What Did Jesus Really Say?
Christianity is centered upon Christ. As disciples, we are committed to being “followers”, not “leaders”, or “thinkers”. Our highest ambition should be to learn and do as HE directs–not as we think, or according to what seems good to us. This is true for several reasons, not the least of which is the simple fact that he TOLD us to obey Him. Because He IS our Savior, and our Head, it is both appropriate and essential for us to do so. There is a direct connection between complete obedience, and divine blessings. Only in obedience do we demonstrate the attitude He demands: “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?” (Lk 6:46)
There is nothing casual about true service and submission to Him, and if we intend to be true disciples, we must diligently determine WHAT He has said. So often we hear “it doesn’t make any difference what you believe”, or, “there are many ways to heaven”, or, “one church is as good as another”, etc.– from those who claim to be His disciples. The question is, WHERE in all the words of Christ can such ideas be found? It is obvious that these claims have greatly eroded our concern for resting our faith in His words. Men no longer feel any urgency about the REAL teaching of Jesus.
What did Jesus really say about such things as mentioned above? Well, He said, “...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it..” Matt 7:14. He said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by me.” John 14:6. He said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day”. John 12:48 He said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men......every plant that my heavenly father hath not planted shall be rooted up...” Matt 15:7, 13. In the light of what He really said, and because we claim to be his disciples, at the very least we should not be saying the opposite! After all He has done for us, and out of our professed love for Him, we must admit that He deserves better!
Let us do Him the courtesy of NOT “putting words in His mouth”, and if we claim to be His disciples, let us seek to learn and follow what he REALLY said! --AcBelue
Editorial: What Kind of Unity Does God Want?
All religious people recognize the need and value of “unity”. The problem is, we fail to understand what we are looking for, and we fail to trust God for realizing it. To men, “unity” means that we are getting along together, not engaged in open fusses, and able to “rise above” differences by agreeing to tolerate them without “fixing” them. To God, “unity” means something much different:
John 17:20, 21– “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee: that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I give unto them; that they all may be one, even as we are one...”
What God desires is the same degree of harmony that is enjoyed in His relationship with His Son. Do they just “get along together, not engaging in open fusses, and rise above their differences?” Of course not! Paul explains it further:
1 Cor 1:10 – “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
It is especially interesting that this verse introduces a discussion of a condition in Corinth that pretty well parallels today’s confused religious picture. There, they WERE separating into sects, each with its own leader, and divisions were rampant. Paul not only condemned it (would that more preachers today would do the same), he taught how to overcome it:
1 Cor 4:6 – “And these things I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that you might learn in us not to think of men above what is written, that no one of you be puffed for one against another.” The ASV renders this expression, “not to go beyond what has been written”.
How simple! Just say and do what the Bible says, and you will all be one. How profound! There is a standard to which all can appeal, which all claim to believe, and which all can accept without having to prefer another man’s opinion.
And, if some do not accept this? “Mark them which cause divisions, and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them..” Rom 16:17
This solution may not suit those who have their own agenda, and it may result in smaller churches, but it is God’s way! Oh, yes, and it will also enable God’s people to present a message to the world that is credible and convincing (“that the world may believe”). –The Editors
The Basis for All True Teaching
The Bible is the basis for all true, religious teaching. Not man’s opinions. Not human speculations. Not what the multitudes may want to hear. Not what has lately been in the news. The word of God is the source of authority for all true preaching and religious teaching today (2Tim. 3:16-4:2).
Sadly, we find the Bible de-emphasized in many so-called places of religious study. Many seminaries are filled with professors whose view of inspiration is no higher than their liberal colleagues in secular universities. Religious scholars tell us that the Bible is simply a collection of legends written by men. It is the version of history that was accepted by the majority, not the very words that were given to the writers by the breath of God (2Ti. 3:16; 2Pe. 1:21).
Likewise, the Bible seems to be little used in many so-called houses of worship. Preachers stir their audiences with amusing anecdotes, not the holy words of God. (Joel Osteen of print and television fame begins every sermon with a joke that is in no way connected to his sermon.) Pop-culture and secular trends are referenced to give the preacher “credibility” and to make his message “relevant” for the audience he addresses, sometimes even descending into the vulgar. Even conservative churches seem to prefer historical and political sermons to the careful exposition and exhortation of God’s word (Neh. 8:8; 1Tim. 4:13).
When men have a greater desire to be like the world than to be like the Lord, they will demand that the preaching speak to their felt-needs, rather than to their spiritual needs (2Ti. 4:3-4). The foundation for this departure from Biblical teaching was laid when men left the simple truth of the Bible for creeds and theologies composed by men. Once the doctrine of Christ’s church is discarded in favor of institutions founded by men, the rest of Christ’s doctrine will eventually be cast aside as well.
God’s word does not change simply because men lose their taste for it. The LORD told Ezekiel, “I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me” (33:7). The faithful watchman delivers the warning, regardless of the interest of his audience. Those who hear the warning of God will repent and turn away from the world’s folly. Those who persist in their sin will be destroyed. Do not be blinded by false teachers who speak “smooth things” and “prophesy deceits” (Isa. 30:10). Seek the pure teaching of God’s holy word, and do not be satisfied with anything less. --JME
One Final Thought: TIME
I haven’t always been, and I won’t always be, but right now I am on the move, measuring out life.
Men wait for me, submit to me, fear me, but no man can stop me, but God. He is in control, and He says I am running out.
Most men couldn’t care less. They think I’m on the move forever, but I’m not. And when I stop, eternity will keep right on going.
And it will be too late – too late for repentance; too late for getting right with God in heaven.
Just forever left for tears and anguish and regrets.
God says, “now is the accepted time. NOW is the day of salvation.”
Will it be that day for you?
My name is TIME, and I’m on the move. I’m nearing the end. And I’m taking you with me.....INTO ETERNITY. Selected
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