Tag: faith

• “Take Away the Stone”: Man’s Cooperation in Salvation

  John 11:39

  

  The Lord, in His divine wisdom, has designed a plan of salvation that requires man’s cooperation. While it is true that salvation is by grace (Ephesians 2:8), it is not bestowed apart from human response. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that hearing His words is not enough; one must also do them. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24, NASB). The contrast is clear: wise men do, foolish men do not.

  This principle—of man’s responsibility to respond to God—has been present from the beginning. When God finished His work of creation, He saw that it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Man, made in His image, was given dominion, purpose, and a relationship with God. But when man sinned, that fellowship was broken. Yet even then, God’s love reached through the darkness. He devised a plan to save mankind through the gift of His Son (John 3:16). But even this great plan does not exclude man’s role. There is something for us to do. Salvation is not automatic—it must be accepted on God’s terms. And Jesus’ words to the people at Lazarus’ tomb illustrate this beautifully: “Take away the stone” (John 11:39).

  I. The Setting at Lazarus’ Tomb
  John 11 tells the moving story of Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, who had died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, had sent word to Jesus, but He arrived after Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Upon arrival, Jesus was deeply moved. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). He felt their pain. Yet even in this moment of divine power—moments before He would raise the dead—Jesus gave a command to the mourners: “Take away the stone” (John 11:39).

  Why? Surely, Jesus could have moved it Himself. Why ask others to do it?

  Because God never does for man what man can do for himself.

  Jesus didn’t tell them to raise the dead—only He could do that. But He required them to remove the obstacle. God’s power and man’s obedience work together. The principle is simple and powerful: Divine blessing requires human cooperation.

  II. Biblical Examples of Man’s Cooperation
  A. Noah and the Ark
  Salvation was in the ark, but Noah had to build it. God gave the design: “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood…” (Genesis 6:14). Noah’s obedience is praised: “Thus Noah did; according to everything that God had commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:22). Noah could not save himself from the flood—but he could obey. He rolled away the stone of unbelief and worked according to God’s plan.

  B. Israel at the Red Sea
  In Exodus 14, Israel was trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. God told Moses, “Lift up your staff and reach out with your hand over the sea and divide it…” (Exodus 14:16). The waters would part by God’s power, but Moses still had to act. Suppose he had said, “Lord, I’ll wait until the waters part on their own.” Would they have been saved?

  C. Fiery Serpents in the Wilderness
  When the people were bitten by serpents, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent. Those who looked upon it would live (Numbers 21:8–9). The cure was provided, but each person had to look. Refusing to look would have meant death. No one else could look for them.

  D. Naaman the Leper
  Naaman had leprosy. The prophet Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan seven times (2 Kings 5:10). At first he resisted, but eventually he obeyed—and was healed. God could have healed him without the Jordan River, but obedience was the point. Naaman had to humble himself and obey.

  In every case, the blessing was conditional. Salvation came, but only when man did what God asked. These are the stones that had to be rolled away.

  III. The Christian Must Remove Stones Too
  Just because we have obeyed the gospel does not mean our responsibilities have ended. In fact, obedience is only the beginning. After becoming a Christian, we must remain active, faithful, and spiritually awake. Unfortunately, many baptized believers become stagnant, hindered in their walk by stones that have been allowed to remain—or new ones that slowly roll into place. If not removed, they will bury our zeal, choke our faith, and silence our usefulness in the kingdom.

  God expects the Christian to roll away these stones—not by their own strength, but through obedience to His Word and by leaning on the power of His Spirit. Consider some of the most common stones that weigh down the children of God:

  1. The Stone of Indifference
  Some Christians no longer feel the urgency of the gospel or the weight of lost souls. They may assemble, but their hearts are distant. Their faith has grown cold. This is spiritual sleep. Paul warned, “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1). Indifference is a slow drift. We don’t wake up one day and abandon Christ. We slide—little by little—because our hearts no longer burn with the care and commitment they once held. Indifference must be shattered before it numbs us to spiritual death.

  2. The Stone of Worldliness
  Worldliness is love for the temporary pleasures of this life more than the eternal promises of God. John warned, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). A heart divided cannot serve God. Many Christians today spend far more time in entertainment than in Scripture, more energy in career than in kingdom work. When our desires mirror the world more than Christ, we must ask: Have I buried my faith beneath worldly clutter?

  3. The Stone of Ignorance
  Ignorance is not innocence. A lack of knowledge is dangerous, especially when it’s by choice. Peter said, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Some Christians never grow because they never study. They live off shallow phrases and inherited ideas, never anchoring their faith in the Word. But a weak, uninformed faith cannot stand under pressure. We must know the truth to live it—and to defend it.

  4. The Stone of Malice and Bitterness
  Too many are held captive by old grudges or unresolved anger. Bitterness silences prayers, poisons hearts, and divides churches. Paul said, “All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s commanded. If God forgave us, how can we hold onto hatred toward others? These stones weigh heavily on the soul and must be rolled away if we want our hearts to be clean before God.

  5. The Stone of Pride and Self-Importance
  Some Christians are buried beneath their own ego. Pride whispers, “I’m right. I don’t need help. I don’t need to change.” But Paul wrote, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think” (Romans 12:3). Pride keeps us from confession, from correction, and from growth. Humility is the only soil where righteousness can take root.

  IV. God Has Done His Part
  God has not left man without help. He has made provision:

  • The Sacrifice – God sent His Son to die on our behalf. Hebrews 9:22 states, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Jesus became the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling what the blood of bulls and goats could never do. Paul reminds us, “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
  • The Plan – God has clearly revealed His expectations through His Word. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). His will is knowable, and it is written for us to study, obey, and teach.
  • The Offer – Salvation is extended as a gift, not something we could ever earn. Ephesians 2:8 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” God’s grace is abundant, but it must be received on His terms—through obedient faith.

  Yet none of this removes man’s responsibility. We must roll away the stones in our hearts and lives if we wish to receive the blessing.

