Tag bible

The Relevant BIBLE pt1

The Preacher 2 Comments

For generations, antagonists of God and theologians have claimed that God is not real, and the Bible has no relevance today.

A former mega church pastor once said, “if the church follows the instructions from the Bible… it will become irrelevant.”1

It’s clear that many have disregarded the Bible and it’s truths. To support today’s religious and cultural practices requires a complete disregard of God’s truth and a tearing down of His word.

While it is true that the Old Law of Moses has been taken out of the way, nailing it to his cross, (Col 2:14), it still has much to teach us and along with the New Testament, is very much relevant to people today.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Here are 5 reasons the BIBLE is still relevant to us today.

the BIBLE is relevant today because… because of the lessons we glean from the BIOGRAPHIES of its heroes as well as from its antagonists. Bios gives us insight into how people lived their lived, how they felt about the people around them, and how they responded to God. Bios can help us answer some of the same questions we face today. Bios show us how people handled crisis, successes, and show us that people aren’t much different today from those in the past.

1 Corinthians 10:6 KJV

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Read the BIBLE to learn life lessons from the Biographical Examples.

the BIBLE is relevant today because… It contains INSPIRED Wisdom.

One of the reasons we know it’s INSPIRED of God is it revealed scientific knowledge about the world long before human discovery and before technology could discover it.

A path for lightening…

Job 28:26 KJV

When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:

Ocean currents…

Psalm 8:8 KJV

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

Many other scientific observations have been confirmed in biblical passages, including Leviticus 17:11; Ecclesiastes 1:6-7; Job 36:27-29.

Since these things be so, we can trust the Bible for its INSPIRED Wisdom on how to live in this life and how to live to gain the next.

2 Peter 1:3-4 KJV

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Read the BIBLE to learn life lessons from INSPIRED Wisdom.

the BIBLE is relevant today because… It contains insight into human BEHAVIOR.

Do you ever wonder why people act, & react in certain ways? Much of the bible contains insight into BEHAVIOR through the stories. You’ll see stories of envy, jealousy, anger, kindness, love, and every other kind of emotion. Today’s humans aren’t much different, except for the technology.

The Proverbs is wisdom that includes insight into BEHAVIOR, both about others and ourselves; for example;

Prov 17:14

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Prov 23:6

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Read the BIBLE to learn life lessons about human BEHAVIOR.

(to be continued)

Spencer

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.

ENDNOTES.

1 Rob Bell, https://www.charismanews.com/opinion/in-the-line-of-fire/48383-rob-bell-trashes-the-bible-on-oprah, Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, 2015

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.

Reasons I read the BIBLE #1

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Reasons I read the BIBLE. #1

Jesus prayed that people, after His resurrection, would believe in Him through the words of the Apostles.

John 17:20 KJV

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Their word would be written…

John 20:30-31 KJV

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.

Ephesians 3:3-4 KJV

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)

Romans 10:17 KJV

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

That’s why I read the Bible. To BELIEVE in Him.

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.

5 Reasons to DOUBT your salvation.

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Nobody wants to doubt their salvation, but before you can be assured, one must know where they are.

Once you know where you are, then you can learn how to be assured.

5 Reasons to DOUBT your salvation.

You DO NOT KNOW:

If you DO NOT KNOW how to be saved, or DO NOT KNOW what the bible says about salvation, then you need to be in DOUBT. There are many examples of people who DO NOT KNOW they are lost.

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17).

OPPOSES Scripture:

If you’re practice is in direct OPPOSITION to clear biblical teaching. It should be self evident, but many are in OPPOSITION to the word of God. Often it’s related to the first one.

“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. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:6-7).

UNDERSTANDING:

If you don’t UNDERSTAND why you’re doing something. To be pleasing to God, we must know what He wants and UNDERSTAND why. This doesn’t mean you need to become a biblical scholar, but our hearts have to be involved in obedience to God. Balaam was compliant with God’s command in Number 22-25, but he certainly wasn’t obedient (Jude 11).

“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:30-31).

BIBLICAL Evidence:

Probably the most important reason, and the reason every other one is based, is BIBLICAL evidence. Unless we have BOOK, CHAPTER, & VERSE for what we practice, then we ought to be in doubt. We need to have a firm understanding of how to study, how to know what God wants, and how to rightly divide the word of God.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Tim 2:15).

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Tim 3:15-17).

“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).

“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” (Col 3:17).

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?

