Bible Thoughts

July 11, 2004

Several years ago, it seemed common in preaching for brethren to speak of the infallibly safe way. The point in the lesson(s) was to identify the New Testament and the commandments contained therein to be the source for Christians to learn the inspired word of God. When passages could be presented in regard to what was being taught and practiced, there was no question about the action that was to follow. Those who learned the truth from the scriptures followed the directions of the New Testament. It was the infallibly safe way!

 Over time, there were those who became unhappy with the scriptures and through human reasoning, drifted from the patterns of the New Testament. No longer did they preach that book, chapter, and verse must be found before any belief, position, or practice could be accepted. When challenged, faithful brethren would rise up for the truth by giving a passage that proved the teaching or practice was from Jesus Christ and the apostles. It was the infallibly safe way!

Human wisdom is not very attractive to the minds of those who are spiritually inclined. In every Bible, in every sermon, in every discussion, in every confrontation, and every challenge, the source of determining what was right before the Almighty God was(and is) found in the New Testament. Once the practice or teaching was proven from the scriptures, brethren accepted what was revealed in the inspired word. Would that this principle could be forever etched into the minds of all of those who claim to be Christians. It is the infallibly safe way!

 Knowledge involves responsibility. The more we know, the more we are obligated to perform. Such is true in all avenues of life. Especially does the principle apply in regard to one's religion. As one grows in the life of a Christian, the more one realizes his obligation to do all that he/she can in following and serving the Lord. If a disciple is aware of what God commands and expects--and--fails to live up to his knowledge, he is in trouble with this passage and with God.

 If a Christian is aware of someone who is in physical need, it is right to do what one is able to offer. Failure to do so is not pleasing to the Lord. If a Christian is aware of some who are in need of encouragement to follow the commands of Christ, it is right to do what one can in offering kind words and works. All of us need, from time to time, to be encouraged. It starts in the home and begins to spread through other areas. A single kind thought can be of great power.

 If a Christian is aware of one who was strong but has now become weak, it is right to take the time and effort to see what can be done to assist the faltering disciple. A phone call or a word of encouragement can be of great benefit to one who is really disappointed in himself. Instead of talking about what the person was like in the past, try to help him in the present, and do all that is possible to guide him back to a strong disciple of the Master. Sharing the knowledge that each of us has as determined Christians, we can be of great help to those who have become less interested in following the one who died for them.

 Let us do good in all areas of our lives as a Christian. At the same time, do all we can to help others to do good!

 Of course, you cannot. But--just for this thought--let your mind search out what you would do.

 Would you be more concerned about your spiritual health?

 Would you show more love and concern for your family?

 Would you treat your mate more kindly?

 Would you put forth more effort to live a righteous life?

 Would you spend more time with the Bible?

 Would you be present for as many services as possible?

 Would you speak to others about the scriptures?

 Would you set a better example to your friends?

 Would you take better care of the body that God gave you?

 Would you think on spiritual things more than earthly things?

Would you take better care of your health so that you may serve the Lord with more enthusiasm?

 Would you speak more kind words and fewer words of anger?

Would you take the time to think about these thoughts?

 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away"(James 4:14).

 Simply because the laws of the land may allow something does not mean that God approves of such. There are often conflicts between what man believes to be right and what God reveals to be right. Yet, many people assume that if it is legal, it is right. The truth is that we will not judged by the decrees and laws of men but by the laws of God.

 Someday each of us will stand before God(II Corinthians 5:10). At that time, the Lord will separate the righteous from the unrighteous(Matthew 25:34-46). Those who are righteous will be determined by what is written in the book of God, the Bible. The same standard will be used to judge and condemn the unrighteous. It becomes necessary for those who desire to be among the righteous to study and obey the precepts contained in the Bible.

 When one is good in the eyes of men, abides by the civil law, and acts decent around others--this does not insure a home in heaven. The laws of God must be obeyed and followed to be pleasing to our Creator. Obey today--live righteous in the future--and--be saved in eternity.

Human governments decide what is legal in a nation; only God can decide what is right!