Bible Thoughts

April 25, 2004

"Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased"(Hebrews 13:15-16).

In a nation of abundance, it is difficult to understand the necessity of being sacrificial. For the most of us, we have many material items that satisfy the flesh that may tend to create within us a spirit of satisfaction. It has not always been true of Christians in other times and places. Yet, the spirit of sacrifice should be in the heart(mind) of the disciple of Christ of the present.

Sacrifice does not end with money. The willingness to give time and effort to the Lord's work constitutes a sacrifice. Giving up something that interferes with one's responsibility to God is also a sacrifice. How many of us are willing to give up what we hold dear to us in order to assist the Lord's work or assist a Christian who has a need? Such may focus, in the mind of some, on giving up material substance, but there are other sacrifices; including time, effort, kind words, a smile, an encouraging gesture, putting forth the energy to assist one who needs help in various areas, and many other ways in which sacrifice can enrich the one who assists others in spiritual and physical ways. As the passage above points out, the actions and words of a disciple of Christ rise as a sweet sacrifice to the God who willingly let His only Son come to the earth as a sacrifice for each and every human who has ever lived. Surely, what He did should inspire each of us to sacrifice in our own lives. What would you or I give up to be a Christian or to remain a Christian?

Jesus said, "For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?"(Matthew 16:26). Each person must make a choice as to what he is willing to sacrifice in order to please the Lord. For some, the sacrifice may be great; for others, they may seem small--but for all, one must give his soul to the Lord in order to be saved. The many luxuries and offerings of this world will never recompense for the eternal life that God has promised to the faithful.

Saul of Tarsus was a man of power in His day. When he discovered that he was wrong as he persecuted Christians, he changed. This future apostle was willing to sacrifice his position, his influence, and his power in order to please the Lord. His attitude was, "Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yea, verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ"(Philippians 3:7-8).

Within the lifetime of this writer, there have been many who made the sacrifices necessary to be a Christian. On one Sunday, a man came forward at the invitation song and said that he wanted to obey the gospel and become a disciple of Christ. His faith led him into his workplace on Monday morning and tell his employer he would no longer work for the company because he was now a Christian. The new disciple had been driving a beer truck to make a living. Such a sacrifice was made by one who truly believed in the Lord and His word. It was only a short time that he found, not only a right job--but one much better than what he gave up. The Lord takes care of the faithful! What would I give up to be a Christian or to remain a Christian?

The apostle Paul came to Ephesus and found "certain disciples." When he inquired of their knowledge, it was made known that they received "John's baptism." This baptism was under the Law of Moses and prepared the Hebrews to become knowledgeable of the will of Jesus Christ. In order to correct their baptism, Paul baptized them "in the name of the Lord Jesus"(Acts 19:5).

There are many who have not heard about the baptism of which Christ commanded. They often accept something that is called baptism(sprinkling and pouring) rather than the immersion(the real meaning of the word). One who is sprinkled or had a little water poured on the person has not been baptized.

The word in the original language sounds like what will occur when one is immersed. It is impossible to use a little water in order to be baptized--the word denies that anything except immersion will constitute baptism.

There are also those who claim that one does not have to be baptized in order to be saved. Denominational preachers have deceived multitudes into believing that baptism is not essential. Have they not read Mark 16:16,"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned." It is obvious if one believes what Jesus said, he will willingly accept what Jesus commanded--baptism is essential to one's salvation.

The apostle Peter stated, plainly, the truth as he spoke of the saving of the eight souls in the ark. This inspired man would write, "..which after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism..."( I Peter 3:21). Do you suppose they ever read this passage? Preachers who deny the essentiality of baptism are leading souls into eternal torment. I believe the apostle Peter. Do you?

Have those who compose the Campus church ever read the following passage? "Ye observe days, and months, and seasons, and years. I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain?"(Galatians 4:10-11). We call upon the Campus church to cease their rapid march into denominationalism.

There are no quick and easy ways to learn the word of God. It takes time and it takes work. Paul said, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed"(II Timothy 2:15). Timothy took the admonition to heart and developed into a commendable preacher of the gospel. Those would believe they do not have to study or that God places words in their mouths either (1) do not know what the Bible teaches or (2) do not believe what is revealed in God's word.

There is only one way to become a Christian. There is only one standard for a Christian. One follows the other.