  V. Conclusion: Will You Take Away the Stone?
  Some people are waiting for God to do it all. But salvation is conditional. God has made the offer—but He expects obedience.

  Paul wrote, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Not because we earn salvation—but because salvation requires response.

  To the sinner: Are you waiting for a feeling, a sign, a more convenient time? God says, “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). Roll away the stone.

  To the Christian: Have you allowed pride, apathy, or worldliness to block your spiritual growth? Has the church, in your hands, been buried beneath stones of silence and inaction?

  Christ stands at the tomb, calling out to the dead. But before He calls them forth, He says to us: “Take away the stone.”

  Will you?

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  April 15, 2025

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• Man’s Accountability: No Excuses at the Judgment Seat

  

  The Inescapable Reality of Responsibility

  The very fact that man is man carries with it the reality of accountability. We are not machines, nor are we mindless animals driven by instinct alone. We are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and with that image comes the power—and the burden—of choice. That means responsibility.

  The apostle Paul declares, “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12, NASB). That is a sobering truth. One day, every soul will stand before the throne of Christ and answer for the life they lived. Whether one believes it or not, whether one prepares or not, the appointment stands. “It is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

  Our world today fights against this idea. Many embrace atheism, agnosticism, or moral relativism to escape the weight of accountability. But removing God from our thinking doesn’t remove His authority. It only blinds us to the truth until it is too late. The soul still bears the consequences of its choices—whether it recognizes them or not.

  I. Created to Be Accountable

  God has always taught that man bears responsibility for his actions. From the very beginning, Adam and Eve were given a law—and held accountable when they broke it (Genesis 2:16–17; 3:17–19). Even when they tried to shift the blame—Adam to Eve, and Eve to the serpent—God held each individually responsible.

  Paul makes this crystal clear: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Every one of us will answer—not for our neighbor, not for our parents or children—but for ourselves.

  That is the message throughout the Bible:

  • “The soul who sins will die. The son will not bear the guilt of the father, nor will the father bear the guilt of the son” (Ezekiel 18:20).
  • “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
  • “So then, my beloved… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

  Personal accountability is not just a religious concept—it’s a divine reality. And no one is exempt.

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  II. Lessons From Scripture: Accountability in Action

  Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly demonstrates that each person is accountable to Him.

  1. The Garden of Eden

  In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are both called to account for their disobedience. God didn’t accept excuses. The serpent’s deception didn’t remove Eve’s guilt. Adam’s claim, “The woman whom You gave to be with me…” didn’t remove his responsibility. Each stood accountable.

  2. Cain and Abel

  When Cain killed his brother, God didn’t ask, “What did your parents teach you?” or “What did Abel do to provoke you?” He asked, “Where is your brother Abel?” (Genesis 4:9). Cain was responsible for his actions and was punished accordingly. “If you do well, will your face not be cheerful?” (Genesis 4:7). He had a choice—and he chose sin.

  3. Parables of Jesus

  In Matthew 25, Jesus gives two powerful parables on accountability:

  • The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that preparedness is a personal matter. The foolish virgins couldn’t borrow oil from the wise. No one else’s faith or readiness can substitute for yours.
  • The Parable of the Talents shows that each servant had to give a personal account to the Master. The one-talent man wasn’t judged for what others did—but for what he did with what he had. “You wicked, lazy slave” (Matthew 25:26).

  We are not saved or lost as a group. We are judged as individuals.

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  III. Excuses Will Not Stand in the Judgment

  Humanity has always sought to shift blame, delay accountability, or minimize responsibility. But before the judgment seat of Christ, every excuse will collapse.

  1. You Can’t Blame Someone Else

  The idea that someone else will carry the burden for us is false. There will be no group reports in the Day of Judgment. No one will stand and say, “Lord, I followed my preacher,” or “I did what my parents told me.” That will not matter.

  “Each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but to himself alone, and not to another. For each one will bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4–5).

  When the Lord judges, He will not ask, “What did your preacher say?” or “What did the church teach?” He will ask, “What did YOU do with My Word?”

  2. Being Religious Is Not Enough

  Jesus warned that many who call Him “Lord” will be turned away. Why? “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).

  It is possible to be busy in religion and still be lost—because God doesn’t judge by activity, but by obedience.

  3. Delayed Obedience Is Still Disobedience

  The time to obey is now. “Behold, now is ‘a favorable time,’ behold, now is ‘a day of salvation’” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Hoping to serve God “someday” is a dangerous gamble with eternity. Many have died with full intentions of getting right—someday. But someday never came.

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  IV. God’s Grace Does Not Cancel Responsibility

  We must be clear on this point. No one can earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). But that grace requires something of us.

  “And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).

  Obedience is not a work that earns salvation—it is the condition through which grace is received. Paul said, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly” (Galatians 2:21). But he also said, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? Far from it!” (Romans 6:1–2).

  God’s grace teaches us to live righteously, not to neglect duty (Titus 2:11–12). It strengthens us to obey—it doesn’t remove the need for obedience.

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  V. Final Plea: You Are Accountable

  God is not mocked. “Whatever a person sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Each of us must prepare for the day when our name is called.

  Are you accountable? Yes. Are you ready to give account? That depends on your response to God’s Word.

  Paul once stood ready to die because he knew he had obeyed the gospel, lived a faithful life, and finished his course. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

  Can you say the same?

  You won’t be judged based on someone else’s life. You won’t be saved because your parents were faithful. You won’t be excused because others were worse. God will look at you—only you—and ask what you did with the life He gave.

  Today is your opportunity. Not tomorrow. Not when it’s convenient. Today.

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  April 14, 2025

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• Ready to Die: The Assurance of a Life Faithfully Lived

  (Acts 21:13)

  

  Introduction

  As Paul stood in the house of Philip the evangelist, brethren pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem. Danger awaited him there—arrest, persecution, perhaps death. But Paul’s response pierced through the emotion of the moment: “I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13, NASB). What gave Paul such peace in the face of death? How could he say that with such calm confidence?

