Don’t Let the Sun Go Down

Don’t Let the Sun Go Down

Everyone’s concept of the perfect day is different. My perfect day would likely involve a whole lot of fish, hiking, sports, good food, a campfire, and board games. The surroundings would be a few select friends, the ocean, and the mountains. It would be warm enough not to need a sweater, but cool enough to be completely comfortable! That is the kind of day which should not end. Let the sun just sit on the horizon and never go down. The truth of the matter is the sun does go down each day. It will continue doing so until God puts an end to it by replacing it with something better.

Elton John sings a song “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. It is a song about being rejected, having a relationship end. The proper understanding of the phrase “Don’t let the sun go down” is presented. It is a time in which there is an ending of an emotion, activity, relationship, process, etc. The sun must go down on certain things and life is one of them (James 4:14). However, such is not the case with all things. According to Isaiah 40:8, “The word of our God stands forever”. There are certain things which are ordained to end and others which are not; yet these do not cover all possible options. Man has control over certain aspects of his life and whether or not the sun goes down on them. Below six such items are mentioned.

Don’t let the sun go down on your growth
Every person born is given life and time. The times vary, but they are indeed a possession of man. He determines what he will do with the time. To think someone would just sit and let the time pass without expanding their knowledge about their God and the world around them is unfathomable. However, many people come really close to doing so. They sit and practically vegetate waiting for the day of their death. The apostle Peter encouraged the Christians to “Grow in the grace and knowledge” of Christ (2 Peter 3:18), something through which he said “all things pertaining to life and godliness” were known (2 Peter 1:3). The answers to a great number of man’s “why’s” cannot be discovered except through growth. Truly knowing yourself cannot be achieved except through growth. Knowledge of one’s own life and surroundings will point the individual to grow in knowledge of God (Romans 1:18-20). To refuse to grow is to go against one’s own conscience thereby darkening the heart. Most importantly, the knowledge of Christ allows us to grow in respect to our salvation (I Peter 2:2) and it enables to mature and be like Christ (Ephesians 4:15). Such a process does not come overnight, not is it achieved by doing nothing. Growth is a never ending action which the sun should never be allowed to go down upon.

Don’t let the sun go down on your love
With growth, comes love (2 Peter 1:5-7). Love can be manifested properly through devotion for God, others, and self. How can man not love God? He has so generously provided all that we have. He allows us the exhilaration of feeling sand between our toes and to hear the first cry of our newborn children. For those who desire to be his, he provides all that is needed (Matthew 6:33). He even sent his son to earth so all who choose to do so can have eternal life (John 3:16). Love for God should consume man (Matthew 22:37). By the example of Christ’s life, He demonstrated his love for others. It is a love which man is commanded to have (Ephesians 5:25, Matthew 5:44). The characteristic love of a Christian’s life (Galatians 5:22-23) is what enables others to see their love for God (I John 5:2). It allows mankind to know whether or not a person is indeed a Christian (John 13:35). If the sun goes down on the love in a Christian’s life, he is no longer a faithful Christian. A man who loves himself, who cares about his own salvation, cannot put aside love in his life. Love is the essence of being like Christ for God is love (I John 4:8).

Don’t let the sun go down on your service
The saying goes, “It is better to give than to receive”. This describes service. Service blesses the recipient and lifts the server’s heart if done in truth. Man was created to glorify God with good works (Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 5:16). Such deeds are service to the Father in heaven. When we do well, we please Him and fulfill our purpose (Genesis 4:7). True satisfaction can result from serving God through serving others. The knowledge someone is better off or happier through your hand is an intangible gift enabled by God. However, there is a great temptation and encouragement from the world to focus on self rather than others. There are so many different ways we can serve ourselves. Helping others logically seems to take time away from pleasing oneself. Therefore, man is prone to stray from serving others. Yet, accomplished by the logic of man, a life focused on self only result in tragedy not satisfaction. The issue of serving self is a drug which we can never get enough. Only serving self does not please God, it does not help others, and it does not prepare us for eternal blessing (Galatians 6:9). Stay strong and do not let the sun go down on your service.

Don’t let the sun go down on your sobriety
The Christian must always be alert, able to make clear decisions with wisdom (2 Timothy 4:5). When a man fails to be accurately aware of himself, he puts himself in danger (2 Corinthians 13:5). A warrior evaluates his armor and skills because he knows his life is on the line (I Peter 5:8). He looks for weak spots, vulnerabilities. He does not go into battle distracted, but with a clear mind. The Christian is always on the battle ground. The land mines of temptation are set everywhere. Snares and pitfalls are at every turn. There are no safe houses. The church has been infiltrated in many locations and in many ways. Study (2 Timothy 2:15), diligence (2 Peter 3:14), and self control (I Corinthians 9:25) are a necessity. God provides an escape for the traps that arise (I Corinthians 10:13), but they are only recognizable to those who endure in sobriety and do not let it end.

