This sermon, titled “Eat This Book: It’s a Literal Meal,” navigates the complex dialogue between viewing the Bible as the literal word of God versus interpreting it with a blend of literalism and symbolism. It confronts the declining belief in the Bible as the literal word of God in the U.S., presenting statistical data to frame the conversation around modern perceptions of biblical authority.
Sermon Notes:
2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known
to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of
His majesty.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because
when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not
as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, …
Rule #5: All of the Bible is about Jesus
Rule #6: The Bible not only has to be Read, It has to be Interpreted
Rule #7: “A Text Taken out of Context is a Con”
Rule #8: Let the Bible interpret Bible
Rule #9: There is a Progressive Revelation in the Bible
Rule #10 Scripture is to be understood in its literal, normal, and natural sense.
Headline: Fewer in U.S. Now See Bible as Literal Word of God
20% of all U.S. adults believe it is the actual word of God
25% of Christian adults believe it is the actual word of God
49% of all U.S. adults belive it is the inspired word of God
58% of Christian adults believe it is the inspired word of God
29% of all U.S. adults believe it is an ancient book of fables
16% of Christian adults believe it an ancient book of fables.
30% of Protestants say that the Bible is literally true, compared with 15% of Catholics.
A record-low 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God,
down from 24% the last time the question was asked in 2017, and down from 30%
of what it was in 2011.
This marks the first time significantly more Americans have viewed the Bible as
not divinely inspired than as the literal word of God.
1. THE BIBLE IS NOT AN ANCIENT BOOK OF FABLES.
2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known
to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of
His majesty.
Dear Dr Gott:
An infinitely wise God placed in Adam and Eve’s environment everything that
that was needed for optimum health. Because He did not place a rifle in Adam’s
hand or teach Eve how to build a trap, how did these two people capture moving
creatures to eat? It’s highly un- likely that Adam and Eve obtained enough vitamin
B12 from their skimpy diet of fruits and vegetables, Could they have suffered
vitamin deficiences?
Dear Reader:
Sure, anybody who fails to eat a well-balanced diet can suffer malnutrition and
vitamin deficiency. But don’t you think you are carrying this Adam and Eve thing
too far? It doesn’t take a theologian to conclude that much Biblical material is
symbolic not literal. No one has the faintest idea of what Adam and Eve ate
and that information is probably not important if, as I suspect the original man
and woman are symbols of an unsophisticated and primitive tribe that existed
without sin until its numbers became more human by obtaining knowledge–
a revolutionary and dangerous turn of events for the shaman and leaders
of such a culture.
Bill O’Reilly: “If you believe in Adam and Eve, there are a number of other things you
have to believe. You have to believe in incest because the race had to procreate
off the children that Adam and Eve had. If you believe in Adam and Eve, you
have to reject the science of evolution and carbon dating.”
Matthew 19:4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who
made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”
The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
1 Timothy 2:13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses …”
Exodus 20:9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God …”
Exodus 20:11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea,
and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed
the Sabbath day and hallowed it
2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as
a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day
John Schneider says “It’s time to face facts: There was no historical Adam and Eve,
no serpent, no apple, no fall that toppled man from a state of innocence.
Evolution makes it pretty clear that in nature, and in the moral experience of human
beings, there never was any such paradise to be lost, so Christians, I think, have
a challenge, have a job on their hands to reformulate some of their tradition about
human beginnings.”
2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known
to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of
His majesty.
2. THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD, BUT NOT
EVERYTHING IN IT SHOULD BE TAKEN LITERALLY.
Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a
great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon
his heads.
Revelation 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did
cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready
to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
When the Bible uses the name Adam, it means a literal person named Adam and
not just a symbolic representative of the human race.
When the Bible uses the word “days” it means a literal 24-hour day and not a
symbolic representation of an era or an extended period of time.
When the Bible uses the word “devil” or “:Satan” it means a literal devil and not just
a symbolic representation of evil.
3. THE BIBLE IS THE ACTUAL WORD OF GOD AND IS TO BE
TAKEN LITERALLY, WORD FOR WORD.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because
when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not
as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, …
Genesis 3:1 “… the serpent said to the woman, “Has God said?”
1 Thessalonians 2:13 “… as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively
works in you who believe.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you
were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching
and admonishing one another …
Putting off:
Fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language and lies
Putting on:
Tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering,bearing with one
another, and forgiving one another, love.
I. LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God …”
Luke 22:20 “…This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
Colossians 3:15 (NLT) “… For as members of one body you are all called to live
in peace.”
Colossians 3:15 (Philips) “… remembering that as members of the same body
you are called to live in harmony…”
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, …
Colossians 3:15 (Amp) And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ
rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality
all questions that arise in your minds…
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way
of death.
Luke 9:35 “… This is my beloved Son: hear him.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because
when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it
not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively
works in you who believe.
The Word of God is the final authority.
When we agree with the Bible, we are right.
When we disagree with the Bible, we are wrong.
Former Pastor Rick Warren shares 5 Reasons Why Saddleback Is Challenging
the SBC Removal of his church:
1.We’re challenging the ruling on behalf of millions of SBC women whose God
given spiritual gifts and leadership skills are being wasted instead of empowered
for the Great Commission.
2. We’re challenging the ruling on behalf of over 300 concerned pastors who
have female pastors serving on their staff and have written to me.
3.We’re challenging the ruling on behalf of our IMB missionaries.