TOLD something from silence:

If what we’re doing is solely based on what someone TOLD us to do without a biblical basis, then run away from that person. Many believe that we can do whatever we want as long as God has never said we can’t. This is operating from silence. Silence prohibits. Consider what happened to David when he argued from Silence.

“And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar” (2Samuel 7:1-7)?

Nowhere in our lives do we find it acceptable for a defiant person to claim, “nobody said I couldn’t.” Without the prohibition of silence the direct statements and commands of God are rendered useless. When we order a pizza, our direct statements about what we want eliminates all other unspoken possibilities. If you doubt me on this, try ordering any food for a child and see if even their silence matters.

These are 5 reasons to DOUBT. However, we need not remain in DOUBT. We can KNOW the will of the Lord. That will be in a future article.

spencer

What do you get when you Read the BIBLE?

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We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, that gives us all the information and instruction we need for life and godliness.

“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; cf 1:3-4)

We also believe that we can understand the Bible, and know & do the will of the Lord.

“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” [Eph 3:4]

“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.” [Col 3:17]

What we get when we read the BIBLE?

The Bible reveals an answer to this question.

First, The Bible says we may BELIEVE. “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.” [Jno. 20:30-31] Another word often associated with belief is Faith, which is of the same Greek origin. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” [Romans 10:17]

We conclude from this evidence and more, that when we read the Bible, God’s inspired revealed word, we may BELIEVE.

How then can we Believe, or have Faith, without reading?

Second, The Bible says we will have INSTRUCTION in righteousness. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” [2Tim 3:16-17; cf. 2Peter 1:3-4]

We conclude from this evidence and more, that when we read the Bible, God has given us INSTRUCTIONS on how to live, grow, and how to get to heaven.

How then can we speak or act without reading?

Third, The Bible says that we can BE READY to give an answer, or a defense. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” [1Pet 3:15]

We conclude from this evidence and more, that when we read the Bible, we can give an answer to any and all who ask us why we have hope.

How can we defend our hope (or our faith) without reading?

Fourth, The Bible says we will know LOVE because He first loved us. “We love him, because he first loved us.” [1John 4:19; cr. Rom 5:6-10]. The Bible also says that we LOVE God by keeping His commandments. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” [1John 5:3; cr. Jno. 14:15]

We conclude from this evidence and more, that we don’t truly know LOVE or how to LOVE unless we read about the sacrifice of Christ as revealed in the word of God. We also conclude that part of LOVING God is to do His will.

How can we truly know or practice LOVE without reading?

Fifth, The Bible says that Jesus has the words of ETERNAL LIFE. “…thou hast the words of eternal life.” [Jno. 6:68b; Luke 24:27; 2Cor 2:9-12; Eph 3:3-4] Those words have been revealed through the inspired written word of God (Revealed to the Apostles, whom spoke it, then wrote it) [2Th 2:15; 3:14]. These words are researchable and reviewable (Acts 17:11) and have universal application to all.

We conclude from this evidence, and more, that we may only know how to have ETERNAL LIFE through reading (hearing) and obeying the word of God. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” [Heb 5:9].

How can you know we’re saved in hope without reading?

     — spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper St church of Christ in Borger Texas. If you live in the Borger area and would like a personal bible study, please reach out & let us know how we can help.

The COMFORT of the scriptures

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Romans 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. |
…through COMFORT of the scriptures we might have hope.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.” [Romans 15:4]

Read that again; “…through the comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.” Did you catch it? Paul was referring to the Old Testament scriptures, and that those scriptures can give us comfort and hope.

I know many that find the Old Testament unpalatable, being too disgusting and violent. While it’s true that the OT is full of those things, the Holy Spirit has revealed that through them we may have COMFORT and HOPE.

The new year is upon us. Let’s renew our efforts to read for COMFORT and HOPE.  

7 ways we may find…

COMFORT and hope in the OT Scriptures.

The first thing we can notice is that CHRIST is in the Old Testament. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” Jesus taught of Himself to those on the road to Emmaus, and they said, “Was not our heart burning within us, while he spake to us in the way, while he opened to us the scriptures?” [John 5:39; Luke 24:13-27,32]

Paul wrote in two of his letters saying the scriptures were written for OUR Learning and OUR admonition upon whom the end of the age are come. We have a huge advantage in that we have the full revelation of Jesus Christ. [Rom 15:4; 1Cor 10:11]

In the letter to the Corinthians he wrote about those God brought out of Egypt, “Howbeit with MOST of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. We always learn by others example or experiences. The Old Testament scriptures reveal both good and negative examples. It is foolish to try to learn from just your own mistakes. You may never recover! [1Cor 10:1-13]

