What will it take to turn them from eternal destruction?!?

1. Six brothers, heading down the wrong road in life… What will it take to turn them from eternal destruction?!?

2. What will it take to turn them from eternal destruction?!? We might think,“It’d take a miracle!” (“Send him to my father’s house.”

3. Miracles Aren’t Fool-Proof Ask the Egyptians who saw the 10 plagues. Ask the Israelites who crossed the Red Sea and drank water from a rock and ate daily bread from heaven and saw the evidence of God’s presence on Sinai.

4. What about when Peter and John healed a lame man? The Jewish leaders said, 16 That a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name." – Acts 4:16-17

5. You say, “No,” (not just “any old miracle”) “but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!” (:30)

6. What about when Jesus raised Lazarus? 10 The chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. – John 12:10-11

7. What about when Jesus was raised? 11 Some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. – Matthew 28:11-15

8. “They have Moses and the Prophets let them hear them” (:29) and“If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” (:31)

9. An Old Book: • - Moved Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35) • Enlightened 2 disciples (Luke 24) • Converted many people (Acts 2, 8, 17) • Confounded Jesus’ enemies (Matt. 22:32)

10. “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” • Genesis 26:24, to Isaac • Genesis 28:13, to Jacob • Exodus 3:6, to Moses • See Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM”

11. Moses and the Prophets

12. 37 Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled in the Life of Jesus Things over which an ordinary person could have little or no control: His Forerunner: John Malachi 3:1 – Matthew 11:7 Isaiah 40:3-5 – Luke 3:2-6 Malachi 4:5-6 – Matthew 17:10-13 (See also Mark 9:11-13) Matthew 11:13-14; Luke 1:16-17 His Lineage: From womanGenesis 3:14-15 – Luke 1:26-35 Isaiah 7:14 – Galatians 4:4; Matthew 1:22-23 From Abraham Gen. 12:1-3; 17:1, 7; 18:17-18; 22:15-18 – Luke 1:46-55, 67-74; Acts 3:25-26; Gal. 3:8, 16 From Isaac Gen 17:9 – Matt. 1:1-2 From JacobNumbers 24:17 – Matt. 1:1-2

13. From JudahGen. 49:10 – Hebrews 7:14; Rev 5:5 From David2 Samuel 7:8-16 – Revelation 5:5 Psalm 132:11, 17 – Acts 2:29-30 Isaiah 9:7 – Acts 13:21ff; Luke 1:32-33 From GodPsalm 2:7; Psalm 45:6-7 – Matt. 3:16-17; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5-9; 5:5 His Human Body Psalm 8:4-6; Psalm 40:6-8 – Heb. 2:6-9; 10:4-10 His Mother’s Virginity and The Name Given to Him: Emmanuel Isaiah 7:14 – Matthew 1:21 The Place of His Birth: Bethlehem Micah 5:2 – Matthew 2:6; Luke 2:4-5; John 7:42 The Place of His Family’s Escape: Egypt Hosea 11:1; Numbers 23:22; 24:8 – Matthew 2:15

14. Herod’s Massacre of the Male Children Jeremiah 31:15 – Matthew 2:18 The Place in Which His Parents Raised Him: Nazareth Judges 13:5 (?) – Matthew 2:23 The Children’s Praise of Him Psalm 8:2 – Matthew 21:15-16 The Jewish Leaders’ Rejection of Him Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16 – Matthew 21:42; Luke 4:16-29; John 1:11 The Disciples’ Abandonment of Him Zechariah 13:7 – Matthew 26:31 (See also vv. 54, 56) Judas’ Use of the Blood Money Jeremiah 32:6-9 – Matthew 27:1-10 Pilate’s Condemnation of Jesus with the Thieves Isaiah 53:12 – Mark 15:27-28 The Soldiers’ Casting of Lots for His Clothing Psalm 22:18 – Matthew 27:35/John 19:24

