How to See “Eye to Eye” Religiously
Mark W. White
Why do some people not see religious things the way we see them? Why is there so much difference between what we teach and what the denominations profess? Do we not all have the same Bible? Are we not all trying to serve the same God? Do we not all believe in the same Savior? These are perplexing questions, and they are not easily answered to everyone’s satisfaction.
Basically, our understanding of the Scriptures differs from the majority of the religious world because we operate on a different principle of interpretation. To most religious people, “truth” is relative, adjusting freely to different times and circumstances. For us, however, truth is truth. It is unalterable, unchangeable, and everlasting. But did “we” just arbitrarily decide this would be our regard for truth? Not at all. God’s own word boldly claims “thy word is truth” (John 17:17) and “the word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth.” (Psalm 33:4) While there are scoffers at the idea of absolute truth, we accept Bible teaching that such does exist, and we are determined to know it. Pilate’s piercing question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) was prompted by these words from Jesus: “I have come into the world that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
This then, is the basis upon which we may come to see religious matters alike. There must be a commitment to the same standard of truth. No one would ever attempt to use differing standards of measurement if building a house, marking off a football field, or sewing a garment. This would guarantee error and disaster. Twelve inches must equal one foot on all our rulers if we desire uniformity. There must be a healthy regard and respect for the Bible on the part of every religious person in order for understanding to occur. Without this common devotion to God’s word, all efforts to see things the same will fail. In order to come to agreement on matters essential to salvation, we must begin where we agree. From this point we must study the Scriptures, resolving differences as we go along. Major problems of difference are solved in small steps, and then we can be united in Christ. But we will never see things the same if we cannot agree on the existence, necessity, and location of the truth.
No Bible discussion is profitable unless every participant is a truth seeker. If everyone concerned really wants the truth, then coming to an agreement and an understanding of truth will be achievable. Believe it or not, it is possible to discuss religious differences without becoming rude or creating hurt feelings. People who love the truth are not concerned with who is right, but with what is right. Every truth seeker is willing to surrender any position if it is false. There is no other honorable course for an honest man. An honest man will seek the truth, and when he finds it he will believe it. “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23).
~In Gospel Power
Anderson, Alabama, 10/12/97
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Considering The Outcome
Bill Hall
We have no sympathy for those who at every funeral “preach the dead right on into heaven,” who ignore the obvious failure on the part of the deceased to serve the Lord, who try to think that all will somehow get to heaven in spite of their disobedience. There is a hell, and the many of this earth (in contrast to the few) are going there (Matthew 7:13-14).
But we must not allow one extreme to beget another. While the majority will be lost, there are those in this world whose single purpose in life is to serve the Lord and go to heaven when they die; who devote themselves daily to studying God’s word and living by its precepts. When such people die, it is right to speak of their good life and faithfulness to the Lord; it is right to commend their example of faithfulness and perseverance to those who may be discouraged; it is right to speak of their eternal reward.
The Hebrew writer stated it this way: “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7 – NASV). Three things are implied in this verse: (1) There had been men in their midst who had served the Lord faithfully unto death; (2) The Hebrew Christians were to be confident that the outcome of the lives of those men was a happy one; (3) Considering this, they were to imitate their faith.
We, like the Hebrews, have had the good fortune of knowing many who have lived godly lives and have now passed on to their reward. Some were elders; some were preachers; some were Bible class teachers; others were just good, faithful, dependable disciples of the Lord who placed His kingdom first in their lives. We are not speaking of the lukewarm and indifferent. We are not speaking of those who claim to be Christians, but were lacking in the fruits of Christianity. We are speaking of the truly dedicated ones who constantly reflected the character of their Father and their Lord Jesus Christ. Their influence on our lives was tremendous. They were men and women of whom this world was not worthy. And the list grows with each passing year.
Every one of these had to overcome serious obstacles to be faithful to the Lord. The Devil challenged each one of them, but he failed. They gained the victory through Christ. Now they are eternally happy because they persevered. Could we ask any one of them, “Was it worth it,” his reply immediately would be, “It was a thousand times worth it!” Not one of them regrets a single moment he spent in the Lord’s service.
We thank God for such people. We rejoice in their salvation. We look on their passing not as those “who have no hope.” And “considering the result of their conduct,” we dedicate ourselves to imitating their faith.
From Walking in the Light
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A Day the Lord Has Made
(Ps. 118:24)
Mike Johnson
Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Many quote this verse to encourage a positive attitude, i.e., we are to appreciate each day as it is a gift from God. In general, this is a correct application, and we will discuss this viewpoint later. However, it is essential to consider this verse in its context, which will allow us to see a deeper meaning.
The Psalmist has said that God answered his prayers, gave him “salvation,” and he would praise Him (21). So then, he says, the stone, which the builders rejected, “has become the chief cornerstone” (22), and the Lord carried this out, and it was marvelous (23). Thus, the “day” the “Lord has made” refers to when Christ became the chief cornerstone (Mt. 21:42, Acts 4:10-12, 1 Pet. 2:7). This event would be a day of celebration and deliverance — a day when people would obtain liberation from the bondage of sin and be able to obtain salvation. This fulfillment would occur when Christ died, rose from the grave, and ascended to heaven to sit on the throne of David. This day would be the “day” the Lord made, and it should cause us to rejoice!
As noted earlier, the verse has a significant general application. People should consider that each day God gives is a gift. We should appreciate, be thankful for, and take full advantage of each one received. One writer put it like this. “God deposited 1440 minutes into your account (the number in one day). You can invest them, but you can’t save them.” We should be thankful for all God has done for us (1 Thess. 5:18). Consider the following story.
A story is told about a vendor who sold bagels for 50 cents each at a street corner food stand. A jogger ran past and threw a couple of quarters into the bucket but didn’t take a bagel. He did the same thing every day for months. One day, as the jogger passed by, the vendor stopped him. The jogger asked, “You probably want to know why I always put money in but never take a bagel, don’t you?” “No,” said the vendor. “I just wanted to tell you that the bagels have gone up to 60 cents.” ( Cindy Hess Kasper )
Many treat God in the same way. We should be grateful to Him for everything He has done for us, especially for Jesus Christ and salvation, and people should be thankful for each day He gives them to live.
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The Kingdom of Prophecy
David A. Padfield
The “Lord’s house” would be established in Jerusalem (Isa. 2:2-3). The “house of God” is the church (1 Tim. 3:15).
The kingdom of Christ was to be established during the days of the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:44). Christ was born during the reign of Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1).
Christ promised to build his kingdom during the lifetime of his followers (Mark 9:1). The Apostle Paul was in Christ’s kingdom (Col. 1:13).
Christ is now ruling on David’s throne (Acts 2:25-36).
When Christ returns, He will deliver the kingdom back to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24).
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Hypocrites in the Church
The man who says he is kept from church by the hypocrites is not influenced by them anywhere else.
- Business is full of them, but if he, by chance, sees where he can make money, he does not hesitate because there are hypocrites making money.
- Society is crowded with them, and yet he never does think of becoming a hermit.
- Married life is full of them, but that does not make him remain a bachelor.
- Hell is full of them, and yet he is doing nothing to keep from going there.
- He makes you think he is trying to avoid hypocrites; and yet, he takes not one single step toward the only place where no hypocrites can go—HEAVEN.
- Honestly now, is he not being just a little hypocritical???
Via The E. Florence Contender
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