“…BUT ONE THING IS NEEDFUL…”

“…BUT ONE THING IS NEEDFUL…”

Luke 10:38-42

In this brief conversation, something is said about Martha that is typical of all of us. “…but Martha was distracted…” (vs. 40) (NKJV)

We are like Martha much more than we are like Mary in our lives. We become concerned about things which do not help us, but rather distract us from what is really needful.

Jesus mentioned something to her that we need to have said to us and it really needs to be stressed because of its effect upon our need of salvation.

“…Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things…” (vs. 41)

Needs such as jobs, careers, school, growing up, family, health, retirement, etc. is…however, all of these should be subordinate to what is really needful. For my salary amount will not matter one day. My level of schooling will not matter. Whether I taught my son or daughter to fish or how well I maintained a good cholesterol level…or anything else you want to put into this scenario; none of them will matter one day. Why?

Because we all know that ‘but one thing is needful’ don’t we? We are concerned about things that will one day pass away. One day we won’t regret the choice of schools, jobs, or not allowing a child to experience a certain activity. However, if our greatest need is not addressed, we will regret it. 

Solomon wrote of this in Eccl. 12:13-14

“…fear GOD and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For GOD will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” 

Search your own soul and answer:

 —What have you been spending your time and efforts on?

—Have you lost focus of what matters?

—Are you giving attention to the ONE THING that is needful?

 I think of the words of James and ask you to consider them as well (James 4:14)

“…What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away”

.Man’s greatest need in this life is to prepare for the next life — hence he needs to understand why he needs to depart this life prepared for the next life. As Solomon stated, GOD will, “…bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

When I reflect on my own life and where I would be today if not for someone taking the time to teach me of what was needful — to seek out the way that leadeth to life eternal…I want to do for you what others have done for me; persuade you to do as the apostle Paul persuaded those of his day. 

(Eph. 5:15-17) – “Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is”.

I plead with you to give thought to where you will be in eternity. Are you prepared? That is all that matters. Ask yourself this one thing…is the reason you give today for having never made preparation, sound justifiable on the Day of Judgment?

 James 4:17 – “Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin”.

Think of why you have not made preparation…If you don’t do so now, that is all you will think about then…

When your time on earth is over, it is all that will matter. Did you prepare to meet thy GOD?

If you know you need to obey the gospel, yet you have not done it, you have sinned (James 4:17). Do you believe GOD? He has provided a way whereby you can receive forgiveness for your sins—Jesus, (John 14:6). Jesus died for you for this reason—John 3:16). He has commanded all men everywhere to repent of their sins (Acts 17:30); to confess Jesus as the Son of GOD (Acts 8:37); and to be baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). 

This is your response to the grace of GOD. It is so easy if you are willing to trust in His words, “seek ye first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”.

Only by being reconciled to GOD, can you be truly happy. What is your life?

copyright 2017

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The lingering after-effects of sin...

During the time of the Conquest of Canaan, the two and one-half tribes which settled east of the Jordan built an altar for a memorial so that they would have a portion in Israel.  The nine and one-half tribes falsely accused them of making this altar for idol worship.
They made the statement, "Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, FROM WHICH WE ARE NOT CLEANSED UNTIL THIS DAY..." (Joshua 22:17).
This "iniquity" of Peor was a sin that had been committed many, many years earlier (see Numbers 25:1-3 -  "And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.   And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.  And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.")
It was this sin that the statement was made years later, "FROM WHICH WE ARE NOT CLEANSED UNTIL THIS DAY". 
The lingering after-effects of sin committed!  The fornication that was learned; the pleasures of sin for a season; their eyes opened to the lewd, lustful behavior of the Moabite women.
So it was with Adam and Eve, when their "eyes were opened" (Genesis 3:7). 
We are told of the church at Pergamos, "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication" (Revelation 2:14).
The statement "from which we are not cleansed until this day" implies of necessity that fornication, such as was learned in the iniquity at Peor was still being committed by some of the Israelites.
Idols of the heart!  They plagued the children of Israel all their existence!  They gave lip service to Jehovah, but their heart was far from Him.  (see Deuteronomy 12:8; Judges 17:6; 21:25; Jeremiah 13:10; 16:12; 18:12) 
Doing what was right in their own eyes; not as God commanded them!
This is still a problem within the Lord's church; lip service because of idols in one's heart.  Many are "not cleansed even to the present" but claim to be "of Christ". Let us remember the admonitions of the apostle Paul:
Galatians 6:7 - "Be not deceived, God is not mocked; whatsoever you sow, you will reap."
Colossians 3:1-3 - "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.   Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Colossians 3:5-6 - "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience...".

