A Minute With The Bible Aired during March, 2001 Matthew 7:15 reveals, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves." The warning of Jesus is true in our time as it has been through the ages. It is sad that religious teachers will preach and teach that which cannot be proven from the scriptures. Their demeanor may be impressive; their speech may be flowing; their appearance may be attractive, but, if they are not teaching the truths as revealed in the New Testament, they are wolves in sheep clothing and will cause those who heed them to be lost in eternity. Outward appearance does not measure whether one is right or wrong. The way to separate the wolf from the sheep is to test the teacher with the New Testament. If they teach not the truth contained therein and follow explicitly the way of Jesus Christ, they are false teachers, and they will cause your soul to be lost.
Matthew 7:21 states, "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 who is in heaven." The words of Jesus are plain: the mere act of calling on the Lord will not save a person. There is more to following the Lord than just saying, "Lord, Lord." It is abundantly clear that before one can be acceptable to Jesus Christ, he must submit to the commands of the New Testament. When one does the will of the Father, that person will not only gladly hear the truth of God, but repent of sins, confess Christ before men, be immersed in water for the remission of sins, and live a life that is faithful to God. Such is doing the will of the Father who is in Heaven. Have you submitted to His will?
The Lord told Moses in Exodus 25:9, "According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it." These instructions to Moses left no doubt in his mind that God intended for him to do as the Lord outlined. It would be up to Moses to see to the construction and insure that it was done "according to the pattern." Neither Moses or any other Hebrew leader would have a right to adjust what God had delivered to them. They could not take a vote as to changes to be made; they had no right to enlist "authorities" to suggest improvements; their one and only choice was to follow the pattern for the tabernacle since it came from God. Men have never been given the right to adjust and/or overrule what God has delivered to mankind. The Hebrews were duty bound to follow God's commands. And--so are we!
The Lord told Moses in Exodus 25:9, "According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it." These instructions to Moses left no doubt in his mind that God intended for him to do as the Lord outlined. It would be up to Moses to see to the construction and insure that it was done "according to the pattern." Neither Moses or any other Hebrew leader would have a right to adjust what God had delivered to them. They could not take a vote as to changes to be made; they had no right to enlist "authorities" to suggest improvements; their one and only choice was to follow the pattern for the tabernacle since it came from God. Men have never been given the right to adjust and/or overrule what God has delivered to mankind. The Hebrews were duty bound to follow God's commands. And--so are we!
The apostle Paul revealed in Ephesians 5:27, in regard to the church of Christ, "that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish". The Lord's church was established by the pattern that is set forth in His New Testament. Those who seek to please the Lord will search the scriptures in order to identify the religious group that follows the pattern. There is no other source for that pattern. It is not described in the creedbooks and manuals of churches established by men. The true pattern comes from Jesus Christ, not men. If you want to find whether the church you attend follows that pattern, ask your preacher or religious leader to open the New Testament and read a description of the church for which Christ died. Does it match the one in which you hold membership?
In Colossians 3:16, the apostle Paul instructed, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God." The Lord's church follows the pattern for worship as set forth in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. The early church sang(each one participated) praises to God. There were no instruments of men used in that service, only the human voice that God made. The church of Christ follows that pattern today. All members sing praises to God. There are no choirs, no instruments, and no solos. The pattern only makes room for the beauty of the human voices of all members. It matters not the ability of the person, the Lord accepts one's sincere efforts to praise him. What a wonderful way to share praises to God for it is according to the pattern.
In Ephesians 2:10, Paul stated, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them." God designed Christians. They are his workmanship, the product of His word. Christians are to live a life of good works, as set forth in the pattern of the New Testament. The Lord intended for us to live a life that is different from those who follow the ways of Satan. As the disciple walks the paths of righteousness, an example is set before others. The influence of such disciples will produce a better person, a better family, and a better community. The savoring quality of the life of a Christian not only improves this life, but prepares one for the next life. Are you a Christian, my friend? Are you ready for the next life?
"And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil"(John 3:19). Those who were hearing Jesus were rejecting his words. Why? Because of their love for those things which were contrary to the Lord's will. The God of heaven desires that men live righteous lives. Those who are influenced by the world will reject what is taught in the New Testament of our Savior. Desiring to remain in their evil works, they close their minds and ears to the truth. Such an attitude is not what Christ desires. He wants men to accept the light of His word and change their lives. The proper attitude toward the Lord's way will lead men to seek righteousness, not iniquity. It is your soul and you need to seek the light of God's word. Which do you love: the darkness or the light?
