July 18, 1999

THE BIBLE CODE: Still Circulating Warren E. Berkley
When we speak of the integrity of the Scriptures and the authority of God's Word - someone might inquire: WHAT ABOUT THE BIBLE CODE? Does that research lend support to our confidence in inspiration?

A few years ago, Michael Drosnin released this book containing his research, called THE BIBLE CODE. He was interviewed by CNN, NBC and the NEW YORK TIMES carried a story about this book. TIME WARNER already owns the rights to the movie. No doubt, a movie on the order of RADIERS OF THE LOST ARK . . anyway . . . the book is still circulating. I noticed it in two Airport bookstores this past week-end (St. Louis and Louisville).

In this book Drosnin alleges that there is this secret code in the Old Testament. He claims that when this code is discovered and the mathematical figures derived from the text are assembled - a variety of significant world events are foretold. He says there are these encoded letter patterns in the Hebrew text from which we can gain historical information, predictions and all kinds of interesting and useful information OTHERWISE HIDDEN.

Those who play loose with Bible prophecy and do not understand the science of evidence ARE EXCITED, AND SOME HAVE SAID - THIS IS FURTHER EVIDENCE OF INSPIRATION.

I believe there is considerable evidence of inspiration without all of this mysterious and suspicious mathematical work.
Some who impose this alien criterion on the text may do so as friends of the Bible - but the result is not a friendly or credible contribution to the issue of evidence. Nowhere in the bible are we encouraged to seek our assurance by any such elaborate and highly contrived means; rather, we are urged to consider what Luke called, in Acts 1, the many infallible proofs which are clearly within our view. And the result of such apologetic mathematics is to divert attention away from the truth, the Savior and the required response to Him.

By the way - all of this mysterious mathematical work is not new. I first read about this in a commentary on the book of Revelation by Earl Palmer, published in 1982 - and Palmer refuted the concept.

We have, within the view and consideration of all, MANY INFALLIBLE PROOFS that in the Bible we have THE WORD OF GOD.
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Books for Faith-Building srf
You do not need "The Bible Code" to find faith building material. There are four books available that do that better than any others. They are old, but timeless. Thankfully, extreme care has preserved them through the centuries! They have been attacked, but all assaults have failed to prove them faulty. One was written by a tax collector--one surely accustomed to fraudulent efforts! One was written by a physician. Two of the authors were eyewitnesses of much of what they record, and the other two got their information from eyewitnesses. The books are titled after their authors, "Matthew," "Mark," "Luke," and "John."
"...these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." John 20:31, NASB.
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News of Interest
Dorothy Ottersbach had to be admitted to Kingwood Hospital last Friday . . . Ralph Robinson is due to see the doctor this week to find out more about his potential gall bladder surgery . . . Jim Waldrop, son of Gene and Eula Waldrop, was able to go home from the hospital last Friday . . . Pam Guerra is moving to Seattle, Washington. She is leaving this week. Linda Hurst is accompanying her on the trip . . . Reports from James Wilson and Steve Rudd are in the foyer . . . Do not forget to check all doors and lights if you are the last to leave the building. If you need a key, see Ennis Osteen . . . Ennis is also in charge of building cleaning and maintenance. If you see problems in either area, please contact him and make him aware of it . . . Can you assist with August rides for
Zelma Bobbitt? . . . The year is over half gone. Have you been reading and meditating on God's Word? (Ps. 1:2). Praying daily? (Eph. 6:18). Serving Jesus' brothers? (Mt. 25:40). Living godly? (Tit. 2:11-13). What will you do in the last half of the year if God lets you live? We don't have to give answers to these questions to anyone. Unless, of course, God asks . . . The Lord willing, there will be a meeting of Christians at 5 p.m. this evening in this auditorium. Those who wish to have a share in encouraging others and worshiping God are invited and encouraged to attend.
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Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
-- July --
Ralph and Toy Robinson have graciously signed up to provide transportation to Zelma for the entire month of July.
-- August --
Sun., 1, am -   pm -
Wed., 4, pm -
Sun., 8, am -   pm -
Wed., 11, pm -
Sun., 15, am -   pm -
Wed., 18, pm -
Sun., 22, am -   pm -
Wed., 25, pm -
Sun., 29, am -   pm -
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SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, July 21
Song Leader: Craig Ottersbach

Sunday AM, July 25
Announcements: Robert Rice
Song Leader: Dwight Osteen
First Prayer: John Lowrance
Lord's Table:
Bread: John Whitehead
Fruit of the Vine: Doug Bernard
Contribution: Eddie Crain
Assistant: Ed Schindler
Closing Prayer: Billy Lovell

Sunday PM, July 25
Song Leader: David Osteen
First Prayer: Rocky Rodriguez
Lord's Table:
Bread: Tod Aldridge
Fruit of the Vine: Johnathan Bernard
Contribution: Fred Ferguson
Closing Prayer: Gary Tuttle