A Minute With The Bible Aired during January, 2002
"But Peter and John answered and said unto them,
Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather
than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we
saw and heard"(Acts
4:19-20). Would it not be wonderful if all preachers would speak the
that which is contained in the scriptures? Peter and John had been
commanded "not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus."
Without any hesitation, they said they would speak the truth as it
came from God. Do you wonder why so many preachers preach so many
different doctrines? Is it not because some are not speaking as the
"oracles of God?" Their lessons may be based on what some worldly
minded authority had to say or be a pleasant address that offends no
one or material taken from a human creedbook, but, unfortunately,
none of these reflect the teachings of Christ and the apostles. If
you visit with the church of Christ, we will speak and teach, not the
doctrines of men, but the doctrine of Christ.
"And the multitude of
them that believed were of one heart and one soul; and not one of
them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own;
but they had all things common"(Acts 4:32). The early Christians felt for the needs
of others. They willingly sacrificed to see that other disciples were
properly clothed and fed. Their actions were motivated by the love
they had for each other. They were of "one heart and one soul."
Whatever they possessed, they shared. This unity of spirit
characterized Christians in the early church; it characterizes those
who are Christians at the present. Individuals who love the Lord love
those who belong to the Lord. When opportunity presents itself to
help, they are willing to sacrifice. The real spirit of giving is
demonstrated in this example among the early Christians. Even in our
day Christians will sacrifice in order to see to the needs of others.
Personal concerns and personal action is a way of life for those who
follow the scriptures.
"And every day, in the
temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as
the Christ"(Acts 5:42).
The early Christians treasured the gospel that they had received.
They desired that others would know of the Christ and his sacrifice.
Wherever the occasion arose, they would speak the words of truth to
those who would listen. In our age, Christians continue to teach
others the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ. They teach it by living by
the principles taught therein; they teach it by speaking with others
about the truth. Whenever an opportunity arises, they are willing to
share what God says with their friends and their neighbors. The
members of the church of Christ are enthusiastic in their desire to
share the truth with others. Not only do we use this minute to speak
of Christ and His love, but we offer several opportunities for you to
study the Bible with us; not just in our services, but we will gladly
come to your home or send you a Bible course, all of which is free.
The church charges NOTHING for her services. May we help you?
"Not I beseech you,
brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all
speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but
that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same
judgment"(I Corinthians
1:10). The religious division of today is a shame in God's sight. The
Lord wants those who serve him to be of one mind and one spirit. Yet,
we have thousands of different churches all claiming to be followers
of Christ. How can we read such passages as this one to the church at
Corinth, and not realize that we are to be united under the banner of
Christ? Division must come from our not believing and speaking the
same thing. The only cure for division is for each of us to resolve
to follow the word of God as revealed in the New Testament and
renounce anything that differs with or is opposed to the revealed
truth in Christ's revelation. Jesus prayed for unity; Paul pleaded
for such; and those who honor Christ will seek to have unity through
the teachings of the New Testament. Division is wrong; unity in
Christ is right!
Jesus said, "But in vain
do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
Ye leave the commandments of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.
And he said, unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of
God, that ye may keep your tradition"(Mark 7:7-9). The Lord was very plain when he
described the cause of division among religious people: they taught
the precepts of men, not the commandments of God. The same problem
exists in our day: the majority of the religious leaders teach from
manuals, disciplines, and creed books, all of which cause division.
The traditions of various religious bodies overshadow the plain
truths of the New Testament. The word of God is not difficult to
understand. However, when we read the teachings of Christ in the
light of pre-conceived ideas, only confusion will result. Why not lay
aside the creed books of men and examine the messages found in the
New Testament? This is the one and only route to unity among
religious people.
Jesus said, "I am the
vine and ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same beareth much fruit: for apart form me ye can do
nothing"(John 15:5).
The Lord is the vine: only one vine. He did not plant several
different vines and leave with man the choice of choosing a vine to
which he desires to be attached. Each disciple of Christ is a branch
on that one vine. When a person obeys the gospel, that saint becomes
a part of the vine. Again, let it be emphasized that Jesus is the
vine and Christians are the branches. The Lord pointed out that apart
from being on that vine, no fruit could be borne. Jesus further
stated, "If ye abide in
me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall
be done unto you"(John
15:7). In verse 8, the Lord said, "...and so shall ye be my disciples."
The lesson is plain:
the Lord has only one vine and all of those who desire to please him
are part of that vine. Christians are united in that vine through
following the commands of Christ.
