A Solid Foundation Jesus concluded “The Sermon On The Mount” by saying, “Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father . . . . Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not . . . done many wonderful works in thy name?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work lawlessness.’ “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: . . . And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: . . . .” (Matthew 7:21-27). Friend, be sure you are building upon the eternal foundation of God’s revealed word; not your shifting feelings.
Are We in the Final Decade? Perhaps no question sparks more interest than, “When will the world end?” It was asked by the disciples, along with two other questions concerning the destruction of the temple and the signs of Christ's coming (Matthew 24:3). Jesus fully answered the first two questions, but said of the final question; "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matt. 24:36-39). It can’t be said any plainer than that! There are going to be NO signs of the coming final judgment. Life will be going on as always. Speculators, who presume to know more than Christ, predicted 1844, 1914, 1921, 1975, 1989, 1993, 2000. Some are now pointing to 2012. Some will say that current events point to the end of the world. Such predictions come from fertile imaginations, not proper handling of the word of God. Nevertheless, the Lord WILL return to judge every person. Therefore, He tells us to, “Be ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh” (Matt 24:44).
People often express that the reason they do not study their Bible, is because they feel, "the Bible is too hard to understand." This perception has caused many to depart from the practice God's will as it is revealed in His word. Let's be reasonable. A loving God, who wants us to practice His righteousness so that we might glorify Him, would not reveal His righteousness in such a way that we could not understand it; especially when a failure to do His will results in eternal torment. The apostle, Paul wrote, "...when you read, you may understand..." (Ephesians 3:4). The problem is not that we cannot understand; it's simply that most people do not read the Bible. Our apathy toward the Bible as the absolute standard of moral, ethical, and spiritual guidance has moved each generation farther and farther away from practicing God's will. Hosea 4:6 reads, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you ... Because you have forgotten the law of your God; I also will forget your children." Read your Bible and understand the will of God.
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” You may recognize the question in the title of this article to also be the title of a popular song that is often heard this time of the year. On several occasions, at the conclusion of teaching an important spiritual truth, Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” In other words, we are not to merely listen to the teaching of Jesus; we are to understand it, apply it, and live it. On one occasion He said, “Hear, and understand” (Matt. 15:10; Mk. 7:14). People often act as though their ears don’t work. It’s not that they can’t hear or understand what is said to them, they just prefer to do what they wanted the person to say, rather than what the person actually said. For instance, when Jesus said our worship is in vain when we practice the doctrines of men (Matt. 15:9), He didn’t mean we could “follow our heart” and worship God any way that “felt right” to our forefathers, or “feels right” to us; He meant what He said. What does it mean when we profess that we believe in God but we do not do what His word teaches? Jesus said, "He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God" (John 8:47). Sobering words each of us should hear.
Failure vs. Success Babe Ruth struck out 1,333 times during the time that he hit the 714 home runs for which he is remembered. Abraham Lincoln LOST when he ran for the legislature. He was unable to get an appointment to the U.S. Land Office. He also LOST in his race for the Senate, and for Vice President. But Lincoln did not give up! Eventually, he became the President of the United States, and one of history’s greatest men. More important than the fields of sports or politics, let us NEVER GIVE UP on our spiritual success. Although Satan discourages us and attempts to defeat us, and various ones may forsake us, NEVER GIVE UP on following Christ. 1 Peter 4:19 reads, “. . . let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”
Finding God Psalm 19 begins by stating that the design of creation demands that there is a grand and divine Designer. Although we can perceive the existence of God by considering the design we see in the wondrous things He has created, God reveals Himself to us through His word. Therefore, Psalm 19: 7 - 8 continues, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Verse 11 goes on to say that. “. . . by them is your servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. It is one thing to acknowledge the existence of God, it is another thing to keep His law, trust His testimony, practice His statutes, and keep His commandments. However, in so doing, we are made wise, find reason to rejoice, and we are enlightened in the way of God. Won’t you heed God’s warnings and experience the great rewards and joy of a life of righteousness?