  In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, Paul’s courage shines like a beacon. Many people fear death—not because they love life so much, but because they are unprepared to meet their God. Paul wasn’t unafraid of pain or hardship—he was simply ready. This wasn’t a boast; it was the natural result of a life formed, shaped, and anchored in obedience to Christ.

  So we ask the question: can we say with Paul, “I am ready to die”? What made Paul ready—and how can we be?

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  I. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Formed the Proper Relationship with the Lord

  There are only two spiritual relationships a person can be in: either “in the evil one” or “in Christ.” John wrote, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). That’s the natural state of humanity without God. To be “in the evil one” is to be subject to Satan’s rule, to walk in rebellion, even unknowingly, against the Creator.

  But Paul wasn’t in that condition. He had formed a different relationship—he was “in Christ.” That’s a specific, defined spiritual location. Romans 6:3–4 tells us how that happens: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?” Paul had submitted to the gospel—faith, repentance, confession, and baptism. As Galatians 3:27 says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

  That’s how Paul got into Christ, and it’s how we do, too. This isn’t about church membership or morality—it’s about being spiritually relocated. If we’re outside of Christ, we’re in danger. If we’re in Christ, we’re safe. And that’s the foundation of readiness.

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  II. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Completely Divorced Himself from the World

  Some love life so much they feel cheated to leave it early. But Paul said, “I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:24). His life had one purpose: to glorify God and finish the task. That’s why he could say with conviction, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

  Paul didn’t dabble in the world while claiming Christ. He cut ties. His joy wasn’t in pleasures, distractions, or worldly goals. He didn’t belong to this world—and he knew it. He had “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). He didn’t let ball games, fishing, or entertainment rob him of his purpose. It wasn’t that those things are inherently sinful—but for Paul, nothing could interfere with the race he was running.

  Many believers today are far too entangled. “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life” (2 Timothy 2:4). If we can’t say goodbye to the world, we aren’t ready to die. To be ready is to be unchained from this life.

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  III. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Faithfully Performed His Duties

  Paul viewed his life as a stewardship. In 2 Timothy 4:6–7, he declared, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”

  Paul lived like a soldier, never retreating in the face of difficulty. He fought against sin, error, discouragement, and persecution. He didn’t quit. He also saw himself as a runner—focused on the finish line. Hebrews 12:1 urges us to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Paul did.

  He didn’t just live faithfully—he served faithfully. He taught, he worked, he prayed, he gave, he suffered. He poured himself out in service to the kingdom. He could face death, not with dread, but with anticipation. “In the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8).

  We cannot be ready to die if we are idle in our faith. Some neglect their spiritual duties and hope grace will cover the difference. But God calls us to work. Not to earn salvation—but to walk in it.

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  IV. Faithful Obedience Was Not the Basis of Paul’s Salvation—But It Was the Condition

  Let’s be clear: Paul wasn’t saved because he earned it. He knew better than anyone that salvation is by grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). But that grace was not unconditional.

  Hebrews 5:9 says, “And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him.” That’s plain. Paul obeyed—and he kept obeying.

  No amount of good works can put God in our debt. But grace doesn’t cover rebellion. The same Lord who saves by grace “will deal out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

  Grace is available. It’s wide. It’s free. But it’s not given to the disobedient. Paul knew this. That’s why he was diligent. That’s why he gave everything he had. Not to earn, but to honor. Not to merit, but to remain faithful.

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  Conclusion: Are You Ready to Die?

  This isn’t a morbid question. It’s a necessary one. Are you ready to die? Not because you’ve lived a good life—but because you’ve been made right with God through the blood of Jesus, and have walked faithfully in Him?

  If not, you can begin today.

  If you haven’t yet formed the proper relationship with Christ, do what Paul did. Be baptized into Christ. Enter into Him.

  If you’re entangled in the world—cut it off. Let go of what’s holding you back. Fix your eyes on eternity.

  If you’ve grown lazy, or indifferent, or afraid—stand back up. Finish the race. Fight the fight.

  You can have the same assurance Paul had. You can face death without fear. But not by accident. Not without surrender.

  The question isn’t just “Am I living right?” It’s deeper. It’s eternal.

  Am I ready to die?

  If not—what will you do about it?

  Now is the time.

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  April 13, 2025

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• Worship That God Rejects: Are We Really Pleasing Him?

  

  Christianity is indeed a religion—but not all religion is Christianity. Not all worship is pleasing to God. Jesus made this painfully clear when He said, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8–9, NASB). Not all religion is true religion, and not all worship is accepted by God. James echoes this truth: “If anyone thinks that he is religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:26–27).

  So we must ask: Can someone be religious—even deeply devout—and still be lost in God’s eyes? According to Scripture, the answer is yes.

  The Nature of Man and His Religious Inclination

  People are naturally drawn to worship something beyond themselves. From the earliest pages of Scripture, we see people building altars, offering sacrifices, and seeking a connection with God. But just being religious doesn’t make someone right with God. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).

  A person can be:

  • Honest, but honestly mistaken (Matthew 7:21).
  • Sincere, but sincerely wrong (Romans 10:1–3).
  • Devout, but still disobedient (Philippians 3:6).
  • A worshiper, but not accepted (Matthew 15:9).

  Let’s take a closer look at how this happens.

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  I. How Can We Be Religious and Yet Sinners?

  1. By Worshiping the Wrong God

  God has always condemned idolatry. One of the Ten Commandments was, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol…” (Exodus 20:3–4). The people of Athens were described by Paul as “very religious” (Acts 17:22), yet they worshiped an “unknown god.” They were sincere—but still wrong.

  In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah challenged Israel: “How long are you going to struggle between the two choices? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” Being religious means nothing if it’s directed toward the wrong object.

  2. By Worshiping the True God in the Wrong Way

  God doesn’t accept every kind of worship. Cain and Abel both brought offerings, but only Abel’s was accepted. “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain” (Hebrews 11:4). That means Abel listened to God. Cain didn’t.

