We need to know enough to be able to speak the SAME things.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the SAME thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind and in the SAME judgment. (1Cor1:10)
Can you know too much about…
Moral Righteousness?
Many denominations are embracing sin. If there’s a particular sin you would like to stay in, yet still call yourself a Christian, there’s a church of your choice you can join.
Jesus has another take… “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46
Jesus also said, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3,5
His Apostles said, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1Cor 6:9-10
Who also wrote, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal 5:19-21
What is your church teaching about Moral Righteousness?
We need to know enough to be able to speak the SAME things.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the SAME thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind and in the SAME judgment. (1Cor1:10)
Can you know too much about…
How to ASSEMBLE with the saints?
What does the bible say about what we do when we come together as a CHURCH?
1) we COMMUNE at the Lord’s table. 1Cor 11:17-34. Not a common meal.
2) we HEAR a message from the word. Acts 20:7.
3) we sing with UNDERSTANDING. 1Cor 14:15; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16. Singing is specified which eliminates all other friends of music.
4) we make REQUESTS known unto God. Phil 4:6; Acts 2:42
5) we CHEERFULLY CONTRIBUTE to the work of the church. Free will, as we purposed and prospered. 1Cor 16:1-2; 2Cor 9:1-7
6) we meet together in person with our HEARTS to PROVOKE one another to Love and good works. Heb 10:24-25
This is a lesson on AUTHORITY, about how to know what God wants.
Which can you add, change, or remove and still be speaking the SAME thing as Jesus, Peter, Philip, Paul & the rest of the NT?
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Since Jesus is the only way to the Father, it stands to reason that we ought to know what He has said on the matter.
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt 28:18).
Since Jesus has all power (authority), it stands to reason that we ought to know what He has commanded.
“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:23).
Since Jesus will reject those that practice iniquity (lawlessness), it stands to reason that we ought to know what He considers lawful.
We’ll only know these things when we READ His word.
The things we’ve seen so far about how to READ the bible are, 1) Rightly dividing the word, which means to handle it accurately. 2) Examine the bible carefully; Examine ourselves by it, and Examine the teaching of others with it. In this article we’ll notice that the bible contains the Commands of the Lord.
One of the ice-breakers I use to talk with others about the bible is this question; “How do we know what God wants?” Over and over again people answer by saying, “you have to be quiet and listen,” “pray and ask,” “If God opens a way for something or closes a door at something, that’s how you’ll know.” After listing several of these, they may sometimes say, “oh, and the Bible.”
Ask any Christian this question and they will immediately say, “The Bible, specifically the New Testament.” Christians know and understand that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (1Pet 1:21b). Holy Spirit inspiration of God’s will was revealed to holy men, who then revealed it orally at the beginning, and then written for perpetuity. (1Cor 2:9-13; Joh 20:30-31; Eph 3:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17). The New Testament is the will of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here are 3 things to consider about the New Testament.
First, the New Testament writings ARE THE COMMANDMENTS of the Lord. “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD [emphasis added]” (1Cor 14:37). After you read this, note what Jesus said during His time on earth.
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). These two verses together are very impactful, but consider what will happen on the last day. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Rev 20:12).
What Books you ask? It’s clear that one of the books will be the words of Christ. Then, on that day, Jesus will say to some, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? To those who have read His word, and done His will (Matt 7:24) shall hear these words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt 25:34). The New Testament is the will of our Lord.
Second, before we can do His will, we must LOOK into His Law. James wrote, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25). He then wrote in chapter two, “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty” (2:12). James repeats what we’ve just learned, we shall be judged by the words, law of Christ. If we don’t know His will, we ought to LOOK into it.
Think about what King Josiah learned upon reading the will of God for His time. “And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2Kings 22:11-13). The New Testament is the will of our Lord.
Lastly, we need to LET His word dwell in our hearts. This speaks to reading, and learning. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” Colossians 3:16a). Note again what James wrote, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetfulhearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25) [emphasis added]. We need to read, understand, and apply it.
Peter, in his second letter to the Saints, repeatedly said that he wrote to “REMIND” them. To “put you always in remembrance of” (1:12), “putting you in remembrance” (1:13), “always in remembrance” (1:15), “by way of remembrance” (3:1). He was very direct about this point, “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2Pet 1:9).
O’ that we never FORGET the great things the Lord has done!!!
The New Testament is the will of our Lord. The things that are written ARE His commands. We ought to LOOK into His Law of Liberty. We must LET the word of Christ dwell in our hearts.
