A Minute With The Bible Aired during November, 2000 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered"(Psalm 32:1). David had dealt with sin in his own life; he would continue to deal with that problem. When he sinned, he sought forgiveness. The Lord would erase the transgression. Each Hebrew had the opportunity, when they did wrong, to be forgiven. This brought happiness(or blessings) to those who recognized their shortcomings and sought forgiveness in correcting their sins. Jesus Christ came into the world to offer the forgiveness of sin to all mankind. His blood would cleanse the faithful of the Old Testament; the same blood would cleanse the sinner, whether Jew or Gentile, of sin. Through the gospel of Christ, the Lord offers forgiveness to each person in our day. By obeying the gospel of Christ and continuing faithful, one can enjoy the happiness of forgiveness.
"Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness"(Psalm 37:1). David states in the next verse that those who practice evil and work unrighteousness would be "cut down like the grass." There is no hope offered by the Lord for those who continue in the practice of sin. He admonishes, through David, to "Trust in Jehovah, and do good." That is, in fact, the manner in which the Lord wants men to act. Replace iniquity with good. The writer also said that we are to "rest in Jehovah and wait patiently for him." The impatience of men often denies them the opportunities to practice good. They cannot wait for the Lord; they act upon their own initiative. Even many "religious" people act in such a manner. Let us heed the advice of David and make sure that we trust in the Lord with all of our hearts. How strong is your trust in what God says?
"I said, I will take heed to my ways, That I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, While the wicked is before me"(Psalm 39:1). The tongue keeps a lot of folks in trouble. From the President to the beggar, many find themselves in unpleasant circumstances and situations because of their speech. The Psalmist teaches us to take a good look at ourselves. One who speaks out of anger or malice will often blame others for their misbehavior. God holds each of us responsible for the manner in which we speak. We are accountable for our own words. The Psalmist also advised that a "bridle" would be effective for controlling one's speech. Someone suggested the Lord put a gate in our mouths to control the tongue: just close our teeth when the tongue is about to get us in trouble.
"Think not that I came to send peace on the earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword"(Matthew 10:34). Many would look at this statement and be confused in regard to the mission of the Lord. Yet, it is an absolute truth that Jesus spoke. He brought the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God(Ephesians 6:17). The sword of the Lord is not physical; it is spiritual. The word of God is designed to cut into men's hearts and cut away the evil thoughts and intents. The word of God is a sword that cuts into religious error, separating error from the truth. As the sword divides, former friends will become enemies. Even among one's household will be found those who refuse the sword of the Spirit. Division results. The Lord's sword separates those who want to do His will from those who refuse His word. It separates the ways of men from the ways of God. The sword of the Spirit is the weapon that God uses to defeat the ways of Satan.
"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me"(Matthew 10:37). The Lord is not teaching that one is not to love one's family. He is speaking about the priorities of one's life. Nothing is to stand in the way of one who seeks to serve God. Sacrifices must be made in order to be a follower of Jesus Christ. When people, places, or practices stand in the way of serving the Lord, the disciple has only one choice: put the Lord first. Jesus also said that one is to seek the kingdom and his righteousness first. It is often not the family that stands in the way of one serving God, but one's own attitude toward the truth. A willingness to accept and apply the truths that are from God will lead one to make the proper choices. Sacrifices will be necessary; dedication essential. Each one of us must decide whom we love the most: the Lord and his way or others? The choice is up to each one of us.
"And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me"(Matthew 10:38). The Lord is impressing upon his listeners the necessity of walking in the paths that Jesus has laid out for all of mankind. The willingness to follow Christ must be accompanied by action. One's cross may not be a piece of wood, as the one Jesus was nailed onto. It may be an infirmity of the flesh; a weakness of character; an unrighteous family; the opposition of associates; the criticism of others; or a host of other adversities. The Lord bore the cross for each one of us; what are we willing to bear for him? Would I give up practices that conflict with righteousness? Would I renounce teachings that are not in the Bible? Would I be willing to walk with him down the paths of life as he walked toward Golgotha for us? Am I worthy to walk with him or am I only a spectator, one of the crowd?
"He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life shall find it"(Matthew 10:39). If one is interested only in self, whether by way of satisfaction or selfishness, he will miss life. When one loses his life in following Jesus Christ, he truly finds life. How many in our day, as well as the past, have passed up eternal life because they tried to find something in this life that would satisfy. We must realize that whatever we are in this life, we are still responsible to God for our belief and behavior. In the search for "life," we may lose what is most valuable: eternal life. How often have men concentrated on the things of this life only to find that when it is all over, little(or nothing) worthwhile had been accomplished. If you would truly find life, my friend, you need the Lord and His word. Only in the ways of Christ can one truly find and live LIFE.
"Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not"(Matthew 11:20). This verse illustrates the reluctance of men to change. Jesus came with a message of hope: they rejected what he taught. Jesus came with the answers to their problems: they turned away from him. They saw the miracles, evidence of his divinity. They heard the words, the power of God unto salvation. The opportunities abounded: they still rejected his word and refused to change their ways. Is it different in our day? How many refuse to give heed to the words of Christ? How many are willing to repent of their sins? The self-satisfaction of those whom Jesus tried to teach describes far too many of our time. What about you? Would you have repented when Jesus taught the truth? His truth still exists in His word.
"Everyone that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock"(Matthew 7:24). A wise man takes time to listen. One who would be wise in spiritual matters must also be willing to listen. When one hears the words of Christ(the gospel), he will reach an understanding of what must be done to please God. To learn the ways of truth and righteousness is the aim of the gospel of Christ. However, unless one applies the words by obedience, they will not help nor save a person. Jesus plainly says that one must do them. There are many who listen and may even believe what Jesus said. Yet, the Lord points out that it is mandatory for one to follow what he commands in order to be acceptable to him. Are you a hearer and a doer, or are you just a hearer? Do you just listen without reacting? Do not be foolish by failing to accept and obeying the truth.
"And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus"(II Timothy 2:15). Proper knowledge and respect for the scriptures will bring faith into a person's heart. Timothy was taught the scriptures, and that brought faith. Faith will bring salvation. Not faith alone, but the faith that accepts and acts upon what God has commanded. It is unfortunate that some in our world believe that "faith only" is all that one must do to please God. The type of faith that Timothy had prompted him to follow what is commanded in the New Testament. The proper kind of faith today will lead the searching soul into the paths of righteousness as he/she obeys the truth of God. Such faith was possessed by the early disciples and is in the heart of truth believers today. How is your faith?
"Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may comes seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord"(Acts 3:19). The people Peter addressed had been guilty of agreeing to the crucifixion of Christ. The apostle is making them aware of their need for repentance. "Turn again" is indicative of the change they needed in order to be acceptable to God. When one desires to be pleasing to Jehovah, one must be willing to change(repent). In fact, it is commanded of all of those who desire to become Christians. In every case of conversion in the New Testament, and in every case today, one must repent of his sins to be accepted by God. In the renouncing of sin, one is determining to follow the ways of God. One's life will change; one's thinking will change; one's goals will change; one's outlook will change. Are you willing to change in order to please Jesus Christ?
"...if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved"(Romans 10:9). After one has heard the gospel of Christ, believed in the Son of God, one is to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Confession puts into words what one is to have in the heart. This acknowledgment of the deity of Christ will lead one to follow the Lord each day of one's life. As the believer keeps this acknowledgment in his mind, it will lead to full obedience of the gospel. As a disciple, it will be the hope that gladdens the heart and will contribute to one's desire to please God in all matters. Acknowledging Jesus as the Christ with the mouth will be a step toward becoming a Christian. The people who responded to the truth in the New Testament confessed their faith. Are you willing to do so?
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name"(Acts 22:16). These words were spoken by a gospel preacher to Saul of Tarsus. Saul was a zealous Hebrew for the Law of Moses. Now, he is told by Ananias, that he is to follow the will of Jesus Christ. He becomes a believer and inquires about his salvation. Ananias is very plain in telling him that he must be baptized to receive the remission of his sins. Ananias is not speaking from his own mind, but relates the command from God to Saul. This man responded and was baptized. Of course, you know him as the apostle Paul. After receiving the forgiveness of sins, he became a zealous disciple of Jesus Christ.
"Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee the crown of life"(Revelation 2:10). The saints at Smyrna were going to be persecuted. They would suffer greatly because they were Christians. However, John assures these saints that they would be rewarded for whatever mistreatments they suffer in this life. Through the centuries, those who have followed Christ have suffered in many different ways. From death to denial of basic rights, they have been the victims of those who do not accept nor appreciate the message of the gospel. The Lord does not tell them they would not suffer more adversities, but teaches them that if they endure the oppositions of this life, they will be amply rewarded. No greater gift could be given them than eternal life. Are you willing to be faithful to his commands, even when you suffer? Do you want to receive a crown of life?
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" are the words of Christ to the apostles in Mark 16:15. This passage teaches the responsibility of each person for his/her own soul. The Lord charged that the truth is to be taught to every person. It then becomes the responsibility of each individual to do what the Lord commands. The book of Acts is ample evidence of this fact. Both Jew and Gentile were taught the truth and both Jew and Gentile responded. Men, women, atheists, religious people, government officials, and every other soul that lived in that day were to be taught the message of Jesus Christ. It is the same today. Each person is individually responsible to God in regard to salvation. When the message is taught, each one must give an answer: to follow or not to follow. My friend, if you are lost, do not blame others--it is your soul!
"But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness"(Acts 26:25). The apostle Paul had a respect for truth. He had learned of his need for the truth on the road to Damascus. He would go into Damascus and learn the terms of the gospel. He accepted the truth and became a Christian. Now, he has an opportunity to teach others, including the rulers of his day. The world did not understand the reasons, as the world does not understand today why people want to live righteous lives. Festus surmised that Paul was "mad." Anyone who suffered as Paul, even willing to give up his life for what he believed, must surely have something wrong with him. Such accusations and oppositions did not stop the apostle. Above all, Paul respected the truth. In a world that seems to be careless with the truth, we need to take a lesson from Paul.
