Tag: god

• 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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  April 14, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• 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?

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  April 13, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• 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.

  ---

  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).

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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?

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  April 12, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• 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.

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  April 11, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• 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?

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  April 10, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• 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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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).

  ---

  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.

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  April 9, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• 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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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?

  ---

  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?”

  ---

  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)

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  April 8, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• A Christian’s Responsibility in Studying Scripture: Ensuring the Church Practices Truth

  

  Introduction: Why Does It Matter?

  In a world where religious traditions, personal opinions, and cultural influences shape much of what is taught in churches, how can we be sure that what we practice aligns with God’s will? Many accept teachings simply because they have been handed down for generations or because they trust a preacher or church leader. But God calls every Christian to personally examine the Scriptures and ensure that what is being taught and practiced in the church is according to His divine will.

  Acts 17:11 describes the Bereans as noble-minded because they did not simply take Paul’s word for truth, but “they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” (NASB). If even Paul’s teachings needed to be tested against God’s Word, how much more should we be diligent in ensuring that our churches follow the truth?

  A Christian’s responsibility to study Scripture goes beyond personal faith—it impacts their family, their church family, and most importantly, their relationship with God. Let’s examine these responsibilities in detail.

  ---

  1. The Christian’s Personal Responsibility

  Each Christian has a duty to know and understand the truth for themselves. Faith is not inherited; it must be personally developed through study and obedience.

  2 Timothy 2:15 exhorts believers:
  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (NASB).

  This means that every Christian should be committed to reading, studying, and applying God’s Word in their daily lives. Too often, people rely on sermons, devotionals, or religious traditions without personally verifying what they are being taught. Jesus warns against this kind of blind faith in Matthew 15:9:
  “And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

  A Christian must not take any teaching at face value but must verify it against the Scriptures. The consequences of failing to do so are severe—many have been led into false doctrines simply because they did not take the time to compare what was taught with what was written.

  Reflection:

  • Do you study the Bible regularly, or do you only hear it when it’s preached?
  • When you listen to a sermon, do you compare it to Scripture, or do you assume it’s correct because a preacher said it?

  ---

  2. The Christian’s Responsibility to His Family

  A Christian’s influence does not stop with himself; he is also responsible for teaching and guiding his family in the truth. Fathers, mothers, and spouses must ensure that their homes are built upon Scriptural foundations, not human traditions.

  In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God commands:
  “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.”

  Teaching God’s Word is not optional—it is a responsibility. If parents do not actively instruct their children in the truth, someone else will teach them something else—whether it be false doctrine, secular ideologies, or worldly values.

  Ephesians 6:4 gives a direct command to fathers:
  “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

  This means that Bible study should not be confined to the church building. It should be a regular practice in the home. Children should see their parents actively reading, discussing, and applying Scripture. If Christian parents fail in this duty, their children may grow up ignorant of God’s Word and vulnerable to deception.

  Reflection:

  • How often do you open the Bible in your home?
  • Do your children or spouse see your commitment to God’s Word?

  ---

  3. The Christian’s Responsibility to the Church

  Church members are not merely passive listeners; they are accountable for what is taught in their congregations. The health of the church depends on members who are spiritually discerning and willing to speak up when unscriptural practices arise.

  Paul commands the church in 1 Thessalonians 5:21:
  “But examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good.”

  If unscriptural teachings or practices are introduced, silence is not an option. In Galatians 1:8, Paul makes it clear that no one—not even an angel—has the right to alter the gospel:
  “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”

  Christians must be courageous in testing teachings and rejecting anything that contradicts God’s Word. The apostle John also warns against welcoming false teachers:
  “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. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting.” (2 John 9-10).

  A faithful Christian must not blindly follow leaders. Instead, they must ensure that everything being practiced is in full agreement with Scripture.

  Reflection:

  • If an unscriptural practice was introduced in your church, would you recognize it?
  • Are you willing to stand for truth, even if it makes you unpopular?

  ---

  4. The Christian’s Responsibility to God

  Above all else, the Christian is accountable directly to God for how they handle His Word. Our faithfulness to knowing, defending, and obeying Scripture is a matter of eternal consequence.

  Jesus said in John 12:48:
  “The one who rejects Me and does not accept My words has one who judges him: the word which I spoke—that will judge him on the last day.”

  God will not judge us by human traditions or religious customs—He will judge us by His Word. This means we must be diligent in ensuring that our beliefs and practices align with exactly what He has commanded.

  James 1:22 warns:
  “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.”

  Christianity is not about passively hearing but about actively obeying. We cannot claim ignorance when we stand before God. If we fail to study and apply His Word, we are without excuse.

