The way to life

              THE MAP

The little boy watches his father study a city map. The boy asks, “Why do you need a Map?”

“Because we’re going where we’ve never been before. Perhaps I can find work in this city,” replies his father.

The boy thinks more. Suddenly he says, “Father, my birthday is coming soon. I shouldn’t ask for much, but there is one thing you can give me.”

“I’ll give you whatever I can, son. What is it you want?”

The boy answers, “A map.”

The father is puzzled. “Why do you want a map?”

The boy explains, “Because I am growing older. I will be going where I have never been before. And you said, ‘For that, I need a map’.”

Suppose you are the boy’s father or mother. What would you give to meet your son’s need for a sense of direction in life?

Why Consider The Bible?

Consider the Bible as the Map for life. Its wisdom spans many thousands of years, yet millions today find its message as fresh and meaningful as ever. They find that its truths work in daily life—in every time of life. They discover purpose for living. That purpose gives them hope for now and for the future—even beyond this life. They believe in a home with God forever. In other words, they believe the Bible when it claims to speak for God.

In seeking a map for life, consider the Bible’s claims. Again and again, it assures us that it is the pure word from our Maker. Yes, the Map for life.

In over 2,000 places the messengers of the Bible say things like this:

The Lord said to me …

These are the words of the Lord …

This is what the Lord says …

Moses said that God’s laws, the Ten Commandments, were written “by the finger of God” on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18). He reported that God spoke with him “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

King David said,

“The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; His word is on my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2).

The prophet Jeremiah wrote,

“Then the Lord put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, ‘Behold, I have put my words in your mouth’” (Jeremiah 1:9).

We must seriously ask, “Did these prophets lie to us? Or were they telling the truth, and God really did speak through them?”

Jesus tells us that the Bible messengers, called prophets, spoke the truth.

He used their reports of history (Matthew 12:40; 24:37-39).

He trusted all their writings—also called Scriptures— and taught us the same trust (Matthew 5:17-19; Luke 16:17,29; 24:27,44; John 5:39-47).

He based His teachings on the same words they used (Matthew 19:5-6; 22:32). He asked, “… have you not read what was said to you by God?” (Matthew 22:31-32).

He reminded us, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

The apostles [Jesus’ spokesmen] Paul and Peter taught the same thing:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof [disapproval], for correction, and for training in righteousness [right living], that the man of God may be complete, equipped [ready] for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

For no prophecy [God’s message] was ever produced by the will [decision] of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

THE BOOK

How can a book come to have such a title—The Book? The Bible fully deserves such a special title. Any way we look at facts about books, the Bible stands out as The Book.

OLD COPIES

How many ancient copies from the New Testament still exist? In the original language alone, well over 4,000! The oldest of these dates back close to the time when the New Testament was first written. Among very old writings, no other is so well supported by so much proof.

TRANSLATIONS

The Bible was first written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. It has come into our modern languages through translation. The Bible’s message is so important that it has been translated into 2,000 languages. No other book has been translated more often, and this work continues.

PRINTING

The Bible was the first book printed for ordinary people. It remains the most printed and read book of all time (billions more than the next top book).

HONESTY

The Bible’s complete truth and honesty make it quite different from other histories. The Bible shows both the good and bad, even in Israel’s greatest leaders. Whether king or slave, rich or poor, man or woman, all were measured by the same ruler, “the law of the Lord.”

FOLLOWING

Over a quarter of the world’s population claims some belief in the Bible. Three great world religions claim roots in the Bible. Whoever seeks a Map for life should consider the Bible.

WRITING

The Bible was written by 40 men during a period of over 1,500 years. Most of these writers were not alive at the same time. They could not work together in any direct way. Yet the Bible has one continuing story flowing through it.

THE BOOK OF BOOKS

The Bible deserves this title because it is outstanding among books. But in another sense, it is The Book of Books because it is a library. Its first 39 books make up the Old Testament. They were written mainly in Hebrew between 1,500 and 400 years B.C. The second part, the New Testament, has 27 books written in Greek between A.D. 50 and 100. (Many today divide history into two parts. B.C. refers to time before Jesus Christ’s birth. A.D. refers to time after Jesus Christ’s birth.) The New Testament books complete the Gospel—which means "good news"—about Jesus. Together, these 66 writings form a complete, united picture. No other book has been written like this. In the most amazing way, the Bible joins centuries of history with the highest wisdom. Above all, it shows us the Way to come home to God.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

There are many reasons for taking the Bible seriously. Among them is its practical wisdom for successful living. What is your need? See if the Bible addresses that need or its root.

Need For Love

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish [die] but have eternal life (John 3:16).

I have been crucified [killed on a wooden cross] with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Need For Family

In love he predestined [planned] us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:4-5).

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [foreigners], but you are fellow citizens with the saints [believers] and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).

Need For Life

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly [fully]. (John 10:10)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

(Resurrection means coming back to life after death).

Need For Guidance

You have been acquainted with [know] the sacred writings [Scriptures], which are able to make you wise for salvation [new life] through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).

If any of you lacks wisdom [right thinking], let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach [criticism], and it will be given him (James 1:5).

