"Types and Shadows" (2)

This video is and was responsible for a great falling away of many Christians years ago and it seems it will not go away and is still causing many to doubt the Bible. This is super serious. At a time when we need to be focused and filling up on the scriptures there are many in the Church that is causing a continued drift as we progress to even more and more irresponsible. Many who claim to be evangelical Christians now have less confidence in the Bible because a video like this shook what little faith they had. What made matters worse were the many evangelical reputable pastors and teachers who could not deal with the episode. They just went to personal attacks and ad hominem argumentations that was an embarrassment to the body of Christ and brought even more celebration from the world because of even more loss of credibility.

This is not the first time these things have happened, but more and more Christians are losing confidence in the Bible and it is shaking the faith of so many. We do not go down the road of simply saying that they are demon possessed and simply a tool of Satan.

1 Peter 3:15 NLT

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

But a video like this is devastating and debilitating because we are not ready to give an answer. We don’t know how to answer. And because we don’t people are going to go to hell. Instead of learning and meditating on the scriptures for its wisdom and warnings, we are looking for life betterment principles, prosperity principles, secret keys for success, and even more therapeutic moralism. No real foundations concerning the foundation of Christianity and no foundations of the power of the Gospel to strengthen the faith of believers. Weak in faith and no confidence in the scriptures are disastrous for the Christian.

The reality is that there are clear and concise answers for the comments of this episode of west wing. Not only are there clear misunderstandings of the Bible by the writers, not only are there clear misleadings by the writers, but they are clearly depending on the stupidity of Christians and church leader today. Here we have another example of a continued attack on the scriptures and yet again the Bible comes out shining like the noonday sun. They always come to knock the scriptures down, but it always wins and it always stands. Why? Because heaven and earth will pass away, but the Word of God will remain forever. Do do it. Just don’t do it.

Colossians 2:16–17 NLT

So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.

The Questions

The Real Slavery

The first thing we will deal with are the questions/accusations of the west wing episode and how the truth will set us free. The second thing we will look at is the reality of sin and how it is the real slavery of our time, but also see how the gospel sets us free with the real promise of salvation that comes from the very Word of God.

Thesis: Though sin and the pattern of this world continues to attack the foundations of Christianity shaking our faith in Christ and our confidence in the Word of God, it is the power of God and the truth of scripture that will cause us to see that God’s Word is yes yes and amen and Jesus is the way the truth and the life.

I. The Questions

- Did God really say?

A. All of this is a form of did God really say. The real need for those who are perishing to cause many to doubt the Word of God. Did God really say is what starts it all. Sure the Bible calls Homosexuality an abomination… I can;t change that, but if I can dicredit the Bible as a whole then it does not matter anymore. The problem… many have tired to destroy the Bible. And everyone has failed. - One of the subjects that brings alot and I mean alot of embarrassment to Christianity in our culture is the topic of slavery. Many will get frustrated with the scriptures, but all they gotta do is bring up slavery and Christians in our culture blush and we do not know how to answer. This is a tactic and one that has failed… but over the years, there have been many different positions on the Bible and slavery both for and against, but in my opinion all somewhat affected by the culture of our day. But the reality is that we do not need to be ashamed. The Bible is a light unto our path and we must trust it. Culture does not regulate scripture, scripture regulates culture. If it does not condemn it, then there is a God given reason as to why it does not. Not ideal, but a picture of salvation.

B. It is such a sensitive topic with a lot of misunderstanding that I will do my best to be careful and clear. But lets jump in.

“I’m interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. She’s a Georgetown sophomore, speaks fluent Italian, always cleared the table when it was her turn. What would a good price for her be?”

Exodus 21:7 NLT

“When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are.

C. This is always given to show that the Bible is immoral and wrong. It does not condemn slavery… why? Because sometimes it might be necessary. Sometimes it is a rescue. Uh oh. Here we go. First of all, we tend to look at slavery as something of the past, but there is an estimated 30 million actual and current slaves in our world today. Second, we tend to read the scriptures with the context of the reprehensible practices of slavery in America. It is our context and that is our big mistake. Christianity is not an American religion.

D. Slavery at during the time the scriptures were written, was very different from what we saw in more modern times. Slavery was not human trafficking where people were kidnapped and sold into slavery for money. The Bible clearly condemns this. The awful practice of human trafficking was horrible in our country’s history and the Bible affirms this.

