Bible Thoughts

August 29, 2004

How often has someone, when confronted with a plain Bible passage, replied by saying, "That is your opinion." One can read a passage, not add a word to it, and then, be met with such a statement. If one reads a scripture, exactly as written and without commenting, does he give his opinion?(This writer, in a discussion, read a passage of scripture to make a point to one who was discussing the scriptures. When I read the passage, he responded that it did not mean that because of the way you read it(I just read it word for word from the Bible).

Is it not possible to accept and teach the Bible without addition or human opinions? The Proverb writer recognized that it was possible to just accept the scripture when he said, "Add thou not unto His words"(Proverbs 30:6). The same condition can(and must) exist today. If we teach the word of God without subtraction or addition, who can dare to challenge the scripture? Yet, some will say, "That is your opinion."

IS IT ONE'S OPINION when the very words of Christ are read so plainly they cannot be misunderstood? Is such a statement as "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved"(Mark 1616) one's opinion or Christ's teaching?

Every dedicated Bible student is fully aware of the plain instruction found in that scripture. It is not, therefore, mere opinion to say belief and baptism precede salvation. It is nothing more than a human opinion to say, "I believe one can be saved without baptism." The messages of the New Testament are not mere opinions--they are truth.

IS IT AN INDIVIDUAL'S OPINION when he can read his religious practices in the Bible? When we read from the scriptures that the early church engaged in evangelism(I Thessalonians 1:8), edification of the saints(Ephesians 4:16), and benevolence(Acts 6:1-7), is it one's opinion to so state the work of the church? Is it not, rather, a human opinion to characterize the church as a social club? Which is opinion? The denominations have little religion in them. Too many churches of Christ have aped what is done in human churches rather than following what is revealed in the New Testament.

IS IT ONE'S OPINION when the person can read in the New Testament of the church of which the individual is a part? When we find the church at Corinth(I Corinthians 1:2) or at Philippi(Philippians 1:1) or the ones mentioned in Romans16:16(churches of Christ) we have the pattern of which God, not man, is the author. Does not human opinion prevail

when one admits the Bible does not speak of the one in which he is a member? Let us be honest and admit that denominations are not any part of the New Testament church. Also, there are also churches of Christ that have drifted into denominational activities and, unless they change, end up as another sectarian group!

IS IT ONE'S OPINION as to what is to be used by the church of God as acts of worship if the faithful one can read it in the Bible? The New Testament, very plainly, instructs Christians in their worship to sing(Ephesians 2:19), pray(Acts 12:12), give of means(I Corinthians 16:2), and partake of the Lord's Supper(Acts 20:7)--is it a human opinion or God's instructions to so state? Additionally, the saints of God will assemble and study the Word of God(Acts 20:7). Example: Is it not one's opinion to say, "I see nothing wrong with using instrumental music in worship?"

Indifference is defined as being "not concerned in or concerned about something." The lack of concern for many things is evident in all phases of life. Many have become unconcerned about our government and the methods she employs to foster her ambitions. Others are completely indifferent toward the uncertain conditions of the world. There are some who are even indifferent toward the needs of their family. Yet, even more than all of these things, there are some who are indifferent toward their religious condition. In fact, the majority of the American people fall into a general class of "unconcerned souls." Oh, we realize that the majority are claiming affiliation with some religious group. However, if we were to compare that number with those who very seldom, if ever, attend a religious gathering, we might be astonished. There are many, many more people away from religious services on Sunday than are present. The buildings could not hold the groups if they all attended a service on the first day of the week. Yet, understand that being religious is not necessarily being right in God's sight. Only those who follow the New Testament are pleasing to God.

The plague of indifference has infested many congregations. It would be hard to find a church where there is not at least a small group of individuals, who, while claiming to be members, never do anything much to prove it. Folks go to work, attend school, engage in sports, and so forth, but take little(if any) thought about their responsibility to the local church(and God)! It is sad to realize that someday they will not awake for work, school, sports, etc., because they no longer have the breath of life in their body-- they will have breathed their last breath! There will be no opportunities to mend their ways, change their allegiance, and turn to the Lord through obedience to His word. Death will only bring an eternity in Hell(Revelation 20:15). Why? The sleep of indifference lulled them into a second death.

Perhaps there is no more difficult task than to teach and encourage those who are unconcerned about their spiritual welfare. The one who desires to serve God can be led to salvation and a home in Heaven. The person who lacks that desire must change one's attitude. The things of this life are but temporary. The salvation of Jesus Christ is eternal. When one is searching the scriptures, finding the truth, and recognizes the need to obey the Lord, accepting the riches of eternal life, he is preparing for eternal life.

If you are having problems with indifference, before it is too late, change the pattern of your life and put the Lord and His word first in your life. "But seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

Don't wait until tomorrow to start serving the Lord as one should--make it your aim to do all that is possible to be faithful to the one who created us. Do not let indifference cost you a home in Heaven!