Need For Strength

All things are possible for one who believes… With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God (Mark 9:23; 10:27).

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure [resist] it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Need For Security

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth… The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 121:2,7-8).

“I will never leave you nor forsake [turn away from] you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Need For Forgiveness

Repent [change your heart] and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Act 2:38).

If we confess [admit] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Need For Health

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray… And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up (James 5:13,15).

Need For Peace

Do not be anxious [worried] about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication [asking] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses [goes beyond] all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).

Need For Food And Clothes

Do not be anxious about your life… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:25,33).

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken [left alone] or his children begging for bread. He is ever [always] lending generously, and his children become a blessing (Psalm 37:25-26).

Need For Friendship

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends … No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:13,15).

Need For Hope

According to his great mercy [forgiveness], he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable [never dies], undefiled [always pure], and unfading, kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3-4).

All Your Needs

And God is able to make all grace abound [grow] to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

RELATIONSHIP

More Than “Religion”

As the Bible addresses your needs, do you sense the importance of relationship? We find God’s wonderful riches “in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).

Some people see Christianity as another “religion.” But the word “religion” is rare in the Bible. The two times where it applies to Christianity, “religion” is shown to be worthless if it does not care for needy people (1 Timothy 5:4; James 1:26-27). The Bible calls to you. This call is to meet a Person, not just plans or ideas. This call emphasizes relationships, not religious acts. Indeed, the main rules have to do with love, first for God and then for each other (Mark 12:30-31).

Sadly, some judge Christ without knowing Him. They have heard about Him, which may include bad reports:

Wars, cruelty and crimes committed in His name

Hard rules imposed in His name

So-called “miracles” claimed in His name

Pretenders who cover up their lies in His name

Leaders who get rich and powerful in His name

Supposedly “Christian” governments and nations that do wrong

Such evils are the exact opposite of Jesus’ life and teaching. Jesus and His messengers, called apostles, warned that enemies would give Christ’s way a bad name (give it a bad reputation).

There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies [hurtful lies], even denying the Master who bought them… And many will follow their sensuality [shameful ways], and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed [cursed]. (2 Peter 2:1-2)

THE WAY OF FAITH

Peter shows that he follows “the way of truth” given by Jesus. He warns against “shameful ways” from others. They claim His name, but they are enemies who work against Him (Matthew 7:15-23; 13:24-30, 36-43; 24:24). They twist and change Christianity for their own selfish purposes (2 Timothy 3:5; 4:3-4).

How can we tell the difference between “the way of truth” and false ways? Here is the greatest value of the Bible: It describes the Way from the beginning. It keeps that truth safe for all future ages. From this original record we can know the true Jesus. We can learn the Christianity that Jesus created and continues.

The key is the Bible. That is why we invite you into the Bible experience. all graded questions come from the Scriptures themselves. The Word of God is the pure source—the unique, reliable and respected record of Jesus and His Way. Man-made rules and divisions came later, and they turned into many muddied streams about Christianity. You will not be tested on those or anyone else’s opinions. Rather, we aim to go back to the clear source that flows from God Himself. We seek the real Jesus. We want to learn His Way as He first revealed it. If you share that desire, join us on a journey into the heart of the Good News.

The Way to Faith

The New Testament tells the story of Jesus. The first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—report His time on earth. The book of Acts shows the result as more and more people believe in Jesus as the Christ. (“Christ” comes from Greek, and “Messiah” from Hebrew; both refer to the supreme King promised by the Old Testament.) Acts shows detailed examples of how people become “Christians”—followers of Christ. In Acts 8 we find one man’s journey. It begins by telling how the man first hears the Good News of Jesus. It ends with the man’s happy response to Jesus. Let’s join this man—a sincere seeker from Ethiopia—on his journey to faith. His helper on the journey is Philip, a Christian who shares the Good News of Jesus wherever he travels.

The Journey

And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot" (Acts 8:27-29).

Philip’s meeting with the Ethiopian is no accident. Philip is on a mission. God’s Spirit is at work to bring Philip and the Ethiopian together. In a similar way, we believe that important encounters come from God, not random chance. God cares about us. He knows how the Good News meets our deepest needs. God especially wants true seekers to find Him. The Ethiopian is an important government minister. Yet he takes the time to travel to Jerusalem, the historic center of worship. Now, on his return, he reads a copy of “Isaiah the prophet.” And you … are you a seeker? Do you recognize that God is at work—this very moment—to meet your needs? Is your heart open to new discoveries from His Word?

The Guide

So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:30-31).

Perhaps, at times, you also ask, “How can I understand?” Sometimes we need help. Consider, for example, what the Ethiopian is reading from Isaiah 53. Someone is suffering in silence. He is judged unfairly. He is killed. Who and what is that all about? The Bible raises questions, and also provides the answers. A guide can prove helpful for finding yout way through the Bible.  This book serve you as a guide like Philip. As you continue to study.

THE SCRIPTURE

Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth" (Acts 8:32-33).

