Bible Thoughts

December 14, 2003

Is it possible for a religious teacher to confuse more than to assist those who would desire to learn the teachings of Jesus Christ? Without a doubt! Our religious world, as a whole, is a vast mass of confusion when it comes to teaching and practicing the scriptures. It is also possible for such confusion to be found among the disciples of Christ.

The religious teachers of the Lord's day were not only confused, but confused those who listened to their teachings. They rejected the Messiah when he spoke words of truth as he pointed out the sins of those who refused to accept his efforts to guide them into righteousness. The Pharisees and the Sadduccees confused the multitudes and rejected the plainness of the Lord's teachings. When religious teachers confuse more than they assist others in learning the truths of the Gospel, they place not only their own souls in jeopardy, but all of those who listen and follow their messages of error. Such is not limited to denominational teachers, but can also be found among those who claim to walk in the path of righteousness.

The way to avoid confusion is to study carefully the scriptures in regard to any spiritual matter. The Lord has the answer for the needs of all humans when they are willing to accept and follow his commandments. The confusion of the religious world will continue so long as men ignore New Testament teachings in morals and religious practices.

"Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God"(II John 9).

Forgetfulness is a trait found in all humans. Have you not forgotten something you intended to do? Have you forgotten a special date? Have you forgotten to remember something your mate told you?(I am guilty!) The human mind is a great product of God, but we sometimes fail to use it properly. More than these earthly matters, we are to remember to "do good" and "to communicate." The writer points out that such actions are sacrifices approved of God. Do not forget the necessity of communicating with God and with the saints of God.

"Forget not" to pray to the Lord. Prayer is the avenue which the disciples will use to talk with the Lord. In times of troubles, as well as times of happiness, it is right to approach the Lord. We can ease our difficulties by sharing our thoughts with the Lord. We can gain happiness in knowing that the Lord cares for us. As the sentences above note, we are to always remember to share our spiritual and physical needs with the Lord. The Lord listens better than men--and--He responds with an answer(it can be yes or no or be patient--as the answer comes from the Lord, who knows our every need).

"Forget not" to read and study the scriptures. We often put forth efforts to read the newspaper(not wrong in itself), we read the brochures of men, we read the novels that men have written, we read the magazines that come to our homes, but how often do we read and study the scriptures? The basis for our beliefs and practices can be found only within the inspired word. No book can take its place; no encyclopedia can take its place; the writings of any man at any time cannot replace what the apostles and the writers of the New Testament gave us. When we forget the source of our faith, we will no longer walk in the ways of God. Take time to study and to apply the revelation of Jesus Christ to our lives, our actions, and our thoughts(II Timothy 2:15).

"Forget not" to make an effort to attend all of the services of the local church(Hebrews 10:25). When we assemble with the saints, we enjoy the communication of the finest people on earth. We are able to study with those who can enrich our knowledge of the word of God. We can receive the encouragement that comes from being with those who please the Lord. We can, with the other saints, keep the supper of the Lord, sing praises to God, pray with them, give of our means into a common treasury as we discover a greater knowledge of the scripture through discussions, and we set an example to others to be diligent in being present for all services.

"Forget not" to see to the physical needs of others. While the world will become religious(?) during this season as they search out those whom they may extend some help(money and goods), the Lord's people practice benevolence throughout the year, not just during some holiday. Do those in need not need the assistance during the other times of the year? The child of God is alert to those who need food, shelter, and raiment throughout the year. Christians do not limit their religion to the holidays of men.

"Forget not" to remember the exhortation of Paul: "And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all"(I Thessalonians 5:14). The life of a Christian is a life of working for the Lord, caring for others, and be willing to suffer hardship as one labors in the Kingdom of God. Opportunities abound for all of us and it is right for one who is following the Lord to assist those who are within the kingdom(and without) with words and actions of kindness and loving care. One will be surprised how much it helps to "forget not" what the Lord has encouraged each one of us to do, not just at a certain period of the year, but the whole year!

It is a Bible fact that it takes more than good morals to be a Christian. Cornelius was a good, moral man, but he was not a Christian before obedience to the gospel(Acts 10:2, 6). Saul of Tarsus was living as an upright, moral individual before he was told what to do to be a Christian by Ananias(Acts 9:18). Good morals do not a Christian make.

Membership in a religious body will not make one a Christian. There are many churches that exist without the approval or authority of God(Matthew 15:9). Being a part of one of these will not ensure that a person is a Christian. The Bible teaches that Jesus built His church(Matthew 16:18), and obedient believers were added to it(Acts 2:47). These were the Christians of early days(Acts 11:26).

Simply because one's parents are Christians will not make a child a Christian. There is nothing hereditary about being a disciple of Christ. Each person must hear the gospel, and obey it before he/she can be acceptable to the Lord(Romans 1:16).

It is obvious being a Christian involves much more than has been assumed by the large portion of humanity. In order to be a Christian, one must establish a personal relationship with the Son of God through an adherence to His law(I Peter1:22-23). Upon completion of the commanded acts, God makes one a Christian. Remaining faithful to God's word keeps one a Christian.