Google It?

Google It?

“Just google it!” Thus rings the clarion cry of our current culture. Whether fact, fiction, formula, definition, or historic or current event, just google it! The entire world and all its information instantaneously at your inquiring fingertips! What a tool! What a weapon! What an incredible blessing… or is it?

google it

Google… Does not operate with the wisdom of God, only men.

Now the answer to the question is, yes, of course, it is all of those things – an incredible tool, weapon, and blessing – just as long as the Christian who is using it is always and forever mindful of the fact that it does exactly that: Puts the entire WORLD at their fingertips. You see, Google can only give out, the information that man has put into it. The Christian – and especially our young people in the church – must be ever aware that Google is but a tool of man, programmed by man, and thus subject to the false and fallacious religious errors of man. It must never, therefore, be allowed to replace or become a substitute for consistent, personal, and in-depth Bible study, knowledge, and application.

For example, in recently googling the question, “Is baptism essential for salvation?” the top website referred to (1) said in part: “…Being put right with God by union with Christ in the divine miracle of conversion and new birth — is by faith and faith alone on our part.” That is precisely the exact opposite of what God’s word says (Jms. 2:17-24). Said website went on to say, “God uses faith as the sole instrument of union with Christ, and thus counts us righteous and becomes one hundred percent for us in the instant that we have faith in Jesus. That’s my answer.” That’s the problem: That’s his answer – and not God’s answer.

When asked further about those Biblical texts that clearly state that water baptism is indeed essential to salvation, Google’s top website referred to in answer to our question said: “The first thing I would say is that the thief on the cross was told by Jesus that that very day he would be with him in paradise. He was not baptized. I know he’s a special case. I don’t think you build a theology of baptism on the thief on the cross. But one thing it says is baptism is not an absolute necessity, because it wasn’t in his case.” If ever there was a religious response that proved the absolute necessity of taking Bible study over the word of man on anything (Rom. 3:4), it should be this one. This, because if this man had truly studied his Bible as much as he should have, then he would know for certain that the thief on the cross both lived and died under the Old Covenant (Hebs. 9:15-17) – the same Old Covenant as Abraham, David, and the like – and therefore did not need to be baptized like those of us living under the New Covenant do today (Matt. 26:27-28; Acts 2:38-41). The New Covenant, which, again, only came into effect AFTER the death of Jesus on the cross (Col. 2:8-14). Google’s number one/this man’s answer/conclusion to the question? “Baptism is the outward expression of calling on the name of the Lord in faith.” Once again, God’s word never calls baptism an ‘outward expression’ of anything, but the very act of faith by which we are cleansed and forgiven of our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ to become children of the living God and added by Him to His Son’s church (Col. 2:12-13; Acts 2:38, 47; 1 Peter 3:21; Gal. 3:26-27).

In further response to our question, “Is baptism essential for salvation?” Google additionally supplied the following under the “People Also Ask” section: “Is immersion baptism necessary? The immersion used by early Christians in baptizing need not have meant full submersion in… water.” (2) Once again, this is a complete contradiction of God’s word, easily recognized by those who have actually studied and know their Bibles (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12).

Google took us to yet another site (3) which answered: “Is baptism necessary for salvation? If the question is concerning water baptism, the answer is no. We are not saved by ritual or works but by “grace through faith.” “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, water baptism does not save us.” Once again; if these googled folks had actually studied their Bibles as much as they should have, then they would know that there is not just one, but a number of different, essential elements listed therein which God says save us – including water baptism!  Hear what God said in 1 Ptr. 3:20-21 (ESV), beginning with those who: “formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you.” Did you get that? God said that “Baptism… now saves you.” So, who are you going to believe, trust, and obey when it comes to your eternal soul? God, or google?

It’s also high time to get just as serious about Siri and Alexa. Despite the fact that the Biblical record, fully considered, confirms that the earth is only about 6,500 years old, when Siri was recently asked how old the earth was, the answer was a whopping 4.54 billion years! When asked which religious group(s) were going to heaven, Siri’s top answer was to send us to a website (4) which contained only people’s opinions – and we know from God’s word how eternally life and death, Biblically dead wrong those can be (1 Sam. 13:11-13; Matt. 7:21-27; Acts 26:9-11; Eph. 4:4-6).

The thing we must always remember as truth seeking New Testament Christians, is that while all of these newly-minted electronic devices and resources may put the WORLD at our fingertips, they are still completely man-made, and therefore wholly subject to and reflective of, man-made error; while the word of God is forever pure, perfect, and totally unpollutable by earthly man (Ps. 19:7-11; 119:89; 2 Tim. 3:16-4:4). Therefore, when it comes to your eternal soul and all other things religious, don’t google it – but thoroughly study the word of God for it. That is the only way you will ever show yourself approved of God (2 Tim. 2:11-19). After all, the words of Jesus are just as true, timeless, and relevant to our eternity today, as they were the day they rolled off of His divine lips: “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (Jn 8:31-32).

