Category Unity

Speaking the truth in Love

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Demonstrating Love Through Our Speech

The way we speak reveals the condition of our hearts and serves as a powerful expression of love. Scripture, particularly Ephesians, provides a blueprint for how our words can reflect Christ’s love, fostering unity, encouragement, and grace. By aligning our speech with biblical principles, we demonstrate love that honors God and uplifts others.

Seasoned with Salt; Colossians 4:6 urges believers to let their speech be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt,” so that they know how to answer everyone (“seasoned with salt” suggesting speech that is gracious, wise, and impactful, enhancing conversations like salt enhances food). Similarly, James 3:17 describes wisdom from above as pure, peace-loving, and gentle. Words seasoned with salt are purposeful, preserving truth and adding value to conversations. They avoid blandness or harshness, striking a balance that reflects thoughtfulness and care. When our speech is seasoned with grace, it becomes a tool to point others to Christ, making our interactions meaningful and impactful.

Pleasant, Not Profane; Ephesians 5:4 warns against “filthiness, foolish talk, or crude joking,” which are out of place for those who follow Christ. Instead, our words should be pleasant, reflecting gratitude and reverence. Filthy or foolish speech tears down, while pleasant words build up and create an atmosphere of love. Avoiding foul language doesn’t mean stifling humor or joy but choosing words that align with God’s holiness. Pleasant speech invites others into a space of dignity and respect, mirroring the love Christ shows us.

Edifying, Empathetic, & Encouraging; Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Edifying means Building up or strengthening others spiritually). Romans 14:19 tells us to pursue peace and mutual edification, while Colossians 3:16 encourages teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes spurring one another toward love and good works. Empathetic and encouraging speech listens deeply, validates feelings, and inspires growth. It puts others’ needs above our own, fostering community and reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love.

Speaking Truth in Love; Ephesians 4:15 and 4:25 highlight the importance of speaking truth in love, rooted in agape type (love selfless, unconditional love). Truth without love can wound, while love without truth can enable. Speaking truth in love requires humility and courage, ensuring our words are honest yet delivered with kindness. This balance builds trust and strengthens relationships, as we lovingly correct or guide others toward God’s truth. Loving speech prioritizes the other person’s spiritual growth, even when it’s uncomfortable, because it seeks their ultimate good.

Kindness in Speech; Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another as God forgave us. James 1:26 warns that those who fail to bridle their tongues deceive themselves, and Colossians 3:12-13 emphasizes clothing ourselves with kindness and patience. Kind words diffuse conflict, heal wounds, and demonstrate grace. They reflect a heart transformed by Christ, choosing gentleness over harshness and forgiveness over bitterness. Kindness in speech is a daily practice of love, creating a ripple effect of grace in our interactions.

agape

Who are we? We are just CHRISTIANS.

The Preacher 3 Comments

WE ARE JUST CHRISTIANS

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:28,29).

We’re often asked to show our ID’s. From getting on a plane, to buying things on credit, or to the police officer that pulled me over looking for my autograph.

We use identification to gain access to banking accounts, safety deposit boxes, and the like.

When we speak about locating the Lord’s church, we look for its identifying marks. What does it teach about salvation, assembling together for worship, morality, and eschatology.

The Christian has an identity also. It’s interesting to note that our identity is in relationship to our God and to fellow Christians.

Let us explore our multifaceted identity as outlined in God’s Word.

When viewed in relation to God we are His children. “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2Cor 6:18)

When viewed in relation of hope we are heirs. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Rom. 8:17)

When viewed in relation to each other we are brethren. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1)

When viewed in relation to character we are saints. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 1:7)

If viewed as fighters we are soldiers. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2Tim. 2:3)

When viewed in relation to our abode upon earth we are pilgrims. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1Pet. 2:11.)

When viewed as the Image of Christ we are persecuted. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1Pet 4:13; cf. Matt 10:24,25; 2Tim 3:12).

When viewed as learners of Christ we are disciples (adherents). “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19 ASV).

When viewed in relation to Christ we have a name; we are called Christians. “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26b).

When viewed as workers for the Lord we are servants of Christ. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13).

Agape,

Spencer

We are striving to be undenominational and non-sectarian. We plead for a restoration of New Testament Christianity. It is our sincere conviction that one cannot be right in the sight of God by ignoring and disregarding the teaching of God’s word. Let us strive to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).

