"I Believe in God, BUT..."

Atheists assert that there is no God, and generally shun religious practices. Conversely, some “Christians” claim faith in God, but their actions (or lack of such) deny His existence. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them…" (Matt. 7:20). Below are several examples:

"I believe in God, but I don’t need to assemble regularly with His church." God says, “…let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25)

"I believe in God, but I can’t afford to give Him more than pocket change." God says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38)

"I believe in God, but I refuse to forgive _________ for what he/she did (or said)." God says, "…if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."  (Matt. 6:15)

"I believe in God, but I don’t have time to visit the sick, shut-ins or backsliding members." God says, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…”  (Jam.1:27)

"I believe in God, but I don't need to repent or be baptized." God says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(Acts 2:38)

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If we refuse to comply with what God teaches in the Bible, can we truly say that we believe in Him?

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

"I believe in God, but I’m too busy to read the Bible." God says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."  (Matt. 4:4)

"I believe in God, but I constantly worry about tomorrow.” God says, "…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, fortomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  (Matt. 6:33-34)

GOD’S FAMILY

“Were part of the family that's been born again; part of the family whose love knows no end; for Jesus has saved us, and made as His own, now were part of the family that's on its way home. And sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry; sometimes we share together, heartaches and sighs; sometimes we dream together of how it will be, when we all get to heaven – God's family! (Written and composed by Lanny Wolf – 1974)

As I mentioned in a recent lesson, the above lyrics fittingly describe the Lord’s church. The apostle Paul wrote, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the HOUSEHOLD OF GOD…" (EPH 2:19) Moreover, in 1 TIM 3:15 he added, "I write so that you may know how you ought to CONDUCT (behave) yourself in the HOUSE OF GOD…" Specifically, the Bible reveals 9 obligations that Christians have one to another.

1. We must love one another – 1 Pet. 2:17. (Keep in mind that genuine love must be demonstrated – 1 John 3:18)

2. We must forgive one another – EPH. 4:32.

3. We must comfort and edify one another – 1 Thess. 5:11.

4. We must provide physical or material assistance to one another – Gal. 6:10, 5:13.

5. We must visit one another – especially widows, shut-ins, the sick and those that require encouragement – Jam. 1 27; Mt. 25:36.

6. We must pray for one another – 1 Tim. 2:1.

7. We must try to rescue those that are going astray – Gal. 6:1; Jam. 5:19-20.

8. We must discipline one another when needed – 2 Thess. 3:6, 14; Rom. 16:17.

9. We must strive to inspire and motivate one another when we assemble – Heb. 10:24-25.

Remember – being part of God's family means more than coming together several times a week for Bible study and worship. It means fulfilling the obligations of an eternal family!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

Preparing Our Children For School

It's the "back to school" time of year. Families have been shopping for supplies, clothing, shoes and other pertinent items in anticipation of the first day back.

Although returning to school is exciting for most children (and a welcome reprieve for many parents), it should be a time of concern for Christian families. Morally and spiritually, secular schools have declined alarmingly in the past 50 years. Not only do temptations abound, many teachers encourage erroneous theories and philosophies, including evolution, moral relativism, and secularism.

It is essential that Christian parents help their children to be spiritually prepared for their return to school. There are five things parents can do to help their children withstand the ungodly influences prevalent in the schools.

1. Pray with your children before they leave for school.  (“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”  James 5:16b)

2. Pray for your children during the school day. (“…be serious & watchful in your prayers…”  1 Peter 4:7b)

3. When your children come home, insist that “heaven-work” (Bible study) comes before homework. (“…desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby…”  1 Peter 2:2)

4. Bring your children to every Bible class, worship service, and other church activities. (“…but exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”  Heb. 3:13)

5. Say no to questionable or un-chaperoned school activities. (“Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”  1 Thess. 5:21-22)

Our children need help in resisting the temptations and negative influences in school. Doing the five aforementioned things will help!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis