Bethesda Shalom

How We Got Our Bible (Pt.10) As of October 2014, the Bible has been translated into some 2883 languages.  This statistic represent a staggering 98% of the world’s population.  In spite of this, there are still global projects underway to see the Bible translated into many more languages.  God in His infinite sovereign wisdom chose to have the original inspired Autographa written in the languages of Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament).  Yet. He did so with the foreknowledge that not everyone in the world would speak these languages, meaning that translations would inevitably have be made.In this teaching we explore some of the earliest versions of the Bible; Syriac, Latin and Coptic.  Moreover, we explore the amazing history of the English Bible from the first ever English translation in 1380 up to the King James Bible of 1611.  Whatever way you look at it, courageous men of God gave their lives to give the English speaking people the Word of God in their own language!!  The question is, what are

How We Got Our Bible (Pt.9)  In comparing the figures for the amounts and dates of the available manuscripts for classical Greco-Roman authors with that of the New Testament, there is no way that the charge can be levied against the New Testament that we cannot know what originally written whilst at the same time quoting authors of classical antiquity.  This is because New Testament scholars have at their disposal some 5800 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, some dating within decades from the original manuscripts.  In short, if one is to dismiss the Bible as being reliable, then on what basis and authority does that one have to say that he knows anything of ancient secular history, seeing that the standard by which ancient history is derived, namely the manuscript evidence is absolutely eclipsed when held in comparison against the Bible!!  In this teaching we examine the manuscript evidence for the New Testament and ask the question, 'Is the Bible that we have in our hands today what was originally writ

Leviticus 10:1-11 The key ingredient missing in today's Christianity that was not missing in generations past is the fear and reverence of God and the things pertaining to Him!  There was a time when even sinners knew, Church was not a place for joke and idle chit-chat, the sanctuary was the sanctuary!!  There was no place for entertainment in the pulpit and the people of God in the pews had a great reverence for God's Word.  Fast forward to this generation and the whole of worship has become one great mess of entertainment!  The sacred had been consumed by the profane!  Where are the clear distinguishing marks, the boundaries, separating the holy from the unholy?  The clean from the unclean?  This message is a call to God's people to once again put difference between the holy and the unholy!!  

How We Got Our Bible (Pt.8) I’m sure that every Christian at some point in their experience when talking with an unbeliever about the Bible has had the accusation thrown at them that the Bible has been changed and is full of errors!!  When asked this question, I usually respond by throwing the question back at the person by asking them ‘how do you know?’  It is at this point that one is greeted with a barrage of responses ranging from; ‘there are so many different versions of the Bible’ to ‘there are no originals?’  These are all very valid responses and deserve a proper response.  The Christian makes a very bold claim, namely that what he holds in his hand is the Word of God.  To simply assert this whilst side-stepping the issue of preservation will simply not do.  The question that we have to deal with as Christians is the same question that every religion of antiquity has to deal with; namely, have we in our possession a true representation of what was originally written down?In this teaching we seek to an

How We Got Our Bible (Pt.7) By what authority did the early Christians add additional books to the canon of Holy Scripture?  How did they recognise these additional books as Scripture?  Why 27 books of the New Testament and not 26 or 28?  If the Old Testament was attested to by no less authority than Jesus Christ Himself, then by what authority was the New Testament received?  Did a council of bishops convene in the 4th century to decide which books would make up the New Testament?  If not, then how did the New Testament come to be developed?  We endeavour to answer these questions in this teaching, and as we shall see, the issue of the New Testament canon cannot be tackled without placing central, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!!Download notes (pdf)http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/3c_The_Canon_of_the_Bible_Pt3.pdf

How We Got Our Bible (Pt.6) This teaching focuses on the apocryphal books and asks the question, 'do they belong in the canon of Holy Scripture?'.  Apocrypha is the name given to the 15 additional books that appear in some Bible translations which contain Jewish religious literature.  If one was to pick up a KJV Bible today, one would turn the page from Malachi, past the page separating the Old and New Testaments, straight into the first chapter of Matthew’s Gospel.  However, in the original KJV Bible of 1611, one would have turned from Malachi to 1 Esdras!!  In fact, the Apocrypha was a part of the KJV for 274 years and was not removed until as late as 1885.  If one picks up a Roman Catholic Bible today, one will find that it consists not of 66 books but of 73 books which includes some apocryphal books known as the deuterocanonical books.  Do these books belong in our Bible and if not why not?  What about the great mass of so-called lost books claiming to be from Bible characters, known as the Pseudepigrapha