  Nadab and Abihu were priests. They worshiped—but they offered “unauthorized fire” (Leviticus 10:1–2). God hadn’t told them to use it, and fire came from heaven and consumed them. God had never said, “don’t use that fire,” but He had said what kind of fire to use. They added to God’s instruction and were punished for it.

  3. By Being a Worshiper Without Obeying the Gospel

  Cornelius in Acts 10 was devout and generous. The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 had just been to worship. Saul (later Paul) was extremely religious. But none of them were saved until they obeyed the gospel.

  Hebrews 5:9 says Jesus is “the source of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him.” Being religious isn’t enough—God requires obedience to His will.

  4. By Becoming Unfaithful After Becoming a True Worshiper

  Some start out right, then fall back. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) were Christians. Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8) believed and was baptized. The church in Corinth had problems even though they were God’s people.

  Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.” Salvation isn’t something we get and then forget. We must stay faithful (Revelation 2:10).

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  II. Scriptural Examples of Religious Sinners

  Here are some real examples from Scripture of people who were religious—but still sinned:

  • Cain (Genesis 4) – Cain brought an offering, but it wasn’t accepted. Abel brought a better one because he followed what God said (Hebrews 11:4). Cain didn’t submit to God’s instruction and got angry instead of correcting his mistake. “If you do well, will your face not be cheerful?” (Genesis 4:7).
  • Moses (Numbers 20:7–12) – God told Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses struck it. That one act kept him from entering the Promised Land. Even leaders must obey God exactly. Disobedience—even when trying to serve—is still disobedience.
  • Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1–2) – They were priests. They offered fire God hadn’t told them to use. He consumed them with fire. “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10:3). Their mistake wasn’t that they had bad intentions, but that they assumed they could approach God in their own way instead of following His instructions.
  • The Pharisees (Matthew 15:9) – They followed traditions and looked religious, but Jesus said, “In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” They were outwardly spiritual, but their hearts were far from God.

  These stories show us that God doesn’t accept all worship—only the kind that follows His Word.

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  III. Conclusion: A Call to Examine Ourselves

  We live in a time when people believe sincerity is all that matters. But God says otherwise. “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

  Paul urges us, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). It’s not enough to feel good about what we do. We must ask, “Is this what God wants?”

  James reminds us in James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” God is merciful. If we’re off course, we can return.

  Ask yourself honestly: Am I truly worshiping in a way that pleases God—or am I only going through the motions?

  Let’s return to Scripture. Let’s obey fully. Let’s honor God not just with our lips, but with our hearts, our actions, and our worship.

  Will I be among those whose worship is accepted—or among those who honor Him with lips, but not with heart and obedience?

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  April 12, 2025

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• Where “Not” Is Not Found

  Understanding God’s Silence and the Danger of Assumption

  

  Introduction: The Power of a “Not”

  In our pursuit of truth, we often expect God to write out every detail—what to do and what not to do. But what happens when God doesn’t say, “Thou shalt not”? Is silence consent? Or is silence itself a statement?

  The subject may seem unusual, but it’s of vital importance. In Genesis 1:1, we read: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” By the time we get to verse 31, Scripture declares: “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” Mankind was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), a rational, free-moral being—capable of understanding and choosing to obey or disobey.

  God gave man law from the very beginning. With law came the ability to transgress. And with transgression came the need for discernment—not just in what God said, but in what He did not say.

  God’s Commands Are Inclusive and Exclusive

  In Exodus 20, God gives the Law to Israel: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Throughout the Ten Commandments, we see clear prohibitions: “You shall not…” over and over again. This structure communicates God’s will by both inclusion and exclusion.

  But under the New Covenant, God often commands by stating what to do—without listing all that is not to be done. When God says to do one thing, He excludes all else. That is the foundation of divine authority.

  Some might say, “If God didn’t say not to, then maybe it’s allowed.” But John 21:25 reminds us, “There are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” God didn’t give us a list of every “not”—instead, He gave us a perfect standard and expects us to respect His silence.

  Case Studies:

  Cain and Abel

  In Genesis 4, both Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. But Abel’s was accepted, and Cain’s was not. Why? Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous.” Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), which means Abel obeyed what God had revealed.

  God never had to say “Do not offer the fruit of the ground.” He had already specified what He desired. Cain’s offering was rejected not because of malice but because it was not what God had commanded. God’s silence was not permission.

  Noah and the Ark

  God told Noah, “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood” (Genesis 6:14). God didn’t need to say, “Do not use cedar, pine, or oak.” His specification excluded all others. That’s why we’re told in Genesis 6:22, “So Noah did; according to everything that God had commanded him, so he did.”

  Noah didn’t add to God’s word. He respected it. And Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being warned by God…prepared an ark for the salvation of his household.” His faith was not presumptive—it obeyed the details.

  Nadab and Abihu

  In Leviticus 10:1–2, “Nadab and Abihu…offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them.”

  God had told them how to offer incense. He didn’t have to list every wrong way. When they chose their own fire, they treated God’s silence as permission—and it cost them their lives. God’s silence is not an invitation to innovate.

  Transporting the Ark: A Deadly Assumption

  In 2 Samuel 6, David and the people placed the ark of the covenant on a cart. But God had commanded in Numbers 4 that it be carried on poles by the Levites. When Uzzah reached out to steady the ark, God struck him dead.

  Why? Because, as 1 Chronicles 15:13 says, “Because you did not carry it at the first, the Lord our God made an outburst on us, since we did not seek Him according to the ordinance.” They tried to honor God their way—but it wasn’t His way.

  Let us not mistake good intentions for acceptable worship. God’s silence is not a blank check.

  Specific Commands Leave No Room for Substitutes

  When it comes to the Lord’s Supper, God specified unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26–29). Does He need to say, “Do not use soda and crackers”? No. The command excludes all else.

  When God said to baptize believers (Mark 16:16), does He need to list who not to baptize? Infant baptism is excluded because it does not meet the conditions. Baptism is a burial (Romans 6:4), so sprinkling or pouring is likewise unauthorized—not because God said “not to,” but because He didn’t say “to.”

  The silence of Scripture is not an oversight. It is a boundary.