The very same Bible that teaches us of the beauty, peace, and glory of heaven, also teaches us of the torment of hell. In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus describes the scene of final judgment. He said that the righteous will be received into eternal life, but those who practiced unrighteousness will experience the torment of everlasting punishment. In the "Sermon on the Mount" Jesus revealed that the vast majority of humanity travel the broad way that leads to destruction and relatively few follow the path that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14). Romans 11:22 admonishes us to recognize the goodness and the severity of God. God is good toward those who continue in His way, but He will deal severely with those who disobey Him. Friend, which path are you traveling?
As you read the title, if it applies, you complete the sentence. Before you quickly fill in the blank, ask yourself if God will accept your answer (Heb. 4:12-13). Make sure your answer is reason and not excuse! While I will not presume to say, "I've heard them all!" I will confess of the multitudes I have heard, none are justifiable. They are at best feeble attempts to avoid the shame of honestly saying, "I just don't want to." Folks know well God would never approve of that confession. Granted, some find the study "mundane." That's usually their own fault; they don't want to be there in there in the first place! Others don't care much for the teacher (whoever he might be and for whatever reason/excuse). Sadly, these same will find many teachers in life the "endure" but don't like. Are you sure you don't learn from them in spite of your distaste for them? Others don't like the time set for assembling, or the subject material, or some other "disabreeable item" that "keeps them from attending." O.K., how many of you still "make the best of it" concerning other matters to which you do give your attention and attendance? No, there is no "thus sayeth the Lord" regarding "Thou shalt go to Bible studay on Wednesday night." But, what do you do with Hebrews 10:25, which clearly speaks of "not forsaking the assembly...and so much the more?" By what standard do you convince yourself of "no need" for increase in faith,knowledge, and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Frankly, it seems centuries have gone backwards in the frequency of assembled times of study/worship. In the earliest days of the church, they met daily. During the half-century plus of my life, the "custom" is Sunday morning and evening and Wednesday night. anything more is considered a "gospel meeting." Strange indeed!!! I muse on the fact so many Christians are "seasonal addicts" to sports events, vacations, work expectations, home life, etc., and just blatantly ignore the opportunities of increasing the strength of their spiritual life and the spiritual lives of the brethren through Bible Study with the brethren! Obviously, they're more addicted to themselves than to Christ and His truth. (cf. I Cor. 16:15) I muse on how that helps them prepare for eternity. Guess they know more about Christ and His truth thant the rest of us. You think? Michael J. Davis
Indifference In The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis, The devil explains to his demon nephew, Wormwood that his objective is not to make people wicked but to make them indifferent. Satan cautioned that if a person should start thinking about anything of spiritual importance, Wormwood was to encourage him to think about other “more pressing matters.” The devil then informs his nephew: ‘I will always see to it that there are bad people. Your job, my dear Wormwood, is to provide me with ‘good people’ who do not care.” (From Brett Blair). Jesus had the apostle, John write to the church at Ephesus, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. . . . So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth” (Rev. 3: 15 & 16). Let us not be indifferent or lukewarm, but concerned, zealous, and active in the Lord’s work.
Learning Did you ever try to teach someone who did not want to learn? It is, at least, difficult, and, at most, impossible. They may be one of those who, "thinks they know everything;" or, they may just not have any interest in the subject you are teaching. So it is with regard to teaching righteousness; teach one who is interested in doing right and that one will eagerly digest the word of truth and put into practice. What is your attitude toward righteousness? The people at Berea they searched the scriptures daily with the desire to know and perform God's truth. Wise people, today, follow their noble example; learning and practicing God's will each day. Proverbs 9: 9 reads, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be wiser: Teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning." Friend, do you turn to, or away from, God's revealed righteousness?
Losing Our Focus The story is told of two steamboats racing up the Mississippi to a port in Memphis. One captain ordered that some of their cargo of salt pork be thrown into the furnace. Instantly, the boat increased its power, so they continued the practice. With whistle blowing and flags waving, his steamboat arrived at Memphis far ahead of their rival. However, when the merchants came for their cargo of pork, they learned that it had been destroyed. Like that steamboat captain, we often lose our focus and purpose. Life is not about “getting ahead,” or even “keeping up with the Jones’s.” Jesus instructs us to, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Friend, to each of us, God has entrusted His cargo of holiness and godliness by practicing His righteousness. Don’t lose sight of His intended purpose for you.