How We Got Our Bible (Pt.5)In this part of our study on how we got our Bible, we now turn to look at the canon of the Bible.  When we use the word canon, we don’t make reference to that large military weapon mounted on wheels for that is spelt cannon!  Canon is defined as a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged (Oxford Dictionaries).  When the word is used in the context of the Bible, i.e. the Biblical canon then it refers to an accepted list of books that are considered to be authoritative Scripture coming from God.  At the very heart of the issue of canon lies the question; How do I know that the books I have in my Bible are the books that are divinely inspired by God?  It is this question that we will seek to place at the very heart of this teaching!!  This teaching we will focus on the Old Testament canon. Download notes (pdf) http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/3a_The_Canon_of_the_Bible_Pt1.pdf  

How We Got Our Bible (Pt.4)We conclude this final part on the inspiration of the Bible by looking at Isaiah 53.  This Messianic passage predicts with the most stunning precision and accuracy the person, mission and ministry of Messiah.  So staggering and graphic is this passage that many Jews, though not all have sought to deflect it away from Messiah choosing instead to assert that it applies not to the suffering of Messiah but is allegorical of the suffering of Israel as a nation.  In this teaching we shall analyse this astounding passage and document the clear fulfilment of the many prophecies contained within this passage which could apply to none other than Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  There is absolutely no doubt that this prophecy provides irrefutable proof that the Bible is indeed the Inspired Word of God!!    Download notes (pdf)http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/2c_The_Inspiration_of_the_Bible_Pt3.pdf

How We Got Our Bible (Pt.3)  Without question, the foremost claim to the Bible being the Inspired Word of God is prophecy.  No other religious book dares to do what the Bible does.  A staggering 27% of the Bible (just over a ¼ ) is comprised of prophecy; that is, God goes down on record to state things that will happen prior to them happening so that when they come to pass you will know that what God said (past) was true and therefore what God says (future) is also true!! In this teaching we begin to explore the breathtaking prophecies contained within the pages of the Bible, especially as they relate to Israel's Messiah.Download notes (pdf)http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/2b_The_Inspiration_of_the_Bible_Pt2.pdf

How We Got Our Bible (Pt. 2) When we speak of the Bible being the inspired Word of God, how are we to understand this?   Did God dictate word-for-word what He wanted written down so the writers of the Bible became human typewriters or did He make full use of their characters and personalities making full use their literary writing styles to bring into being His Word?  Were the authors of the Bible conscience of the fact that they were penning the very Word of God or were they oblivious to this realty?  In this teaching we seek to answer these questions and many more as we explore the Biblical concept of inspiration and the evidence to support it from Archaeology. Download notes (pdf)http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/2a_The_Inspiration_of_the_Bible_Pt1.pdf

Alan shares a gripping testimony about the dangers of Reiki and the spiritual implications of practicing such energy healing techniques.  This message is part of The Sanctuary Conference 2014.  For information about future conferences please visit:http://www.sanctuaryconference.co.uk

Romans chapter 6Paul brings a strong word calling the Body of Christ to holiness.  There is much misunderstanding in the Body of Christ regarding what true holiness consists of.  On one extreme there is a total absence of such a concept and on the other legalism abounds.  Paul seeks to bring the balance through the sound teaching and exposition of Romans chapter 6 and surrounding chapters.  May the Lord open your eyes and grant you grace to see these precious truths!!  This message is part of The Sanctuary Conference 2014.  For information about future conferences please visit:http://www.sanctuaryconference.co.uk

How We Got Our Bible (Pt. 1) To say that the Bible is unique is perhaps an understatement.  No other book in the history of mankind has so served to shape and influence the lives of so many for the good than has the Bible.  Written over a period of about 1500 years; comprised of 66 books written in three different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek) on three different continents (Africa, Asia and Europe) by more than 40 different authors most of whom never met or knew each other, coming from totally different backgrounds.  God inspired these men through the agency of His Holy Spirit to write down the exact revelation of His mind and will whilst at the same time making use of their individual personalities and characters.  You have tax-collector by the name of Matthew, a Prime Minister by the name of Daniel, a shepherd by the name of Amos, a King by the name of David and a military general by the name of Joshua.  You have a fisherman by the name of John, a cupbearer by the name of Nehemiah, a priest by the n