  Instrumental Music in Worship

  God has told us how to make music in worship: “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

  He never said to use instruments, not because He forgot—but because He told us what to do. Anything else is an addition. As with Nadab and Abihu, it’s not worship when we do it our way.

  Trying to Help God

  In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul was told to destroy Amalek completely. But he kept the best sheep and oxen. When confronted, Saul said, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord…But the people took some of the spoils to sacrifice to the Lord” (1 Samuel 15:20–21).

  Samuel responded, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul’s downfall was not in rebellion—but in presumption. He tried to help God.

  Many today say, “We just want to help the church grow,” so they form missionary societies, change the worship, and alter doctrine. But God’s gospel is sufficient. Ephesians 3:21 says, “To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

  God didn’t authorize it, and that’s enough.

  Can We See the Scriptures Alike?

  Some claim, “We just can’t see the Bible the same way.” But do we say that about science? Mathematics? Contracts? Only in religion do we treat truth as subjective. Yet Paul commands in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “Now I urge you…that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

  Unity is possible when we respect what God has said—and what He hasn’t.

  Conclusion: What Will You Do with God’s Silence?

  The world accepts “almost truth” as good enough. But God has not given us that luxury. When God tells us what to do, we must do it—and we must not add to it.

  Revelation 22:18–19 gives this warning: “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues…if anyone takes away…the Lord will take away his part from the tree of life.” God’s word is complete. We are not editors. We are not advisors. We are servants.

  Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). And again, “He who does not enter by the door… but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1).

  If you’re trying to come to God any way except through His revealed word, it will not lead to life.

  The Gospel is a moving train, ready to carry all who will board. But we must come His way.

  Have you respected what God has said? Or are you doing what He never said not to do?

  Let us be among those who tremble at His word (Isaiah 66:2)—not because we fear what He didn’t say, but because we deeply revere what He has.

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  April 11, 2025

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• Counting the Cost: What It Truly Takes to Follow Christ

  

  Introduction: Jesus Never Hid the Price

  In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus turns to the great multitudes following Him and makes an unexpected declaration. He doesn’t flatter them for their interest or try to keep them with comforting words. Instead, He tells them that discipleship comes at a cost. “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27, NASB). These are not the words of a man trying to gain popularity—they are the call of a Savior who knows what following Him demands.

  We live in a world where decisions are often made with little thought to long-term consequence. Convenience and emotion guide far too many spiritual choices. Yet Jesus challenges us to count the cost. Before one builds a tower, he must sit down and calculate whether he has enough to finish it (Luke 14:28). Before one commits to Christ, he must ask—am I willing to go all the way?

  The Hidden Cost of Sin

  Too many only weigh the cost of discipleship, never the cost of disobedience. But sin has its own price. It promises freedom but delivers bondage. Hebrews 11:25 speaks of “the temporary pleasures of sin,” but we must remember that temporary pleasure often leads to permanent regret. Romans 6:23 is clear: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

  Sin may be dressed in glitter and appeal, but it leads to destruction. Jephthah’s rash vow in Judges 11 reminds us of the danger in acting without thought. So too, many today leap into sinful lives without counting what it will cost their souls, their families, and their future. Will we open our eyes before it’s too late?

  What Will It Cost to Follow Jesus?

  Following Jesus is not a half-hearted decision. It demands everything. He said, “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33). That doesn’t necessarily mean we sell everything we own, but it does mean that nothing—no relationship, no possession, no comfort—can come before Him.

  Salvation is free in the sense that we cannot earn it. But discipleship demands sacrifice. The Philippian jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). The answer was belief, but that belief must be one that obeys. Acts 2:38 echoes this: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” There is a cost to changing from a life of sin to one of righteousness. One must be willing to obey the gospel and live it every day.

  Faith, repentance, and baptism are only the beginning. The Christian life is one of daily sacrifice. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age.” Are we willing to do this—to give up what is worldly and embrace what is holy?

  The Cost of Continued Faithfulness

  It is not enough to begin the Christian walk. We must finish it. Many begin strong but falter when things get hard. But Jesus never promised ease. In fact, He promised trials. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

  So what do we do when the way becomes difficult? We remember that the reward is greater than the pain. Jesus said in Mark 10:29-30 that those who give up homes, family, and possessions for His sake will receive “a hundred times as much… along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.” The reward is eternal, and it’s worth every step of sacrifice.

  We must count the cost daily. Romans 12:1 urges, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Christianity isn’t something we do once—it’s who we are. It means choosing love when we’d rather hate, choosing purity when the world promotes sin, and choosing truth when it’s unpopular.

  Those Who Paid the Price

  Think of those who went before us. Joshua, in his final days, told the people, “Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses” (Joshua 23:6). David, on his deathbed, urged Solomon to walk in God’s ways (1 Kings 2:2-3). These men knew the value of commitment. They knew that faithfulness requires vigilance.

  And what of the apostles? What did it cost them to follow Jesus? Tradition and history tell us that most died martyrs’ deaths. But they counted the cost, and they found Christ worth it.

  Can the same be said of us?

  Will You Count the Cost?

  Where is the man or woman who, at the end of life, regrets serving God? You won’t find one. But there are countless souls who, with their last breath, wish they had lived differently. Countless voices cry from eternity with the sorrow of missed opportunity.

  Jesus asked, “For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). That question should ring in our ears every time the world tempts us. What are we giving up for a moment of pleasure, or ease, or popularity?

  The cost of discipleship is real—but so is the reward. Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). That same reward is available to us, if we will only count the cost and follow Him.

  Conclusion: Choose Wisely

  Sin offers nothing of lasting value. It is temporary and hollow. But Jesus offers eternal life. He calls to you, not with fine print and empty promises, but with clarity and love. He wants you to know what following Him really means—so that your commitment is real and your hope is unshakable.

  The cost may seem great—but the reward is greater. Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). Compared to the burden of sin, the cost of Christ is a joy.

  Will you count the cost? Will you pay the price?

  He has already paid everything for you. What will you give in return?

