Universal truths in the Bible

[B-A-C]

2Tim 3:8; Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.
2Tim 3:9; But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes's and Jambres's folly was also.

It interesting that the names Jannes and Jambres don't appear in the old testament anywhere. You would think that since they "opposed Moses".
They would appear somewhere in the first 5 books of the Bible. Most scholars believe these were the sorcerers in Exod 7:11; but of course only God knows for sure.

There are things written in the old testament that help us understand the new testament. There are things written in the new testament that help us understand the
old testament better. There are things written in the book of Hebrews that are still universal truths even to Gentiles.

For example, God the Father calls Jesus the Son 'God' in Hebrews 1:8; is this a truth for only the Jews, or does this truth apply to everyone?
Also there are things written in Paul's Epistles to the Gentiles, that apply to the Jews.

Jesus Himself said He was only "sent to the lost sheep of Israel" (Matt 15:24; ) during His early ministry. But at the end of His ministry He said ...
Matt 28:19; "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
Matt 28:20; teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Somewhere it went from only Israel to "all the nations" teaching them (the Gentiles) to observe "all" that I have commanded you.
If the Gentiles are supposed to know what Jesus commanded the Jews to do, we should probably read the Gospels ( Matthew, Mark, Luke & John ).

There are literally dozens examples of these "universal truths" that are for everyone. With this in mind, is there really any part of the Bible
that doesn't apply to us? Yes, there are things under the old Talmud law we don't have to do anymore... (stoning people, animal sacrifice, circumcision, confession to priests, etc...)
But knowing why God required them in the first place, the roles of the priests, and the character of God give us more understanding of why things are the way they are now.

Jesus is the Lamb that was slain.... why a lamb? We was He slain? Why was a sacrifice needed? Why is He called our high priest?
These things are spoken of lightly in the New Testament (mostly the book of Hebrews) but you need to read through the old testament to really understand it all.

In 1Cor 3:11; Paul says we build on the foundation (which is Jesus Christ)
In Eph 2:20; Paul says we are citizens of God's household being built on the foundation of the apostles, and Jesus Himself is the cornerstone all of this was built off of.

So if Jesus is the foundation, and Paul was just building on top of that foundation, wouldn't it make sense that we should know what the foundation looks like?
Shouldn't we know what Jesus said and taught?

Amazingly... some churches are now starting to get away from the Gospels and teachings of Jesus.

 

[Brad Huber]

There has always been a falling away in churches, and then establishment of new stronger ones that recognize the sins of the fallen ones. Its really much like the history of the Israelite's under its kings. Strong for a time, another generation comes along, lackadaisical, thinking this should be easier, be less stringent, etc. Often spoiled by their elders. Then the elders begin to see the corruption, but its usually to late to do the right thing, or they are unwilling to do the right thing, knowing their own decisions allowed the corruption to the newer generation. Judgement comes, people then fear the Lord and serve Him better. That generation that sees the judgement serve Him better, but then the next one comes....

Its a process thats as old as at least Israel. Yet God is faithful, even when we are not, and the judgement always less harsh than it could be and more the punishment a wise father gives his children knowing if he doesnt, it will turn out bad for our children. Scripture doesnt lie, spare the rod and spoil the child leads to bad things. It doesnt have to be a rod of course, but the punishment has to be effective. I thank God that He is willing to punish me and lead me in the way everlasting. If the churches accepted this axiom, they would be better off.