“If God wants us to be Happy…”

“If God wants us to be Happy…”

“… why did He allow me suffer this physical debility?  If God wants me to be happy, why did He give me these financial struggles?  If God wants man to be happy, why does He allow wicked people to rule over the righteous?  If God wants me to be happy, why did He give me this particular sin with which I struggle?  There is a flood of these kinds of questions in the world, from the mouths of Christians and skeptics alike.  The general accusation is that God is contradictory: He wants us to be happy, but He puts us in situations and causes us to make decisions that make us unhappy. For one who does not believe in the word of God, the primary problem is not God’s allegedly self-contradictory nature, but their rejection of His word as a whole.  We as God’s people must do our best to first lovingly guide them to the understanding that the word of God truly is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).  No scriptural answer given in response to accusations against the nature of God can be offered to one who does not accept scripture as inspired and authoritative.

However, for one who does believe God’s word contains eternal truth, the word offers plenty of teaching regarding happiness and trials, and why they are necessarily a two-for-one deal.

What does the Bible teach about happiness?  God certainly wants us to be happy in this world, but perhaps our understanding of the source of happiness is not always consistent with what the word teaches.  In Matthew chapter 5, the word “blessed” means to be “happy.”  Consider Matthew 5:3ff: “Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted; happy  are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth; happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…happy are the merciful…happy are the pure in heart…happy are the peacemakers…happy are they who are [persecuted, reviled, and spoken evil of for the sake of Christ]…”  Psalm 144:15 says, “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”  Proverbs 3:13 says, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.”  Proverbs 29:18 teaches, “Happy is he who keeps the law.”  And, “Happy are they who do His commandments, that they might have the right to the tree of life…” (Revelation 22:14).

Now, if we were to go out into the streets and markets asking people, “What makes you happy?” we might get responses such as, “a good job, being in a loving marriage, spending time with friends, eating a good meal, spending time with my children…” etc.  Indeed, all these are sources of happiness, most to which the Bible makes direct reference, e.g., Psalm 127:5 which says, happy is he who has many children.  But notice the difference between happiness regarding eating our favorite foods, having children, having a loving spouse, etc. and the happiness of being obedient to the word of God or finding eternal wisdom: we can still be happy in the later without the former.  That is, if one’s spouse passes away, or if one is never married, or one gets a divorce, happiness can still be found in the Lord.  One can be happy or blessed in the Lord with or without a good meal, with or without children, with or without a good job, and so on.  Happiness in the Lord ought to be sought regardless of what is happening in our worldly lives, and is, in fact, the highest degree of happiness.  On the contrary, one can be happy in something regarding this world, but devoid of happiness in the Lord and in spiritual jeopardy.

Consider the following passages. “Happy [blessed] is he who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him,” (James 1:12) looking forward to a day when all earthly sorrows and joys are ended.  And, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,   that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 1:6,7)  And then, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (I Peter 4:12,13)  Obedience to the word of God and the worldly suffering that may result ought to be a cause for joy, but the sad truth is that many Christians do not enjoy suffering for Christ; when it comes to living according to eternal truth and the temporary joys of this life, many Christians see personal sacrifice for the Lord only as worldly loss, not as spiritual gain. 

When we feel like obedience to the Lord makes us less happy and increases our difficulty in this world, “look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For, consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself, less you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:1-3).  Jesus prayed in the Garden to His Father that the cup of suffering might be passed from Him, but His attitude and actions followed one great thought, “Not my will, but Your will be done.” Then, our Lord and Savior was crucified on the cross, with joy in His heart, knowing the temporary suffering would end in eternal triumph. 

God is not contradictory in desiring our happiness but putting us in situations that make us unhappy.  Life in this material world is a spiritual trial. James 1:2-4 teaches, “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.”  Patience, brethren.  Patience.  We must continuously and patiently grow into a mature faith so that any decision to obey the Lord does NOT result in any form of unhappiness or discontentment, but rather gives us a spirit of rejoicing.