A major lesson the entire world needed from the very first day of man in the Garden until now is to learn the FEAR of the Lord. Every generation, every person must learn this. The Old Testament teaches this lesson over and over through the example of those that disobeyed God. “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.” Some dislike this idea of the FEAR of the Lord, but they misunderstand. If you’re in Christ through faithful baptism, you will have a reverential fear. But if not, you ought to have a terror type fear. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” [Job 28:28; 2Cor 5:11; cr Prov 1:7; Ecc 12:13; Mat 10:28]

Another lesson is that the OLD Covenant was hard, really hard. By reading Leviticus & Deuteronomy (reading through Romans & Hebrews also) we can see that the Law of Moses went well beyond the 10 Commandments. The Jewish traditions teach that there are about 613 commandments. But now we are under the Liberty of Christ. “A better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises.” We are no longer under the bondage of the OLD testament system that couldn’t remove sins, but left a reminder of sin year by year. “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.” [Heb 8:6; Gal 2:4; 4:3, 9, 24, 25; 5:1]

The Law of Moses has been REMOVED & REPLACED by the Love and Blood of Christ on that cross. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments. We now live under grace through the doctrine of Christ. [Col 2:12-14; Eph 2:15; 2John 1:9]

Finally, we can use both the Old and the New Testament scriptures to TEST the spirits. The Bereans were “more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.” Who’s teaching where they testing? It was the Apostle Paul’s delivered to him through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, AND THEY ARE CALLED MORE NOBLE! [Acts 17:11; Eph 3:3-4; cr. 1Thess 5:21; 1John 4:1-4; Deut 13:1-11; 18:20-22]

We need not abhor the OT scriptures for in them is COMFORT and HOPE.

The Christian Diet Plan

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Image result for daniel diet plan.

 

There’s a diet plan out there called, The Daniel Diet. It’s based upon the health success of Daniel, a captive Jew taken to Babylon. [Daniel 1:8-16] There’s wisdom in this diet plan for our physical health, but more importantly, we need to look to learn from this diet things that will lead to our spiritual health.

If we begin here and make a spiritual application, we discover just 3 parts of the diet:

  • Don’t defile oneself with the NORMAL delicacies.
  • Eat only wholesome & UNPROCESSED food.
  • In 10 DAYS, you’ll see a difference.

“And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.” In other words, they were healthier. [Daniel 1:15] So, let’s look at these 3 PARTS & make a spiritual application.

Don’t defile oneself with the NORMAL delicacies.

What are the NORMAL delicacies of the world that lead to poor health spiritually? Most folks are on a diet of…

  • News, and what pretends to be news. News has become a form of entertainment and must become ever more sensational to keep our attention. “If it bleeds, it leads.”
  • Social Media; Social media is a platform that rewards Egotism, Argumentation & Voyeurism. How can any of that be healthy spiritually.
  • Violence; A few of the most popular grossing movies are called; “Star Wars, Infinity Wars, Fast & Furious, Captain America; Civil War. These are just the tame ones. Don’t get me started on the video games…Grand Theft Auto anyone?
  • Profanity; Gone with the Wind would not raise an eyebrow today as it did when Rhett uttered that now famous line.

Upon writing this list I could hear the faint shattering of a glass house somewhere. Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the NORMAL delicacies. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.” [Daniel 1:8]

Eat only wholesome & UNPROCESSED food.

The second part of this plan is to replace the NORMAL with an UNPROCESSED diet. Keeping the spiritual application in mind, many today only know about Jesus after it’s been processed by the mockers, unbelievers and the disobedient. Physical food is much healthier the closer one gets to the source of the food. Food Plucked from the garden or the orchard tastes so much sweeter than the processed ‘DELICACIES’ of today. So too will the truth of God’s word carry so much more spiritual nutrition for us when we read the books, chapters & verses ourselves. [cf. Acts 17:11]

In 10 DAYS, you’ll see a difference.

This direct & unprocessed approach will lead us to the same results experienced by Daniel & his friends.

“And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.” [Daniel 1:15]

Could you stay on a diet of only positive things and positive people for just 10 days? No news, no violence, no arguing. Very few of us could, but considering the results, well worth the effort. Let’s face it, much if not all of the information we’re getting has zero spiritual nutrition.

There is one more PART we can add to our SPIRITUAL DIET and we find it in the life of Christ.

Get alone in silence to MEDITATE on God’s word.