4. We believe a decision this critical to the SBC’s identity and future should be
decided by the Messengers, not a committee.
5. Our goal is to spark the thinking of messengers regarding the direction of the
SBC, regardless of the outcome of the vote.
Note my prediction: The next generation of Southern Baptists will remove the
restriction on women one day, because truth eventually triumphs over tradition.
1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,
Troy Zapp is 26 years old and she started her male transition in October of 2014 (quote)
“It is ironic that the one place that all LGBTQ’s fear the most to be involved with
(church), was the same place that brought my transition upon me. I use to hate
and fear the church including all the people in it. Now, I am involved and loved,
and know I belong.”
What does the Lord, the final authority have to say?
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He
created him; male and female He created them.
Deuteronomy 22:5 A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor
shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination
to the Lord your God.
1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom
of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,
1 Corinthians 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
Andy Stanley says: “I stopped leveraging the authority of Scripture and began
leveraging the authority and stories of the people behind the Scripture.
To be clear, I don’t believe “the Bible says,” “Scripture teaches,” and “the Word
of God commands” are incorrect approaches. But they are ineffective approaches
for post-Christian people. Close to half our population does not view the Bible
as authoritative either.”
Luke 16:31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither
will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’
Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me;
John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that
its works are evil.
II. LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom …”
It’s one thing to get in the Word.
It’s quite another thing for the Word to get in you.
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Colossians 3:16 ” … teaching and admonishing one another …
Praise the Lord, I saw the Lord
We can’t turn the light on, only God can do that.
Billy Sunday said, “When the Great Umpire of the Universe makes the Final Call,
will He find you “Safe at Home” or “Out for all eternity?”
Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you,
Colossians 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for
all the saints;
Colossians 1:5 Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which
you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
Colossians 1:6 Which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is
bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew
the grace of God in truth;
Colossians 1:7 As you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,
who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
Colossians 1:8 Who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
I. PRAYING LIKE PAUL.
Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you,
It’s been said, “The best way to really get to know somebody is to hear
them pray.”
II. THANKING GOD FOR YOUR FAITH.
Colossians 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for
all the saints;
III. LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR HEAVENLY HOPE.
Colossians 1:5 Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, …”
Colossians 1:5 “… of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,”
Revelation 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having
the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth–to every nation,
tribe, tongue, and people —
Colossians 1:6 Which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is
bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew
the grace of God in truth;
Acts 12:24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
IV. SINGING THE PRAISES OF THE UNSUNG.
Colossians 1:7 As you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,
who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
Colossians 1:8 Who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
The greatest ministry comes from the deepest pain.
2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves
are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort
others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort
God has given us.
Acts 9:5 And he [Paul] said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am
Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Galatians 1:13 “… I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried
to destroy it.
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be
called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Philippians 3:6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
Philemon 1:23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you,
always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and
complete in all the will of God.
Colossians 4:13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and
those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Romans 1:14 I am a debtor …”
I am in debt to those who shared the gospel with me, and I’m in debt to share
the gospel with others.
The Message version of the Bible is a unique translation that has gained popularity in recent years for its conversational style and easy-to-understand language. While it can be a useful tool for personal study and understanding the context of certain passages, it is important to note that the Message should not be used as a primary translation for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, the Message is a paraphrase rather than a literal translation. This means that it is not a word-for-word rendering of the original Greek and Hebrew texts, but rather an interpretation of the meaning and intent of the text in modern English. While this can make the Message easier to read and understand, it also means that it is not as accurate or reliable as a literal translation.
In addition, the Message contains numerous changes and omissions that are not found in the original texts. For example, it often combines multiple verses into a single paragraph, rearranges the order of words and phrases, and omits certain words and phrases entirely. These changes can alter the meaning of the text and make it difficult to accurately compare the Message to other translations.
Despite these limitations, the Message can still be a useful tool for personal study and reflection. Its conversational style can help make the Bible more approachable and engaging, and its interpretation of certain passages can provide insight and perspective that may not be evident in other translations. However, it is important to use the Message in conjunction with more reliable translations, such as the New International Version (NIV) or English Standard Version (ESV), to ensure that you are accurately understanding the meaning and intent of the text.
Here are three verses from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible and their corresponding translations in the Message (MSG):
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NIV) “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” – John 3:16 (MSG)
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28 (NIV) “Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.” – Matthew 10:28 (MSG)
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” – Romans 8:38-39 (MSG)
As you can see, the Message translation often uses more colloquial language and rearranges the order of words and phrases to make the text more readable and engaging. However, it is important to note that the Message is a paraphrase rather than a literal translation, and as such, it may not always be as accurate or reliable as a literal translation such as the NIV or ESV, NKJV, Etc…
In conclusion, while the Message can be a helpful tool for personal study and reflection, it should not be used as a primary translation. Its paraphrase nature and numerous changes and omissions make it less accurate and reliable than literal translations, and it is important to use it in conjunction with more reliable translations to ensure a thorough understanding of the Bible.
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Victory Baptist Church
9871 CL-117
Carthage, MO 64836
417-358-5065
Service Times
Sunday
Sunday School Provided For All Ages – 9:30-10:15 Morning Worship – 10:30 – 12:00
Children’s Church – 10:45 – 12:00
Wednesday Evening
Bible Study – 6:30 – 7:30
Youth Group – 6:30 – 7:30
Children’s Class – 6:30-7:30
