A Minute With The Bible Aired during September, 2000 "For without faith, it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him"(Hebrews 11:6). The basis of every belief and activity of the one who follows God is faith. In this chapter of Hebrews, many examples of faith are given. As these men acted by faith, they pleased God. When we act by faith, as produced by the New Testament, we are pleasing God. The Lord will not be satisfied with anything less than the willingness we possess to follow his word. Will you follow the Lord by faith? Will you believe? Repent of your sins? Confess you faith in Jesus Christ? Be buried with him in baptism? Live a faithful life? Are you as willing as Abraham to follow the instructions of the Lord?
"For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart"(Hebrews 4:12). There is no more powerful force than the word of God. It can change a man from the worst type of criminal into one who is pure and holy. It can move multitudes; it can change nations; and more than that, it can change the individual. The word that is from God is the power that is used to appeal to men and lead them to repentance and obedience. The gospel of Christ can rid one of every sin, however repulsive and horrible may be the transgression. When one obeys the commands set forth in the word of God, the obedient become new born Christians, nothing more; nothing less.
"And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them an one having authority, and not as the scribes"(Matthew 7:28-29). Jesus was different from the religious teachers of his day: unlike the scribes and Pharisees who taught their own ideas and lacked the authority of God to prove thier teachings. When Jesus spoke, he spoke the turth of God. When he spoke, people listened for he spoke with authority. The Son of God had the power to teach men; to guide them in the ways of truth; to instruct them in the principles of righteousness. The same authority exists for those who live today. It is found in the New Testament for it contains the teachings of Jesus Christ that will lead one through the pathways of life to heaven. Do you respect the Lord's authority?
"Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them"(Ecclesiastes 12:1). Recognizing and remembering the great Creator of the universe is not confined to those who are young. The Lord expects all to recognize the greatness evident in the creation of the universe. There is not a flower that blooms, a star that twinkles, or a man that walks but that the power of Jehovah is demonstrated. He is the creator and sustainer of our world. For every breath, for every drop of water, for every morsel of food, let it be said that the Lord provided it to mankind. When you arise to view the dawn, see the glistening moisture on the grass, and breath the fresh air, you must recognize that only a being wiser and greater than man has made such possible. Do you believe the evidence?
"Every one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness"(I John 3:4). From the moment that Eve tasted the forbidden fruit and gave it to Adam, sin has existed in every generation of mankind. Sin is the result of not following the law of God. Jehovah had told the first couple to keep the law by not eating of the forbidden fruit. Through the temptation of Satan, they were induced to violate the law of God, that is, transgress. In this act, they became lawless. Since that first sin, mankind has yielded to the temptations of Satan and committed sin. The problem exists in our day as it did in Sodom, or Jerusalem, or Rome, or any other hamlet in the ancient world and in the modern world. The problem of sin can only be solved by our willingness to follow the commands of God and live a righteous and clean life.
"And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God"(Matthew 14:33). Only Jesus Christ fits this description. By his words, his miracles, his actions, his power to forgive sins, and his acceptance of worship could he rightfully fulfill such a claim. While upon the earth, he was God and he was man. He was allowed to experience the pains and suffering of a human that he might be a fitting sacrifice for each of us. Jesus was willing to do such because of the great love he had in his heart for mankind. Dying one of the most cruel of all deaths, he gave his life that we might have life. Do you love the Son of God? Are you willing to serve him? To give your life in his service? He died for you--what have you done for him?
"The same following after Paul and us cried out, saying, These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim unto you the way of salvation"(Acts 16:17). While the one shouting these words was not following the ways of God, what was said was the truth. Paul was teaching the way of salvation to all of mankind. The apostle was telling men to hear the truth of God, to repent of their sins, to confess Christ before men, to be immersed in water for the remission of sins, and to be faithful to the Lord even if it meant death. This is the message Paul taught in every community he visited. It is the message that Christians carry to the world of today. While many promise, only God can deliver. The Lord will grant salvation to those who follow the pattern that is set forth in the New Testament. This is where we find the way of salvation in the present age.
"Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it"(Matthew 16:18). The words spoken by the Lord in the presence of his apostles were fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, AD 33, in the city of Jerusalem. Since that eventful day, the Lord's church has existed. In any community since, when the word of God is preached and men receive the word, the Lord's church exists. The power is in the seed, which is the word of God. As the gospel is taught to others, free from human ideas and doctrine, the same results occur as on Pentecost. As men and women obey, the church of Christ is produced in any community, at any time and in any place. When the seed, the word of God, is corrupted, the church Jesus established cannot be the result.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth"(John 4:24). Jesus made it plain in this passage that acceptable worship comes from following the instructions that are found in the truth of the Bible. The one who accepts worship(God) has the right the define what is proper and what is not proper. When one opens the New Testament, it becomes evident that the early church is the example for how we are to worship the Lord today. When we assemble on the first day of the week, we partake of the Lord's Supper, sing praises to God, study the scriptures, pray to the Lord, and contribute of our funds to the Lord. These activities are the same as those described for the church in the New Testament. Following that divine pattern, we are being faithful and true to the God that made each of us. How do you worship?
"Hereby we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do his commandments"(I John 5:2). Our world talks a lot about love but does not often understand what such involves. To profess it is one thing; to do something to prove it is another. The apostle is teaching us that we demonstrate our love by loving God and doing what is commanded. Such love will lead us to have an interest in others, especially in their souls. When one loves the souls of men, efforts will be made to acquaint others with the love God has for mankind and the necessity of following what the Lord commands. Love is more that a mere verbal profession. It is a way of life for those who follow the Christ who died for them. Do you love the Lord? If so, are you willing to do as he has commanded?
"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you"(Matthew 5:12). Jesus is telling the multitudes that when one is serving the Lord and doing what the God commands, persecution will occur. Yet, he assures them that the reward in heaven is worth all of the pain one must suffer in this life. Knowing that one is pleasing God is a cause for rejoicing. It brings gladness to the heart of the obedient believer. Those who believe in the Lord and obey what he commands, look forward to the reward of Heaven. What do you have to look forward to after this life?
"For every house is builded by some one; but he that built all things is God"(Hebrews 3:4). While men search for the origin of the universe, the Bible reveals from whence it came. God is the builder of every particle on our earth, in the planets, in the stars, and throughout the skies. From nothing, nothing comes. There has to be a creator, one who has the power to call into existence our universe. The Bible answer is plain: God did it. The Genesis record begins with the account of the creation. The rest of the scriptures acknowledge the power of God in making all of our material universe. Those who seek to explain the origin of our earth and the surrounding planets and stars need look no further than the Bible. By faith, we understand what God did and that he did it in six days.
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land ye dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah"(Joshua24:15). Joshua did not hesitate to express his dedication to the God who created him. He had seen his marvelous works, he had listened to his word, and he was now in the land that was promised. He professes his faith to his countrymen. But he left them a choice: serve God or serve idols. Their response indicated their willingness to serve Jehovah. That generation would serve the Lord, following the example of Joshua. By the way, whom do you follow? Be as Joshua and make the right choice: serve Jehovah. "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one"(Colossians 4:6). Speech is a reflection of a person's thinking. It is the one way to know what one is like; not just in terms of education or the area of the country one is from, but the inward part of an individual. It is not the accent; it is the meaning. The speech of many today is far from the type described by Paul. Yet, for those who would please the God who made them, they are careful to speak with a saving quality. Such speech does make it possible to give a correct answer, to administer a proper rebuke, and to offer encouragement. Speech is a powerful force; always use it to build up truth and righteousness, not iniquity. What do you sound like to others?
"Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience"(Ephesians 5:6). The world is filled with "empty" speech. Promises are made that are never kept. Offers are presented that are never fulfilled. Advertising is used to entice with empty words. And in religion, the same problem exists. Many pulpits are filled with words that have little meaning so far as leading one toward righteousness is concerned. When preachers(and others) depart from the scriptures and teach the ways of men, they are not only empty words-- they are dangerous because they lead men astray. Fair speeches do not make one righteous. Only the word of God, in plainness and simplicity, can fill the spiritual needs of a seeker. Is your preacher using empty words or speaking only the truth from God's word?
"Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is"(Ephesians 5:17). The apostle Paul was inspired to encourage the people of Ephesus to avoid those foolish words of his day. His encouragement was for one to seek to understand the will of the Lord. How different would be our religious world if this teaching was respected. People would search their Bible to find what God has revealed. They would insist their preachers and leaders present only the scriptures. Every effort would be put forth to help people to understand what the word of God says. They would avoid the doctrines of men and demand book, chapter, and verse for every teaching and practice. There is a place where you can find this attitude in action.
"Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose not his ways"(Proverbs 3:31). Violence was not limited to the days of Solomon. Such exists in our streets, in our schools, and in our homes. There is nothing great about being violent. In fact, it is a mark of extreme weakness. While the one who hurts others may have some kind of "pride" about his strength and power over another, he is only fooling himself. Violence does not solve a problem; violence does not increase love; violence does not benefit a community. The violent man is to be pitied. Such a person needs to follow Jesus Christ and His word. Violence crucified the Son of God; love raised him from the dead. Love will save; violence will condemn. What is your choice?
"Put away from thee a wayward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee"(Proverbs 4:24). Under the guise of freedom of speech, there are many who speak words that are perverse. Their mouths speak ungodliness and profanity. Such poison the minds of those who listen, especially among our youth. We are building a generation that does not respect, or even know, what is good, clean speech. The entertainment industry has brought the language of the gutter into the living room. How sad that men cannot adequately express themselves without resorting to such. From politicians to those who profess to be religious, profanity and ungodly speech has become acceptable. But, my friend, not to God. Someday, we will answer to the divine creator for what we have spoken. How is your speech?
"Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee"(Proverbs 9:8). It is not easy to receive correction. However, the wise person knows that such is for his profit and will accept criticism and admonishment. He is showing concern for you and will learn from such efforts. Others will not be as willing to be corrected. This applies within the everyday affairs of life; it applies in the home; it applies in government; and it applies in religion and morals. Most of us do not want to be corrected, but it we have a heart that desires to do what is right, we will accept, weigh, and follow the proper path. When a person does correct you, it is an indication of their concern and/or love for you. If they did not care, they would let you continue to make the same mistakes. Do not scoff when someone tries to help you. Accept correction, apply it, and you will be wise person.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:9). It is a joy to find people who want to learn. Every teacher rejoices when one is receptive to the truth and wants to know more. The truth is that one who is wise became such as a result of instruction. None of us are born with a head full of knowledge. It takes diligence in study to understand our world; it takes the same approach in order to understand the word of God. Let it be that each of you will seek to be wiser in the word of God by reading and studying what the wise men of the Bible taught. Increase your knowledge through diligent pursuit of answers about the religion found in the Bible, the word of God. Would you be wise? Study with the wise men of the Bible. Would you increase in learning? Study the Bible. You might be amazed at what you can learn.
"In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death"(Proverbs 12:28). Spiritual life comes from following the commands of the Lord. One escapes spiritual death by obeying what the Lord has commanded. This principle has remained true through the ages. God offered Adam and Eve life; they accepted death. God offered the Israelites the land of promise; they rebelled and spent forty years in the wilderness. Jesus Christ brought a message of righteousness; the multitudes crucified him. His death brought a way of truth and life for each of us: we can be righteous and we can live with him eternally. We must believe that he is the Christ, God's son. We must repent of our sins. We must confess Christ before men. We must be immersed in water for the remission of our sins. We must be faithful unto death. This is God's plan. Do you want to have life? Then follow God's plan revealed in the New Testament.July, 1999 August, 1999 September, 1999 October, 1999 November, 1999 December, 1999 January, 2000 June, 2000 July, 2000 August, 2000 October, 2000 November, 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