Weekly Scriptures | Sermon Notes | Sermon Video
If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? If Christianity was a science, the observable truth would be called empirical evidence. We call it your witness. Do you know what evidence is? It is proof, confirmation, verification, substantiation, corroboration, affirmation, authentication, attestation, documentation, support for, backing for, reinforcement for, or grounds for… Are there grounds to charge you with being a Christian? Could you be indicted and found guilty? All the evidence needed would be empirical in nature; it would be based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience, rather than theory or pure logic. In other words, is there clear observable evidence, undeniable poof, that you are indeed a Christian? Again, if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
To state the obvious, the Bible, including all of the Old Testament, plus the teachings of Christ, and all the writings of the New Testament, have been compiled as one massive constitution governing our life in the faith. “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.” And yet, there is this small section spanning just thirteen verses that might be the most perfect encapsulation of the Christian life. Live like it instructs and you will have so much empirical evidence of your faith that you would be found instantly guilty of all charges.
The entirety of the Bible could be considered a training manual, an instruction book, or user’s guide. Ironically, even those of the secular persuasion often reference their authoritative manual as their “bible.” For example, “The Electrician’s Bible.” User’s guides, also commonly known as user’s manuals, are intended to assist users in using a particular product, service or application. It’s usually written by a technician, product developer, or a company’s customer service staff. It is the key external user experience document to assist users in using a given product, service or application. It is supplied by providers of a product or service to help users understand how to make the best use of the product or service. Yahweh is your manufacturer and He has provided the perfect User’s Manual.
We might instead call this small segment of scripture a handbook, companion guide, reference book, guidebook, or pocket guide. Here is a list of potential names for this small section of our instruction book, titles that best describe these invaluable verses of Scripture: The Christian Guide to Life; Handbook for Christian Living; The User’s Guide to Christian Living; The User’s Guide to the Christian Life; User Guide to Christianity; The User’s Guide to the Treatment of Others; Christian Guide to Treating Others; Christian Handbook to Treating Others; Pocket Guide to Treating Others; Pocket Guide to Practicing Your Faith; Pocket Guide to Practicing Christianity; Brotherly Love Pocket Guide; and The Christian Life Handbook. Learn it, and then understand it, and most importantly —practice it!
Leave A Comment