Category Two - Quotes

I find Category 2 to be one of the harder categories to study, write, and present on. Hopefully these quotes are helpful in developing your Category 2 speeches.

F.F. Bruce

“The evidence for our New Testament writings is ever so much greater than the evidence for many writings of classical authors, the authenticity of which no-one dreams of questioning. And if the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity would generally be regarded as beyond all doubt.”

Martin Luther (Conc)

“The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold on me.”

Robert C. Chapman (Conc)

“There are mysteries of grace and love in every page of the Bible; it is a thriving soul that finds the Book of God growing more and more precious.”

Corrie ten Boom

“When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy.”

Jerram Barrs and Ranald MacCaulay

“The Bible's authority is undermined by our culture in every area, whether natural science, social sciences or history. Unless we are convinced that the attacks on the Bible's authority in these areas are groundless, our spirituality will necessarily be affected.”

Phillips Brooks

“The Bible is like a telescope. If a man looks through his telescope, then he sees the worlds beyond; but if he looks at his telescope, then he does not see anything but that. The Bible is a thing to be looked through, to see that which is beyond; but most people only look at it; and so they see only the dead letter.”

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If you have questions about any Category 2 speech, feel free to live a comment.

It's All About Jesus!

As the keyboard player of the worship team for a Jr. High retreat, I had no idea that God was going to change my view on life like He did...

The chapel rang with blaring music and shook as Jr. Highers jumped and danced for Jesus. While I was on stage behind the keyboard, I watched a 12-year-old girl stretch her hand to heaven with eyes sealed shut. Another boy knelt to the ground as he sang. As I witnessed hearts unashamedly surrender themselves to Jesus, I choked back tears. These Jr. Highers were getting it -- what life is all about.

Late on Saturday night, we had a session packed with acoustic songs, the Gospel message, and a convicting challenge for the believers. Aeric, one of the speakers, encouraged the Christian teens to make their life all about Jesus. As he spoke, tears filled my eyes. "Philippians 1:21, 'For to me, to live is Christ...' Life is all about Jesus," he said. "We are all about Jesus! If we go to school and it isn't about Jesus, then we are doing something wrong. If we go to church every Sunday, but it isn't about Jesus, then something is wrong. If we sing these songs and it isn't about Jesus, then it's wrong. Everything is about Jesus!"

He went on to tell a story, "In the beginning of the Bible, God created the world. On the sixth day, He knelt into the dirt to make man, knowing full well that later He would have to die for that dirt. Knowing that death awaited Him, He made us anyway." What Aeric pointed out in His story struck me hard. A holy King died for dirt! Jesus bought us at a price far greater than what we're worth.

The students weren't the only ones challenged to make everything about Jesus. I was too. How is any of this life about us, when we are but dirt compared to God's majesty and holiness? And how can we respond in any other way but to give Him everything, when He has given everything to us? Jesus takes my breath away!

As the tournament season approaches, my prayer and challenge to you is make everything about Jesus! Even if your rounds are rough and you forget a few lines, even if you only get "5th and below", even if you go home without a qualifying spot or metal, keep in mind and live out... It's ALL about Jesus!

"For to me, to live is Christ..."

Remember... "If it's not about Jesus, then you're doing it wrong."