Bible Thoughts

December 3, 2004

Men go to great lengths in order to have their names recorded in some famous place. Many sacrifices of principles are made so one can have his/her name listed in the local social register(or newspaper). The height of ecstasy for some is to inscribe one's name in a dedication block(plate) in some prominent place. Much wealth is often expended to see that a name is written where human glory can be obtained.

When the words of men have decayed, and the memory of the world's greats have faded, what is the value of human records? Can the pre-eminence of this life extend into the next life? Will a person who labored so tirelessly to inscribe his niche in the present opportunities be able to carry such accomplishments with him? What value does worldly honor have to a dead man? When his memory is gone?

There is a place where you can be enrolled that counts now and in eternity. The Hebrew writer spoke of those who are "enrolled in Heaven"(12:23). Can you think of a better place? Or a more lasting place? A place in Heaven is what matters when one no longer walks among men. This is what counts when faded memories of past generations have been washed away by the sea of time.

The record book is kept by the Lord himself. "And there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life"(Revelation 21:27). One enrolls in that book by obedience to the gospel(I Peter 1:18 -21). Don't you want your name listed?

DID YOU KNOW the world could end today? this very minute? It may not, but it could! "But the day of the lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up"(II Peter 1:10).

DID YOU KNOW that each person must give an account for the deeds performed while in the body? "For we must all give an account for the deeds performed in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad"(II Corinthians 5:10).

DID YOU KNOW Jesus has made provisions for you to be acceptable to God when you do stand in His presence? "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"(II Peter 3:9). "For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him, should not perish, but have eternal life"(John 3:16).

DID YOU KNOW the New Testament reveals the will of Christ and how to take advantage of His provisions? "For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every man that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith; as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith"(Romans 1:16-17).

DID YOU KNOW the gospel is to be proclaimed by faithful men in order that others might learn the truth? "And the things which thou has heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also"(II Timothy 2:2).

The desire to be righteous must be strong enough for a person to cast aside whatever stands as a hindrance to becoming a Christian. The conscientious person who wants to be saved will put aside any hindrance while embracing what is necessary to please the Lord. A host of folks lack the conviction to provoke them to "quit" their meanness. The majority of those whom we try to teach refuse to believe the necessary truths to be disciples of Christ. It is evident from the New Testament that one must quit that which is contrary to God's will and resolve to do as the Lord commands in the Gospel of Christ.

Jesus pointed out that "if any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself"(John 7:17). How is my will in relation to what Christ commands? Is my desire molded by the terms of God's word or am I rebellious to his word? A person has to desire the truth before he can expect to attain a knowledge of the same. Even wishful thinking is not enough. A searching, conscientious, and inquiring heart(mind) should be in each person's possession. Do I will to do His will?

The Pharisees did not recognize Jesus because they had no desire for anything except their own commandments. Since they claimed to follow God's will but at the same time while following the commands of men, Jesus charged them with hypocrisy(Matthew 15:7). An observation: Any person trying to serve God in the present age will be interested in what God has to say. Any person who claims to serve God but seeks Him by way of the commandments of men is guilty of hypocrisy!

Self-willed men have ever sought salvation on their own terms. They ridicule the idea that one is so narrow as to insist adherence to the word of God as the only acceptable way. In scoffing derision they attack the idea of "speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where it is silent." But it all boils down to: How is your will(desire)? Conforming to God's way or man's way?

When one truly obeys the gospel of Christ, he is promising to live according to the terms set forth therein. In reality, he is saying, "Here I am Lord, do with me as you will." From that moment forward, one is in a constant battle to keep from his own life anything that is contrary to the Lord's will.

How is my will in relation to Jesus Christ? Molded on His terms as set forth in the gospel? Have I obeyed from the heart the doctrine set forth in the New Testament?(Romans 6:17-18). Am I faithfully working in God's kingdom(Philippians 2:12)? If not, why not? Once upon a time a fellow got real mad at something the preacher said and he remarked, "I'll never go to church again; I'll die and go to Hell first." He will.