"Whosoever goeth onward
and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that
abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the
Son"(II John 9). Jesus,
the apostles, and all inspired men emphasized the necessity of one
following the will of Christ. John makes such very plain in this
passage. In order to have God, one must respect the will of God. The
will of the Lord is revealed in the New Testament. Many centuries
ago, men departed from the teachings of Christ and created a
religious body that is a monument to division. Through the following
centuries, many fallible human beings have taught what is not taught
in the New Testament and created more division among religious
people. If we believe and respect the New Testament, we will seek the
unity for which Christ prayed. What a wonderful experience if we
could(and would) just follow the will of Jesus Christ and be united
under the banner of His love. The church of Christ holds up that
banner of truth!
The apostle Paul revealed, "For the invisible things of him since the creation
of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things
that are made, even his everlasting power and
divinity"(Romans 1:20).
Who can look into the heavens on a clear night and not be impressed
with the creation of God? Who can see the bright eyes of a young
child and not be impressed that God made the babe? Who can watch a
plant grow and eat of its fruit and not be amazed at the process that
God created? The physical universe is evidence of Jehovah. Man, in
all of his wisdom and power, cannot do what God did. Man, a fallible
being, can only take what the Lord brought into existence and use
what God made to produce his own products or inventions. How can an
honest person see the wonders of creation and not be led to accepting
the existence of Jehovah? God creates; man modifies. God rules; man
follows. God reveals; man accepts. Someday, each of us will stand in
His presence and give an account for our lives: only Jehovah has that
right!
Job understood the power and might of Jehovah when he wrote,
"He stretcheth out the
north over empty space, And hangeth the earth upon
nothing"(Job 26:7). How
could Job have known this truth? The only logical(and right) answer
is: the Lord revealed such to Job. The writer would also point out
that God would bind up "the water in his thick clouds"(verse 8). How could Job know that there
was "a boundary upon the
face of the waters"(verse 10) without a revelation from Jehovah? When
God created man, he was capable of understanding communications and
had the ability to reason and to speak. Within his capacity of
acquiring knowledge, he would function upon the earth and have an
understanding of God's creation. While many fail to recognize and
accept the power of God, the evidences around us teach us what Job
learned: there is a God who controls the universe.
Solomon pointed out, "The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and
hasteth to its place where it ariseth. The wind goeth toward the
south, and turneth about unto the north; it turneth about continually
in its course, and the wind returneth again to its circuits. All the
rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; unto the place
wither the rivers go, thither they go again"(Ecclesiastes 1:5-7). Solomon was
blessed with wisdom. There has not been one mortal as wise as this
man since that time. He had an understanding of God's ways; he could
observe God's works; he believed in God's power. Solomon, in all of
his wisdom, never doubted or questioned the existence of Jehovah. It
is unfortunate that men will behold the creation and turn away from
the evidence of a greater power than man. How can we behold the
"wonders of creation" and doubt that Jehovah "made it all?" A
scientist once wrote a song entitled, "My God, He is Alive." He wrote
the song because he saw the evidence around him and believed only God
could create our universe. Do you believe?
While in Athens, the apostle Paul preached, "The God that made the world and all
things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in
temples made with hands; neither is he served by men's hands, as
though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and
breath, and all things"(Acts 17:24- 25). Paul was speaking to a group of
philosophers. He had observed the idolatry that existed in Athens.
They were so careful in their actions that they made an
idol "to an unknown
god." The apostle used
this as an opportunity to teach them about the one and only true God,
Jehovah, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul pointed out the foolishness
of worshipping something that had no life and no power(idols).
Idolatry still exists. It is often manifest in material objects; at
other times, it exists within a person's heart. What we treasure;
what we esteem; what we place before all else is an idol. Paul used
the existence of the universe as proof that Jehovah was the true and
only God.
'"And he said unto them,
How is it that ye sought me? Knew ye not that I must be about my
Father's business?"(Luke 2:49) Jesus, with his earthly parents, had gone
to Jerusalem to observe the feast of the passover. During this time,
the Lord, as a youth, took advantage of the opportunity to discuss
religion with the leaders of the Hebrews. When his parents left, they
assumed Jesus was with kinsfolk. As they realized he was not among
them, they returned to Jerusalem and found him in the temple. When
they questioned him, his response was that he was about "my Father's
business." The Father's business is religion and morality. The
Father's business is following the truth and obeying the word of God.
Each of us need to be about the Father's business each day. We are to
live in a manner that reflects an interest in following the path of
righteousness. Jesus had his priorities; we should make His business
our business.