On a practical level, it can be very challenging to balance being happy in this world, in worldly relationships, in our careers, in material comfort, with keeping the commandments of God as we hope for heaven.  Let us meditate on the word, taking steps, setting daily goals for applying the knowledge of God as we look beyond the fleeting pleasures of this world.

“Seeing that you were raised with Christ, seek those that that are above, where Christ is at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth, for you died, and your life is hidden in Christ.   When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Jeremy Koontz

   

A Scripture-Based Prayer Life

A Scripture-Based Prayer Life

Let’s face it, without faith, prayer is senseless. Appealing to a higher power in times of distress or abandonment is nonsense, if there is not a God to listen and act on your behalf. Therefore, in order for prayer to be effective in any instance, it requires belief and trust on the part of the person praying. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6)

Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. (Mark 11:24)

But, can I pray for anything I want? What limitations are there on the kind of prayer I can offer up? Well, let’s see what the Bible has to say on this topic.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:3)

So, now that you know that you must pray, fully believing that God will answer you. And have a good reason for your request; let’s see how you can be more effective in your prayer life. 

Often times we are troubled and weary. We realize a prayer to our Heavenly Father will help us deal with the situation we are in. But how should we pray? What should we say?

One way to help is to first look to God’s Word for comfort and strength. For this purpose, it is best to have a collection of verses listed in your Bible that deal with various situations. That way, you can readily flip to the passage that gives you assurance and read it first.

Then, use the words of the scripture to amplify your own feeble words in a more powerful, meaningful prayer to God.

Let’s say you are feeling bullied or tortured by worldly people. You might turn to Matthew 5:12 for encouragement.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Then, you could pray with more confidence something like this:

O Lord, You are my God and my Rock. I need you right now to build my confidence. I know evil men persecuted your prophets in times past. So, as I endeavor to also spread Your gospel today, to be a Light for the World to see You, I pray that I will rejoice and be exceedingly glad for this opportunity, for I know that great is my reward in heaven. I will not be moved by their taunting words of hatred and anger. For when I am criticized or reviled for being a Christian, I know You will bless me. For the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon me. While others may speak evil of You, I will always glorify You. And I will always be what you need me to be. Continue to use me in Your mission of saving souls. In Jesus’ beloved name. Amen.

There might be a time when it seems the whole world has come crashing down on you. So many bad things are going on around you that you feel overwhelmed. Fearful you might lose hope. I suggest you read James 1:2-4 for comfort.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing…

Now that your spirit has been buoyed, you can pray with the understanding that this is a good thing that you’re going through. It’s a test that you can accomplish. So, with renewed zeal for God and His charge to you, you might petition Him this way:

Oh, my eternal Father and Restorer of my soul, I realize that this fiery trial that I am experiencing is not an unusual event. But rather, an occasion to rejoice because I am counted worthy to suffer, because I believe in you. May Your glory be revealed in me. I will be glad with exceeding joy. I will be patient and happily endure this trial, this test of my faith. I want to be tested and ready when You need me most. I will praise You in all I do and say. Thank you for always being here beside me whenever I need you. In Your Son’s precious name I pray these words through Him unto You, Oh God. Amen.

Remember, when Jesus was tempted and tried by Satan, He prayed to His Father for strength and comfort. So, also, as His children, we should seek strength and comfort from Our Heavenly Father.

Michael Choate

S’posed to Do

S’posed to Do

Have you ever come into the church building a bit early and wondered what you’re supposed to do… before the worship begins? Prior to the opening prayer? Is it okay to chat a few moments with another member about his vacation cruise? Would it be better to ask a poignant bible question to stir your minds about scriptural things? Or should you just sit down on your assigned pew and meditate. Whatever that means. Perhaps you should find a passage in the bible that prepares your mind for worship. What chapter and verse would that be? Some congregations play hymns softly over the PA system. I guess you could hum along. How about saying a prayer for someone you notice is not in their assigned pew? Are they alright? Is it okay to watch the youngins play in the aisle and just be grateful they are ‘where they need to be’? Maybe you should read the latest bulletin. Got to be something there to prep you for worshiping God. What are you supposed to be doing… right before ‘church starts’?