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  April 10, 2025

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• Love Really Demonstrated: A Life That Reflects God’s Heart

  

  Beyond Words, Into Action

  Much has been written and spoken about love. It’s a universal theme in songs, movies, sermons, and daily conversation. But for Christians, love isn’t just an emotion or poetic sentiment—it’s the foundation of our identity. Yet even in the church, love can be misunderstood, reduced to feeling rather than doing.

  Jesus called love the “greatest” commandment. When asked what the most important law was, He responded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment.” (Matthew 22:37–38, NASB). In a world of competing values and distractions, the call remains the same: genuine love for God must be demonstrated—not simply declared.

  So how do we show it? What does real love for God and others look like? Let’s examine the source, evidence, and application of divine love in our lives.

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  I. The Source and Nature of Love

  Love begins with God. John, the apostle of love, wrote clearly: “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, NASB). Our capacity to love is not self-generated—it is a response to divine initiative. God loved us first, fully, and sacrificially. That is the foundation of Christian love.

  The purest form of love is self-sacrifice. John also wrote, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10, NASB). Love is not proven in words or emotion alone, but in action—especially when that action comes at a cost. The cross is the clearest expression of God’s love for us.

  As Paul puts it: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NASB). Love gives when it doesn’t have to. Love acts when it would be easier to stand still.

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  II. Love Can’t Be Faked: The Test of Sincerity

  Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of those who claimed to love God but whose actions told another story. He said, “I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.” (John 5:42, NASB). They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him.

  We may say we love God, but our lives will ultimately tell the truth. John warned, “Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18, NASB). Love is not just something we say in a worship service or write in a journal. It’s something we prove by how we live, what we prioritize, and how we treat others.

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  III. Evidence of Love for God

  So, how can we know we really love God? What are the unmistakable marks of genuine love for Him? The Bible gives us several clear indicators:

  1. We Want to Be in His Presence

  When you truly love someone, you want to be with them. The Psalmist declared, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, God.” (Psalm 42:1, NASB). Do you long to spend time with God in prayer, in worship, in His Word?

  Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him.” (John 14:23, NASB). When we love God, His presence becomes our greatest desire—not an obligation, but a joy.

  2. We Talk to Him Constantly

  Love communicates. Paul said, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB). Do we only speak to God in emergencies or before meals? Or do we, like David, cry out: “I love You, Lord, my strength.” (Psalm 18:1, NASB)? If we love Him, we’ll want to talk to Him—and listen, too.

  3. We Listen to His Voice

  Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, NASB). God speaks through His Word, yet many Christians let their Bibles collect dust. Paul urged Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB). A loving heart is a listening heart. Do you delight in His Word (Psalm 1:2)? Do you “search the Scriptures daily”? (Acts 17:11)

  4. We Love to Be with His People

  One of the strongest indicators of love for God is love for others. John wrote, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers and sisters. The one who does not love remains in death.” (1 John 3:14, NASB).

  Do we love our brothers and sisters in Christ enough to spend time with them, encourage them, bear their burdens, and forgive their offenses? Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, NASB).

  5. We Treasure the Lord’s Supper

  Do you value time at the Lord’s table? Jesus commanded, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19, NASB). In Acts 20:7, the early church gathered on the first day of the week to break bread. This is not a tradition—it’s an act of love and remembrance. If we truly love the Lord, we will never treat His memorial as optional or mundane.

  6. We Obey His Commands

  Perhaps the clearest demonstration of love is obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, NASB). No excuse, no exception, no delay. Love doesn’t argue or negotiate with God. It yields.

  Obedience isn’t legalism. It’s love in motion. Just as children show respect for their parents through compliance, we honor our Father by trusting and obeying His will.

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  IV. A Love That Transforms

  The love of God is not simply something we receive—it is something we reflect. When God’s love fills our hearts, it changes everything: our habits, our speech, our relationships, our values. We cannot walk in love and walk in darkness at the same time.

  Paul prayed for the church to be “rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17, NASB), and that same love would empower them to grasp the fullness of God’s plan. When love takes root, it bears fruit.

  Love is not passive. It moves us to action: to forgive enemies (Matthew 5:44), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), support the weak (Romans 15:1), and carry the message of the gospel to the lost (2 Corinthians 5:14).

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  Love That Answers the Call

  Jesus’ love took Him to the cross. Our love must take us to obedience, surrender, and sacrifice. “The love of Christ controls us… so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15, NASB).

  Do you love Him? Really love Him?

  If so, show it—every day, with your life, not just your lips. Make your worship genuine. Let your service be joyful. Let your study be consistent. Let your compassion be radical. Let your obedience be immediate.

  John asked it plainly: “The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8, NASB)

  Love is not just what we say—it’s who we are when Christ lives in us.

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  April 9, 2025

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• What Is That in Your Hand?

  Exodus 4:2

  

  God’s Question to Moses

  In Exodus 4:2, God asks Moses a powerful, yet simple question: “What is that in your hand?” It was not merely a question about an object—it was a question that invited Moses to examine his ability, responsibility, and willingness. At the time, Moses was full of fear and doubt, convinced that he was unqualified to lead. He responded to God, “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say?” (Ex. 4:1, NASB). God’s question aimed to reveal that Moses already possessed the means to accomplish great things—not by his power, but by God’s.

  In Moses’ hand was a shepherd’s staff, an ordinary rod. But in the hands of God, it would part seas, strike rocks, and represent divine authority. Today, God still asks us the same question: “What is in your hand?” What has He given you to use for His glory? What are you doing with it?

  Let’s take a reflective journey to examine how God can use what we have—our talents, time, influence, and more—and how we must be ready to surrender it all to His purpose.

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  I. God Can Use Ordinary Things to Accomplish Extraordinary Works

  When Moses offered his rod to God, it became a tool of signs and wonders. It was transformed into a serpent and back (Ex. 4:3–4), and later it would part the Red Sea (Ex. 14:16). The rod was no longer a mere stick; it was the symbol of divine authority and obedience.