Why did you Doubt? pt4

The Preacher 1 Comment

The previous articles looked at doubt from Disbelief, Obstacles, Untruths, and now we look at doubt that comes from strife & divisive behavior.

Casting doubt is the next on our list of reasons why we doubt. There are some outside of the church that cast doubt, but there are also some inside the church.

The church is wonderful. Jesus said this about the church, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18b). He built it, and it’s indestructible, but that doesn’t mean some won’t try.

For the most part, folks aren’t necessarily trying to wreck the church, but we can be casting doubt upon it through certain attitudes and actions. This leads to some leaving the church.

People do not like conflict. When we fail to resolve issues in kind, loving and truthful ways it leads to disappointment and division. Some leave to another congregation. Others leave the church for a denomination.

To ward off doubt, we need to identify our negative behaviors without casting more doubt!

5 things we do to cast doubt upon others in the church.

The first negative behavior that casts doubt on others is BACKBITING. “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends” (Prov 16:28). In Romans, backbiting is in the list of the unrighteous (Rom 1:30. It’s among the list of thing Paul hoped to find missing when he visited the church at Corinth (2Cor 12:20). Backbiting is defaming speech to attack the good name or reputation of a person by uttering anything false or injurious. This can cast doubt on the faith of some by tearing down those who teach, aid, or example for others. This kind of doubt leads to trust issues and divisions.

The next way we could cause doubt is through RIVALRIES. The church at Corinth had this problem. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men” (1Cor 3:3)? The first chapter shows the root of this rivalry was about who baptized who. In chapter six there was rivalry caused by doing wrong to one another and they were taking their grievances before unbelievers (6:1-6). This causes doubt about the church inside and outside the church. “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16). This sort of doubt causing gives occasion for the enemies of God to blaspheme.

EVIL Speaking is another area when we might cast doubt. I recall a friend telling me about when he was a kid riding home with his parents from worship. They began to speak about something a brother in Christ had done when his father stopped the conversation. His father told him that he didn’t want to talk poorly about a brother in front of the kids. Perhaps the brother would repent, but if they had poisoned the mind of the children about this brother, they may harbor ill feelings toward him into adulthood. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1Pet 2:1-2). “A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Prov 6:12-14; 19). This kind of doubt leads to division between brethren and ultimately a weaker congregation.

The next attitude is ANGER toward others in the church. “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” (Col 3:8, 21; Eph 4:31, 26). Animosity is in opposition to loving kindness. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Col 3:12). When people come together there may times when we disappoint each other, but we must not allow this to develop into anger and cause division and doubt about our brethren or doubt about the church. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1John 4:7-8).

Lastly, there is doubt cast on another when someone lays claim to special KNOWLEDGE that others lack. Paul warned Timothy about these people. “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2Tim 2:23). “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings” (1Tim 6:4). When people engage in doubtful disputations (Rom 14:2) it may cause a weaker brother to stumble. Paul also wrote about KNOWLEDGE that a strong brother has that a weaker brother does not have. In these cases, the stronger brother is to forebear so as not to cause stumbling in the weaker.

“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died” (1Cor 8:9-11)?

Casting doubt about brethren casts doubt about the church for the church is the brethren. There will be disagreements, disappointments, and differences in understanding. However, these can be overcome through Love for God, Love for His word and Love for one another.

Agape,

Spencer

This is part 4 of a series on Overcoming Doubt.

What a Saint KNOWS in 1John

The Preacher 1 Comment

The Letter of 1John is an outline of the things the Saint KNOWS about salvation, love, sin, the Holy Spirit and Obedience.

When we read it, we can use it as a personal Test or examination of ourselves.

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Here are ALL the verses in 1John about knowing.

KNOW. 31 verses.

1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

 1Jo 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

 1Jo 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

 1Jo 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

 1Jo 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

 1Jo 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

 1Jo 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

 1Jo 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

 1Jo 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

 1Jo 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

 1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 1Jo 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

 1Jo 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

 1Jo 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

 1Jo 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

 1Jo 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

 1Jo 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

 1Jo 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

 1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

 1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

 1Jo 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

 1Jo 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

 1Jo 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

 1Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

 1Jo 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

 1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 1Jo 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

 1Jo 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

 1Jo 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

 1Jo 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for Bible Study on 1John.