Agape,
Spencer
The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
We need to know enough to be able to speak the SAME things.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the SAME thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind and in the SAME judgment. (1Cor1:10)
Can you know too much about SALVATION? Are all churches teaching the SAME thing as The Bible? Are we teaching the SAME thing as Jesus.
What did Jesus say about SALVATION?
Matthew 7:24 KJV
Therefore whosoever HEARS these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
John 8:24 KJV
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye BELIEVE not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Luke 13:3,5 KJV
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish. [5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish.
Matthew 10:32-33 KJV
Whosoever therefore shall CONFESS me before men, him will I CONFESS also before my Father which is in heaven. [33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Mark 16:16 KJV
He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
It’s water baptism. Notice what the first Christian evangelists taught.
Acts 8:35-36 KJV
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him JESUS. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain WATER: and the eunuch said, See, here is WATER; what doth hinder me to be BAPTIZED?
Baptism is a burial in water.
Colossians 2:12 KJV
BURIED with him in BAPTISM, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Matthew 28:20 KJV
Teaching them to OBSERVE ALL THINGS whatsoever I have COMMANDED you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Does your church teach the SAME as Jesus about how to be saved? Does it teach the SAME purpose?
Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, water Baptism, & Faithfulness.
Which can you add, change, or remove and still be speaking the SAME thing as Jesus, Peter, Philip, Paul & the rest of the NT?
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Luke 6:46 KJV
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Matthew 7:21 KJV
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
How to be a DOER…
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Be DILIGENT to search the word.
OBEY the commands of Christ.
rise EARLY to obey. EXPEDITE His will.
REPENT & RETURN when you stumble, He is faithful.
Agape,
Spencer
The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
1) RIGHTLY divide the word. (Handle it accurately)
2) EXAMINE. Examine to learn, Examine Ourselves, Examine Other’s teaching, Examine to Know the Love of God.
NOW FOR PART 3: ALL AUTHORITY of Christ is in the Bible
3) AUTHORITY of Christ is found in the Bible. People claim that God speaks to them personal, & miraculously. This is a contradiction to Scripture.
God speaks to us by His Son, and the commands of Christ are in the New Testament.
Hebrews 1:1-2 KJV
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Matt 28:18)
1 Corinthians 14:37 KJV
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
Colossians 3:17 KJV
And 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.
Matthew 7:28-29 KJV
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: [29] For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Do you want to know what God wants? Read the Bible. Attend a service of the church of Christ. Check out what is being taught with your copy of the Bible.
If someone claims they know the will of God but cannot show it to you in book, chapter, and verse then run away.
Agape,
spencer
The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
The Holy Spirit inspired the written word of God. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2Peter 1:21
Give One Understanding (Psa.119:130). Build One Up And Give Inheritance Among The Sanctified (Acts 20:32). Keep One From Sinning (Psa. 1119:11; 1 John 2:1). Quicken One; Make Him Alive Spiritually (Psa. 119:50; Eph 2:1). Effect A Spiritual Begettal (1 Cor. 4:15). Consummate A Spiritual Birth (1 Pet. 1:23). Justify (Rom. 2:13). Produce Faith (Rom. 10:17). Guide (Psa. 173:24; 119:105) Produce Fruit (Luke 8:15 Col 1:5,6 Give Everlasting Life (John 4:14). Make One A Disciple Indeed (John 8:31). Cleanse (John 15:3; Eph. 5:26). Sanctify (John 17:17; Eph. 5:26). Purify The Soul (1 Pet. 1:22). Save The Soul (Jas. 1:21). Produce Spiritual Growth (1 Pet. 2:2). Effectually Work (1Thes. 2:13). Comfort (1thes. 4:18; Rom. 15:4). Rejoice The Heart (Psa. 119:111). Give Understanding (Psa. 119:104). Reconcile (2 Cor.5:17,18) Judge Us At The Last Day (John 12:47,48)
WHAT MORE DOES ONE NEED?
Since the Holy Spirit inspired the written word, He leads us through our study and application of the Word.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
agape,
Spencer
The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ begins an overview study of the book of James. If you live in the Borger area, You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
Click here for an OUTLINE & links to each chapter of the Book of James.
“Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” (1Peter 1:12)
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)
The New Testament has 260 chapters, 7959 verses, and 181,253 words. For the whole Bible the total is 1189 chapters, 31,173 verses, and 773,746 words.
The size of the Bible intimidates some and is one reason people don’t read it. Others have said they have trouble understanding it. This is talking about application to their lives and not the ability to know the words, because the Bible is written on a high school level.