10/10/2017
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"BUT HE LIED..."

"I also am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’” BUT HE LIED TO HIM." ~ 1 Kings 13:18

- CAN EVERY PERSON IN A PULPIT, CLAIMING TO HAVE A MESSAGE FROM GOD BE TRUSTED? 

- CAN THEY DECEIVE YOU? 

- DID IT EVER HAPPEN? 

- CAN IT STILL HAPPEN? 

- CAN A MAN "OF GOD" LIE IN PREACHING?

Consider the following two accounts: 

Jeremiah 29:31-32 - “Send to all the exiles, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite, 'Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, although I did not send him, and he has made you trust in a lie,' therefore thus says the Lord, 'Behold, I am about to punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants; he will not have anyone living among this people, and he will not see the good that I am about to do to My people,' declares the Lord, 'because he has preached rebellion against the Lord'.” 

Ezekiel 13:8-9 - Therefore, thus says the Lord God, “Because you have spoken falsehood and seen a lie, therefore behold, I am against you,” declares the Lord God. “So My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will have no place in the council of My people, nor will they be written down in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel, that you may know that I am the Lord God.

Were lies uttered? Were those who uttered lies, prophets? YES, but because of their lies, they were FALSE prophets!

Did Jesus acknowledge the possibility of false prophets? “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." ~ Matt. 7:15 

Did John? "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but TEST the spirits to see whether they are from God, BECAUSE many false prophets have gone out into the world." ~ 1 John 4:1

Take notice of WHY John said to TEST ALL preaching to what the Bible declares, for UNINSPIRED men can cleverly distort, twist, and pervert scripture, just as Satan did when tempting Jesus (Matt. 4).

Remember the words "BUT HE LIED..." ~ one prophet lying to another ~

This young prophet KNEW that God had told him (1 Kings 13:9); yet listened to an old prophet, who told him to do the very thing that God commanded him NOT to do.

How serious is this?

Consider another area whereby the seriousness of the message is most relevant: SALVATION

A question repeatedly asked in the Bible is: "What must I do to be saved?"

What did an INSPIRED person preach?

~ Jews - Acts 2:37-38 - hear, believe, repent, be baptized
~ Jews - Acts 3:19 - hear, believe, repent, be converted
~ The Samaritans - Acts 8:5-13 - believe, be baptized
~ The eunuch - Acts 8:35-39 - hear, confess his faith, be baptized
~ Saul of Tarsus - Acts 9; 22; 26 - hear, believe, repent, confess his faith, be baptized
~ Cornelius - Acts 10 & 11 - hear, believe, repent, confess his faith, be baptized
~ Lydia - Acts 16:13-15 - hear, believe, repent, be baptized
~ The Jailer - Acts 16:25-34 - hear, believe, repent, be baptized
~ The Corinthians - Acts 18:8 - hear, believe, be baptized

What answer does an UNINSPIRED person preach? 

~ Pray the sinner's prayer ~ "BUT HE LIED..."
~ Confess your sins ~ "BUT HE LIED..."
~ Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace ~ "BUT HE LIED..."

When you wanted to be saved from your sins, were you told by an UNINSPIRED preacher to do things different from what God said by an INSPIRED preacher? 

Remember these three words from the story of the old prophet and the young prophet:

"BUT HE LIED..." 1 Kings 13:18

10/10/2017
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Thoughts on "faithfulness"

There are two ways to keep members of the church “faithful.” The first way is to be sure everyone is involved. Have a project for each member, and make sure that he feels important in his role. Praise him for the good job he is doing. Make him feel needed; make him feel that the well being of the whole congregation rests firmly on his shoulders. That will keep him “faithful.”