The Holy Spirit and the Written Word of God are said to do the same thing.

When a Person uses a tool, we know it was the Person that does the work through the use of the tool.

How to know what God wants pt3. Walking by Faith

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“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”  (John 4:24)

So far, we’ve learned how to know what God wants,

  1. Direct commands & statements.
  2. Approved Examples.
  3. Implications & Necessary Inferences.
  4. Silence, when God gives no command.

Today, let’s talk about walking by FAITH and not by sight. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2Cor 5:7).

I’ve written about FAITH before in the article “Lord, Increase our Faith” Sept 04, 2022. To summarize…

Faith is the FULL BODY of God’s revelation. Jude 1:3 “The faith once delivered.”

Faith is ACTION based on the information. James 2:14-24 “justified by works and not by faith only.”

Faith is INSISTENT on standing firm. Hebrews 11:24-25

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”

Faith is Believing and TRUSTING in the results from keeping God’s word. Colossians 2:12. “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.”

Faith is HOPE that the Lord will reward those that keep His word.

Hebrews 11:1, 6 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Faith is listed among the 9 spiritual gifts early saints could receive during the writing of the New Testament (1Cor 12:8-9; 13:2; Matt 17:20).

These several senses above all combine to mean FAITH. Where there is no word of God there can be no faith in God. This is an unquestioned teaching of God’s word. (See also John 20:30-31; Rom 10:17: Eph 3:1-4) If therefore, God says nothing concerning a given course, there can be no faith. Since we are to walk by faith, it follows that in any matter whatsoever in which we are not directed by the word of God, we are neither walking by faith nor pleasing God.

To walk by FAITH is to act upon God’s revealed word, the faith, and not by opinion. If people are seekers of God, they will seek His will before acting, rather than acting and hoping God will sanctify the actions.

One man said it this way about a particular religious action he had taken. “I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. I just do my best and ask God for mercy.” If you don’t know if it’s right, then DON’T DO IT. There’s a principle that speaks directly to this; “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom 14:23).

Let’s state it another way. God accepts no gratuitous service in matters to be rendered exclusively to Him. Man possesses an undeniable right to exercise his own judgment in the management of his personal affairs, as long as he does not violate any principles of moral correctness or righteousness. Man is guided in his personal life by God’s moral law and is given liberty to make individual choices under generic authority live, prosper and enjoy (1Thess 4:1-12; 1Tim 6:17; 3John 2).

However, In the service to be rendered exclusively to God, He has legislated. He has ordained the worship to be rendered to Him, and human wisdom must neither add to, take from, nor in any way modify what he has prescribed, otherwise those who do so are walking by their own judgment, and not by faith. Let’s review a few examples…

Water Baptism has been commanded by Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:35-36; 22:16; 1Pet 3:21). Who are we to alter it or even hint that one can be saved without it? Note the urgency of Baptism in the book of Acts. “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16:33).

Adoration in vocal song (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). Who are we to do what God has commanded not by introducing instrumental music? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

The Lord’s Supper is given to be observed by the assembled local church (Matt 26:26-30; Luke 22:15-20; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1Cor 11:17-34). Who are we to move it to a digital venue, or a cruise ship vacation, or to any other place of convenience where there is no local church assembled? The idea that any group of Christians is a church is false. (see Matt 18:16, a distinction is made between a 2-3 individuals and the church)

We are commanded to Keep the faith “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7), and to Keep God’s commands (1John 5:3). Who are we to tell anyone that they may be saved without obedience to the faith, or that they can never fall from grace? “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Heb 12:15).

“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name” (Rom 1:5).

We must walk by FAITH, not by the sight of our own opinions.

Agape,

Spencer

How to know what God wants pt1

The Preacher 1 Comment

How to know what God wants. Pt1

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”  (John 4:24)

God has not at any time authorized gratuitous service be rendered to Him. This means that God requires worship toward Him to be in accordance with His instructions.

From the very beginning we see this principle. In Genesis four, Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice by faith, and Cain did not. “By Faith” is first speaking about divine instruction, followed by our trust in His acceptance when we follow those instructions. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17).

One cannot be walking by faith in Christ while offering strange worship God commanded us not. How do we know what God wants? We can answer that question if we will learn how God communicates. He gives DIRECT commands & statements, He gives EXAMPLES, and He IMPLIES things from which we may infer. He also expects us to respect when He is SILENT on a matter.