Jesus taught in John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him." The Lord knew that those who truly accepted him as the Son of God would be willing to follow what he said. In this passage, he ties belief and obedience together when he said "he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life." It is strange that some religious people will teach that all one has to do is believe, without obedience, and they will be saved. Jesus never taught that faith only would save; the apostles did not teach it; and, the New Testament does not teach it. In fact, the Word of God says that faith alone will not please the Lord in James 2:24. The truth is that those who truly believe in Jesus Christ will do all they can to please him. There will never be any question that one who loves the Lord will obey him. Do you believe what Jesus said?
Jesus pointed out in John 6:26, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled." Men have claimed to follow Jesus for various reasons. In this case, they had benefited from the miracles of Christ and fed their bodies. The Lord pointed out their motives in following him. They did not understand the nature of the Lord's way and the spiritual benefits that would come from following him. Their eyes were their stomachs. What they needed to focus on was the condition of their hearts. When they learned that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life for eternal salvation, they would be less concerned for the physical attractions of this life. We are to seek the Lord, not for the material benefits to be received, but in order to please him spiritually and have the reward of heaven.
In John 6:63, Jesus revealed, "It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life." Our society needs to take the words of Christ to heart. We live in an age when the appeal to the flesh dominates far too many people. Catering to the flesh satisfies the flesh but it does not satisfy the spiritual needs of a person. Jesus did not suffer and die in order to please the fleshly part of man. He died on the cross for the spiritual needs of mankind. The Lord was not intending to improve the physical side of man; he intended to save the spiritual side. He would not appeal to the flesh, he would appeal to the spirit. The religions of the world seek to satisfy the fleshly side of man; the New Testament will satisfy the real needs, that is, the soul. My friend, where do you seek your satisfaction?
Jesus pointed out in John 7:17, "If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself." Before one can be acceptable to God, he must have a desire to please the Lord. His will must be set to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. The Lord challenged those of his day to weigh what he was teaching, whether it be truth or error. Since each person is responsible for his/her own soul, finding and accepting the truth of God is up to the individual. The Lord did not force them to accept the truth; the Lord's servants do not force people to accept the gospel at the present. Jesus offered the truth to all of those who truly wanted the truth. Christians of today live and teach the truth of the gospel in the hope there will be those who "will to do his will." Do you want to follow the Lord's will?
Jesus told the people of his day, in Matthew 23:2-3, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say and do not." How like people of all ages: we talk a lot about what we plan to do rather than doing it. The people of the Lord's day were told not to follow the example of the boasting Pharisees. They told others what to do religiously, but they did not obey the commands themselves. They were talkers, but not doers. The Lord has never been satisfied with lip service, he wants the heart service that comes from within a person. When the heart is truly in the service to God, the follower will not only seek the words of Christ but be willing to do whatever the Lord commands. Is your heart into serving God by obeying His word?
Jesus taught, in Matthew 23:9-10, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ." Jesus condemned the wearing of religious titles. Such actions elevate other humans above their peers. Rabbi, Father, and master are not appropriate in regard to those who would follow the one religious master, Jesus Christ. To use such titles is an insult to the humility that is to be characteristic of Christians. Placing others on a pedestal is not the way of Christ; humility is the standard for the Lord's disciples. Wearing religious titles, including "reverend" is condemned by the Lord in this passage. Such titles give prominence to men, not God. There is no passage in the New Testament that approves the use of religious titles.
Jesus, after condemning religious titles, stated in Matthew 23:11- 12, "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted." The way of Christ is not found in the promoting of oneself, but in the recognition of Jesus Christ as the greatest of all. Greatness for men can come only through service. When one has a willingness to subject one's mind and life to the will of Jesus Christ, the real spiritual needs can be met. In the absence of that humility, one cannot find the peace that comes from following one who humbled himself by leaving heaven, then suffering and dying for each of us. Take heed that we not be so possessed by pride in ourselves that we are unwilling to become humble enough to follow the one who willingly died on the cross to make a way of life for us. Are you willing to be humble enough to accept and follow Christ's way?