  Reflection:

  • If you stood before God today, could you confidently say that you have sought His truth with all your heart?
  • Are you merely a hearer of the Word, or are you actively living it?

  ---

  Conclusion: Will You Take Responsibility?

  The responsibility of a Christian to study and uphold God’s Word is personal, familial, congregational, and eternal. If we neglect this responsibility, we risk being led astray, leading our families into ignorance, allowing falsehoods to take root in the church, and ultimately, standing unprepared before God.

  The question remains: Will we be like the Bereans, diligently searching the Scriptures daily, or will we be like those who blindly follow tradition? Will we have the courage to test everything, to teach our families, and to speak out when the truth is compromised?

  The answer to these questions determines not only our own salvation but also the spiritual legacy we leave behind. The time for spiritual laziness is over. Let us rise up, search the Scriptures, and ensure that what we believe, teach, and practice is in full accordance with the will of God.

  Let us remember the words of Hosea 4:6:
  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Since you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

  Let that never be said of us.

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  March 19, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• Convenient Christianity vs. The Whole Counsel of God

  

  In Acts 22:22, we read, “And they listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, ‘Away with such a man from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!’” (NASB). Paul was given an audience—people were willing to listen—until he touched on a subject that offended their deeply held beliefs. The moment he spoke of the Gentiles being included in God’s plan, they shut their ears and cried out against him.

  This reaction is not unique to Paul’s time. People today will listen to preaching—so long as it does not challenge their preconceived notions. Many will nod in agreement when a lesson aligns with their existing beliefs, but the moment truth steps on their toes, they react with hostility. This brings us to an important question: Are we truly listening to God’s word, or only to the parts we like?

  The Religious World Will Listen—To a Point

  It is common to hear people speak of belief in God, His attributes, and faith in Him. Many will even say “Amen” when Christ is spoken of—His divinity, His manhood, His teachings. But the real test comes when doctrine is pushed beyond generalities and into specifics.

  1. Preaching Christ Is Acceptable—Until It Calls for Obedience
     People love to hear about Jesus—His kindness, His miracles, His love. But what about when the message calls for submission? In Matthew 7:21, Jesus declares, “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.” (NASB). True faith demands action, and this is where many turn away.
  2. Speaking of the Church in a Vague Sense Is Acceptable
     Many will agree that the church is important, but when it is taught as an exclusive body, containing the saved and having defining characteristics that separate it from denominationalism, the crowd grows restless. 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, NASB). Not churches, but His church—singular, distinct, exclusive.
  3. Baptism for Salvation Is an Unpopular Teaching
     Many will accept baptism as an outward sign or a symbolic act, but when it is taught as necessary for salvation, they will resist. Yet, Scripture is clear: “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21, NASB). We cannot alter God’s commands to make them more palatable.

  Members of the Church Will Listen—To a Point

  Even within the church, there is a tendency to embrace certain teachings while rejecting those that challenge comfort and tradition.

  1. Unity and Peace Are Desired—But What About the Hard Teachings?
     Brethren desire unity and peace, which are indeed biblical values (Romans 12:18). However, peace at the expense of truth is no peace at all. Paul warned 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.” (NASB). We must be willing to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular.
  2. Condemning Sin—But Only in General Terms
     It is easy to condemn sin in a general sense, but what happens when the preacher starts naming specific sins? Paul did not hesitate to list them: “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21, NASB). Will we accept correction, or will we turn away when sin is named?
  3. Worldliness in the Church—But Let’s Not Get Too Specific
     Many will agree that Christians should avoid worldliness, but what about when the preacher speaks against immodest dress, social drinking, or sensual entertainment? James 4:4 warns, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (NASB). Are we willing to be different, or do we only want to be somewhat set apart?
  4. The Independence of the Local Church—Until Sponsoring Institutions Are Addressed
     The concept of local church autonomy is widely accepted, yet when the issue of church-sponsored institutions and cooperation beyond biblical authority is raised, resistance emerges. Scripture upholds the independence of the local church, as seen in Acts 14:23, “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (NASB). Each congregation was self-governing, with no hierarchical structure beyond the local eldership.

  Conclusion

  The words of Eli to Samuel provide a sobering reminder: “And the Lord called Samuel again for the third time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’’” (1 Samuel 3:8-9, NASB). Are we willing to listen when God speaks?

  Cornelius provides another example in Acts 10:33: “So I immediately sent men to you, and you have been kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here present before God to hear everything that you have been commanded by the Lord.” (NASB). This should be our attitude—open hearts, ready to receive the full counsel of God.