Pigs Don’t One day a farmer, who was also a Christian, spent the day shopping in the city. He entered a restaurant for lunch and sat down near some young men, who, it turns out, did not care much for religious matters. When the farmer’s meal was served, he bowed his head and silently gave thanks for the food. One of the young men thought he would have some fun with the farmer and said with a loud voice, “Hey, pop, does everyone do that where you come from?” The old man looked at him with deep sincerity and said, “Nope, son, the pigs don’t.” Colossians 3: 17 instructs us, “. . . whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. In this Thanksgiving season let us remember that thanks-giving isn’t supposed to be a seasonal activity. Do you express your gratitude to God for your daily blessings?
Playing Church August 25, 2009 The story is told of a mother who was cleaning house one day when she heard the water running in the upstairs bathroom. So she naturally went to investigate. When she reached the top of the stairs, through the open bathroom door, she could see her son holding one of his sister's baby dolls above a nearly full bathtub saying, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and in the hole you go." Well, it goes without saying that this young boy had been exposed to church, but had not really comprehended what it was all about. However, in spite of his lack of understanding, children playing church is a good thing. It certainly beats some of the alternatives that are available these days. But there comes a time when we reach adulthood and we need to quit "playing" church and realize it's not a game. Intellectually, we know that, but practically, we need to be reminded. For how much difference is there in the boy in the above illustration and the adult who doesn't pay attention to the content of the words he sings? How much difference is there in the boy described above and the adult who day-dreams during the sermon and prayers? Both are "playing" church, aren't they? Friends, it may be a long time since you last baptized a baby doll in a bathtub, but it might not be so long since the last time you "played church." Give it some thought.
Say - Do The child who says, “Mother, I love you,” but refuses to clean up his room as asked, doesn’t demonstrate love. A husband says to his wife, “I Love you honey,” but doesn’t support her physically and emotionally, doesn’t demonstrate true love. Those who say they “love God,” but in their life, prioritize recreation, their job, or worldliness, demonstrate hypocrisy, rather love. Many people say they love Jesus for dying for them, but they refuse to turn from their carnal will to perform His divine will. Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Words of love and devotion are easily spoken. However, true love and devotion are demonstrated by what we DO, rather than what we SAY. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Standards When people disagree about how much something weighs, they settle their disagreement by using scales – a standard of authority acceptable to all parties. When people disagree about the length of an object, they resolve the matter by using a ruler – a standard of authority acceptable to all parties. The Bible declares, “All scripture is breathed of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.” It supplies and defines “every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Therefore, when people disagree in matters of faith, the Bible must be the standard to which they make their appeal for resolution. The only way we will ever eliminate religious differences is to stop trying to decide WHO is right and, instead, find out WHAT is right according to the Bible. 1 Corinthians 4:6 tells us, “. . . not to think of men above that which is written, . . .”
Stop Dating The Church by Steve Higginbotham May 21, 2009 I recently read a book by Joshua Harris by the above title. In this book Harris affirmed that there are many people who “date” the church, but who are unwilling to fall in love with and be committed to the church. And you know, I think he’s right. How many people do you know who are “believers” but they’re not “belongers.” They believe in Jesus, but don’t want to be tied down. They “date” the church, but want to remain independent and free of commitment and responsibility. Friends, instead of seeing the church for all its flaws and foibles, why not see it as the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:9-11), and the beautiful bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32). Committing to the church doesn’t tie one down, rather it anchors one through the storms of life. And it’s flaws? It’s flaws provide us with an opportunity to love, serve, practice patience, and grow more like our Savior. Listen friends, don’t allow yourself to use the excuse that the church is too messed up to commit to it. Jesus is the only one who has the right to disown or give up on the church, but he never has and never will. Therefore, let me leave you with this challenge. Many people are fond of saying that we need to develop a heart for the poor or a heart for the lost, and these are good desires. But may I challenge you to also develop a heart for the church? Get involved. Get committed. Take on responsibility. Invest yourself. After all, if Jesus loves the church, shouldn’t we?