15. The Mode of His Execution: Crucifixion Psalm 22:1 – Matt. 27:46 Jesus’ Thirst and the Offer of Sour Wine Psalm 22:15; 69:21 – John 19:28-29 The Way to Prove He had Died: Piercing Zechariah 12:10 – John 19:32-37 The Place He Was Buried: A Rich Man’s Tomb Isaiah 53:9 – Mark 15:43-46 Summary Concerning the “Passion” of Jesus – Acts 4:25-28 "'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.' 27 "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 "to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. His Resurrection Psalm 16:8-11 – Acts 2:24-28 His Ascension Psalm 110:1 – Acts 2:33-35 (See also Matthew 22:44)

16. Things over which Jesus had more direct control: His Base of Operation: Galilee Isaiah 9:1-2 – Matthew 4:13-16; Luke 4:16-21 His Meek Temperament Isaiah 42:1-4 – Matthew 12:16-21 His Zeal Psalm 69:9 – John 2:13-17 His Use of Parables Psalm 78:2 – Matthew 13:34-35 (Also verses 10-15) His Use of Healing Isaiah 53:4 – Matthew 8:16-17 His Lowly-But-Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem Zechariah 9:9 – Matthew 21:1-6

17. His spiritual work: The Timing of His Coming and Kingdom Daniel 2:36-44 – Luke 2:1; Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:3, 10 A Priest, But Not a Levite Psalm 110:4 – Heb. 5:5-6 His Crushing of Satan Genesis 3:15 – Galatians 4:4; Revelation 12:7-12 His Blessing to All Nations Genesis 12:1-3 – Acts 3:25 www.MyPreachingPen.com > Free Bible Class Materials > 13 lessons on Foundations of Faith

18. Let us hear them!

19. Miracles

20. 35 of Jesus’ Miracles(In chronological order, taken from Nave’s Topical Bible) Makes water into wine, John 2:1-11. Heals the nobleman's son, John 4:46-54. Causes a draught of fishes, Luke 5:1-11. Heals the demoniac, Mark 1:23-26; Luke 4:33-36. Heals Peter's mother-in-law, Matt. 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38,39. Cleanses the leper, Matt. 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16. Heals the paralytic, Matt. 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26. Heals the impotent man, John 5:1-16. Restores the withered hand, Matt. 12:9-13; Mark 3:1-5; Luke 6:6-11. Restores the centurion's servant, Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10. Raises the widow's son to life,Luke 7:11-16. Heals a demoniac, Matt. 12:22-37; Mark 3:11; Luke 11:14,15. Stills the tempest, Matt. 8:23-27; 14:32; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25. Casts devils out of two men of Gadara, Matt. 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39. Raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead, Matt. 9:18-26; Mark 5:22-43; Luke 8:41-56. Cures the woman with the issue of blood, Matt. 9:20-22; Mk 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48. Restores two blind men to sight, Matt. 9:27-31. Heals a demoniac, Matt. 9:32-33.

21. Feeds five thousand people,Matt. 14:15-21; Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:5-14. Walks on the sea,Matt. 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21. Heals the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman,Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30. Feeds four thousand people,Matt. 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-9. Restores one deaf and dumb,Mark 7:31-37. Restores a blind man,Mark 8:22-26. Restores lunatic child,Matt. 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43. Tribute money obtained from a fish's mouth,Matt. 17:24-27. Restores ten lepers,Luke 17:11-19. Opens the eyes of a man born blind,John 9. Raises Lazarus from the dead,John 11:1-46. Heals the woman with the spirit of infirmity,Luke 13:10-17. Cures a man with dropsy,Luke 14:1-6. Restores two blind men near Jericho,Matt. 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43. Curses a fig tree,Matt. 21:17-22; Mark 11:12-14,20-24. Heals the ear of Malchus, Luke 22:49-51. Causes a second draught of fishes,John 21:6.