I) God communicates through Direct commands & statements.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus gives a direct command to his disciples in the Great Commission. He says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). These are clear instructions from God on how his followers are to spread the message of salvation.

The Direct commands of God come in 2 forms:

1) SPECIFIC. God tells us exactly what He wants. We cannot add to, nor take away from the specific command. A specific command eliminates all other possibilities.

2) GENERIC. God gives a command but doesn’t tell us how. He leaves those details for us to implement.

The how of a generic command is called an expedient. We need to find the most efficient & effective means to fulfill the command. We cannot bind an expedient on others as being the only way. We have liberty.

II) God communicates using Approved Examples. There are many examples in the bible, but not every one of them is binding, nor authorized. Some examples are incidental like meeting in an upper room (Acts 1:13).

What makes an example an APPROVED EXAMPLE? When the example is in compliance with a Direct command of God. Jesus said “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16). In the Acts one we see exactly that. They preached the Gospel to everyone on Pentecost and baptized for remission of sins.

Another example is found in Acts 8. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 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? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38). Here we see Philip Going, Preaching, and Baptizing as was commanded by Jesus in the great commission. Philip is one of many APPROVED EXAMPLES.

Without a command an example is just an example. It is not to be bound on others. Examples are only APPROVED (or Apostolic) when there is a command from God. How can we sift the binding from non-binding examples? Here are 4 questions to ask.

  1. Is there Uniformity in all examples of same event? Baptism was all by immersion, but circumstances around event were different.
  2. Is there Unity in Harmony? The Example must harmonize with God’s commands. Without a command there is not an approved example.
  3. Is there Universal application? It must apply and be able for all. Grapes (fruit of the vine) grow everywhere. Water is everywhere man is. Truth is Universal to all mankind.
  4. Is the example Unnecessary or relevant to the command? The disciples met in an upper room.

People are constantly attempting to worship God according to their own desires (Col 2:23). They have introduced Mechanical Music, plays, interpretive dance, and in one place Roller Skating Praise.

Here are 4 types of False worship.

  1. Vain. Mark 7; Matt 15:9.
  2. Against His will. 1Cor 11:17-34; 1Sam 15:22-23
  3. Ignorant. Acts 17:23
  4. Narcissistic Self-Willed worship. Col 2:20-23

These should serve as warnings about doing what God FORBIDS, OMISSION of what God commands, or adding EXTRA to the commands of God that He has not commanded.

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you”

(Deut 4:2; 12:32; Pr 30:6; Ec 12:13; Re 22:18-19).

Agape,

Spencer

You can read pt 2 of How to know What God wants here.

Hearing the VOICE of Jesus pt1

The Preacher 1 Comment

Hearing the VOICE of Jesus?

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27)

The Hebrew writer wrote, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 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” (Heb 1:1-2).

We now live under the New Testament of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant was nailed to the cross and is obsolete (Col 2:14; Heb 8:13).

Any who desire to go back to do one part of the Old Law of Moses is obligated to do the whole; “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Gal 5:3-4).

But that is not good, for that Law was a shadow of the good things we have in Christ now (Heb 10:1; Col 2:17).

God Himself said, “This is my beloved Son: hear him” (Mark 9:7). Seeing that all this is true, believers are to hear Jesus. What does it mean to hear the VOICE of Jesus? Some claim He will speak directly, personally, and miraculously to us. What is the truth?

Hearing the VOICE of Jesus.

Contrary to mainstream belief, the sheep that follow Jesus do so of their own volition. God is seeking those that seek Him. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33). God’s desire that all to come to repentance and be saved (2Pet 3:9) is evidence that we have free choice. We voluntarily seek Him, listen to His voice, and it’s His voice (words) that will judge us in the last day. “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).

Therefore, all are invited to follow the Good Shepherd of our own free will.

Those that choose to follow Jesus also Obey His VOICE. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15; 15:14). “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? “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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:21-23).

It makes zero sense to call oneself a “follower” of Christ, and not actually follow Him in obedience to His word. People keep using that word “follower” without doing anything He says. I constantly hear folks living in sin claiming also to be a follower of Jesus. Paul warned; “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. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1Cor 6:9-11). If these cannot inherit the kingdom of God, how can we say at the same time that we are followers of Christ while continuing in them?