There are two problems with this method. In the first place, it encourages the creation of projects that are not remotely related to the work of the local church .One member plays on the church ball team; another member leads the Boy Scout troop; another is an active member of the “Dorcas Society”; another plans the program for the men’s luncheon. Everybody is busy all right, but in activities that are not authorized in the New Testament.

In the second place, members are often given roles for which they are not qualified. A lady is chosen to teach a class not because she is qualified, but because she needs to be involved. A man is appointed a deacon to help him to be “faithful.” Another man is appointed to serve the Lord’s Supper for a month in order to encourage him to be present each Sunday that month. This method thus places “the cart before the horse,” for no one should ever be assigned any work in the Lord’s service who is not already faithful and qualified for the work to be done (2 Timothy 2:2).

The second way to keep people faithful is to develop within them a genuine love for the Lord. When people love the Lord, they will be faithful, and it won’t take some kind of “special” project to keep them faithful.

They will also be involved: in worship, in study, in godly living, in sharing the gospel with a friend, in helping the needy. I have known literally hundreds of Christians who have never in their lives been appointed to any special work, but whose love for the Lord alone keeps them faithful. There is no superficial faithfulness on the part of these; theirs is a faithfulness that is real.

Special responsibilities are fine for those who are qualified, but the man who requires some special duty to be faithful has never learned what true faithfulness is.

Bill Hall

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

HOW is a genuine love for the Lord going to develop? Is it not by the teaching of God's word? As the individual grows in grace and in knowledge, his love will increase. (2 Peter 3:18).

Which prompts another related thought:
HOW does one grow in grace and in knowledge? Will it not come through personal study and meditation on God's word? Is this not the theme of the hymn we sing, "TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY"?

Does not "spiritual growth" point to the need for teaching? Shall we be content to "baptize" and basically leave them to themselves thereafter ~ ["swim or drown" concept]?

Consider in regard to physical growth, what results would come if we gave birth to a baby, then left them to themselves to survive?

Babes in Christ, need to be 'fed' properly; they need to be taught how to 'eat' (i.e., study properly, recognizing the particulars of context; the need for, and how to establish authority).

Otherwise, will not their convictions will be as "someone else preached on the matter"? Is this not what Paul's concern was in Eph. 4:14-15?
"...we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up..."

It is truly a test as to whether our confidence is in the power of God's word to convict, reprove and exhort, or whether we use the bible as a "front", while, in reality, our "tradition" is to do as Bro. Hall pointed out, "give them roles" for which they are unqualified.

Spiritual growth takes "time" (as the hymn says); so does physical growth; there is no shortcut; no steroid...time is needed. The benefit of time, is, it will develop patience in our lives.

The need for patience is seen from these passages:
Rom. 2:7 - to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;
Heb. 10:36 - For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
James 1:3 - knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
2 Peter 1:6 - and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

As a child will benefit physically from patience, so will the babe in Christ benefit spiritually...developing patience is necessary to spiritual growth; bible study will develop patience, for there is no shortcut to learning. We can do a 5-15 minute prep; a "skimming over" and then teach a class, etc. but is this what Jesus died for?

Is not discipleship, following the example of Jesus? Did not Jesus state that "Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me"? (John 6:45)

Let us resolve to address spiritual growth needs, by using the resource of God's word...it contains the power to save (Rom. 1:16). Let us have enough faith in it to do what it alone can do, and teach it.

Faithfulness needs a proper foundation; that foundation is a love & respect for God's word. That will come in time; time spent in study and meditation of God's word. Faithfulness is dependent upon knowledge...knowing how to "handle aright" God's word. This must be taught; a babe, left to himself will develop bad habits, physically AND spiritually. While he may survive, what will his life be compared a life wherein he was taught properly? Did Jesus merely intend for us to only 'survive', or to grow and flourish? Students need a teacher. Each generation needs taught.