Actually… perhaps you should consider the penultimate question. What would Jesus do? Or better yet… what would He have you do? While there are no instructional verses on how to ready yourself for worship, there are plenty about how to worship. Maybe we can we take a cue from one of these scriptures? 

David wrote in Psalms 95:6: Come, let us worship and bow down,

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

So, should we be limbering up our knees? When Jesus was talking to a woman at a well in John 4, He told her:

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Does that mean we need to ‘get in the spirit’ and ‘be really truthful’?

In Hebrews 13:15, we are encouraged to ceaselessly worship God:

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

Perhaps the Apostle Paul answered it best in Romans 12:1-8,

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

So, to answer our question, Jesus would have you do… what you do best. If that’s exhorting a weak, struggling sister… do that. If it’s instructing a member more perfectly on how to meet a challenge, then by all means, do that. Or if you can simply offer a smile to a weary brother, do that. If you can just be an ‘ear’ for a family that had a wonderful week of sun and surf, be an ear. And if you can lift another’s spirit by simply being where you’re supposed to be as a sign of your faithfulness, do that, as well. For, we are the family of God. Brothers and sisters showing love and kindness to each other. I think that’s what Jesus would have you do... to prep for worship. And above all, show mercy… with cheerfulness.

Michael Choate

Hell Ought to Scare You

Hell Ought to Scare You 

A young man I was talking to had been a Christian for several years. He had sinned a year or so before our discussion and had repented. Then about four months prior to our talk he had again yielded to the temptation that Joseph would not (Gen. 39). This time there was no repentance and seemingly no concern. Perhaps, no cessation of the sin either. 

One question kept coming to my mind before we had any discussion, “Does he ever think about hell?” I wondered if he understood that if he died in this condition that he would spend eternity in hell. So, I ask if he was afraid of hell. His answer: “I guess not as much as I ought to be.” I suggested that he wasn’t afraid at all! Why? I’m not certain. But one thing is sure: when one can lay his head down at night knowing that he is in sin and will go to hell if he dies and not be afraid, there is little hope.

The above story could be duplicated time and again. Perhaps because we have neglected the old hell fire and brimstone preaching. Let’s revisit this old subject that may be somewhat “new” to some. It oughta scare ya!

Hell Is Real.

Hell is not a fictitious story or myth. It is not a condition or state of mind. It is a real place. Luke 16, which speaks of the realm of departed spirits (Hades and not the eternal abode), is a foretaste of greater things to come. The rich man spoke of this “place” of torment (vv. 23, 28). He was in a real place. It is merely a foretaste of worse to come. 

Hell is just as real as heaven. They are often put on an equality as far as their nature goes (cf. Matt. 25:46). If Heaven is real, so is hell. If hell is a state of mind, so is heaven. Jesus said we ought to fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). In this we learn that (1) Hell should be feared. (2) It is beyond the grave. (3) It should motivate us to live so as to go to heaven. All of these point to the reality of hell. 

Hell Is Terrible.

It may be that some of those who believe in hell think that the biblical descriptions of it are overstated. Surely it could not be as bad as the old fashion preachers used to say it would be. The following points tell us how terrible hell really is.

1. Gehenna. The word hell (when referring to the eternal abode of the wicked) is from the Greek word Gehenna. When we understand how that word came to be used to describe the eternal damnation, we will appreciate how tragic hell is.

a. Gehenna points back to the Valley of Hinnom. “Originally the Valley of Hinnom, near Jerus, Gehenna became among the Jews the synonym for the place of torment in the future life” (ISBE 1371). “Gehenna is a transliteration from the Aram. form of the Heb ge-hinnom, “valley of Hinnom” (ISBE 1183). This valley was to the southwest of Jerusalem.