Exodus 21:16 NLT

“Kidnappers must be put to death, whether they are caught in possession of their victims or have already sold them as slaves.

Deuteronomy 24:7 NLT

“If anyone kidnaps a fellow Israelite and treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. In this way, you will purge the evil from among you.

E. Now another despicable practice of slavery in our country was slavery based on race. Racism based slavery is condemned.

Galatians 3:28 NLT

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Genesis 1:27 NLT

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

F. Many believed that certain nationalities automatically classified you as a slave. Race-based slavery is not condoned in the scriptures. So again, the reprehensible slavery practices in America would indeed be condemned by the scriptures.

G. What we have here is the practice of slavery that was for the most part voluntary, it was temporary, and it was not based on race. What we see in the scriptures is an economic-based slavery that was tightly regulated.

H. This is not the ideal situation, but if it has to happen, these are the rules. In ancient Israel, ancient history and other countries in our world today there is not any sort of bankruptcy laws or a governmental welfare system. And so slavery is one of the many ways to care for the needy. The Bible had regulations to help the poor and needy. There were laws for gleaning crops, there were interest free loans, and in extreme cases the offering of self for servitude and in extreme hardship, keeps people from starving to death and dying from sickness. It was a way to live. It was a rescue. It is a picture of salvation. No salvation is when we are no longer slaves. True, but there is another beautiful picture that it is painting.

I. Sometimes this happened because of economic hardship, crimes, accidents that the offender could not pay for. Unable to care for their sons and daughters and instead of starving to death and to make ends meet this was what was done to pay or gain a chance to live and survive. But it was to be done with regulations, with a time limit, and freedom in the future. We don’t need to be embarrassed of the scriptures. These are great regulations. A man is to be your slave cause he owes you a great debt… but you are not to treat Him as a slave, but as a friend… who you will care for.

J. You do know that we are one huge economic disaster or one worldwide emp from going into utter chaos and in the degradation of society we will be glad and grateful for the regulations we have in the Bible for many of us who could fall into this predicament.

K. Life in a sin affected world many times we are face with situations that are not ideal. It may be necessary for survival. Yet the Scriptures give regulations to govern a life in a sinful world. Not ideal. But a reality. Polygamy. It s does not condemn, but it does not condone either. It sees it as an unfortunate circumstance, and decrees strict regulation for the offending and the offended party. But in light of scripture… not Ideal, but in a way a picture of salvation. A slave, but a slave that is to be be well cared for while the debt is bring repaid… a salvation. The way you make it sound… its almost like you are saying that Christians are slaves. I am. Why?

1 Corinthians 7:22 NLT

And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ.

- We were bought with a price. The very picture we get from the unfortunate practice of slavery. Now we see with such vivid colors the beauty of freedom in Christ and what it means to be united with Him. A slave yes, but also a brother, a child of God and a co-heir with Christ. A slave but a king and queen. A slave but oh so much more.

L. “While thinking about that, can I ask another? My chief of staff Leo McGarry insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly says he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or is it okay to call the police?”

Exodus 35:2 NLT

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on that day must be put to death.

M. This is not one to be trifled with. What this passage is pointing out is the seriousness of transgressing this law. You do this, and in God’s eyes, you have done something so bad that you deserve to be killed. Yeah… not setting aside a day in the week to rest and worship the Lord is so serious that it is deserving of the death penalty. Days that are consecrated to the Lord, that are kept Holy, that would be offensive to the living God as serious offensive. If I were to spit in the face of the queen of England and slap her face with a glove… i might be put to death. Are we not afraid of disrespecting the living God.

Amos 4:12 NLT

“Therefore, I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced. Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!”

N. But in America, we are not a government based on this theocratic system with its penal sanctions. The president should carry out the death penalty if it was the death penalty if you don’t go to church. But it is not illegal to not go to church and it certainly not death penalty. So is it immoral not to keep the Lord’s day? Yes. It is deserving of death immoral. But it is the civil magistrate that carries it out. Should it yes… will it? No. Not today. But never never forget… we may not be put to death by our government today, but remember the wages of sin is still death. The government may not kill you but God still can.

O. Next… “Here’s one that’s really important, because we’ve got a lot of sports fans in this town. Touching the skin of a dead pig makes one unclean, Leviticus 11:7. If they promise to wear gloves, can the Washington Redskins still play football? Can Notre Dame? Can West Point?”

Leviticus 11:7 NLT

The pig has evenly split hooves but does not chew the cud, so it is unclean.