  The question remains: Are we truly listening to God’s word, or only to the parts that suit us? Will we accept the entirety of Scripture, or will we stop our ears when the truth becomes uncomfortable? The gospel is meant to transform, not to conform to our desires. If we desire to be true disciples, we must be willing to listen beyond our comfort zone. Let us examine ourselves, ensuring that when God speaks, we respond, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  March 7, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

  ---

• The Gospel in Old Testament Examples: Learning from the Past to Strengthen Our Faith

  

  The Old Testament is often overlooked or dismissed by those who claim that because we are under the New Covenant, it no longer serves a purpose. However, the apostle Paul stated otherwise: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4, NASB). The lessons of the Old Testament are not irrelevant; they serve as powerful examples, shadows of New Testament truths, and warnings for those who seek to walk with God today.

  One of the most striking examples of faith and obedience found in the Old Testament is the story of Naaman, a powerful Syrian commander afflicted with leprosy. His encounter with the prophet Elisha reveals key principles about faith, obedience, and submission to God’s word. Through his story, we see that faith is not just about belief—it must be expressed in action. The question for us today is: Do we have the kind of faith that moves us to obey God completely, even when His commands seem simple, inconvenient, or unnecessary?

  ---

  1. The Reality of Faith and Obedience

  Naaman was a great man, respected by his king and victorious in battle, but he was also a leper (2 Kings 5:1). No amount of wealth, power, or prestige could change his condition. Sin is much the same. No matter how successful or admired a person is, sin leaves them spiritually diseased and separated from God (Romans 3:23).

  When Naaman was told about Elisha, the prophet of God, he went seeking healing. But instead of meeting Elisha in person, a messenger relayed simple instructions: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.” (2 Kings 5:10, NASB). Naaman was furious! He expected something grand, something dramatic. Instead, he was given an instruction that seemed beneath his dignity.

  How many today respond the same way when confronted with God’s commands? Baptism, for instance, is seen by many as unnecessary or merely symbolic, yet Jesus said: “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16, NASB). Faith without action is incomplete. Naaman’s healing came only when he obeyed fully and washed seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:14). Likewise, we must obey God’s word completely, without arguing or seeking alternatives that fit our own reasoning.

  ---

  2. Faith That Moves Us to Action

  Faith is never passive. Hebrews 11 gives numerous examples of those who acted on their belief. “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household…” (Hebrews 11:7, NASB). “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8, NASB). True faith is accompanied by obedience.

  James reinforces this truth: “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” (James 2:17, NASB). Many claim to believe in Christ but refuse to obey His commands fully. They rationalize partial obedience or rely on their feelings rather than the clear instructions of Scripture. Just as Naaman was not cleansed until he followed Elisha’s exact command, we cannot expect salvation if we only accept part of what God requires.

  ---

  3. The Danger of Substituting Human Wisdom for God’s Word

  Naaman initially rejected Elisha’s command, believing the rivers of Damascus were superior to the Jordan. He asked, “Are Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, not better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” (2 Kings 5:12, NASB). His pride almost cost him his healing.

  Today, many reject the necessity of baptism, the exclusivity of the church, or the moral commands of Scripture because they believe their way is better. But God does not ask for our opinions—He asks for our submission. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8, NASB).

  The world is full of religious traditions and human creeds, yet only God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). Adding to or taking away from His instructions is dangerous (Revelation 22:18-19). Just as Naaman had to trust that God’s way was the only way, we must put aside human reasoning and submit to divine authority.

  ---

  4. The Cleansing Power of God’s Command

  Naaman’s healing occurred not because the Jordan had magical properties, but because he obeyed in faith. The power was in God’s command, not the water itself. This parallels baptism, where the water itself does not save, but obedience to God’s command brings the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

  Consider what Jesus said: “He who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but he who has not believed will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16, NASB). Yet, many argue against baptism’s necessity, just as Naaman resisted washing in the Jordan. But God’s instructions are not open for debate. If we desire salvation, we must accept His terms without alteration.

  ---

  Conclusion

  Naaman’s story is a powerful illustration of faith, obedience, and the necessity of following God’s commands without alteration. His healing did not come until he humbled himself and obeyed completely. The same is true for us today.

  Faith alone is not enough. “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24, NASB). We must act on our faith, trusting that God’s way is best even when it seems too simple, too difficult, or unnecessary in human reasoning.

  Jesus is our ultimate example. He submitted fully to the will of the Father (Philippians 2:8), and He calls us to follow Him. Have you obeyed the gospel fully? Have you been baptized into Christ, as He commanded? Like Naaman, you have a choice: remain in your condition or humble yourself before God and be cleansed.

  Will you obey, or will you walk away still in need of healing?

  Share this:

  • X
  • Facebook

  Like Loading…

  March 6, 2025

  bible, faith, god, jesus, naaman

  ---