"And it came to pass,
while he was in one of the cities, behold, a man full of leprosy; and
when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and besought him, saying,
Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he stretched forth
his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou made
clean"(Luke 5:12-13).
The power to heal belonged to the Lord. He also made it possible for
those who were apostles to perform miracles. The leper recognized
that Jesus had the power to relieve his affliction. He sought the
Lord to help him. His faith in Christ was expressed by his request.
The miracles performed while Jesus was upon earth proved that He was
as He claimed, the Son of God. The miracles performed by the apostles
were also proof of the Lord's divinity. The record of these marvelous
works are in the New Testament. As the leper had faith in Jesus
Christ, so faith in Christ will lead us to accept the commands of
Christ today. Are you willing to obey His word?
"And the scribes and the
Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this that speaketh
blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"(Luke 5:21). The Lord had healed a
palsied man and forgiven him of his sins. The religious leaders
questioned the Lord, accusing him of being guilty of blasphemy. What
they did not realize was that Jesus is God and could forgive sins.
Through the gospel, Jesus Christ still forgives sins and offers
eternal life to all of those who obey Him. The requirements for that
forgiveness is in the gospel of Christ. When any man says that he can
forgive sins, or offers to forgive sins outside of the teachings of
Christ, he is a false teacher. Forgiving sins and offering eternal
life belongs only to Jehovah and His Son, Jesus Christ. When one
hears the gospel, believes in Christ, repents of his sins, confesses
Christ before men, and is immersed in water for the remission of
sins, sins are forgiven. And, the forgiven is to live a faithful
life, following the commands of Christ.
"And behold, a certain
lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I
do to inherit eternal life?"(Luke 10:25). The Lord used an effective answer by
replying, "What is
written in the Law? how readest thou?" In response, the lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself."
Jesus told him if he followed those principles, he would be doing
what is right. The law of Moses was quoted because he lived under
that law. To inherit eternal life at the present, we are to obey the
commands of Christ as revealed in the New Testament. The requirements
for eternal life for us are not found in the Law of Moses(the Old
Testament), but the Law of Christ(the New Testament). The lawyer was
asked, "How readest thou?" Have you read and studied what Christ
reveals in His New Testament? It is the source of eternal life.
"Forget not to show love
to strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels
unawares"(Hebrews
13:2). Throughout the scriptures, mankind has been taught to be kind
to those who are in need. It is right to assist those who are hungry,
clothe those who are naked, and relieve those who are afflicted. The
religion of Jesus Christ is the religion of the individual disciple.
When opportunity arises, Christians give assistance. The action of
the part of a disciple not only benefits those who are in want, but
leaves the giver with a sense of fulfillment of one's responsibility
to others. Jesus went about doing good; those who follow the Lord
will do the same. At times, all of us need the help of others. It may
not be material goods, but even a word of encouragement can be very
effective in helping one to face the burdens of this live. Why not,
today, lend a hand to someone who needs your help? It will make you a
better person. Try it--you will like it!
"Let marriage be had in
honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and
adulterers God will judge"(Hebrews 13:4). Marriage is an institution of God.
When the Lord created Adam and Eve, it was one man and one wife for
so long as both lived. While the Lord tolerated multiple marriages
under the Law of Moses, the Law of Christ does not allow such. When
we honor the requirements set forth in the will of Christ, we are
pleasing the God who made us. It is a tragedy that our world so
readily accepts the putting away of a mate(divorce). Many religious
teachers fail to teach what the New Testament teaches about marriage
and divorce. The ease with which mates can end a marriage is evidence
of the lack of respect for what God has commanded. My young friend,
when you marry, understand that it is for life. Resolve that you will
follow the instructions of the Lord and remain true to your mate for
the life of each. You will be happy and God will be pleased. The
choice is up to you.
The inspired writer stated, "Remember them that had the rule over you, men that
spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their
life, imitate their faith"(Hebrews 13:7). All of us have models or heroes. We
often dress like them, imitate their speech patterns, and purchase
products they endorse. It is unfortunate that not all of the world's
heroes live a life that is pleasing to God. The Lord desires that we
should respect those who are willing to speak and live the word of
God. The heroes of the Bible, such as Paul, Peter, and others who
wanted to be righteous, were not immoral nor did they seek riches and
power because of their position. They were humble servants of God
whose aim was to honor God, assist fellow humans, and always live a
life that was free of ungodliness and iniquity. Their faith rested
not in riches and power, but in the Lord who made them. Their goal
was not the recognition in this life, but eternal life in the next
life. What is your goal?