1 Corinthians 13:11How did men of God become such in their generation?  Answer...they grew into such!!  In this message Paul exhorts the Body of Christ to come to a place of maturity and manhood in their spiritual lives.  It is high time for Christians to grow up!  Away with childhood things; away with the carnal!  God is seeking a spiritual people who will stand as men!! This message is part of The Sanctuary Conference 2014.  For information about future conferences please visit:http://www.sanctuaryconference.co.uk

Deuteronomy 6:21-25Alan shares his heart with true conviction and passion regarding the fulness and the blessings of the spirit filled sanctified life.  If you are wanting the Lord to truly examine your heart and are searching for the deeper things of God; if you are desiring to go deeper in the things of Christ as it pertains to your spiritual walk with God, then this message will certainly challenge and help you immensely!!This message is part of The Sanctuary Conference 2014.  For information about future conferences please visit:http://www.sanctuaryconference.co.uk

2 Kings 3:9-20Alan brings a very powerful and heart searching word from God.  Is there obstructions and obstacles in your life that are hindering you from moving forward in spiritual growth?  Are you seeking to move forward in the things of God but for some reason you seem to be stuck in a rut?  This message hopefully will shed some light on your struggle and aid you in your quest to move onward and upward in victory!!    This message is part of The Sanctuary Conference 2014.  For information about future conferences please visit:http://www.sanctuaryconference.co.uk

Contemplative spiritual practices are subtly being introduced into mainstream Christianity and many are falling prey to seemingly Christian appearance.  What's wrong with contemplative prayer?  Is it not a genuine expression of prayer to God?  In this message Ray gets under the skin of contemplative prayer tracing its roots to the New Age and clearly demonstrates that it has no place in the Body of Christ!! This message is part of The Sanctuary Conference 2014.  For information about future conferences please visit:http://www.sanctuaryconference.co.uk

Many today are engaged in the practice of Reiki and other alternative energy healing and see absolutely nothing wrong with it.  Some even believe that  it is compatible with their Christian faith!  In this message Ray gives a clear warning about the dangers of Reiki and the occult spiritual roots of this eastern practice which is stooped in the New Age movement. This message is part of The Sanctuary Conference 2014.  For information about future conferences please visit:http://www.sanctuaryconference.co.uk

Many different people join Freemasonry for many different reasons.  On the outward surface, there is no doubt about it that Masonry seeks to portray itself as an ethical society that exists for the propagation of good through its charitable work and ethical moral teachings.  However, as we shall see in this teaching, the ultimate goal and true purpose of Freemasonry is not chiefly one of a sociable and charitable nature or one that concerns itself with outward morality but rather that which is common all the mystery religions, namely to bring about the spiritual awakening of the initiate by imparting to him the knowledge that within himself is contained a spark of the true light of the Divine and end which Freemasonry exists to assist. In concluding this teaching on Freemasonry, an overview of some of the other societies that have been directly influenced by Freemasonry including:  The Odd Fellows, Prince Hall Masonry, Orange Order and Greek Letter Organizations. We shall see; Masonry will never and can nev

The Royal Arch is present in all Masonic systems.  During the ritual of the Royal Arch exaltation ceremony, the candidate learns the Sacred and Mysterious Name of the True and Living God Most High, namely the name JAHBULON.  What is the true meaning of this name and is it a suitable name for the God of the Bible? An unquestionable and integral part of Masonic doctrine is the principle of the Immortality of the Soul. For Masons, life does not end in death but rather Masonry teaches that the spirit of man is immortal. You will in none find mentioned in any of the many rituals or ceremonies both at Craft Masonry and beyond, the concept or the word hell. Instead, the Mason despite his religious philosophy or persuasion, whether he be a Christian or a Muslim; a Jew or a Hindu; a Mormon or a Buddhist – is promised the hope of being granted admittance into the heavenly lodge above.  Perhaps, the doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul is nowhere more clearly felt than at a Masonic funeral service.  This teaching ex