Tag read the bible

the mystery of all religious error

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Brothers and sisters, let me take you on a journey through the ages, a journey marked by error! We’re going to examine some of the grandest missteps in the Good Book, and I pray you’ll learn and love the Lord all the more by the time we’re done. Now, let’s start in the Garden of Eden.

GARDEN: And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food… Genesis 3:6
Eve, sweet Eve, saw that forbidden fruit and thought it looked mighty tasty. You know what they say, “Forbidden fruit is the sweetest.” But oh, how wrong she was! That bite led to the fall of man. When you think you know better than God, you’re just about to trip over your own pride. Brothers and sisters, remember this: the snake in the grass often has the best sales pitch, but his product never delivers what it promises!

CAIN: And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Genesis 4:5
Then we have Cain. Cain got madder than a hornet because God liked Abel’s offering better. His face was longer than a wet week! Instead of asking, “Lord, how can I do better?” he chose murder. Remember, when jealousy gets your goat, it’s just a short walk to the sin pasture. God’s ways aren’t always our ways, but they are always right.

PHARAOH: Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. Exodus 5:2
Pharaoh—now there was a man who thought he was all that and a bag of chips. He thought he could stand toe-to-toe with the Almighty. “Who is the Lord?” he scoffed. Let me tell you, when you hear someone ask that, you better stand. Pharaoh found out the hard way with ten plagues and a parted sea. Friends, when God says, “Let my people go,” you better step aside!

The more we know of God, the more we will obey Him. Conversely, the less we know of God, the less we will obey Him. Jesus himself pointed out the mystery of man’s error: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). This is a profound truth, my friends.

Sadducees and the Resurrection Errors
The Sadducees were trying to stump Jesus with riddles. They concocted a story about a woman who married seven brothers, each one dying in turn. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they asked, thinking they’d outsmarted Him. Jesus set them straight, reminding them that God’s word and His power transcends their earthly imaginations. Folks are still tying themselves in knots over theological riddles instead of trusting God’s word.

READING REQUIREMENTS in the OT law
In ancient Israel, God commanded His people to write His laws on stones and read them aloud. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and 31:10-13 remind us that these words should be in our hearts, taught diligently to our children, spoken of at home and on the road. Yet Israel neglected this command.

We are also to read the word in the New Covenant, (John 20:30-31; Eph 3:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17).

OT EXAMPLES of ERROR.
In the periods of Judges and Kings, they fell into cycles of forgetting, repenting, and deliverance. Not once do we read of the Israelites gathering to hear the law read, except under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). When the word is neglected, the people perish!

David’s mishandling of the Ark of the Covenant, resulting in Uzzah’s death (1 Chronicles 13:5, 15:11-15), serves as a stern reminder of the importance of knowing and obeying God’s instructions. The failure to follow God’s law led to Israel’s captivity (Isaiah 5:13, Hosea 4:6).

REJECTING JESUS, Then and Now
Even in Jesus’ time, ignorance led to His rejection. The rulers didn’t recognize Him as the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). Today, many still cling to errors—whether it’s misunderstanding salvation (Acts 15), mixing law and grace (Colossians 2:10), or holding onto traditions that contradict Scripture. From infant baptism to unnecessary church hierarchies, people err because they do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God.

So, do you value your soul? Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). If we value our souls, we must study God’s word reverently, with fear, love, and care, and apply it daily.

Let’s avoid the errors of the past by immersing ourselves in God’s holy word. Read it, teach it, live it! And remember, when in doubt, God’s way is always the best way! Amen!

Agape, Spencer

you’re invited to one of our services at the Franklin and Juniper st church of Christ.

How to READ the bible pt4

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Be a DOER of the word.

James 1:23 KJV

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.

You can read part one here.

Reasons I Read the BIBLE #2

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Reasons I Read the BIBLE Daily #2

It’s INSPIRED of by God.

2Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 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.

Hebrews 1:1

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;

“Thus saith the LORD” is found in numerous locations throughout the Scriptures.

The Bible claims to be inspired by God. If it is not the inerrant word of God, then it is to be ignored.

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.

Here are some external sources for additional study about the inspiration of the bible.

Scientific evidence.

Early Writings of believers.

Unity among the 40 different inspired writers of the Bible.

Sixth of Seven Musts of Salvation; GROWTH

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Spiritual Growth

The sixth of Seven Musts of Salvation: GROW in Grace & Knowledge…

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.” [2Peter 3:18]

Everyone recognizes the need for growth. Mothers desire for their children to not only grow physically, but to grow emotionally and intellectually.

God is no different. He uses Parent-child phrases to demonstrate our relationship with Him…

He is our Father. Heb 12:9

Jesus is like a Mother Hen. Mat 23:37

He calls us Newborn babes. 1Peter 2:2

We’re His children. 1Peter 1:14 Let us examine a few verses where God is commanding and therefore expecting spiritual GROWTH.

#6, we must GROW: All quotations are from the ASV or KJV

  1. “For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food.” Hebrews 5:12
  • “Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;” 1Peter 2:1-2
  • “…that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ;” Ephesians 4:14-15
  • “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2Timothy 2:22
  • “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:20
  • “Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love.” 2Peter 1:5-7
  • “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2Peter 3:18

No verse states we are to grow at the same pace as another. We grow, each according to our ability. [cr. Mat 15:15]

5 keys to spiritual…

GROWTH? 2Peter 3:18

We are to have GROWTH in…

GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2Peter 3:18. It is to be cultivated. Grace is a gift from God to be received by us and utilized.