b. This valley was the seat of worship to the idol Molech. “That ‘the valley of Hinnom’ became the technical designation for the place of final punishment was due to two causes. In the first place the valley had been the seat of the idolatrous worship to Molech, to whom children were immolated by fire (2 Ch. 28:3; 33:6). Secondly, on account of these practices the place was defiled by King Josiah (2 K 23:10), and became in consequence associated in prophecy with the judgment to be visited upon the people (Jer 7:32)” (ISBE 1183).
The sacrifice that was made to Molech was awful. Many texts tell of parents burning the sons and daughters to honor this idol (cf. Jer. 7:30-31; 19:5-6; 2 Kings 23:10). “The image of Molech was a human figure with a bulls head and outstretched arms, ready to receive the children destined for sacrifice. The image of metal was heated red hot by a fire kindled within, and the children laid on its arms rolled off into the fiery pit below” (ISBE 2075).

c. The valley came be used to burn the city’s trash and rubbish. It was the city incinerator. Jeremiah spoke of the valley of dead bodies and of ashes (Jer. 31:40). “Into this valley dead bodies were probably cast to be consumed by the dogs…and fires were kept burning to consume the rubbish of the city. Such associations led to the Ge-Hinnom (NT ‘Gehenna’) becoming the ‘type of Hell'” ( ISBE 1393). 

2. Lake of fire. Hell is described as a lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8). Imagine a literal lake that you know. Picture that every drop of water were a flammable substance (i.e. gasoline). If that were set aflame, what would it be like to be thrown into the middle of it?

Brimstone is perhaps sulfur that melts and runs in streams. It spreads and is sticky. Picture that some sticky substance is poured all over you (i.e. honey or molasses). What if that were a flammable substance set aflame? Can you image the intense pain, the agony and the suffering?
Other passages portray hell as a furnace of fire (Matt. 13:42, 50), a flaming fire (2 Thess. 1:7-9), a baptism of fire (Matt. 3:11-12), and an unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43).

3. Weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Those who are cast into hell will be howling, crying aloud and grinding their teeth (cf. Matt. 8:12; 13:50; 25:30). What a picture of punishment!

Hell Is Eternal. 

The above descriptions of hell would be bad enough if it only lasted for a day or even an hour. However, the pain and suffering of hell is eternal. Jesus equated “hell fire” (Matt. 18:9) with “everlasting fire” (v. 8). Jesus contrasted the “everlasting punishment” with “eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). Hell is as long as heaven is. The smoke of torment ascends “forever and ever” (Rev. 14:10-11).

It scares me to think about hell. It oughta scare you, too!

Donnie V. Rader

ONE BODY

(AUGUST)

ONE BODY 

Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18) and He did.  That church is “his body,” Colossians 1:24.  Just as my body has but one head, so does the body of Christ, Ephesians 1:22, 23, “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”  One church, the body of Christ; one head of the church,  Jesus Christ.

The things set forth in the preceding paragraph describe  the church demanded by the word of God.  They are not things you will see as you view the world today.  There are people calling themselves heads of the church.   There are, literally, hundreds of churches calling themselves the body of Christ.  The tragedy of this is that thousands of people have been deluded and placed in harm’s way, as far as their hope of heaven is concerned.

What is the solution?   First, Jesus warned that “every  plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13).  So, the choices we make in determining spiritual affiliations are sobering, calling for Bible study and thoughtful conclusions. 

Then, God has spoken “by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2) and He, having been given “all authority” (Matthew 28:18), is the one to whom we should go.

Before we begin examining the things characterizing the church, we need to look at the ways the word “church” is used in the Bible.  It is used in a local sense; Romans 16: 16 for example: “the churches of Christ salute you.”   Other examples of “church” in the local sense would include the seven churches of Asia, Revelation 2, 3.  In the local sense churches have responsibilities of work assigned (Acts 13:1-3), organization (Acts 14:23),  gathering together for worship, (Acts 20:7), and to encourage one another, (Hebrews 10:24, 25). 

Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), and it is populated by all who obey Him.  As the local church is composed of Christians, so the church in the universal sense is, likewise, composed of Christians.  The church universal is NOT composed of local churches, but of Christians.  So, “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved’’ Acts 2:47.  