Don’t let the sun go down on your anger
Ephesians 4:26 is a verse which is interpreted in opposition to its text by many individuals. Specifically, the verse tells the Christian to be angry. It then tells the Christian to not let the sun go down on his anger. As in this entire discussion about not letting the sun go down on anything, we are talking about not letting it end. The text of the Ephesians 4 is talking about the Christian walk and staying away from sin. Sin is to be hated. As God, man is to be angry with sin. However, man is not to sin. Sinful anger is destructive (Exodus 5-14), jealous (Genesis 4:8), selfish (Jonah 4:9-11), unkind (I Kings 19:2), and ugly (Acts 7:54-60). One should be angry about sin because it destroys lives. It destroys souls. It keeps man from his eternal home and causes him to forsake the loving God who created him. The sun should never set upon man’s anger toward sin.

Don’t let the sun go down on your hope
Peter and Paul encouraged the Christians to keep hope in the return of Christ in I Peter 1:13 and Titus 2:11-15. If we did not have hope in the return of Christ, what would we have? What would a world without hope look like (I Thessalonians 4:13)? Sorrow, grief, and pain would abound. If it weren’t for the hope in Christ, the fall into pure evil would be drastically accelerated. Hope is what caused Paul to stand before governors and kings. Hope is what brought James to be put to death by the sword at Herod’s command. Hope is what enabled Christian after Christian to look to God as they fell at the hands of Roman persecution. Man is saved by hope (Romans 8:24). He looks to the examples of God’s gracious and faithful hand upon past generations to validate his hope (Romans 15:4). It is through the New Testament Gospel of Christ the world has hope of heaven and seeing the crown of his brothers and sisters standing with him (I Thessalonians 2:19). A man who trusts in God has the hope of resurrection (I Corinthians 15) and eternal life (Titus 1:2, 3:7). Such a hope must not end (Hebrews 6:11).

The sun must not go down on growth, love, service, sobriety, anger, and hope. Man has a duty to engage this choice. These are essential to the heart of Christianity. Christ stated, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father, but through me.” Where there is light, the Son has not gone away. He is coming back to take his sheep home. All the characteristics of those striving to be like Christ are alive and well with him. It is there we shall walk in the light for eternity.

Revelation 21:23 – And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

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Tomorrow

“Tomorrow” I have heard that word many times in my life so that I can reasonably suggest that it is used to justify delays in action far too often. One of the great factors that contribute to the failure of many people in obedience to the gospel is; “wait till tomorrow” but tomorrow never comes with their good decision to become a Christian.

Indeed, procrastination is a serious problem to many people who intend to get their life right with God but just can’t (i.e. will not) make the commitment or sit a time for carrying through with their plans. It seems that many people just do not set down and count the cost as we find in Luke (cf. Luke 14:28, For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

The Lord and the writers of the New Testament tell us to obey the Lord; tell us to come to Him and be saved, etc. Note the following instruction from God about decision making and the urgency of the decision:

Matt. 11:28 – Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (KJV)

Matt. 16:24 – Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (KJV)

Matt. 19:21-23 – 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Acts 2:37-41 – 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

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Rearing Children

Should We Have and Rear More Children?

Since the creation of man, children have been part of God’s plan. God’s first command to Adam and Eve concerned procreation. He said, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Gen. 1:28). After the flood, God told Noah and his sons, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. . . . And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein” (Gen. 9:1, 7). Having children is part of the natural order of things, and today, most consider procreation to be a God-given right.

There is, however, a difference between having children and rearing children. Just about anyone who is of age is capable of having children. The act of procreation itself is biological, and it requires very little knowledge and little or no commitment. This does not mean, however, that those capable of procreation are capable of rearing children. Rearing children requires extensive knowledge and a long term commitment. Many, including the married, simply do not take rearing children into consideration when they procreate, and this becomes a problem.

It is the rearing of children that is of utmost importance to the Lord. Malachi explains the purpose of marriage in Malachi 2:15; “And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.” God’s end design for marriage is that it produces godly seed. This involves many things: procreation, rearing, faithfulness, unselfish love, lifetime commitment, loving companionship, and innumerable other things. God doesn’t just want procreation from marriage; He doesn’t even want functioning adulthood from marriage; His end design for marriage is to have fully functioning adults who are faithful to Him. This is what the words “godly seed” entail.