22. There are far more recorded miracles of Jesus than of anyone else . . . ever . . . period. But even this long list is only a part of the story. John 21:25 There are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

23. Let us believe them!

24. The Apostles & Prophets

25. The Apostles and Prophets • 1) >5,000 Manuscripts (MSS) Copies in the original language • 76 papyri • 250 uncials (printing) on vellum (calf skin), dating A.D. 350 - 800 • 2,646 cursives (“miniscules”) on paper • 1,997 lectionaries (from a church's calendar of readings) • About 25 ostraca (Bible verses on pottery) • 9 talismans (Bible verses on "lucky charms")

26. The Apostles and Prophets • 2) Early VersionsThe entire N.T. can be compiled from over 19,000 copies of translations: • Aramaic (A.D. 300’s to 400's) • Old Latin (for missionaries to N. Africa and Italy, later revised by Jerome), 300's to 1,200's • Egyptian (A.D. 200's)

27. The Apostles and Prophets • 3) Quotations by Christians. The whole N.T. (except for <12 verses) is found in… • Clement of Rome (A.D. 96), Barnabas – not the one in the N.T. – (A.D. 100), the Didache (or, "Teachings of the 12", A.D. 100), Ignatius (A.D. 115), and Polycarp (A.D. 120), and others.

28. The Apostles and Prophets • Look at the quantity of what has survived: • 5,000 N.T. MSS • … versus 647 (Homer) • … versus ~20 (Livy’s “Roman History,” representing only 35 of 147 books) • … versus 8 (“History of Thucydides”)

29. The Apostles and Prophets 2. Look at the age of what has survived: N.T., written A.D. 40-100. Oldest MSS, early 100’s to 200’s.Gap = 30-120 years. Many other MSS with a gap of 300-450 years. Compare to … Livy’s Roman History, from 59 B.C. – A.D. 17 Oldest MSS, A.D. 300’s Gap = 300 years Compare to … Homer, from 900 B.C. Oldest MSS, 400 B.C. Gap = 500 years

30. The Apostles and Prophets 2. Look at the age of what has survived: N.T., written A.D. 40-100. Oldest MSS, early 100’s to 200’s.Gap = 30-120 years. Many other MSS with a gap of 300-450 years. Compare to … Julius Caesar’s “Gallic War,” from 58-50 B.C. Oldest MSS, A.D. 800’s Gap = >850 years

31. The Apostles and Prophets 3. Look at the quality of what has survived: Book # of lines % in question N.T. 20,000 40 lines/400 words (0.5%) Iliad 15,600 764 (4.9%) Mahab- 250,000 26,000 (10%) harata Each was considered ‘sacred.’ Each underwent textual changes and scrutiny of their MSS.

32. The Apostles and Prophets 4. Look at the content of what has survived: Claims to be God-breathed writing which is able to save our souls. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.– 2 Timothy 3:16-17

33. Father and Son The Mystery Holy Spirit Revelation and Inspiration -- Ephesians 3:1-5 • “Things which angels desire to look into” • -- 1 Peter 1:12 “No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” -- 1 Corinthians 2:11

34. Father and Son The Mystery Holy Spirit Revelation and Inspiration • “By revelation He made known to me the mystery” • -- Ephesians 3:3 -- Ephesians 3:1-5 Revelation: Opening the box

35. Father and Son Revelation and Inspiration -- Ephesians 3:1-5 Inspiration: Putting the message into words Holy Spirit Apostles

36. Father and Son Revelation and Inspiration The Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. -- Eph. 3:6 -- Ephesians 3:1-5 • “I have briefly written” • -- Ephesians 3:3 Holy Spirit Apostles New Testament

37. Father and Son Revelation and Inspiration The Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. -- Eph. 3:6 -- Ephesians 3:1-5 • “When you read,you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” • -- Ephesians 3:4 Readers Holy Spirit Apostles New Testament

38. Let us follow them!

39. Summary • We have something better than miracles – an Old Book! • Our Old Book contains prophecies, miracles, and teachings. • Our Old Book is reliable because we have 1) LOTS of 2) Very Old writings that are 3) Highly consistent with each other • We have Moses and the Apostles and the Prophets. Let us hear them!

40. If they were to hear them, what about us?!? We must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? – Hebrews 2:1-4

41. Questions for the Rich Man’s Family • Who do Moses and the Prophets say (and who do you believe) Jesus is? • Have you sinned against Him/His will? • Are you willing to turn in order to avoid ending up like your rich brother? • Are you willing to follow Jesus, doing whatever He says, for the rest of your life? (For us…) • Will you be baptized for the forgiveness of sins?