Two of the excuses given as to why we’re not reading it is size (difficulty) and application. The third, boredom, is related to the first two.
The Bible is written for all; from the PHD to the GED. We can read and we can understand it. “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Eph 3:4).
Last week’s tip was for us to RIGHTLY divide the Bible (2Tim 2:15). This meant we need to correctly handle it, and know its parts. This first tip helps to solve the problem of the size and relevance. Today we look at another tip.
Tip #2 of the 4 Tips on how to READ the Bible. We need to make careful EXAMINATION of the bible. There are 4 things we need to EXAMINE as we look into this great book; The Language (defining words as they were originally used), Ourselves whether we’re doers of the word, what Others are teaching, and to Know the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
First, we need to EXAMINE the text to Learn what is the will of the Lord. “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17). The bible informs us about sin, and educates us about how to avoid the penalty of sin through Christ. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6:23).
The Old Testament is for our Learning, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom 15:4). In The New Testament we Learn the will of the Lord for all mankind today. “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith” (Rom 16:25-26).
The bible is written for understanding, and contains the commandments of the Lord. “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1Corinthians 14:37). Therefore, after we know what the text says, the next step is to…
EXAMINE OURSELVES to see if we’re doing what the Lord commands. “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?
Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ wrote, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2Cor 13:5a). The bible is to be read so we can learn how to live in a way that is pleasing to God and to be with Him in heaven. When we recognize that God has revealed to us the solution to death, then we instantly realize its relevance.
The theme of the whole bible is about Jesus the Christ. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:39, 46-47). From Genesis to Revelation is about salvation in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we read to learn how to be saved from our sins. “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:40-41).
Therefore, we read to examine ourselves to know how to be saved. Since we can examine our own selves when we read, it also means that we can examine OTHER’S TEACHING to know if it’s true. When Paul preached to those in Berea, they examined the bible to see if what was being taught was accurate. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
There are some denominations that say the average person cannot read the bible themselves and understand it. They claim that only their special clergy can tell you what it means. The Bible says the exact opposite. In addition to what Paul wrote in Ephesians 3, John wrote, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30-31). Not only can we know what the text means, we can know if we’re in compliance, and we can know if what OTHERS are saying is true.
Lastly, we examine the bible to KNOW the depth of Christ’s love for us. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2Peter 3:18). Paul’s prayer for the saints in Ephesus, and for us, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph 3:14-19).
In conclusion, we read to EXAMINE the Learn the will of the Lord.
We read to EXAMINE Ourselves.
We read to EXAMINE what Others are teaching, and
we read to EXAMINE so we may Know the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of God’s Love in Christ.
Agape,
Spencer
The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.
Recently, someone asked me why I got into preaching. I gave an answer that had two main motivations. Afterward, I got to thinking about why we preach at all. From this study I came up with 4 more reasons why we preach.
Why do we PREACH?
HEARING requires preaching. Rom 10:14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Hearing is the first step in God’s plan to save mankind. There will be no “zapping” of the Holy Spirit to save us. We must Seek Him through a study of His word.
CHRIST commanded preaching. Mark 16:15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Before He ascended into heaven, Christ commanded that the Gospel be preached. Who am I to go against a command of Christ?
Luke 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
ANGELS are looking into it. 1Pet 1:10-2) Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. The gospel that was preached by the Apostles, then recorded for us in the written word, was searched out by Angels. That’s amazing to me. Yet we often don’t read it, much less to search through it diligently.
EVERYONE I know needs it. Matt 28:19; Col 1:27-28) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Every person needs Christ and to obey His gospel. The gospel is about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (cf 2Thess 1:7-8; 2Pet 3:9)
I’m REQUIRED to preach. 1Cor 9:16) For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! Now it gets a little more personal. Since I’ve become an evangelist, one who’s main work is to preach the gospel, woe unto me if I don’t. This is what I do, spread the gospel. I’ve become that guy who needs to talk about Jesus anytime I’m in the presence of another person.
PERSONAL REASONS Luke 16:19-31) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. The last reason, and maybe the most emotional reason, is that those that I love the most are dying OUTSIDE of Christ. They have not all obeyed the Gospel and are in jeopardy of their souls. All of us need to take this seriously. In the story of the Rich man & Lazarus, the Rich man became very evangelistic upon discovery of his fate. This motivates me to be evangelistic in life!!
This is why I PREACH the Gospel.
Agape,
Spencer
Spencer is a gospel preacher for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper in Borger, Texas.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 