Proper spiritual growth is the only way to ensure faithfulness on our part. It will be the fruit produced, when the seed of love for God's word is sown.

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THE PARTING OF THE RED SEA AND SALVATION IN CHRIST.

Moses told the people to “stand by and watch the Lord save…”; God had a different response… “tell the people to go forward…”

Exod. 14:13-14 – But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”

Exod. 14:15-16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.

Exod. 14:21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Faith and obedience, when the people did as the LORD commanded, the people still ‘saw’ the salvation of the LORD; notice:

Exod. 14:30-31 – Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.

How often it is that people are preached the same message as Moses’ words, “do nothing; keep silent...just believe in God to do it all; sit back and let Him save; you can’t be saved by ‘doing anything’; salvation is by faith alone...”.

God has given commands for us to obey and He will save us…do we believe that? THAT is exactly what happened in this story from Exodus. Their deliverance from bondage was by the Lord’s hand, yet they were not to sit idly and watch, doing nothing…they were to ACT on their belief in God to save. They were commanded to apply blood, to march as directed by the pillar of cloud and fire that HE provided; and at the Red Sea, they were to march across; Moses was to do something as well. “Lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it…”. Now think for a moment on that command…did Moses, by his own power, cause the waters to divide, or was it God who caused the parting? What did this command have to do with anything…could not God part the waters without Moses doing this act with his staff?

But if Moses did NOT do what was commanded, would the results have been the same? We need look no further than another instance when God gave a command to Moses about causing water to flow by speaking to a rock, yet Moses smote the rock. Water came forth, but what effect did it have on Moses? Who caused the water to come forth? Did Moses please God, or disobey God? Did it matter?

Truth is simple, we can easily see the implication that is meant from these stories…that’s why they’re there for… “our learning”; “our admonition” [Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:6, 11].

These stories are in our bibles that we might know for sure HOW to be saved from our bondage to sin. Faith in God’s power to save us ~ the gospel message (Rom. 1:16). The gospel calls upon us to exercise our faith in obedience to particular commands, given by God, whether those commands have relevance in our minds or not. Did the raising of Moses staff have anything to do with parting water; was it related in any way? From another story (the walls of Jericho); did marching around the city walls contribute to, or cause the walls to fall? Was it not God who accomplished it? Why then, give the command to march, have priests blow on ram’s horns and everyone shout? All these things were to be done BECAUSE GOD COMMANDED IT TO BE DONE!

Nothing commanded was acts of merit, nor understood to be robbing God of the glory due Him. So it is with belief, repentance, confession, and immersion in water ~ these are to be done BECAUSE GOD COMMANDED IT TO BE DONE!

Truth is simple to see, but, as the hymn we sing says, will we “TRUST AND OBEY”?

9/26/2017

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"THOSE THAT OPPOSE THEMSELVES"

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; 

if God peradventure will give them repentance 

to the acknowledging of the truth”~ 2 Tim. 2:25

Many religious and well-intended people who oppose baptism for remission of sins, HAVE been baptized…yet for another reason. It seems strange that they oppose teaching on the purpose of baptism for the reason of ‘remission’, yet, submit to it for another reason. 

Obviously, they have been taught differently as to baptism’s PURPOSE than we in the church of Christ. It seems strange that one would submit to an act that one denies as necessary…all because of its purpose.

Baptism’s PURPOSE: what is it for? Two differing teachings on baptism’s PURPOSE are: to ‘show’ remission, or to ‘receive’ remission?

Further, is baptism a ‘church ordinance’, performed by and on saved people, [as stated in a denominational creed]; or is it a command for an unsaved person to obey as a part of the new birth of John 3?

Again, it is not an act that is entirely opposed, for all those who differ, HAVE SUBMITTED to being baptized. So why oppose the act based upon the lone purpose of it being done “to receive” remission?

Consider some relevant questions and parallel examples to the rational on baptism’s purpose from the Bible:

~ Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Does “calling” show salvation, or does “calling” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “calling” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “calling” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘calling’?

~ Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved.”

Does “belief” show salvation, or does “belief” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “belief” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “belief” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘belief’?

