Bible Thoughts

February 29, 2004

It is not always easy for one to accept the instructions from God through His word. The Lord’s desire is that we be united under the gospel of Christ and that we not find ourselves splintered into various groups. Unity is right; division is wrong. Even Jesus Christ prayed that his disciples would be one(John 17:21). The religious world has ignored what is taught in the New Testament. Such causes division. Even among the saints of God division can be a blight. Jesus taught unity of the saints; the apostles and all inspired men pleaded for unity among the disciples. It is the same today.

Division comes when those who are Christians begin to ignore the scriptures and follow their own notions. The major divisions among God’s people produced denominations. The Roman Catholic Church is an outgrowth of the refusal to apply the scriptures. The Christian church is the result of those who refused to accept the scriptures on music and cooperation of churches. Over the passing years, those who followed the teachings of such became denominations. Even today there are churches of Christ that ignore plain Bible truths and follow their own inclinations.(How long till they become a denomination?) Division is always caused by those who follow the ways of men and not the ways of God. So long as we demand book, chapter, and verse for all that we teach and practice, we will always rely upon God’s word for our standard. The ways and commands of men are always the source of division.

A thought: Does this mean that disagreement never arises among God’s people? There are times when such will arise within any congregation. The way to settle such is by a proper attitude in regard to the application of scriptures. There are even areas of judgment in which brethren will disagree. Maintaining a proper attitude is the norm for those who want to do what is right. One may hold an opinion of such nature that it does not affect the unity of God’s people so long as the opinion does not do violence to the scriptures. Pressing a personal opinion upon others can be a source of trouble. Learning to respect other’s opinions can be a means of unity. Nonetheless, if the opinion is contrary to the scriptures, it needs to be opposed and exposed.

It was the Lord’s purpose to have unity among His people. When we have the right attitude toward the scriptures and toward each other, unity will exist. We are thankful for the unity of this congregation and pray that it may always keep us in the paths of righteousness.

When the apostles of Christ went into the various cities to convert people to the Lord, they used only one approach the gospel. Paul said, of this message, that it was the "power of God unto salvation."(Romans 1:16). The preaching in the days of the apostles reflected the truths that needed to be accepted by all men since Pentecost.

Only the truth can reconcile one to the Almighty. Their teachings were not mixed with human ideas and opinions for they stood foursquare on the revelation from the Holy Spirit. Their activities indicated anything more or less than the scriptures would serve to destroy one spiritually rather than assist them in salvation.

When the early disciples entered any area, they preached the truth. It was found unnecessary to establish kitchens, welfare rolls, food lines, etc., to accomplish their purpose. Saving the souls of men was the intent of their message. There were many hungry people of that day--even Jesus declared they(and us) would have the poor with us always. Early disciples did not neglect their responsibilities in this matter, but their prime purpose was to convert men with the truth from God.

When conditions arose in the church at Jerusalem shortly after the beginning of the New Testament period, the brethren contributed goods into a common treasury to relieve needy saints. The distribution occurred after they were converted--and--the primary purpose was to ease the burdens of want among those early Christians. They were converted first, and when necessary, nourishment for the physical was as needed. The churches of that day did not use benevolent acts to convert the unbelieving. The Gospel was the means of turning people to the truth.

Those who try to advance the Lord's cause through material distribution of goods and food are mistaken. Food does not convert; the Gospel converts. Those who are enticed by material substance to follow Christ are not converted by the truth: they look only for the material benefits that can be obtained. When one is guided by the words of truth, the disciple will remain faithful so long as they remember what Christ has revealed. We convert men with the Gospel, not with material substance.

Entertainment has been used as an inducement for people(especially the young) to be influenced toward the truth. Did the early church use such a method to convert the unbeliever? If such had been an appropriate manner by which to lead people to the truth, there would be some record of such activities. The question often arises: What can we do to encourage the young people and keep them faithful? The Bible answer: The same Gospel that converts an aged person will convert the younger generation. One Gospel for all, whatever the age. We are only fooling ourselves when we try to use various enticements to get and hold the young people. It is, in fact, an insult to youth to try to convert them with such worldly approaches. Those who believe that you have to feed and entertain to convert any age are blind to the truth. The only power under Heaven that God will permit to be used for salvation is the Gospel. Feed them, entertain them, amuse them, and satisfy the physical cravings they possess but you have not converted them through such approaches.

When Paul addressed the Corinthians, he reminded the brethren that he came to them with "the testimony of God"(I Corinthians 2:1). Only this approach can or will convert the sinner, whatever the age of the person. You may get a crowd with food and entertainment, but you will not teach them with such approaches. What worked for the early church is what will work in our day: just teach and set the example for young people and for those of us who are no longer young. However appealing to the flesh are those items mentioned, they cannot satisfy the spiritual needs of the disciple of Christ.