GROWTH requires…

REFLECTION and examination to see if we are in the faith. 2Cor 13:5. “But let a man examine himself,” [1Cor 11:28]

GROWTH requires spiritual weeding by…

OFFLOADING (put off) the old man of sin. “But now ye also put off all these…” [Colossians 3:8; cr. Heb 12.1; 1Pet 2:1; Eph 4:22; Jas 1:21]

GROWTH requires a…

WEIGHT check. “the LORD weigheth the spirits.” [Prov 16:2; cr. Dan 5:27; 1Sam 2:3; Job 31:6] God weighs the thoughts and intents of the heart.

When GROWTH stalls, a Mother will often make a…

TEMPERATURE check. God does also, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” [Rev 3:14-16; cr. Titus 2:14]

Finally, GROWTH requires a…

HEALTHY diet of spiritual food. “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:” [John 6:35, 48, 51]. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” [1Peter 2:2; cr. Heb 5:12]

No two children grow at exactly the same rate. There are benchmarks to which the Great Physician will look to determine our GROWTH. As we mature, we ought to examine those benchmarks in ourselves so we may be will pleasing to our HEAVENLY FATHER. May God Bless you all. Spencer

How will you redeem the time at HOME

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We’re all being urged to self-quarantine at Home during this COVID-19 panic. How will you be spending the time?

Will you be WASTING time or REDEEMING the time?

Here are 4 things we can do to REDEEM the time while we’re confined at HOME.

 

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFranklinstreetchurchofChristBorger%2Fvideos%2F702409923921651%2F&show_text=0&width=560“>watch.

No Absolute Truth?

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what is truth

SOMEBODY once said, “There is no absolute truth.” To which we must ask, “Is that absolutely true?”

I find funny the things people assert about the Bible, God and religion. They’re “absolutely certain” about what they claim. When pressed, they never have a logical answer.

We should be ready for these assertions and be able to answer them [1Peter 2:15]. Let’s examine a few things people claim…….

I’M AGAINST ORGANIZED RELIGION: This claim is often used to excuse a person from weekly Sunday worship. They bolster the claim by pointing out the hypocrisy of church goers.

AN ANSWER: We are hypocrites. That’s because we’re people. John said, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [1John 1:8] Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians what kind of person they once were, fornicators, idolaters, thieves, drunkards and the list goes on [1Co 6:9-11]. Do you suppose that every Christian stops all sins as soon as they are baptized?

Another answer for this is found in the fallacy of the argument. Why is this discussion only used with religion, but seldom elsewhere? We never criticize the Ford Motor CompanyTM for a few lousy drivers of their cars. We never criticize the grocery store when one of the shoppers is rude to us. Why then do we criticize God’s command to worship? I suppose it’s because of the false notion from the first part, that all Christians must be perfect.

Sometimes we foster that belief when we as Christians act arrogantly, and speak with unbelievers without love. [Ephesians 4:15] Besides, can we ignore the commands of God when others fail to follow them accurately?

I’VE READ THE BIBLE: This one is usually used when a person is attempting to establish their credibility as they preach an opinion. This is hard to contradict because you have no actual proof, (other than they don’t know scriptures), and they get angry when you call them out.

AN ANSWER: One way you can disqualify this assertion, without calling them a liar, is by pointing out that the Bible cannot be learned with ONE reading. It requires continual, daily, reading and study [Acts 17:11]. Ask them this, “Did you go to school? If so, were you able to understand all of your lessons upon reading your textbooks once?”

ALL CHURCHES LEAD TO THE SAME PLACE: Another way this claim is stated is when a preacher says, “Find a church of your choice.” The belief is that, due to the different personalities of people, the Lord has allowed different style of churches, but they’re all leading people to heaven.

AN ANSWER: The Scriptures teach that the church is the body of the Lord, [Ephesians 1:22, 23], therefore, when in chapter 4 it says, “There is one body,” it’s teaching that there is only one church. If there is only one church, then why are there so many different doctrines, even ones that teach a different gospel? [Galatians 1:6-9]

In order for any assembly of Christians to be considered a church of our Lord is if they follow the whole council of God. [Acts 20:27] Our desire here in Borger is to be a true church of Christ. [Matthew 7:21]

THE BIBLE DOESN’T SAY I CAN’T: For me, this is one of the most ridiculous statements I ever hear. What they mean is that there is no specific mention of their sin, therefore, they are free to commit said sin.

I tried this line of reasoning with my parents once. Just once. This method of reasoning NEVER works in other areas of our lives, yet we expect to use this rational with bible study. It is this attitude that causes problems, not just in the church, but in our personal lives. You’ve heard the unverified story of the person that is injured because he used his lawn mower as a hedger. He subsequently sued the mower company using this logic, “you didn’t say in the manual that I couldn’t use it as a hedger.”

AN ANSWER: The Lord has taught us that silence is not authoritative. When King David sought to build God a permanent Temple, he was stopped because God NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT IT.  In 2Samuel 7:7, God asks, “Wherever I have moved about with all the children of Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?‘”‘  This is also taught in the book of Hebrews regarding the priesthood of Jesus [Hebrews 7:14], as well as over the issue of circumcision, [Acts 15:24].

These passages teach clearly, silence is prohibitive. If the bible doesn’t say you can, then you can’t. To argue, as do so many denominations, “any practices not expressly forbidden could be considered”, is to argue AGAINST God and His divine word.

There is an absolute truth, it is God’s inspired and divine word [John 17:17]. God delivered this truth to His Apostles and inspired men, and they wrote it down. When we read it, we can know what they knew about the mystery of God. Let us study God’s word and know the truth. [John 16:13; Ephesians 3:3-4; John 8:32]

spencer blackwelder
evangelist – Franklin St Church of Christ, Borger Texas.