Now, regarding BAPTISM:

Does “baptism” show salvation, or does “baptism” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “baptism” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “baptism” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘baptism’?

Is it not clear that belief AND baptism are HOW one “calls” upon the name of the Lord?

Consider whether or not the logic used toward baptism’s purpose [as being to “show”] would make sense, if the same logic were applied to other matters, whose purposes are regarded as NECESSARY? For example:

“Faith is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…”

“Repentance is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…”

What about confessing that you are a sinner, quoting Romans 10:

“Confession is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…”

What if one were to say that they don’t believe faith is necessary, but they believed to “show”…?

What if one were to say that they don’t believe repentance is necessary, but they have repented to “show”…?

Strange that one would oppose as necessary an act [baptism] that he, himself has submitted to, on the basis of ‘not’ necessary. 

Is not this an example of “those who oppose themselves” in “acknowledging the truth”?

This is why Jesus warned:

"Take heed WHAT ye hear" ~ Mark 4:24

"Take heed HOW ye hear" ~ Luke 8:18

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THE “IT” OF GOD

The little word “IT” is such a small word, but so very important regarding the will of God toward man. It was quite important under the Old Covenant. “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from IT.” (Deuteronomy 12:32). 

The “IT” constituted God’s command. It was to be observed without addition or subtraction. By so doing God was pleased and the obedient were blessed of God. Herein authority was exerted and recognized!

Occasions abound in the Old Testament scriptures of those who failed to observe and respect God’s “IT” toward them. Saul was directed by God through Samuel to utterly destroy the Amalekites with their flocks and herds, (1 Samuel 15). Saul failed in observing the command of God by sparing King Agag and the best of the animals. The bleating of the sheep and lowing of the oxen testified to the fact that the “IT” had been disobeyed by Saul. His failure to obey resulted in his being rejected of God and the kingdom being taken from him.

Faithful Moses fell victim to the “IT” of God at the desert of Zin, (Numbers 20). The children of Israel were again murmuring for the lack of water. God told Moses to "speak unto the rock before their eyes” (Numbers 20:8); but Moses smote the rock twice. He failed to observe the “IT” and in his disobedience God decreed, “Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12). God accredited his failure “Because ye believed me not.” Had Moses believed God as he should have, he would have obeyed the command of God as “IT” was given to him.

The “IT” was the defeat of Nadab and Abihu. In Leviticus 10:1-3, these two sons of Aaron “offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.” God had directed them in what to do, but they had done contrary to “IT” and offered that which God had not commanded. “And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord.” God meant “it” as He said “IT”.

These things were written for our warnings and admonitions, (1 Corinthians 10:21; Romans 15:4). The Lord expects the observing of His “IT” in this age. “For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation;” (Hebrews 2:2-3). 

While John wrote, “the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ”, grace does not nullify the importance of obedience to any command from God. Quite the contrary, obedience complements grace and affords us the spiritual blessings that are in Christ Jesus. Paul often spoke of the grace of God in the Roman letter and was quite definite as to how the saints at Rome had been benefited by the grace of God. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:17-18). The form of doctrine stated in Romans 6:3-5 constituted the “IT” of God that they had obeyed and granted them freedom from sin through the grace of God. Without obedience, the grace of God is in vain as pertaining to man’s soul. (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Paul was very singular in his preaching when he declared to the Galatians that the gospel he preached was the only true gospel and those who preached any other were to be accursed, (Galatians 1:6-9). Paul speaking by the revelation of Jesus Christ, (Galatians 1:11-12), said that this is “IT” and there is not another.

Men in all ages have rebelled at God’s directions! They have replaced such with their own wisdom and have suffered the consequences of God’s wrath. The tenor of our permissive generation is to view religion in a broad sense and be strongly opposed to anyone saying that this is “IT”. Men crave a form of freedom that licenses sin! They desire a freedom of expression wherein no one can say that this is “IT” to the rejection of other concepts in religion. Men evidently find it exceedingly difficult to bring themselves to accept the singleness of truth or the “IT” of God. Men crave the choice of religions with the church of their choice and the faith of their choice in defiance of the “IT” of God, (Ephesians 4:4-6). They can’t bring themselves to view God as being so narrow as having arranged the “IT” of truth to the rejection of other procedures that fit man’s wisdom.