  The Lord often chooses what the world considers small or insignificant to reveal His greatness. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong.” (NASB)

  So what is in your hand today? A skill? A resource? A role? No matter how ordinary it may seem, in God’s service, it becomes priceless.

  ---

  II. Biblical Examples of Ordinary Things Used by God

  1. Shamgar’s Ox Goad

  In Judges 3:31, we read of Shamgar, who killed 600 Philistines with nothing but an ox goad—a farmer’s tool. What was in his hand became an instrument of deliverance. He didn’t wait for something grander. He used what he had.

  2. David’s Sling

  David’s sling was just a shepherd’s weapon, but in the service of God, it struck down a giant (1 Samuel 17). What made the difference? His faith. He said to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a saber, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of armies.” (1 Sam. 17:45, NASB)

  3. The Widow’s Mites

  Jesus saw a poor widow drop two tiny coins into the temple treasury and declared, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury.” (Mark 12:43, NASB). Her offering, though small, was great in God’s eyes because she gave all she had.

  4. A Boy’s Lunch

  In John 6, a boy offers his lunch—five barley loaves and two fish—to Jesus. It seemed small, yet Jesus used it to feed over 5,000 people (John 6:9–13). What we may consider little, God can multiply.

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  III. What’s in Your Hand Today?

  Let’s bring this question closer to home. What do you have—right now—that you can use for God’s glory?

  1. Your Life

  Paul writes in Romans 14:12, “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” (NASB). You only get one life. You cannot trade it, rewind it, or relive it. It is in your hands now. How are you using it?

  Galatians 6:7 reminds us, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.” (NASB). The life you live today will bear fruit tomorrow.

  2. Your Time

  Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (NASB). Time is a gift we all receive equally every day, yet once spent, it cannot be retrieved. How are you investing your time—in godliness, family, service, growth?

  Ephesians 5:15-16 urges, “So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

  3. Your Influence

  Influence is the silent force that shapes others, for good or bad. Paul tells the Galatians, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.” (Gal. 5:9, NASB). You influence your family, your friends, your workplace, even without realizing it.

  Your life speaks even after you’re gone. Revelation 14:13 says, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… their deeds follow with them.” (NASB). What legacy will your influence leave behind?

  4. Your Talents

  Matthew 25:14–30 tells the parable of the talents. The servant who buried his talent was condemned—not because he lost it, but because he didn’t use it. God gives us abilities, and He expects us to use them for His glory.

  Jesus warned, “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away.” (Matt. 25:29, NASB)

  Whether it’s teaching, encouraging, leading, giving, or serving—use your talents for the Lord.

  5. Your Soul

  Perhaps the most sobering reflection: your soul is in your hands. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, urged the crowd, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” (Acts 2:40, NASB). Jesus asked, “For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36, NASB)

  Nothing is more valuable than your eternal destiny. God has placed the decision in your hands—will you serve Him or walk away?

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  IV. Why Do We Doubt What God Can Do Through Us?

  We often underestimate ourselves because we focus on our limitations. Moses did the same. He said, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Ex. 4:10, NASB). But God answered, “Who has made the human mouth?… Is it not I, the Lord?” (v.11)

  God was not interested in Moses’ abilities—He was interested in his availability. When we surrender what’s in our hands, God equips us with what we need. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

  So instead of asking, “Can I?” we should ask, “Will I let God?”

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  Conclusion: You Decide Your Destiny

  The message of Exodus 4:2 is timeless: What is in your hand?

  Will you use your life, your time, your talents, your influence, your very soul, to serve the God who gave you all of it?

  Jesus calls you to surrender all and follow Him. You may feel small, ordinary, or inadequate. But the rod of Moses was ordinary—until God used it. The widow’s mites were small—until God magnified them. The boy’s lunch was insufficient—until it fed thousands.

  So, friend, what is in your hand? And more importantly, what are you doing with it?

  Let today be the day you say, “Here am I, Lord—use me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

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  April 8, 2025

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• Misconceptions Clarified: Understanding Truth in a Confused Religious World

  

  Introduction

  Throughout history, truth has often been misunderstood, misrepresented, and rejected. Jesus Himself was misunderstood during His time on earth. In John 18:36, Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Many people expected an earthly king, a political leader, not the spiritual Savior He came to be. Sadly, misconceptions did not end with His departure. They continue today, not only concerning Christ but also concerning His church, His teaching, and His commands.

  Often, the church that follows New Testament teaching is labeled narrow-minded. But we must ask: Is it truly narrow-minded to speak where the Bible speaks and to remain silent where it is silent? Let us explore some of these misconceptions, compare them with Scripture, and reflect on our role in upholding the truth.

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  1. Is It Narrow to Teach That There Is One Church?

  One of the most common charges is that the church of Christ is narrow for claiming there is only one true church. But this is not a human doctrine; it is rooted in Scripture. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Note: Jesus promised to build His church—singular.

  Paul reinforced this in Ephesians 4:4-5: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” The “body” is identified as the church in Ephesians 1:22-23.

  This teaching is not about arrogance; it’s about faithfulness. Just as Noah built only one ark according to God’s instructions, so we must follow the pattern given in the New Testament. Acts 2:47 says, “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

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  2. Is It Narrow to Abide in the Doctrine of Christ?

  Another misconception is that teaching the doctrine of Christ exclusively is too strict. But 2 John 1:9 says, “Anyone who goes too far and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God; the one who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”

  Faithfulness requires remaining within the boundaries of inspired teaching. This means we cannot go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). Some may say we are narrow for rejecting modern innovations or denominational doctrines, but we are simply upholding the authority of God’s Word.

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  3. Is It Narrow to Wear the Name “Christian” Only?

  In Acts 11:26, “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Later, Peter affirms in 1 Peter 4:16, “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”

  The name “Christian” is given by divine approval and is the only name we need. Human names divide; God’s name unites. Is it narrow to wear only the name given by God? Or is it simply an act of reverence and submission?

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  4. Is It Narrow to Worship Without Instruments?