The Ethiopian is reading from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, written by the prophet Isaiah in about 700 B.C. Isaiah foretells the success and glory of God’s special “Servant” (for example, Isaiah 52:13). Yet Isaiah 53 then describes in great detail the Servant’s horrible death—“His life was taken from the earth” (Acts 8:33; Isaiah 53:8). The surprises continue. Isaiah’s prophecy then foretells the Servant’s pleasure in the results of His death.

Out of the anguish [great pain] of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities [sin]. (Isaiah 53:11)

Why will the Servant feel satisfied? Because His sacrifice will “justify” people (make them right with God). How? He will lift from sinners their load of iniquity (sin) and place that load on Himself.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6,11).

The Servant Himself is innocent and pure (Isaiah 53:9). Why should He take our sins on Himself? Isaiah 53:10 says, “The Lord makes His life a guilt offering.” This wording is truly remarkable since Isaiah followed the Law of Moses. In that Law, the term “guilt offering” always applied to flawless animals killed for people’s sins. God hated the sacrificing of humans. Yet, by God’s power, Isaiah foresaw a human as the “guilt offering”! God would sacrifice His Servant to rescue “us all” from our sins.

THE GOOD NEWS

And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:34-35).

Who is this sacrificed Servant? Philip points to Jesus. Yet Isaiah was written over 700 years before Jesus was born. (The oldest existing copy of Isaiah dates from long before Jesus’ birth.) How could Isaiah foretell so many details of the torture that, in fact, Jesus did suffer? How could Isaiah foresee—long before Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross—the human sacrifice that takes away all our sins? Only God has the power to foretell and to fulfill in this way.

When Philip and the Ethiopian meet, it has not been long since Jesus died in great pain on a Roman cross. Yet Philip has Good News about Jesus! This is news about a Person, not merely about new religious ideas. This is news with a Name!

When Isaiah predicted the coming of Jesus, he gave Him the highest titles. Like other prophets of the Bible, Isaiah emphasized that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6). Yet Isaiah foretold the birth of a Son who would rightfully be called “God.”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom… forevermore (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Remember, these words were written long before Christianity began. They, and many other passages, predicted the coming of the divine King (the Messiah, or Christ) from King David’s family line. After Jesus died and then returned to life—as seen and reported by many witnesses—He showed how the Old Testament prophecies had come true.

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:44-47).

GOOD NEWS FOR FORGIVENESS

We all can enjoy “forgiveness” be­cause Jesus suffered the punishment we deserved. Our sins condemned us. They separated us from God and killed us spiritually. When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He took our place. Now the Father gives to us the gift of His Son’s own purity and goodness.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

How can we be sure of God’s promise to us? Christ’s return from death proves the truth of His Good News! That is why the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the Good News.

By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you… For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:2-4).

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26)

THE JOYFUL RESPONSE

And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:36-39).

Do you see how faith responds? Philip shares “the Good News about Jesus” and immediately the Ethiopian wants to be baptized (Acts 8:35-36). Baptism is a word that comes from Greek. In that language it means an immersion or dipping. What has water to do with the Good News?

John the Baptizer was a prophet who prepared people to accept Jesus. He did this by “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). “Repentance” refers to the decision to change, to stop living in sin and start following Christ. Baptism marks that change with this purpose: “for the forgiveness of sins.” When Jesus came, He also had people baptized (John 3:22,26; 4:1). His enemies, including the Pharisees, “rejected God’s purpose” by rejecting baptism (Luke 7:30). In this setting, when John and Jesus were requiring baptism in water, a leading Pharisee visited Jesus. To him Jesus said,

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

Thus Jesus Himself created the link between entering the kingdom and “water and the Spirit.” This link continued as Jesus sent His followers to tell the Good News (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:12; 22:16).

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16).

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”… So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls 

(Acts 2:38,41).

FOR ME?

Does “every one of you” mean this applies to you and me too? And why? What makes the baptism of a believing, repentant person so essential? As the New Testament unfolds its message, the reason becomes clearer.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).

[You were] buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:12).

The Gospel events are not distant facts. Jesus lives today. He calls you to share His death, burial and resurrection by baptism. The result is that you are “raised with Him through your faith” (Colossians 2:12, which shows that baptism is for people who have believed the Good News). From baptism you rise with Christ to “a new life” (Romans 6:4). As Romans shows, this is a life free from sin. First, God no longer sees you as guilty. Christ’s blood washes away all sins and you receive God’s free gift of complete purity. Second, God gives you power to change and overcome sinful habits, the power to live with Him and for Him. Nothing can ever separate you from this loving relationship.

There is therefore now no condemnation [rejection] for those who are in Christ Jesus… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors [winners] through him who loved us… [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:1,37,39).

This “new life” begins at the believer’s baptism (Romans 6:4). No wonder the Ethiopian wants to be baptized immediately! His trust leads him to obey Jesus. In the water, he joins Jesus in death, so that he can rise with Jesus to life that is “new” in every way. That is why the baptized Ethiopian goes “on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). Though Philip is taken away, the rejoicing continues because it focuses on the living Lord who promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Now, in the best sense, the Ethiopian is on his way home because he has found the Way! And you… where is your life going? Are you rejoicing in the relationship that leads you home? Do you know the Way? Jesus assures you,

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also (John 14:6-7).