Bible Thoughts

September 5, 2004

It is difficult in our age to believe all that one hears or is exposed to in one's daily activities. The media concentrates on convincing people that they should buy and use their products. Their intention is to make a profit in their sales. Politicians are trying to convince the populace to believe that they will be the best servant of the people that could be found. The world uses all of the tools that are available to get one to believe in them, their product, and their words. However, the thinking person will not accept what they say or do unless it is proven they are worthy of being believed.

Perhaps the weariness that is found among the public in regard to many efforts to persuade the people that what they offer is the best product. It is wise, even in secular matters, to be careful and not be deceived into believing and accepting something that is worthless.

When it comes to religion, the same thoughts can apply. The world is filled with religious groups that fail to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to their teachings and efforts. If the many denominations that exist would seek the truth found in the New Testament, they would cease to exist. What they believe and teach that is peculiar to such religious sects cannot be not found in the Word of God. To be acceptable to Jesus Christ, one must believe what is taught in the New Testament. The Lord said He would build His church on the rock(the rock bed of truth expressed by Peter in Matthew 16:18). It makes the honest person wonder if those who create denominations have ever read the New Testament. The Lord built only one church(Ephesians 4:5). It is described by inspired men in Christ's Testament.

The success of the church meeting in Santa Fe Hills depends upon the activities of her members. If one individual fails, just that part of the church fails. We can accomplish even more when each disciple is committed to the work of the Lord. However much may have been accomplished in the past, such is no assurance of the future. The moment that one Christian lays aside his armor, in that moment he can be pierced by Satan's weapons. Only through constant vigilance to the Lord can God's army be successful. When the church of Christ ceases to fight for the New Testament and the church the Lord established she will disappear from the right to be called that which belongs to God. When the church ceases to fight for the Lord, it becomes an enemy of Jehovah. Jesus said it plainly: "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth"(Matthew 12:30). When each member is constantly aware of the dangers that threaten both within and without, much good can be had from the saints of God. Alertness to that which threatens the Zion of God is the only way to keep from being overcome by the temptations and snares of Satan.

Among the threats that would seek to destroy the Lord's body are the following: indifference, bad examples, Denominationalism, modernitistic preachers. and morals. Yet, there are sometimes even greater dangers than those noted. While we have heard many lessons concerning the following conditions, it is still proper to identify that which would take away the salvation of a disciples' soul. Consider carefully these threats:

1. Indifference. This word can identify the "I don't care" attitude. This springs up in the heart from a lack of love for the Lord and His cause. When one prefers to stay at home than to be at the services of the church or fails to contribute as God commands(spends more on entertainment than giving), and shows little interest in the welfare of the brethren, we become indifferent toward our responsibilities to the Lord.

2. Bad examples. Let us not forget that the Lord said, "Ye are the light of the world." Christians are not to live like the world all week and go to "church" on Sunday thinking that all is well. Only through a life of careful(instead of careless), can we set the proper examples to those with whom we have contact, as well as strengthening our own faith.

3. Denominationalistic trends. The desire for some congregations to be like "the nations around us" has led many churches to introduce practices unknown to the New Testament. When a congregation begins to offer entertainment, use language that does not reflect the New Testament, bind themselves into organizations that are larger than the local church, preach as do the sectarians, and approve practices that are unknown to the New Testament, she is sliding(at a fast speed) into losing her identify as the Lord's church.

4. Modernistic preachers. The craving for "higher education" among some preachers has led those who place such sectarian nonsense in high esteem to question the integrity fo the New Testament. In the past, there were those who were sound in the faith, but through the study of near-infidel writings set aside the patterns of the New Testament and affiliate themselves with certain ones who follow the liberal path.(This writer is reminded of one who was sound in the faith, a very effective preacher who held a gospel meeting where I was preaching. How sad that he took a liberal path away from the scriptures.) A lesson: A person is only as sound as the positions he takes that are found in the New Testament. If they cannot be proven from the scriptures, however influential one may be, they are in spiritual trouble.)

5. Moral problems. In the last few years, there has been a dramatic change in the attitudes of the many among the multitudes. Some of the most vile sins are looked upon with favor by the media, by some politicians, and a large part of the public. Those transgressions that were not practiced, even in secret, have become acceptable to citizens who should know better. How far are we from the city of Sodom? How many know the difference between right and wrong? How many care how far the present trends will last? And--how long until they affect the righteous? Only one who knows the will of Jesus Christ and practices a life of decent morals along with obedience to the Lord will make it to Heaven. John said it: "But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolators, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death"(Revelation 21:7).

For those who are righteous, the Lord will "wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, not crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away"(Revelation 21:4). Do you want to go to Heaven?