Jesus often went out ALONE to pray or to teach His disciples [cf. Mat 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luke 9:18]. What this teaches me is that much of our information diet is nothing but NOISE that is hindering us from THOUGHT & PRAYER.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to deep meditation and thought [Phil 4:8] is the cacophony of NOISE emanating from the Radio, TV & Internet. A noise that we ourselves blast into our ears muffling the sounds coming from our minds.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

How does The Holy Spirit work on your heart?

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While talking with a denominational preacher about reaching the lost he said, “Some people just aren’t interested in spiritual things, they don’t study and don’t have many conversations about spiritual things. In these cases, all we can do is let the Holy Spirit work on their heart.”

This man would say that he doesn’t accept Calvinism, but he was vocalizing the false doctrine. To remind you of what Calvinism teaches allow me to summarize…

  • Total Depravity: All mankind is born into sin, including babies.
  • Unconditional Election: God picks and chooses who will be saved or lost and it’s unchangeable.
  • Limited Atonement: That God picks only a few individuals to be saved and all else will be lost and you can’t change it. Including babies.
  • Irresistible Grace: That if you’re among those being chosen to be saved, then you cannot prevent it nor resist it.
  • Perseverance of the Saints: Once God saves you (even if against your will) then you can never lose your salvation ever, no matter how sinful a life you lead or even if you change your belief.

Now this is my summary of their belief and if you asked a Calvinist, he will spin it so it sounds better, but the result will be the same; IT’S UNSCRIPTURAL. Another thing you might find is that there are denominations that accept all or part of the above. Belief (faith) comes from hearing the written word of God [John 20:30-31; Rom 10:17].

A partial belief is what this preacher had accepted. He rejects most of Calvinism, but his statement, that the Holy Spirit will work on a person’s heart even as they have no interest in spiritual things, no reading, nor studying with others from the bible, proves it.

HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVERT?

No Bible believer questions the fact the Holy Spirit saves sinners (John 3:5), the question is HOW? We only have 2 options a) direct operation of the Spirit or b) through the influence of a medium (the Gospel, Romans 1:16).

The Scriptures teach us that the Holy Spirit’s work, in the redemption of mankind, is the work of divine revelation. God originates, Christ procures, the Spirit reveals.

Review the chart on the next page to see HOW the Holy Spirit works to save sinners. What you will find is that people are converted through the Holy Spirit revealed word of God that utilized teaching, preaching or reading of the scriptures. Yes, the Holy Spirit does work on our hearts, but He does it through our diligent study of God’s divine word.

ILLUSTRATION: When a person says, “my spouse made a nourishing dinner,” who did it? Were they nourished by the spouse or the food? If a person and an instrument perform the same task, the person is working THROUGH the instrument.Thus, the Holy Spirit saves through the influence of the written word of God [John 3:5; 1Pet 1:22-23].

The Holy Spirit converts a person when they engage in seeking the Kingdom of God, Bible reading and a diligent study of God’s word, rightly divided. [Matt 6:33; 2Tim 2:15]

WHY MEMORIZE BIBLE VERSES? Part 1

The Preacher 1 Comment

 

Years ago, a young Christian was facing a choice. He could either take the lengthy final examination for his theology class or quote Hebrews. Not quote a few verses of Hebrews, no sir, he needed to quote the ENTIRE BOOK of HEBREWS. [13 chapters & 303 verses].

He chose the latter and quoted the entire book from memory. An astounding mental feat to be sure, but is memorization even necessary? We have smart phones apps and google that can return to us any inquiry of the bible we want. That is, if you know what you’re looking for.

Therein lies the rub, to get any benefit out of God’s word, you need to know what’s in it. Here are 8 reasons why we should commit to a bible memorization plan.

1: DEFENSE FROM SIN. An integral part of our defense against sin is the Armor of God [Eph 6:10-20]. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, the active piece that serves for both defense & offense. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” [Psalm 119:11]

2: HELP IN TIME OF NEED. God gave His children the avenue of prayer to give us help in our time of need [Heb 4:16], but how would you know that without study? Additionally, when a sudden problem arises, we most frequently utter some form of profanity. Wouldn’t it be better to immediately draw into our conscious mind a piece of God’s word to counter the negatives we all face in everyday life? Memorizing Bible passages can give us an inventory of alternative utterances to the worldly expressions. Oh, and stop pretending that a euphemism is a cleaner alternative to the real cuss word, we know what you’re saying. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” [Phil 4:8]

3: AS A BIBLE STUDY AID. As you begin to read & study your Bible you may find it difficult to understand. However, a person that commits to memorization will find that the Bible will become clearer as you connect the stories, especially the connections between the Old & New Testaments. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” [Romans 15:4].