"But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness"(Acts 26:25). The apostle Paul had a respect for truth. He had learned of his need for the truth on the road to Damascus. He would go into Damascus and learn the terms of the gospel. He accepted the truth and became a Christian. Now, he has an opportunity to teach others, including the rulers of his day. The world did not understand the reasons, as the world does not understand today why people want to live righteous lives. Festus surmised that Paul was "mad." Anyone who suffered as Paul, even willing to give up his life for what he believed, must surely have something wrong with him. Such accusations and oppositions did not stop the apostle. Above all, Paul respected the truth. In a world that seems to be careless with the truth, we need to take a lesson from Paul.
"Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me"(John 5:39). The source of all religious truth is Jesus Christ. Even the Old Testament revealed that a Messiah was coming. Jesus is helping those in his day to understand that they must not only search the scriptures, they must accept that is taught therein. The messages from God would give eternal life, but the scriptures must be searched and accepted. Men search the Bible for different reasons. Some want to find contradictions; others are trying to find a way to escape the truth; certain ones search it and corrupt what is said. However, others(those with an honest heart) search the scriptures and accept what is taught therein. The honest seeker searches for the truth and finds it. How long has it been since you searched the scriptures?
"And having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation"(Hebrews 5:9). The principle of obedience is taught throughout the Bible. Adam, Noah, Moses, and David as well as the rest of the men of the Old Testament were to obey the Lord in whatsoever he commanded. That principle applies to all who live in the age of Christ. Such is plainly stated in our text. He offers "eternal salvation" to all of those that obey him in the present age. Those who would tell you that you only have to believe and nothing else are not telling you the truth. Examining the New Testament reveals that one must have faith, repent of sins, confess Christ, be immersed, and live faithful. When a person complies with the gospel plan for salvation, he is a Christian, nothing more nothing less.
"And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ"(John 17:3). Jesus revealed the key to eternal life in this prayer. By knowing God, and His Son, one can have life. To know someone or something is to be familiar with them. Such is accomplished by having knowledge of such a one and heeding what they say. One knows the true God through the revelation of Jesus Christ(such involves both the Father and the Son). While it is possible to believe there is a God who created the universe by looking at the earth, sun, moon, stars, and other evidences, the only way to know the will of God is by revelation. The ones for whom Jesus prayed would come to learn His will through the words of the New Testament. By studying, believing, and obeying the gospel, they would truly come to know the Lord. The same gospel that saved them can save us, but we must be willing to accept it.
"I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou savest them to me; and they have kept thy word"(John 17:6). While Jesus was upon the earth, he chose men to be apostles. They were to walk with him each day, learning what he desired of them. They would also be taught to instruct others in the words of truth. They came from the world to be a follower of Jesus Christ. As the Lord stated, "they kept thy word." In our present day, it is possible to come out of the world by obeying the gospel of Christ. It is also possible to remain faithful to him by keeping his word. They had the courage to follow Christ; we must have the same courage to respect and follow his will at the present. Are you walking in a way that pleases Jesus Christ? Would you be found faithful should your life end this day?
"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world"(John 17:16). In order to follow the Lord, the early disciples of Christ had to recognize they no longer belonged to the world. Their activities would change; their attitudes would be different. They now belonged to the Lord and they would spend their lives in service to Him. So it is in our day. When a person obeys the gospel of Christ by believing, repenting, confessing Christ, and being immersed in water, they leave the world of sin. Now, as a Christian, they are faithful in his service. They walk each day in the light of His word; they worship him as he directs; they set an example for others to follow. The lives they live are different because the one who died for their redemption was different. The Lord wants all men to walk with him and enjoy the benefits of being a Christian. My friend, with whom do you walk?
"Sanctify them in truth; thy word is truth"(John 17:17). You hear much about sanctification in the religious world. Obviously, the Lord wants people to be sanctified, as his prayer states. The way to sanctification is the truth. This passage so states; no other medium or method will work. When one obeys the truth and continues in the truth, that person is sanctified. The word "sanctify" means to set apart. When one is sanctified by the word, that person is set apart to the service of God. Each sanctified person is a saint; only those sanctified by the word of God are saints. The truth is the basis by which one becomes a saint. No group of men and no church can determine, through their criteria, that one is a saint. That process belongs only to God. In fact, every Christian is a saint because each Christian is set apart to God for a life of service in His kingdom. Are you sanctified?July, 1999 August, 1999 September, 1999 October, 1999 November, 1999 December, 1999 January, 2000 June, 2000 July, 2000 August, 2000 September, 2000 October, 2000 December, 2000 January, 2001 February, 2001 March, 2001 April, 2001 May, 2001 June, 2001 July, 2001 August, 2001 September, 2001 October, 2001 November, 2001 December, 2001 January, 2002 February, 2002 March, 2002 April, 2002 May, 2002