P. Failure to understand all of the scriptures and how they work. The types and shadows that all point to the words and works of Christ. The Bible points to Christ. And much has changed since Christ. Even what is said to be unclean.

Mark 7:19 NLT

Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)

Acts 10:13–15 NLT

Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.”

Q. And they are relying on our stupidity… because this is not even an issue. Not even an issue for the Kosher Jew. Why? Yes Mr. President they can play football. They don’t even have to wear gloves… you know why? Footballs are made of cowhide not pigskin. Actually they were never pigskins… pig bladders.

R. Now they are gonna outright lie about the Bible...

“Does the whole town really have to be together to stone my brother John for planting different crops side by side? Can I burn my mother in a small family gathering for wearing garments made from two different threads [according to Deuteronomy 22:9-11]?”

Deuteronomy 22:9–11 NIV

Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled. Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together. Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.

S. There is nothing at all in the Bible that decrees that it is even a crime to do this or even more, one that demands the death penalty for doing this. This is a lie. The Bible does not require this. How many of us knew that this was a lie?

T. Scriptures like these are used to beautifully illustrate the importance of being set apart. The Israelites needed to be set apart from the Canaanites, because God was gonna judge the Canaanites. It was to illustrate and teach the real need for us to be set apart. That is the image that Paul uses to show that we are not to be unequally yolked with unbelievers. Like the ox and donkey.

2 Corinthians 6:14–15 ESV

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

II. The Real Slavery

- The reality of the greatest slave master of all time.

A. It is no secret. It is of no consequence. It should not be a surprise. But there is a good reason why the Bible has stood the test of time. It has not just survived every attack, but conquered it. It does not just stand, it shines. When all the dust settles the Word of God remains. It is not immoral. It is not prejudiced. It does not have short comings. It is more precious than gold for good reason. We do not criticize it. We do not censor it. We do not need to apologize for it. Nor should we ever be ashamed of it. It is useful for teaching correcting rebuking and training in righteousness so that the man of God will be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

B. If you really think about it too… our whole system of human rights would not exist without it. We must see that the scriptures… Far from condoning slavery, the message of the Gospel was the key to it’s abolition!

C. Think about just our own city of Denver. How many hospitals, charities, homeless shelters and drug rehab centers were founded by churches or other Christian organizations? The Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the Bible’s central theme, the word and works of Christ, has been and always will be the greatest force for good the world has ever known. President Bartlett’s childish tirade, reflective of the writers of the series, does not discredit the Bible in the least. Instead, it only showcases his own ignorance and his desire to rebel.

D. We want to discredit the Bible, because it is a light. And we love the darkness instead of the light… because our deeds are evil. If I can silence the scriptures then I have no accountability to feel bad about the stuff we wanna do. We love and are passioned for power, pleasure, popularity, profit, and personal space. Do not tell me what to do. Do not tell me what to believe. We like when the statement starts with … “Did God really say...”

E. The law of God is a mirror. We don’t like it because it shows us who and what we really are. It shows us the reality of want we do with our hands. It shows us the reality of what is really in our hearts. We do not like this. Many do not like when things are rammed down our throats… be it is vehemently rejected if it is the Bible that is rammed down our throat… why? Because the Bible is a sword… it cuts and it hurts and it kills. This is the reality of our slavery to sin. We do this because we are slaves to sin.

F. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death. And not just death, but outer darkness death. Weeping and gnashing of teeth death. Eternal fire kind of death. Facing the wrath of the living God death. You may not think it… but you are not gonna like hell. And that is the destruction. That is the destiny of those who are perishing.

G. But Shane… can we be saved from this? You bet we can. The Bible is not just a sword but it is a two edged sword. The picture is that the Bible does not just cut… it also heals. It cuts with the law… and it heals with the gospel. Can we be saved yes we can because Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures and he was buried and he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures. The saying is trustworthy deserving of full acceptance that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. He became sin who knew no sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. The Kingdom of God is at hand… Repent and believe the good news

H. The promises continue… that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your hearts that God raised him from the dead You will be saved. All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be save. Believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God and you will have life in His name.

I. The the book that makes all of these promises has been attacked and discredited for thousands of years now and it is never never never defeated. Where else are you gonna go? What else can compare? It is more precious than gold it is sweeter than honey. It is the truth and when you know the truth you will no longer be a slave, the truth will set you free. Only to become a slave again, but this time a bond slave of Christ. I am not my own I was bought with a price.