Struggles The story is told of a man who watched a butterfly struggle to force its body through the tiny hole of its cocoon. It appeared that the butterfly was stuck and unable to exit through the tiny opening, so the man enlarged it. Although the butterfly emerged easily, it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch, expecting that the butterfly would assume its normal shape. However, it never did. The man was ignorant of the fact that the restricting cocoon, and the struggle required by the butterfly to get through the tiny opening, was nature’s way of forcing fluid from the butterfly’s body into its wings. James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you experience various trials. Know that the testing of your faith produces patience. Let patience accomplish its completing work, that you may . . . lack nothing.”
Be Thankful, Even In Adversity This Thursday, many of the citizens of our nation will give thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed upon us. As we do so, we find it difficult to remember and innumerate all of the blessings God has bestowed upon us. There are so many of His blessings that we take for granted. Perhaps the hardest task is to be thankful in the midst of adversity; times when life presents us with trials and things are just not going the way we would like for them to go. These are times that lend themselves to worry, frustration, and anxiety. These are the times of which our heavenly Father has instructed us to, “Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philip. 4:6-7). Being thankful in the midst of adversity keeps us focused on living for the purpose of glorifying God (cf. Eph. 1:6, 12, 14; 1 Thess. 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9). The apostle, Paul learned to “. . . Most gladly . . . glory in his infirmities, . . .” (2 Cor. 12:10). 1Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to give thanks in everything. Let us remember that this includes adversity as well as prosperity
The Best Gifts To Give Although the season of giving presents has past for many of us, here are some gifts we can give all year: To your friend –Loyalty (Prov. 17:17) To your enemy – Forgiveness (Matt. 5:44; Luke 17:3; Rom. 12:21) To your boss – Good Service (Eph. 6:5-8; Col. 3:22-25) To your employees – Good Will and Fairness (Eph. 6:7-9) To your child – Godly Instruction and A Good Example (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21) To your parents - Gratitude and Devotion (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20) To your mate – Love and Faithfulness (Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-19) To all men and women – Love (Rom. 13:9-10; 1 Cor. 13:4-8) To God – Your Life (Matt. 10:39; 16:25; Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 2:20)
The Bible & The Faith Jude, verse 3, reads, "...while...making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you, appealing that you contend earnestly for 'the faith' which was once for all delivered to the saints." "The faith," is a specific reference to the practice of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Notice also, "The faith" which saves is "the faith" which is common to all humanity. Romans 10: 17 reveals this "Faith comes by hearing the word of God." The faith that saves is not the product of our personal feelings or preferences. The faith that saves and glorifies God is the faith that is produced by hearing and obeying the word of God as revealed by the doctrine of Christ. We, the members of the Wolf Creek Church of Christ, invite you to join us in practicing and contending for the faith that has been delivered by God.
The Bible Is Inspired 2 Timothy 3: 16 reveals, "All Scripture is by inspiration of God . . ." In other words, the Bible is the product of God's supernatural creative power. The Greek word, from which "inspiration" is translated, literally means "God-breathed." Therefore, the Scriptures are the product of the Holy Spirit acting upon human writers, "breathing" the revelation of God's will into their spirit. 1 Cor. 2: 12, 13 reveal that the apostles ". . . received . . . the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but (words) which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual (words)." The Bible is the product of God's creative power. Let us respect and practice the directives found within its pages.
The Future The future holds many serious and exciting events for all of us. The concern and/or excitement we may have about the future often causes us to overlook the most serious future event – the return of the Lord, Jesus. Jesus said that He would return and that he would then judge all people. Angles proclaimed that Jesus would return. The apostles foretold of the return of Jesus and the judgment that would then take place. Romans 14: 12 reveals, “...every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” 2 Corinthians 5: 10 reveals, “...we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done..., whether it be good or bad.” Both His return and His judgment are certain. In fact, the only thing we know for certain about the future is that Jesus will return and judgment will take place. The question is not, “When will the Lord return?” The question is, “Are you ready for His return?”
