How To See "Eye To Eye" Religiously
Why do some people not see religious things the way we see them? Why is there so much difference between what we teach and what the denominations profess? Do we not all have the same Bible? Are we not all trying to serve the same God? Do we not all believe in the same Savior? These are perplexing questions, and they are not easily answered to everyone's satisfaction.
Basically, our understanding of the Scriptures differs from the majority of the religious world because we operate on a different principle of interpretation. To most religious people "truth" is relative, adjusting freely to different times and circumstances. For us, however, truth is truth. It is unalterable, unchangeable, and everlasting. But did "we" just arbitrarily decide this would be our regard for truth? Not at all. God's own word boldly claims "thy word is truth" (John 17:17) and "the word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth." (Psalm 33:4) While there are scoffers at the idea of absolute truth, we accept Bible teaching that such does exist, and we are determined to know it. Pilate's piercing question, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) was prompted by these words from Jesus: "I have come into the world that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
This then, is the basis upon which we may come to see religious matters alike. There must be a commitment to the same standard of truth. No one would ever attempt to use differing standards of measurement if building a house, marking off a football field, or sewing a garment. This would guarantee error and disaster. Twelve inches must equal one foot on all our rulers if we desire uniformity. There must be a healthy regard and respect for the Bible on the part of every religious person in order for understanding to occur. Without this common devotion to God's word, all efforts to see things the same will fail. In order to come to agreement on matters essential to salvation, we must begin where we agree. From this point we must study the Scriptures, resolving differences as we go along. Major problems of difference are solved in small steps, and then we can be united in Christ. But we will never see things the same if we cannot agree on the existence, necessity, and location of the truth.
No Bible discussion is profitable unless every participant is a truth seeker. If everyone concerned really wants the truth, then coming to an agreement and an understanding of truth will be achievable. Believe it or not, it is possible to discuss religious differences without becoming rude or creating hurt feelings. People who love the truth are not concerned with who is right, but with what is right. Every truth seeker is willing to surrender any position if it is false. There is no other honorable course for an honest man. An honest man will seek the truth, and when he finds it he will believe it. "Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding." (Proverbs 23:23).
- by Mark W. White
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When Church Is Boring
What do you do when you find that church is boring? It's time for a change! Now the question is, change what?
Many folks think the answer is change the church. I just read an article about a new church created for men only, men who find church boring. Discarding more traditional environments, they meet in a gymnasium one Saturday evening a month. A rock band provides the entertainment. The preacher speaks in front of the scoreboard, with the clock running. He guarantees to have them out in one hour! This sort of innovation is not unusual. Many religious leaders hail it as a positive development, a way to reach out to those who otherwise would have no interest in church.
Some might not go that far, yet they still insist on change. Contemporary music, drama, and short sermons that are little more than pep talks are the order of the day. Clapping and cheering have replaced old-fashioned amens. Celebration and praise are the buzzwords, with the world's calendar dictating the subject celebrated.
Malachi lived at a time when people found "church" boring. Speaking of Israel's worship, God said through the Prophet, "You also say, 'My, how tiresome it is!' And you disdainfully sniff at it" (Mal. 1:13).
God proposed two changes to these who turned up their noses at His worship. One was to just stay home. "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you" (v. 11). The better solution, the change He preferred, was to repent. "'If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,' says the Lord, 'then I will send the curse upon you'" (2:2). Notice what God did not approve: changing the structure or activities of wor-ship to accommodate individual tastes.
The preacher can work to make his sermons more interesting, the song leader can try to select more meaningful hymns, and the one who leads in prayer can give more thought to what he says. However, when worship as God directed is boring, the main change that is needed is in the heart of the worshiper.
- by Frank Himmel
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Lying
It is truly a shame that their past conduct has branded them with such a terrible reputation. Surely their potential for doing good has become severely limited because of their proclivity for telling lies.
Christian, do you see a lesson there? Can you understand the critical need for honesty in all that we do? The Scriptures have a good deal to say about this.
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:25)
"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight." (Proverbs 12:22)
"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds." (Colossians 3:9)
From these verses we conclude that honesty is necessary in order to:
§ Maintain our relationship with others ("members one of another")
§ Please the Lord ("lying lips are an abomination")
§ To demonstrate that we have truly been converted ("put off the old man with his deeds")
Christians, remember that "all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).