Jesus referred to the Pharisees, scribes and hypocrites in Matthew 23:24 by stating, "Ye blind guides, that strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel." Those to whom the Lord referred were meticulous about tithing, making sure they gave the proper amount of even the smallest spices. However, they failed to practice justice and mercy while failing to have the proper faith. Caught up in their own standards of holiness they failed to recognize their own condition. The graphic illustration of Christ, straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel, indicated the serious consequences of their religious practices. Going through rituals without love, faith, dedication, and perseverance is not the way of Christ. We are to follow the instructions of the New Testament, but we must recognize that all obedience must be accompanied by affection for the Lord and for others. How much do I love the Lord and His will?
Jesus pointed out to the religious leaders of his day, in Matthew 23:25, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full from extortion and excess." One cannot always tell the measure of a person by outward actions. However, the individual knows whether he is being hypocritical and God knows it! The religious leaders of Christ's day made sure they washed their dishes sparkling clean, but their hearts were filled with abominations. In Matthew 23, the Lord refers a number of times to their hypocrisy, pointing out that their religion came not from a clean heart, but one that was motivated by iniquity. Is it not hypocritical in our day for religious leaders to speak so lovingly of their dedication to Jesus Christ and refuse to follow His word, neglecting to be humble enough to obey His will?
The writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1 stated, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." The inspired author would further point out there would be a time for such things as a time to plant, a time to heal, a time to seek, a time to love, and so forth. Mankind often involves itself in so many activities that are not worthwhile that many fail to do what needs to be done. A large portion of the population spend their time in seeking pleasure and satisfaction of the flesh without considering the needs of the spiritual. The flesh is for this earth; the spirit is for eternity. We can spend our time in the pursuit of the flesh and ignore the needs of the spirit. But when the time of the flesh ends, what will be next? Solomon had tried the things of this life but found they brought no lasting satisfaction. When this life is over what really counts is how you spent your time. Was it with God or without God?
The writer of Ecclesiastes 3:22 stated, "I have seen nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot." God does not want men to be unhappy. He desires that each of us enjoy the fruits of creation. We can appreciate the sunshine, the rain, the cooling breeze, the air we breathe, and the beauty of the earth. One can live a happy and pleasant life on this earth if diligent effort is put forth. Happiness, however, is not limited to the physical. There is a happiness that reaches far beyond the fleshly appeals; this happiness is spiritual in nature and brings gladness and satisfaction to a person's soul. While physical happiness can be found in enjoying the Lord's earth, the stars, the moon, and all the many marvelous blessings of our universe, only the spiritual blessings of God will last. Such come from a Father who allowed his son to die on a cruel cross. Do you seek his blessings?
Solomon stated in Ecclesiastes 4:13, "A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction." No person gets too old to learn. While it may take more energy and effort as we advance in years, it can be done. One never reaches the age that he cannot change. A husband can become a better mate; a child can become a nicer child; a wife can become a better partner--it is up to the individual. Solomon, with all of his power and wealth, recognized that a wise lad, even though poor, is better than a rich, satisfied older person that will not listen. Unless we lose our faculties, no person is too old to learn. We may not learn as rapidly as we did, but we can still learn. One never becomes too old to learn the truth of God's word. By the way, what have you learned today...or recently? If you are listening, you are not too old!
Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 5:2, revealed: "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon the earth: therefore let thy words be few." In other words, watch what you say. Words are to be carefully weighed before spoken. Many a person has alienated a friend, hurt a relative, and injured another's heart by speaking too hasty. Those who are rash overspeak their message and alienate those they intend to address. When speaking, be aware that God is listening. Don't make promises you cannot fulfill. Do not exaggerate your message. Don't let your speech leave a bad taste in your mouth. One thing that helps, as Solomon said, "Let your words be few." Speak what needs to be said; speak it in a proper manner; consider the ones you are addressing--it just makes good sense and sure helps the conversation.
The wise man advised in Ecclesiastes 5:10, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income." If ever a man lived who understood the weakness of wealth, Solomon was that man. Given all of his riches(and the power that brought such), Solomon realized that the real needs of a man cannot be met with accumulated wealth. There is something more than being able to boast of riches; there is something better than storing up treasures; there is something better than what material wealth brings. Riches cannot bring happiness; riches cannot bring love and respect to a family; riches cannot buy one's way into heaven. Riches serve this life and can be a master or a servant. One question: What do your riches mean to you now and what will they mean to you after you die?