Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Ezekiel and James: Harmony on FAITH & SALVATION

The prophet Ezekiel’s words address the matter of faith and salvation:
“Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” ~ chapter 33:1-9
See why James wrote, “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” ~ chapter 2:18?
copyright 2019
rdb

Saturday, April 20, 2019

CONCEPTIONS ~ BLIND & DIVINE

Church ~ man’s concept:
The building ~ “go to church”
The service ~ “we had church today”
The savior ~ “the church saves…”
The authority ~ “the church took a new stand”
Many bodies/groups ~ “attend the church of your choice”

Church ~ God’s concept:
The saved ~ “the Lord added to the church such as should be saved” – Acts 2:47
The body of Christ ~ “the body, the church” – Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18
The pillar and ground of truth – 1 Tim. 3:15
The bride/wife of Christ – Eph. 5:22-27
One body, individual members ~ Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 12:12, 20
When Saul of Tarsus persecuted the 'church', men and women were imprisoned...scattered...and there was preaching of the word...by the church... [Acts 8:3-4].
  • Who, or what was persecuted?
  • Who, or what preached?


This is why DOCTRINE MATTERS!
It is why the Lord warned:
"Take heed WHAT ye hear" ~ Mark 4:24
"Take heed HOW ye hear" ~ Luke 8:18

Jesus "conceived" a church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28). Which of the two concepts above fits?