Footnotes: (1) www.desiringgod.org (2) www.wikipedia.org (3) www.gotquestions.org (4) [https://www.pewresearch.org%20%20%20%20%20/fact-tank/2015/11/10/most-americans-believe-in-heaven-and-hell/]www.pewresearch.org

 

 

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Jesus Our Brother

Jesus Our Brother

We are familiar with the Bible’s teaching about God being our Father. Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), and Paul told us we have “one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:6). Are we as familiar with the Bible’s teaching about Jesus being our brother? Hebrews 2:11-12 states: “For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.’” We often refer to the church as the family of God, and it is, but what does it mean that Jesus is our brother? Let’s study this relationship and notice a few answers to this question.

Jesus Brother

We are set apart in Christ.

To have Jesus as our brother means that He claims those who have been sanctified as His family. Paul discussed this relationship in Galatians 3:26-29: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Paul begins by pointing out that we are children of God in Christ Jesus. We became such children by going through the new birth in baptism (John 3:3-6). At that point, we became sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11) and Christ became our identity, and just as Christ is God’s child, so also, we become children of God. This means that we are all part of Abraham’s family now, and brothers and sisters with Jesus. Romans 8:17a states, “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” It is a wonderful blessing to have family!

To have Jesus as our brother means that He seeks fellowship with us. If you have ever had a brother or sister growing up, then you know that this was the person with whom you spent the most time. He or she was your friend and constant companion since you lived together in the same family. However, while many natural brothers and sisters eventually grow apart and go their own ways, Jesus is a brother that stays with us always because He desires to stay with us. In 1 Corinthians 1:9, Paul wrote, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,” and in Hebrews 13:5-6 we read, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” Indeed, Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Having Jesus as a brother means having a constant friend and companion.

To have Jesus as our brother means that He experienced the same human passions that we experience. Life can be tumultuous. There are many troubles and trials that will come our way, and our emotions can be overwhelming. Loss of employment, separated friendships, the death of our loved ones, and our own sinscan bring us great grief and sorrow. Sometimes we wonder, “Does anyone truly understand?” Jesus is our true brother because He completely understands what we go through in this life. Hebrews 4:15 states, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin,” and Hebrews 2:17-18 states, “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Having Jesus as a brother means that someone truly understands what we are going through.

To have Jesus as our brother means that He was subjected to death. We must all face the specter of death within our lives. It begins by seeing the death of our loved ones, but ultimately it is something that we must face individually. Having Jesus as a brother means that we have someone who helps us do what no other can—overcome death. Hebrews 2:9 says, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” He experienced death for everyone so that He would know what it is like to die, but more than this, so that He could show us that death can be conquered. Hebrews 2:14-15 states, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Because Jesus was sinless, death could not hold on to Him, and He came forth from the grave (Acts 2:24). Today, through Jesus, we can conquer death as well. Jesus says, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18), and “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” (Revelation 2:11). Only the best of brothers would die for us so that we could live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:15).

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Hypocrites Keep You Out of the Church?

Don’t let hypocrites keep you out of the church

Dear friend, I hope this letter finds you well. I have spent many minutes reviewing our discussion about why you have left the church. I appreciate you being willing to sit down and talk with me. I hope that we can continue to sit down and discussing some of your thoughts and beliefs. I wanted to address one specific issue you brought up. You mentioned you have a problem with specific people at your local congregation. I think I remember you saying that their words had hurt, and that many of them were hypocrites.

hypocrites church

“Hurt people hurt people.”

Let me begin by apologizing for anyone who may have hurt you. I wish attending a worship service could always be a wonderful experience, but the truth is the church is made up of imperfect people. Not that it justifies what was said or done to you, but I have been hurt by people before as well. In fact, a few have said really ugly things to me—things that if I wasn’t careful could have easily gotten my blood boiling! But please think about this, I never let their words affect my relationship with the Creator of the Universe!

What I have found is often the case is that “hurt people hurt people” – meaning people who are hurting on the inside are commonly the ones to lash out. If you are looking for a place where people will exhibit perfect behavior all the time then you are out of luck. Because the reality is we are human and we fail—if we didn’t then we would not need Jesus.

This is where you have to learn to extend some grace and mercy—because the reality is you may need that same grace and mercy when you are having a bad day.

You mentioned hypocrites. I agree. I do not care for hypocrites either. You’ve probably read the meme on Facebook that says, “Not going to church because it is full of hypocrites is like not going to the gym because it’s full of fat people.” Try to remember the church is supposed to be a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” My prayer is that those who are not truly expressing a Christian life will grow and mature and focus their attention on what is truly important.