Since the Word of God shall also be present at the judgement, a thorough understanding of it would be helpful. “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]

4: FEAR of EVANGELISM. Let’s admit it, we’ve all experienced fear whenever an opportunity arose to share the Gospel. Bible memorization can alleviate that fear. Inherent in the verse; “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” [1Peter 3:15] is the idea of memorization. We know what is right, but could we prove it to them? Memorization is a great way to build your confidence in directing another through the scriptures as you show them the plan of God’s Salvation.

One fellow said to me, “I have John 3:16 and that’s all I need.” The extent of his bible memory plan was one verse! Others have committed to memorize “Jesus Wept” but have no idea where to find it. [John 11:35] Another person half quoted 1Peter 3:21 in an attempt to disqualify baptism. Because he didn’t know what it really said nor where it was located, he had a false belief that will leave him lost. “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”

Next week we’ll look at 4 more good reasons to commit to a Bible Memorization Plan.

Click Here for a good place to start memorizing Bible Verses.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?

The Preacher 2 Comments

Have you ever had a question but were too afraid to ask? You’ve already been told that there are no stupid questions, so ask. If you have a question you’ve always wanted to ask, ask it (privately or personally) and I’ll do my best to offer a biblical answer. Below is a sampling of questions people should be asking but aren’t…

  • Why is attendance of religious services falling around the world?
  • How do I join the local church of Christ?
    1. Variation: Do I have to identify with a local group of Christians?
  • Are all churches of Christ the same? Does it matter?
  • What is the most important aspect of our Assemblies?
  • How come the churches don’t have crosses in their buildings?
  • Can we eat in the building? How come we don’t eat in the building?
  • How come we don’t have community benevolent programs?
  • What is the work of the church?
  • Why does the evangelist get all bent out of shape when someone calls him ‘pastor?’ Or when I use “church” as an adjective?

Future articles in 2019 will be dedicated to answering, with scripture, many of these questions.

CAN WE EVEN QUESTION THE BIBLE?

Jesus was asked a bunch of questions by folks. He never rebukes us for asking, unless we’re asking to justify ourselves or refuse to be honest with the answers.

In one such encounter, the Pharisees asked Jesus about His authority, “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?” [Mat 21”23]

Jesus’ reply was not a rebuke for asking, for He said He would answer them, “if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?” But they refused to answer, as either possible answer would rebuke themselves. It was then that Jesus refused to answer their question, because they weren’t being honest about the truth.

In another place, the Apostle Paul went about preaching and came to some folks who took what he preached and searched for some verification. The Berean’s, “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” [Acts 17:11] You see, they took the preaching of Paul and compared it to the scriptures. Oh, if more people in denominations would do that!

Paul also told the Galatians, “though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” [Gal 1:8] He was ok with them verifying what he or anyone else preached. The problem was they had stopped following God’s word in favor false teaching.

He also told those in Thessalonica to, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” [1Thess 5:21].

In another place, John wrote to the saints and told them to, “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” [1John 4:1]

The moral of the story is that it’s OK to ask questions. It’s OK and even encouraged to verify whatever anyone teaches or preaches.

There are just a few criteria…

  • Be honest with yourself, even if it means you may be wrong,
  • Be willing to search for the truth and
  • Be willing to accept the truth and to follow it.

We here in this local body of Christ want to know the truth and to obey the truth. We don’t mind it when someone asks questions and we often invite folks to visit with us after services to ask questions. Just be honest and be willing to accept the truth. If you’re unwilling to listen to God’s word for the answer, don’t bother asking us, because that’s the only qualified answer. The Bible is our only Guide. If you don’t want a bible answer, don’t ask any of us.

There are many false places to which people appeal for the answers to their questions….

  • False teachers – 1Tim 4:1
  • Yes men – 2Tim 4:3
  • The book of ‘opinions’ & ‘I think so’ – Mark 7:7
  • “that’s how we’ve always done it” Mark 7:8

None of these are the source of sound doctrine, and there are many more. Jesus warned the Sadducees, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” [Mat 22:29] We must be careful from where we get the answers to the questions of life and eternal life. God’s word gives us all we need for life & godliness [2Pet 1:3].

Would you like your question answered, and do you want it to be from God’s divine word? Then you’ve come to the right place. Come, let’s reason together.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18]