THE BIBLE TEACHES FACTS!
In America today we want to think that everyone at least believes in good morality and God’s family values, yet our desire to believe this does not make it so. There are many people in America today that have very bad values whenever it comes to comparing their values system with the values system that God encourages people everywhere to possess. God’s value system established by God’s Written Word covers all areas of man’s relationship in life from the cradle to the grave. Whenever we want to know what God desires of us rather than what is currently in vogue in society we simply need to turn to that subject in the Written Word of God (i.e., the 66 books of the Bible) and the answer is there, let me give you a few examples, following:
WHAT IS GOD’S STANDARD FOR MARRIAGE?
One woman for one man for life, Gen 2:18-25,
And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” NKJV
WHAT IS GOD’S STANDARD ABOUT ADULTERY AND FORNICATION?
No sexual relations other than ones spouse (i.e., the marriage partner),
Gal 5:18-19, –— But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, NKJV
WHAT IS GOD’S STANDARD ABOUT FRAUD, DECEIT, AND LYING?
Revelation 21:8, 8But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part (shall be) in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death (ASV).
Today in our society, dishonesty and greed has become axiomatic with business transactions in nearly every area of commerce. These are sins against God and God’s instructions that are clearly taught via the Written Word of God. There is no time whenever men and women are to involve themselves in fraud, deceit and other acts of dishonest to accomplish selfish, covetous, or greedy objectives, such is always sinful.
WHAT IS GOD’S STANDARD ABOUT MURDERERS?
All murderers will be lost cast into the lake of fire at the judgment unless they repent and turn to God in His terms for forgiveness. See the references for number 2 and 3 already listed.
WHAT IS GOD’S STANDARD ABOUT TEACHING THE TRUTH?
Anyone that teaches false doctrine will be condemned by God, no false teacher can be acceptable before God, there is only one true gospel.
1 Cor 9:16, For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel. ASV
Gal 1:6-9, I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel; which is not another (gospel) only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema. As we have said before, so say I now again, if any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema. ASV
WHAT IS GOD’S STANDARD FOR CHURCH ORGANIZATION?
Each congregation is organized as an autonomous (i.e., self governing) body. Each church will have its own plurality of qualified elders (i.e., bishops, shepherds, overseers), its own deacons that serve the church under the oversight of the elders. The preacher is not an elder unless he is qualified and selected by the congregation, each eldership oversees the work of the church over which they server and no other.
Phil 1:1, Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: ASV
A list of the qualifications are found in Timothy and Titus 5:1-9.
1 Peter 5:1-3, The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to (the will of) God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. ASV
WHAT IS GOD’S STANDARD ABOUT PARENTS AND CHILDREN?
Parents are head over children in the home, children are to be cared for and loved by parents. Children are to honor and submit to parents,
Ephesians 6:1-4, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. ASV
WHAT IS GOD’S STANDARD FOR WORSHIP?
The standard that God has established for approved worship is established by the text in John 4:24, — 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. ASV Anyone that will worship God correctly must do so based upon what the Bible authorizes, please notice the following acts of worship that is approved by God:
1. ASSEMBLYING:
Hebrews 10:24-25, and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh. ASV
1 Corinthians 5:4, in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, ASV
2. TEACHING and/or PREACHING:
Acts 20:7, — And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight. ASV
Acts 4:18-20, — And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard. ASV
3. LORD’S SUPPER:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26, For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me. In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink (it), in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come. ASV
4. CONTRIBUTION:
1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. ASV
5. PRAYER:
Philippians 4:6, — In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ASV
6. SINGING:
1 Corinthians 14:15, — What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. ASV
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT PERSONAL INTERACTION WITH OTHERS?
As we examine the instruction from God that applies to us as we develop and sustain relationships with other people, there are guidelines that will aid us in God’s Book of instructions (i.e., the Bible).
1. “Love thy neighbor” The instruction cannot be misunderstood:
Matthew 22:39, And a second like (unto it) is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV
2. Who is my neighbor? Everyone is my neighbor.
Luke 10:27-29, And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? ASV
3. Show mercy toward others!
Luke 10:36-37, Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. ASV
4. Love of others emanates from the heart, no evil will be directed toward a neighbor and no hurt (physical or physiological) will be directed toward them.
Romans 13:7-9, Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute (is due); custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV
5. Nothing harmful to a neighbor will emanate from the heart of the one who truly loves and has a desire to be a good neighbor.
Romans 13:10, Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. ASV
6. Interaction with others will ought to be based upon the concept that whatever I want for myself and for my own comfort and pleasure ought to be afforded my neighbor also.
Romans 13:9, For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV
7. In all interaction with others I must do all that I am capable of to promote good will, if there is dissention between me and my neighbor let it be his fault — not mine as the cause.
Romans 12:18, If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. ASV
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT MY RELATIONSHIP TO GOVERNMENT?
God instructs His people to abide by the just laws that the governments (i.e., local, state, and federal) enact. There is no instruction contained in the Bible for Christians to submit to secular laws that violate the laws of God.
Romans 13:1-7, Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the (powers) that be are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Wherefore (ye) must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute (is due); custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. ASV
Matthew 22:21, They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. ASV
Acts 5:27-29, And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men. ASV
WHAT DOES GOD TEACH US ABOUT ETHICAL AND MORAL CONDUCT?
What does this point consist of? The concept of morals and ethics are by-products of submitting ourselves under the Kingship of Jesus Christ and is shown in our conduct. Some examples of moral and ethical qualities are demonstrated in the following overt acts:
- Patience, showing forbearance and restraint in lifestyle.
- Having limits to involvement in activities that may hinder our relationship to God and to other Christians in the living of life for God.
- Insisting upon equal treatment for all people regardless of race, or ethnic origin.
- Accepting our place in life or in the church and seeking patiently to improve ourselves without taking advantage of others.
- Realizing that circumstance in life is sometimes tragic, sometimes depressing, and doing our best regardless of the circumstance.
- To accept defeats in life as well as victories in our struggles with life and its problems — to always continue to serve God regardless.
- To keep ourselves physically clean and morally pure as much as possible.
NOTE: The very concept that encourages us to live the life of a Christian also instills within us the above qualities that are often referred to as moral and ethical qualities. These qualities of character are also called “Christian virtues” or “Christian graces”. Please note some of them as they appear in the Bible:
2 Peter 1:4-10, whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in (your) virtue knowledge; and in (your) knowledge self-control; and in (your) self-control patience; and in (your) patience godliness; and in (your) godliness brotherly kindness; and in (your) brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: ASV
These qualities of character will naturally become part of the Christian as they grow toward maturity in the faith. These moral and ethical qualities will enable the Christian to become the salt of the earth and the light of the world as Christ desires. The Lord says that His disciples are to be so, please note the following verses:
Matthew 5:13-16, Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ASV
CONCLUSION: Indeed, there are many areas of life where the Christian may have an influence upon other people in the world. The Christian will be on display all the time, at work, on vacation, at the market place, and with family and friends — Are we conscious of this great influence that we exhibit before others? We surely ought to be because we may be the catalyst that causes another person to turn to God for salvation sometime. Because of our great influence over other people let us recognize the fact: God has given us information and a pattern of right and wrong to follow, that is the Written Word of God (i.e., the 66 books of the Bible).