The Heavens Declare . . . Psalm 19: 1 reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” God expects us to recognize His greatness as it is evident in all of His creation. There is not a flower that blooms or a star that twinkles; an insect that crawls or a man that walks, but that the wisdom and power of God is demonstrated. He is the creator and sustainer of our world. As Colossians 1: 17 reads, “...He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” For every breath, for every drop of water, for every morsel of food, let it be acknowledged that God is the provider of all. When you arise and view the dawn, see the glistening moisture on the grass, and breath the fresh air, appreciate the fact that it is all the product of the grand Divine Designer.
The Translation Of The Bible 1 Cor. 2: 12, 13 reveals, that the Bible is the revelation of the mind of God in the words of God. However, the Bible was not written in English. How can we be sure that our contemporary Bible is an accurate translation of God's words? The Dead Sea Scrolls contained copies of Old Testament Hebrew manuscripts, and Greek translations of them. As these older manuscripts were compared to more recent manuscripts, no discrepancies were found in copying or translating although there was a gap of more than 1,000 years between the two sets of documents. Over 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts containing all or parts of the New Testament exist. Some date to within a century of the original document. We can be confident that our contemporary Bible is an accurate translation of the very words originally delivered to the Bible writers.
Priorities & Happiness What’s the most important thing in your life? Have you ever thought about it? Is it your music? It could be your family. Maybe it’s your job? Here’s a fact: Happiness—real happiness—the kind of happiness that makes you look forward to the next day—is directly related to the thing that is most important to you. Perhaps the reason that so many people are unhappy is that their most important thing is actually very shallow. Solomon went through a time in his life were he apparently sought happiness in wealth, possessions, popularity, passion, and nature. Yet, he found that all of these did not bring enduring happiness. He finally concluded, “Revere God and keep His commandments, this is man’s purpose” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Jesus said it this way, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). What’s the most important thing to you? Are you happy?
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The Value Of Time There is probably no other universal event that causes us to consider the value of time than the changing of the years from one to another. Here are some other events that cause us to realize the value of time: ∙ The mother a premature baby realizes the value of a few months. ∙ The editor of a weekly newspaper realizes the value of one week. ∙ The person who has missed the train, bus or plane realizes the value of one minute. ∙ The person who has survived an accident realizes the value of one-second. ∙ Several who have won a silver medal in the Olympics realize the value of one millisecond. “So, Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:10). Friend, have you been saved yet? (cf.: Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3, 5; Matt. 10:32; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 41; 47; Jn. 8:31-32)
Threatened By Jesus At this time every year countless television programs and magazine articles appear with the intention of depicting the Bible record of Jesus as something less than true. Obviously, this short article cannot address the shortcomings of the misleading evidence that is presented in those pieces. However, I find myself asking the question, “Why do people feel so threatened by Jesus and His words?” The foretold mission of Jesus was to save people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). Jesus knew this and proclaimed it (Jn. 3:16; Lk. 19:10). He died to take away our sins (1 Jn. 3:5). His resurrection is evidence for our hope of resurrection to abide with Him in heaven (Jn. 11:25). He came to give rest to those who would come to Him (Matt. 11:28). He teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly. His word instructs us to develop the character of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustworthiness, gentleness, and self-control (cf. Titus 2:11ff; Gal. 5:22-23). Is any of this bad? Would someone’s life be miserable if they actually believed and obeyed these things? True, Jesus said that if we do not believe on Him and follow Him, we will perish in eternal torment (Jn. 8:24; Matt. 25:46). But, why should an unbeliever feel threatened by those words? They don’t believe in Jesus; nor do they believe what He says. Jesus and His word will save us if we believe and obey. But the same will condemn us is we do not (Jn. 12:48). But, these are only words, why should anyone feel threatened by them?
