .”
• “This couldn’t possibly be true but I heard . . .”

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.” —James 3:6 ”

History and Jesus Christ

Topic(s): Jesus

A TV Special entitled “Peter Jennings Reporting” was about “the life and times of Jesus.” The “scholars” used on the program for the most part were liberal in their interpretation of Scripture and history. We have seen like “hatchet jobs” over the years via television specials with liberal scoffers as hosts.

As a contrast and from an earlier era, a similar study was presented, live, and without directors and rehearsals. Alexander Campbell debated the Scottish skeptic Robert Owen in Cincinnati, Ohio, in April 1829. As to the subject of the historical evidences of Jesus Christ, Campbell said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is, too, the capital item in the apostolic testimony; and the fact on which the whole religion, and hopes of Christianity depend and terminate, I feel strongly disposed to show that this is the best attested fact in the annals of world” (Campbell-Owens Debate, page 312–313).

Campbell had just started his famous twelve-hour speech on Christian Evidences. The twelve-hour speech was over a three-day period. This was after Owen “ran out of soap,” giving up, observing that Campbell was ready to reply to his arguments without regular half hour interruptions.

Campbell went through documented evidence upon evidence. The following quote is part of Mr. Campbell’s speech.

Celsus, contemporary with Lucian, was an Epicurean philosopher . . . was one of the most virulent adversaries the Christian religion ever had, and also a man of considerable parts of learning . . . He wrote against Christians, in the year 176 . . . His attack is conducted not by denying the facts contained in the scriptures, of which he all along admits the truth, but by reasoning from such as the following topics: That it was absurd to esteem and worship one as God who was acknowledged to have been a man, and to have suffered death . . .” (Campbell-Owens Debate, page 297)

Celsus along with another adversary of Christianity, Trypho the Jew, never denied the facts of the gospel “but ridicule the idea of Jesus” could be the Christ, our Savior.

Skeptics of the world will remain skeptical. History, testimony, verifiable evidence will remain on the side of Jesus Christ and Christianity. —DONALD R. FOX

You Know You are Getting Old If...

Topic(s): Humor

1. You and your teeth don’t sleep together.
2. Your straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and discover you aren’t wearing any.
3. At the breakfast table you hear snap, crackle, pop and you’re not eating cereal.
4. Your back goes out, but you stay home.
5. When you wake up looking like your driver’s license picture.
6. It takes two tries to get up from the couch.
7. When your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio.
8. When your idea of fun is an afternoon nap.
9. When you’re on vacation and your energy runs out before your money does.
10. You say something to your kids that your mother said to you and you always hated it.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” —Proverbs 17:22