Notice what Paul said of Christ and His church from Ephesians 5: 

Christ is “the savior of the body” ~ vs. 23 

Christ “gave himself for IT” ~ vs. 25 

“that He might sanctify and cleanse "IT" ~ vs. 26 

Likewise, the gospel is the "IT" of God in His power/means to save man. Paul said he was unashamed of the “IT” of God! (Romans 1:16) 

What about our attitude? 

Have we become bored and weary of hearing of the “IT” of God or do we love “IT” as we should?

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"PERFECTION"

“And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be PERFECT, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” – Matthew 19:16-21 (ASV)

PERFECT is one of those words often misunderstood by people (even Christians) as meaning a state of sinlessness. The grave consequences of this misunderstanding is that it justifies the very life that God has commanded man to turn from: serving his fleshly lusts. Both Peter and Paul, in describing the past life of Christians, stated this:

~ Galatians 5:19-21 – the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

~ Ephesians 4:17-19 – This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

~ 1 Peter 4:3 – For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries:

 

Repentance is most difficult. While it involves making a choice to serve a new master, it calls upon man to make a self-sacrifice: die to his own sins. “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as^]servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:15-18).

 

What possible motivation could strong enough to strengthen a person to give up pursuing happiness and enjoyment as he deems best for himself and others? Nothing save the promise of a greater life from a being who has the power to both create and sustain life.  (cf. Psalm 18:15; 33:6; Acts 17:25).  What is powerful enough to cause a person to acknowledge the failings of his own way of thinking (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23)? Nothing save the wisdom of a being who displayed His everlasting power and divinity in the Creation in such a way that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20). 

The answer to these questions is, of course, God. God declared through the prophet Isaiah, “I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10). The apostle Paul declared that God, “giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.” (Romans 4:17). All this power resides in God’s word. What He declares will come to pass (cf. Isaiah 55:10-11). So, when Jesus spoke to the young ruler in Matthew 19:21 about achieving perfection, it would happen, because God’s word was declaring it.

Let us briefly note some facts about this perfection of which Jesus spoke.

~ It was to obtain eternal life – He asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” (v. 16).

~ It (eternal life) needed to be desired above all his other desires (his possessions—v. 22) – Jesus told him, “If thou wouldest be perfect…” (v. 21).

~ It involved respect for Jesus’ authority. Jesus told him, “…go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” (v. 21). 

 

Eternal life is the equivalent of perfection in this text. Jesus told him how it is possible. It requires self-denial and discipleship in this life. This is seen from v. 22, “But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.” This perfection (eternal life) will be revealed at Judgment. It is reserved for all who exercise faith in Jesus’ words (1 Peter 1:4-5).

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"Meet" Vessels

In Acts 13 & Romans 9, we find a common subject in both texts; “the purpose of God”. Consider how it applies to us today.

Of David it is stated in Acts 13:36 that, “...after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers …”

An observation:

While no one knows when time on earth will end, each of us will die (as David did) once our lives have served the purpose of God in our generation. Every human being is a vessel in the hands of God. Depending upon whether your master is Jesus or Satan, you are either a vessel of mercy or a vessel of wrath.

We see both ‘vessels’ mentioned in Romans 9:21-24:

21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 

22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 

24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

Some examples of each:

David was a vessel of mercy (Acts 9:22 – God…raised up David…of whom he testified…‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will’.” Others:

Noah (Gen. 6:9) – N

Abraham (Gen. 18:19) – 

(Gen. 26:4-5) – I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

King Saul, on the other hand, was a vessel of wrath (for the opposite reason – see 1 Sam. 15:23, 26 – “ ).

Here in Romans 9, the Pharaoh in Moses’ day was a vessel of wrath; verse 17 reads, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you…”) ~ Exod. 9:16

So also, King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel’s day (Dan. 4:17)

So also, King Cyrus in Ezra’s day (Ezra 1:2)

As the Psalmist stated in Psa. 75:7, “…it is God who executes judgment,putting down one and lifting up another.”