- by Greg Gwin
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Trends . . .
79% of Americans agree with this statement:
"Every person has a soul that will live forever, either in God's presence or absence."
- via Barna Research
2 Corinthians 6: 2 ". . .now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
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What Would They Say?
Suppose that what others think and say about us would be the determining factor as to where we spend eternity? What would others say about you?
1) What would your children say? Parents have grave responsibilities in bringing their children up in the admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Would your children put in a good word for you at the judgment if it were needed? Would they say you spent time with them in "training them in the way they should go"? (Prov. 22:6). Do your children think you set a good example for them (Matt. 5:13-16)? Would you go to heaven or hell if what your own children say about you decided it?
2) What would your spouse say? Husbands and wives must have the proper love and respect for each other (Eph. 5:22-31). How husbands and wives treat each other may well determine their eternal destiny! If what your spouse thinks and says of you in judgment is considered, how would it go? Husbands and wives need to live as to be "heirs together of the grace of life..." (I Pet. 3:7).
3) What would your employer say? We are commanded to work (Eph. 4:28; I Thess. 4:11-12). We need to put in a honest day's work for an honest day's pay! Many employees sleep on the job, steal from the company, and work as little as possible to get by. If your employer's check sheet determined your eternal destiny—where would it be?
4) What would your parents say? Young people must accept responsibility for themselves. The young need to be taught to honor, respect and obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-3). What do your parents really think of you? Have you brought shame and disgrace on them? If, in judgment, the word of your parents decided your fate, what would it be?
5) What would your neighbors say? The Lord used the relationship of a neighbor to teach a lesson (Lk. 10:36). Do you treat your neighbors as you wish to be treated? Have you tried to teach them the gospel? What would they say of you in judgment?
6) What would God say? The most important thing will be, what will God say? We will be judged by the word of God (Jn. 12:48; Rom. 2:16).
- by Johnie Edwards
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Ever Changing Doctrines of Men
While the truth of God's word does not change, the doctrines of men are ever undergoing evolution to suit the current thinking, adapt to cultural desires or, in short, make them most appealing (Matt. 5:18; 1 Pet. 1:24-25). We certainly should not be surprised by this for, after all, they are the doctrines of men and not of Christ. As an example consider the following two quotations:
1. 'No divorce, except for adultery, shall be regarded by the church as lawful; and no Minister shall solemnize marriage in any case where there is a divorced wife or husband living; but this rule shall not be applied to the innocent party to a divorce for the cause of adultery..."
2. "In view of the seriousness with which the Scriptures and the Church regard divorce, pastors may solemnize the marriage of a divorced person only when they are satisfied by careful counseling, that (1) the divorced person is sufficiently aware of the factors leading to the failure of the previous marriage, (2) the divorced person is sincerely preparing to make the proposed marriage truly Christian, and (3) sufficient time has elapsed between the divorce and the contemplated marriage for adequate preparation and counseling."
Did you note a little difference? Both are quotations from the Methodist Discipline. The difference being that the first quotation is from the 1904 edition, and the last quotation is from the 1972 edition. Neither edition is the true standard for determining faith or practice – only God's word can do that - but at least the 1904 edition far more closely represents what God's Word says in Matthew 19:9.
Why the change? Because this creed (as with all other creeds) is merely the product of man and the basis of a church of man, and it is not confined to consistency. It can be altered, updated, rewritten and modified through the years. But it did not lead to salvation in 1904, 1972, or today, because it is not the Word of God, but the doctrine of men.
"Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:7-9).
- by Phil T. Arnold
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Which Way?
Most of us have seen the little ditty below. It was told to me as a epitaph once read on a certain tombstone:
"Remember, friend, as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you shall be.
Prepare for death and follow me."
Pretty good, huh? Not too long ago I read it again but with a different twist. When a passerby read it he scratched out a little note and hung it below the verse:
"My friend, I've read what you did write,
But I feel I need a little light:
To follow you I'll not content,
Until I know which way you went!"
- by Robert Hines
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