Jesus did not like hypocrites either. In fact, He called them out on several occasions. Look at how many times He calls the Pharisees hypocrites in Matthew 23. In fact, Jesus calls these people who thought they were holy white washed tombs “which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27).

I encourage you to read an occasion where Jesus called out these hypocritical Pharisees in Matthew 15. They were complaining that the disciples did not wash their hands before they ate bread (verse 2). So what would have happened if the disciples saw what was happening and began to ridicule the Pharisees for washing their hands? What if they took the position, “The way to be holy is to do like us and not wash your hands.”

In this case, them not doing something would be just as hypocritical, as they would come across as thinking they were better than the Pharisees. It would be the disciples who were the hypocrites then.

But isn’t this exactly what you are doing? You are not doing something (attending worship) and assuming you are better than the Pharisees (or Christians). So who is the hypocrite now? Does you staying at home make you more holy because you have removed yourself from any type of organized religion? Haven’t you in essence placed yourself on a pedestal to judge others—an in doing so become the very hypocrite you say you despise? I hope you will seriously consider this and come back.

Do not ever let someone else interfere with your relationship with God. So they come to church but drink in bars during the week? So what do not let that keep you away from heaven. So they teach a Bible class but you know they are addicted to pornography? That is very sad, but it doesn’t have to destroy your relationship with Jesus. Who knows, maybe God revealed their hypocrisy to you so that one day you may be able to restore them in meekness and love.

I hope you will think on these things. Until next time, I continue to pray for you,

Brad

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Bearing Fruit? Works Salvation? Or Do Nothing?

Bearing Fruit? Works Salvation? Or Do Nothing?

There are those who will proudly proclaim that no one has to do anything in order to be saved and loudly complain about a perceived works salvation. So, let’s be clear and balanced here: Does the Bible teach that we don’t have to do anything? Not even close! Does the Bible teach that we somehow merit our salvation by the works that we do? Nope, doesn’t teach that either. The truth, as often is the case, lies somewhere in between these two extreme ideas.

works Salvation

Does one have to do nothing to spend eternity in heaven?

John demanded that those who came out to be baptized return and “bear fruit” if they hoped to be saved (Luke 3:8–9). When many came to him asking what they needed to do he didn’t say that they didn’t have to do anything but instructed them in the ways of righteousness. When Jesus came along he not only taught righteous living but also went about doing good, leaving us an example to do just as he did (Acts 10:38).

Obedience to God is absolutely essential! Yet we must also consider that just going about doing good doesn’t define Christianity or righteousness. Jesus also said that the gospel needed to be preached (Mark 13:10). Doing good and bearing fruit is a vehicle through which we gain the opportunity to tell others about Christ, His love, and the hope we have in Him. Obey God, bear fruit, and preach the Good News. Faithful living is essential to our salvation (Matthew 25:21, 23)!

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The Hand of the Lord

The Hand of the Lord

One of the thoughts we find most comforting is summed up in that song which has the phrase, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” Each verse then talks about how He has “you and me brother” and “you and me sister” and “the little bitty babies” in His hands. The very concept that we are cradled in the hands of God brings peace to our soul.

Hand Lord

He is mighty and powerful and the fate of the world is in His hands.

The phrase, “the hand of the Lord,” is found thirty-nine times in the Bible. It is most frequently used to describe those times when God moved in judgment against the wicked. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews said, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). On the other hand, it is wonderful to envision our calling out to God and see His almighty arms reach down from heaven and His tender hands to hold us. It is true that “He’s got you and me in the hollow of His hand.”

The people in Isaiah’s day failed to realize that sin can destroy this situation. They had prayed to God and could see no evidence that He was helping them. The prophet explained the reason for this. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2). If sin had not been in their lives, His face would have been turned toward them and His hands extended toward them.

Jesus described the wonderful blessing of being in the hand of God. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:29). We may choose to turn against God, but there is no man on earth and no demon from hell who can snatch us from His hand. “He’s got you and me in the hollow of His hand.”

God holds us in His hand. Have you ever considered how great His hand is? How does His hand compare with the hands of others? How great is His hand? To see this, consider that the diameter of the entire universe is thought to be over 93 billion light years. (A light year is the distance light travels in one year). The universe is 5,500,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 miles wide! Now look at Isaiah’s description of this in relationship to the size of the hand of God. God has “…measured heaven with a span” (Isa. 40:12). The span of a man’s hand is the distance between his thumb and his little finger when fully extended. God’s hand fully extended is larger than our universe. How wonderful it is to know that it is this hand that holds us. “He’s got you and me brother, you and me sister, in the hollow of His hand.”

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