Consider, “Which type of ‘vessel’ am I?”

The ONLY true way to answer that is to look at your life in view of Christ’s. His life was & is the ONLY life worthy of compelling another to live.

Discipleship is not an option, but a requirement. True Christianity is NOT based upon personal faith or personal preferences! (As shown from the examples of Romans 9)

It is a common practice to give testimony via successful personal pursuits such as sports etc.; thus we see the “TEBOW BOW” popularized and the giving of “praise/glory/honor to Jesus who allowed them to do what they loved…”]. 

(We need to remember, success is NOT a true gauge of Divine approval; for again, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Cyrus ALL prospered for long periods of time.)

In addition, people who are taught Protestant Theology, view faith as personal; NOT common (Jude 1:3). That is because Protestant Theology declares truth to be relative; NOT absolute! That’s why we hear them speak negatively of ‘judging’, when pressed on their convictions. (John 7:24- judge w/righteous judgment)

What about you…do YOU view your life in this manner?

True Christianity…i.e., true discipleship follows Christ and calls upon others to say as the apostle Paul said, “Follow me, as I follow Christ…” (1 Cor. 11:1).

Ask yourself:

- Are you living a life that you actively compel others to follow?

- Are you passive, keeping your faith to yourself, allowing others to ‘find’ what “works for them”?

- Do you eagerly desire Christ to return? If not, why not?

Therein, you have the answers as to whether or not you need to make any changes in your own life.

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"Regarded just as WE are"

“…those who desire an opportunity 
to be regarded just as WE are…” 

~ 2 Cor. 11:12 ~

The statement above was made by the apostle Paul. The context shows that he was speaking of evil men who sought to be “regarded” as Paul and other apostles of the Lord. Paul, however, has severe scorn and rebuke for these ambitious men. In vss 13-15, he states, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” 

Why would Paul dare to be so harsh and pass such judgment? It was because of their teachings. They taught DIFFERENTLY from what the Lord’s apostles taught by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As such, they were giving people a false hope in regard to their salvation. Earlier in this chapter (vss. 3-4), Paul said of these false teachers, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.” (Paul wrote similar words in his other epistles: 

(cf. Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 3:11; Gal. 1:6-9; Eph. 5:6; Phil. 3:2; Col. 2:4, 8, 18; 1 Thess. 2:14-16; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2:2-4, 9-11; 1 Tim. 1;19-20; 4:1-2, 16; 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; Titus 1:9-11) 

Those who preach “other gospels”, i.e., messages that the apostles did not preach, are FALSE TEACHERS! Their doctrine is FALSE DOCTRINE!

False doctrine results in the damnation of both the teacher and his hearer. (Note especially the “hearer” in 1 Tim. 4:16 – “…both save thyself, AND THEM THAT HEAR THEE.” [Preaching ACCURATELY, saves, both the preacher and the hearers.] and,

2 Tim. 4:3-4 – “…THEY (i.e., the hearers) WILL NOT ENDURE SOUND DOCTRINE, but after their own lusts…heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears…turn away…from the truth…unto fables.)

A most relevant question for everyone…DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE REALITY OF FALSE DOCTRINE? 

A related question will perhaps drive the point home. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE REALITY OF HELL?

If there was no such thing as false teaching, why would there be a need for HELL?

Beware of those who come in sheep’s clothing…false apostles disguised as apostles of Christ…those WHO DESIRE TO BE REGARDED AS AN APOSTLE IN WHAT THEY TEACH! 

TEST THEM! As the apostle John warned in 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

They are false if their preaching does not match the preaching of the Lord’s apostles! 

Now, what did the Lord’s apostles tell people to do to be saved???

What did the preacher who preached to you, tell you to do to be saved? Did their messages match?

This is why doctrine is so important in religion. Jesus taught:

"Take heed WHAT ye hear" ~ Mark 4:24

"Take heed HOW ye hear" ~ Luke 8:18

Why? Because DOCTRINE MATTERS!