When , now, we talk about the one body, we are speaking, not of local churches of Christ, but of “the one body”, the “household of God, which is the church of the living God” (I Timothy 3:15).

Looking around, we see places of worship, “churches”, big and small.   They have names honoring their makers (Lutheran) or some belief or practice (Baptist) or their organization (Methodist); the list could be extended by scores with no duplication.   But Jesus said, “my church”; how can men arrogantly say, “no, our church”?  Or, be so indifferent to or ignorant of Jesus’ sacrifice to purchase the church as to say, “Go to the church of your choice!”  The word of God speaks of “one body” (Ephesians 4:4); and that leaves room for no other body, or church.

       More than that, we are NOT talking about a denomination. 

Denominations are creations of human wisdom, not of God.

They involve churches of like beliefs who join together and allow

themselves to be led by some central organization, which, for

example, involves the arrangement of leadership in the

churches; and in usurping the authority of Jesus at their

pleasure.

On the mount of transfiguration, the Father said “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).  Listen to him.  Jesus is the head of the body.  A body is controlled by its head.  My body walks and talks as I, the head of that body, dictate.  If a body walks etc. as someone else dictates, the immediate conclusion is, that is not my body; my body submits to my head. 

That conclusion easily transfers to the spiritual realm: Jesus is the head of the body, the church (Ephesians 1:22, 23).  If there is a “body” acting independently of the instruction of Jesus, it must not be the body of Jesus, not his church.  Keeping these things in mind, let us consider what the Head of the body, the church, expects of us.

As to CREEDS -- He expects us to recognize His Lordship.  In a stressful time, abandoned by some of his disciples, He “said to the Twelve, Do you want to go away as well?   Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?   You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:66-68). 

      Jesus’ words suffice; he promised that the Holy Spirit would “teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” – the key word there is “all” – all things – all I have said to you.  The possession of “all things” from the Holy Spirit means there is no place for anything more – no human creed, manual, “discipline”, apostles of Christ or pope.  

     The outcome is seen in the language of Paul, who told Timothy that Scripture inspired by God is profitable to make the man of God “complete …equipped for every good work, II Timothy 3:16, 17. 

“Complete,” the Bible excludes all human creeds.

So, the teaching of Jesus excludes all latter day revelations, no matter who claims to have them.   “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

  What Christians are to believe and practice is the teaching of Christ: “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God” II John 9.  

The ORGANIZATION of the “one body” needs to be considered.  The Bible tells us Jesus is “head over all things to the church,” Ephesians 1:22; and this is all that the Bible tells us about the one body and organization.  This silence does not deter the wisdom of men.  Denominational organizations abound, composed of  local churches, or between local churches and an earthly headquarter.   As we speak of ”one body”, we are NOT talking about a denomination.    

Denominations are creations of human wisdom, not of God.  They involve churches of a certain stripe who join together and allow themselves to be led around by some central, human organization. which in some instances involves the selection of their preachers and the length of their stay; and other like things as their wisdom demands it.

 The preaching of denominational churches is determined by the denomination, and as such is subject to change as social views sway it.  There is “one body;” it is not a denomination.

The MISSION of the one body is revealed, contrary to human wisdom also.  Denominational churches and preachers have been frightened by “modern science” (?) into questioning the reality of the supernatural and the deity of Jesus.  As a result they have accepted the social gospel which looks at the mission of the church as making the world better by their works, rather than by the preaching of the gospel, God’s power to save. 

Jesus, dead then alive, was “declared to be the Son of God … by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4).  His mission, and therefore the mission of His church, was “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).  He healed folk; but they could get sick again.  He raised Lazarus from the dead; but he died again.  Jesus’ work was not to make the world a better place – but to cause belief.  John wrote, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30, 31).  The miracles Jesus and his apostles did were to show He was divine.
          Finally, TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP  The importance of being in the one body is seen in these words, II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”  Or again, God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3).  The implication of this verse is seen in the listing of the spiritual blessings in the one body, in verses 4-14:    :4 Chosen;  :5, adopted;   :6 grace;   :7 redemption; :7   forgiveness;   :11 heirs;   :13, 14 sealed with the Holy Spirit.