Therefore, all true followers of Jesus are obedient to His voice.

This next point is vital to understand. Some also claim that Jesus will speak to us personally, miraculously, and separately from the Inspired word. Jesus never made this claim.

In His prayer in the garden, while praying for His Apostles, He then prayed for folks that would believe in Him after His death. He said, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me THROUGH THEIR WORD; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-21). We who come to Jesus after His death will believe based on the words of the Apostles. The Apostles were given the promise of divine Holy Spirit Inspiration (John 16:13; cf, 14:26; 15:26), not us.

We hear the voice of the Chief Shepherd in as much as we read His inspired word delivered through the Inspired writers. Paul wrote through inspiration; “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” (1Cor 14:37). He also wrote; “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Eph 3:3-4; cf 2Tim 3:15-17).

The Apostle 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). He also wrote, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1John 5:13; emph mine seb).

Therefore, all true followers of Jesus hear His VOICE through the reading, studying, and memorizing His written inspired word.

Next week we’ll look at a few more points regarding the VOICE of Jesus. To recap; we Voluntarily hear His voice. We who hear it will Obey His voice. Those that hear, and obey are Informed of His will through the reading, study, and memorizing of His Inspired word.

–Spencer

Reasons I Read the BIBLE pt3

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Reasons I read the BIBLE. #3

To BE ONE with God.

John 17:20-21 KJV

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; [21] That they all may BE ONE; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may BE ONE in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

Jesus prayed for us that we would believe through the word of the Apostles which has been written for our understanding (Eph 3:3–4). He then stated the reason, that we all may BE ONE in God and in Christ as they are one.

If we’re not reading then we’re unable to find that unity in Christ.

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

(Eph 4:4-6)

When we READ and STUDY we can all be on the same sheet.

“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.”

(1Cor 1:10)

That’s why I read the Bible. To BE ONE with God, Jesus, and the church.

Let’s read the bible through in 2023

Here’s a link to some printable Bible reading Bookmarks.

If you live in the Borger area and would like to study the bible better, we invite you to one of our services with the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper.

Can you Spot the DIFFERENCES?

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Evangelism is a “can you find the differences” game

The difference between…

Your church vs the Lord’s church.

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

2Cor 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

What you believe vs what the Bible teaches.

Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

What you did to be “saved” vs what the Bible says to be saved.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

How you worship vs what the Bible teaches about worship.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

CAN YOU SPOT THE DIFFERENCES?

The difference between what your pastor SAYS vs what the SCRIPTURE SAYS?

2Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Acts 8:35 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?

(when your pastor “preaches Jesus” would the listeners respond in the same way as the Eunuch?)

The difference between what you PRACTICE vs what the Bible says to PRACTICE?

1Cor 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

The difference between not OBEYING the gospel vs OBEYING the Gospel?

2Thess 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The difference between false TEACHING of me vs the TEACHING (doctrine) of Christ?

2John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

For more study on this topic, click the link to the “we are different” page.

If you live in the Borger area, Would you like help to SPOT the differences and learn about true faith? Contact us and let us know.

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper St church of Christ in Borger Texas.

We can LEARN the Truth

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There’s a trend among clergy, and accepted by many believers, that the average person cannot themselves understand the Bible.

However, the bible tells a completely different stor.

We can LEARN the truth.

  1. We can learn to LIVE by every word from God.
    • Matt 4:4; Rom. 16:17; Eph 6:13-17
  2. EVERY scripture is inspired by God and makes one wise, & profitable.
    • 2Tim 3:15-17
  3. God is ABLE to teach through the APOSTLES word.
    • Eph 3:20-21; John 17:20-21; 14:26; 16:13
  4. When we READ we can Believe, understand, Know, and be set free.
    • Eph 3:3-4; John 20:30-31; John 8:32; Acts 17:11
  5. NO PRIVATE inspired interpretations.
    • 2Pet 1:20; Jas 1:5; 1Cor 1:10
    • It is the scriptures that make one wise. Prov 1:1,2; 2Cor 3:15

When anyone will take the time to read, study, and search the scriptures, they can learn the truth. If you will read, then when you ask someone for help in understanding, they may leverage your reading (cf. Acts 8:30-35). However, you must prove it to be true. How, you ask? By checking it against the scriptures. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1Thess 5:21; cf. 1John 4:1).

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

“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).