Tradition As a new husband watched his bride prepare a ham for the oven he noticed that she cut off a few inches from the end. When asked why she did so, she replied that her mother had always done it that way. Their curiosity aroused, they called the bride’s mother. She replied that her mother had always done it that way. The newlyweds then called the grandmother who stated that she usually had to cut a few inches from the end of a ham because her pan was too small. This story illustrates how that people often follow customs, blindly. In some matters it may be non-consequential. However, in other matters there may be grave consequences. Jesus said, “…in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men ... All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. (Mark 7:7-9 NKJ). Our perception of religious matters is more often shaped by our experience rather than by what God has revealed in His word. Let us examine our experience in light of God’s word, rather than blindly practice the tradition of our forefathers.
During the depression a good man had lost his job, exhausted his savings, and forfeited his home. His grief was multiplied by the death of his precious wife. Only his faith remained — and it was weakening. One day, as he was looking for work, he stopped to watch some stone masons. One of them was skillfully chiseling a piece of rock. He asked “Where are you going to put that?” The man pointed toward the top of the building and said, “See that little opening up there? That's where it goes. I'm shaping it down here so it will fit in up there.” The man walked away, reflecting on how appropriate the craftsman’s words applied to life and eternity. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4 NKJV). Trials and tribulations strike blows on the faith of believers. But the faithful remain steadfast, knowing that we are shaped down here so that we will fit in up there.
Use What You Hear Jesus said, ATake heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you;. . . @(Mark 4:24, NKJ). We use what we hear. Therefore, if we hope to be doing God=s will, it is very important that we compare what we hear with the revealed truth of God=s word found in the Scriptures. However, it is also important that we do use God=s truth. Hearing the truth without acting upon it does not produce it=s intended benefits. James 1: 22 says it this way, A. . . be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.@ We are deceiving ourselves if we think that we are acceptable before God simply because we know His will for us. To be accepted by Him, we must use His truth in our life. Friend, hear the word of God, and use it in your life.
“We Have Found Him!” “Philip found Nathaniel, and said unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Every Hebrew anticipated the coming Messiah and the new kingdom over which He would rule. However, they mistakenly expected the Messiah’s kingdom to be a material kingdom with an earthly leader that would restore the Jewish nation. None of the prophets wrote of such a kingdom. The prophets foretold of a spiritual kingdom, comprised of citizens from all nations, races, and cultures. Philip recognized that Jesus was the Messiah of whom the prophets wrote, and that the blessings of God would be upon all who would follow and obey Him. What a discovery! Friend, “come and see” what Philip found. Jesus lives! He reigns over His kingdom. Let Him reign in your heart.
What Must I Do To Be Saved? Because of its eternal consequences, this is the most important question anyone will ever consider. Jesus revealed that there are several things one must do before they are saved. He said, • "…if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:24) • "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3, 5). • "…whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). • "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). • "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, …" (Matthew 6:33). • Then Jesus said to those … who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). Does your faith agree with the faith that comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17)?
This is the question asked by those in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2, esp. v. 37). Peter had declared Jesus to be the Lord and Christ. Joel had prophesied, “Whosoever ever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21). The question posed by those who believed the testimony of Peter implies they understood that to “call on the name of the Lord” for salvation required action on their part; “What shall we do?” Jesus had taught: $ “Except you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). $ “Except you repent, you...shall perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). $ “Whosoever...shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father...” (Matt. 10:32). $ “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved...” (Mark 16:16) $ “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31). In agreement with the teaching of Jesus, Peter told these who had asked what they should do; “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” (Acts 2:38). Three thousand gladly received his word and were baptized, and continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:41, 42). To be saved, we must do what they did.
Who Is Wise? Proverbs 26: 12 reads, “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Did you ever meet someone who thought they knew everything about everything; the person that infers that when they die, all knowledge will die with them? That is the type of person to which this verse refers. They are wiser than God. To hear them tell it, they do not need to read the Bible, because they “just know” what God wants. However, those who are truly wise, learn to listen, consider, and conclude (cf. James 1:19). The wise do not presume to think for God. They realize His word is truth (John 17:17), and resolve to do His will, as it is revealed in His word (Matthew 7:21-27). Be wise: search the scriptures and learn what Jehovah expects of you and every person.