None of the blessings enumerated in the passages above – NONE of them – are received by anyone not “in” Christ.  This elevates, immeasurably, the importance of being in Christ.   Who is “in Christ”?  To be in Christ one must obey Him.  Hebrews 5:9, “And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.”

“All who obey him” repent of their sins: “the times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).  To repent is to change one’s mind.  This is indicated by Matthew 21:28-29.  Two brothers were instructed by their father to go work.  One of them responded “I will not: but afterward he repented himself, and went.”  This is the translation of the American Standard Version:   “he repented.”  The English Standard Version renders it, “but afterward he changed his mind and went.”  “he changed his mind”.  Either of these translations is correct, the ESV being more recent.  The point is, to repent is to change the mind.

  To be in the one body, one believing Jesus to be Christ must repent.

“All who obey him,” having repented, must be baptized; as Jesus said, “  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved …” (Mark 16:15,16).

On the day of Pentecost about 3000 people received the word and were baptized, Acts 2:38-41.  Paul looks back on that scene in Galatians 3:26, 27, and writes “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.  For as many of you were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Belief, repentance and baptism: these are the things one must do to be “in Christ”, the things the three thousand did; and the record states that “there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).
          Notice that the saved were “added”.  A local church, being composed of people who confess they follow Christ, must be on guard against people whose confession is a lie.  This was why, when Saul/Paul came to Jerusalem and “attempted to join the disciples … they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26).  When he sought to “join the disciples” he was rebuffed till Barnabas vouched for him. 

On the other hand, when about three thousand obeyed the gospel, they were added that day to the saved, by the Lord who knows the heart.   One does not “join” the one body.  By his faithful obedience he is added to the saved by the Lord, who knows the heart .

Compare the “one body” with the churches of men --- the difference is stunning – and sobering.   Pat 

“What is Truth?”

“What is Truth?”

In the eighteenth chapter of John, Christ stood before Pontius Pilate to answer charges of insurrection. Pilate, the governor of Judea, asked Christ if he was the King of the Jews. Christ answered by saying His kingdom was not of this world. Pilate then asked if He was a King. Jesus responded in John 18:37 by saying, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” Pilate, provoked by this response, replied, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Then Pilate, thinking his last question was unanswerable, departed from the presence of Christ. More than 1900 years after the question was first asked, many people have not found the answer. We would like to suggest a few.

God’s Word Is Truth.  A few hours before His death Christ prayed to His Father. In John 17:17 He said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The sole source of religious truth is the word of God. Religious truth will never find its source in the creeds, catechisms and church manuals written by men. 

Truth Is Valuable. Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth and sell it not.” The value of religious truth can be seen in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” All men are held in bondage to sin until they are set free by the gospel.

Truth Is Narrow. In mathematics there can only be one correct answer to any given problem. The same is true in religion. Sincerity alone is not enough (Matthew 7:2123). Many people teach that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. The fallacy of this idea can be shown by the following statement: If it does not make any difference what you believe about Christ, then it can not make any difference if you believe in Christ. If it does not make any difference what you believe about how men are saved, then it can not make any difference if you believe anything about salvation. Will anyone deny it? The same could be said of the church and of God Himself!

Truth Is Binding. When a religiously honest man sees that he is mistaken, he ceases to be one of two things: either he ceases to be honest or he ceases to be mistaken. He cannot remain in error and retain his honesty. Many religious people have remarked, “Well, I don’t believe everything my church teaches.” If the church of which you are a member is in error, then you are obligated to either change that church or get out. Truth can have no fellowship with error. We must not give aid to any false teacher (2 John 9-11).

Truth Will Judge. In the resurrection day, you will not be judged by what your mother believed, what your father taught you or by what everyone else was doing at the time. You will be judged by the words of Christ (John 12:48). What you know about the truth and your reaction to it will determine what He will say to you on that final day. If we can be of assistance to you in your search for the truth, please contact us. If you do have a Bible, we would be happy to provide you with one.

David Padfield