  Many are surprised to learn that early Christians sang without instruments. Ephesians 5:19 commands, “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord.”

  Colossians 3:16 says the same. There is no mention of instrumental accompaniment in New Testament worship. To add it is to go beyond what God has authorized. Singing is inclusive and unifying; the addition of instruments is divisive.

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  5. Is It Narrow to Insist on Baptism as Essential?

  Here lies perhaps the most controversial charge—that we believe in “water salvation.” But what does Scripture say?

  Acts 2:38 commands, “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” Romans 6:3-4 explains the meaning: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death.”

  Baptism is not a work of human merit. It is an act of obedience. Hebrews 5:9 states, “And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him.”

  The command is clear. To deny baptism’s necessity is not to widen the path but to reject part of God’s will. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

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  6. Is It Narrow to Obey What Is Written?

  The cry of our age is tolerance, inclusion, and personal truth. Yet God calls for submission to His truth. Galatians 1:10 asks, “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”

  We must ask ourselves whether we are willing to be called narrow for the sake of truth. Noah was called foolish, but he was saved. Jesus was rejected by the masses, but He was the Son of God. Are we willing to stand where they stood?

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  Conclusion

  Clarifying misconceptions is not about winning arguments; it’s about saving souls. The narrow way is not popular, but it is biblical. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

  Let us be people who speak where the Bible speaks, who teach what the Bible teaches, and who love others enough to tell them the truth. If that is considered narrow, then let us wear it as a badge of honor—not in arrogance, but in humble obedience to our Lord.

  Let us walk the narrow road. It may not be popular, but it leads to life eternal.

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  April 4, 2025

  baptism, bible, christianity, faith, jesus

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• Misconceptions Clarified: What the Church of Christ Truly Teaches

  

  Introduction: A Misunderstood Mission

  When Jesus walked the earth, He was often misunderstood. His mission was not political, military, or social in the way many expected. In John 18:36, Jesus clearly stated, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Yet, religious leaders and followers alike misconstrued His purpose, desiring an earthly king. As His popularity grew, so did opposition, climaxing in His crucifixion.

  This pattern of misunderstanding didn’t end with Jesus. His church too has been the subject of misrepresentation. Whether through ignorance or prejudice, many have falsely accused the Lord’s church of narrow-mindedness, exclusivity, or legalism. But is it wrong to simply teach and uphold what the Bible teaches?

  As members of the church of Christ, we aim to follow the New Testament pattern, wearing a biblical name (Romans 16:16), worshiping in spirit and truth (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7), and teaching what God commands (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Our plea is not for denominationalism, but for unity in simplicity, rooted in the truth of God’s word. Let’s take a closer look at some commonly misunderstood beliefs.

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  I. Is It Narrow to Obey Only the Doctrine of Christ?

  Some accuse the church of being narrow because we insist on obedience to Christ’s commands. But consider Jesus’ own words in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

  Truth has always been narrow. Jesus taught that salvation is found in Him alone (John 14:6), and the apostles echoed this message throughout the New Testament. Paul asked in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” Teaching what the Bible teaches is not narrow-minded; it is faithful.

  John warned in 2 John 9-11 that anyone who goes beyond the doctrine of Christ does not have God, and those who endorse such teaching share in their evil deeds. Is that narrow, or is it obedient?

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  II. Why Insist on One Church?

  One of the most controversial teachings of the church of Christ is the insistence on one church. But we do not claim this as an exclusive doctrine of our own—it is what Scripture teaches. Jesus said, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).

  When souls were saved in Acts 2, they were “added to the church” by the Lord (Acts 2:47). Ephesians 4:4-5 says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” To affirm what Scripture plainly states is not arrogance, but faithfulness.

  Paul wrote that the church is Christ’s body (Ephesians 1:22-23), and there is only one body. Are we wrong to affirm this unity? Can we be too narrow for saying what Paul said?

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  III. What’s in a Name?

  Some argue that the name “church of Christ” is too exclusive. But it is entirely scriptural. In Romans 16:16, Paul writes, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” To use this name is to honor Christ as the one who purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

  Peter instructed believers to wear the name “Christian” in 1 Peter 4:16: “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” Why should we wear any other name? The name we wear is more than identification; it is allegiance. If we belong to Christ, why not wear His name?

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  IV. Is Singing Without Instruments Too Narrow?

  Ephesians 5:19 instructs, “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 echoes the same, emphasizing singing.

  Nowhere in the New Testament do we find the early church using instrumental music in worship. While many view acapella singing as restrictive, it is actually inclusive. All can sing. No one is excluded by financial ability, musical training, or access to instruments. The simplicity of New Testament worship draws us to unity and focus on God.

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  V. Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

  One of the most contested teachings is that baptism is essential to salvation. But again, we ask: What does the Bible say? Mark 16:16 declares, “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.” Acts 2:38 says, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

  Romans 6:3-4 explains the symbolism of baptism: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.”

  We do not teach water salvation. The water does not save; Jesus saves. But He saves those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9). Baptism is not a work of merit but an act of faith. To minimize or dismiss it is to disregard God’s plan.

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  VI. Isn’t It More Loving to Be Broad-Minded?

  Many today equate love with tolerance. But Jesus did not. He taught truth with compassion but never compromised. In Revelation 3:19, He says, “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.”

  To preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) is to love souls enough to tell them the truth. To speak only what is palatable may gain popularity, but it will not please the Lord. Galatians 4:16 asks, “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Truth may sting, but it also saves.

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  Conclusion: Is It Really Narrow to Follow the Bible?

  Following Christ will never be the popular path. But it is the right one. His way is narrow, yes—but it leads to life. We are not ashamed to wear His name, follow His pattern, obey His commands, and worship in the way He prescribed. To some, that may seem too strict. But to us, it is the way of salvation.

  Let us strive to honor the Lord by obeying His word without apology. Not to win debates or prove ourselves right, but because we love Him and seek to do what He has asked. As Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” That, dear reader, is not narrow. That is love.

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  April 3, 2025

  baptism, bible, christianity, faith, jesus

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