This purpose weighs upon our question under consideration: Should we have and rear more children? The answer is that a couple should have and rear as many children as they can produce in harmony with God’s purposes, and that is for each individual couple to decide. Obviously, couples who are infertile are not expected to do what they cannot do. However, they may adopt, if that is something that they have the resources to accomplish. If a couple can produce, but not rear a child (for financial or other reasons), then, given the purpose of marriage, they should wait until they can be faithfully responsible in fulfilling that purpose. Like the infertile couple, they are not expected to do what they cannot accomplish.

Some in the brotherhood have suggested that couples simply produce more children indiscriminately with the idea in mind that increasing our numbers will populate the church of the future. I do not believe that this is wise advice. I have heard some preachers counsel the young married to get busy having children as soon as possible, to have as many as possible, and not to worry about the consequences. I know of at least one marriage where taking this advice ended up very badly. In years past, this counsel may have been more advisable given social conditions that were more suitable toward the maintenance of families. In today’s world, however, social conditions tend toward the dissolution of the family. Christian parents would be wise to only take upon themselves as much responsibility as they are able to bear in producing and rearing children.

Another point to take into consideration in this discussion is that under the Old Covenant, procreation was mandatory. Exodus 21:10 makes clear that a husband was not to deny the wife the “duty of marriage.” Women depended upon having children in order to sustain them in old age. Children were literally the inheritance of their old age. This is the meaning of Psalm 127:3, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” The commands to Adam, Eve, Noah, and his sons are also important. God expected these commands to be followed; in return, God said that He would “have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you” (Leviticus 26:9).

Today, however, the establishment of God’s covenant does not depend upon physical procreation, and the New Covenant does not enjoin upon any man the obligation to marry and procreate. In fact, Paul’s inspired counsel in 1 Corinthians 7 advised just the opposite, namely, that there are some situations in which it is best not to marry at all. Obviously, such situations would also imply that it is best not to procreate. Even Jesus pointed out that some would become eunuchs “for the kingdom of heaven’s sake,” and then he said, “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it” (Matt. 19:12); Jesus’ point was that some may indeed choose to be single for the sake of God’s kingdom; that choice is not inherently contradictory to God’s New Covenant with mankind through Christ, and if there is no obligation to marry, there is no obligation to procreate.

My wife and I have produced four children, and each one of them is a blessing; we wouldn’t trade them for the world. Two of these are Christians; two are too young to make that choice right now. We chose to wait five years into our marriage to have our first child because we were young, inexperienced, poor, and not ready. At the right time we made our choices, and I know they were good choices. Having a large family is not easy, but challenging. We do not have a lot of time for ourselves. The weight of responsibility is more heavily felt. Each day brings the challenge anew, and I know that the choices we made would not necessarily be the right choices for couples in other circumstances. Having and rearing more children should not be a hasty decision, but one that is considered carefully and prayerfully, and in the end, it is the couple’s choice. Preachers and teachers who push children upon unready couples would do well to memorize and observe 1 Thessalonians 4:11a and the last eight words of 1 Peter 4:15.

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Safe Sex

For several years now there have been various appeals made (through public service
announcements and other venues) to those who are sexually active to practice safe sex.  The main purpose of these appeals to “use protection” is to prevent pregnancy and to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).  These are definitely legitimate and sobering concerns; however the best appeal for safe sex is usually taken the least serious.  “Abstinence” is the safest way to prevent pregnancy and to ensure that sexually transmitted diseases are not contracted.  That’s a look at things from a physical perspective.  Now let us consider this from a spiritual one.  In an age in which premarital sex, extramarital sex, experimental sex (etc.) is so prevalent and openly practiced, it is important for us to know what God says on the subject.

When God created the institution of marriage (Gen. 2:18-25), the sexual relation was a built-in feature. While the expression, “the two shall become one flesh” (Mk. 10:7-8) may be understood in reference to the marital union itself, it is clearly an expression
that references the most physically intimate relationship that a husband and wife can have. However, man is often dissatisfied with what God has provided for him, and, as a result, he abuses and perverts what was once wholesome and pure.

According to Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” “Adultery” is sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse.  “Fornication” is any kind of
unlawful sexual relations.  Being that the only God-approved marriage is that between an eligible man and an eligible woman (Gen. 2:24; 1 Cor. 7:1-2), it is apparent that any sexual activity outside of that union is sin; whether it be man with man or woman with
woman (Rom. 1:26-27; cf. Lev. 18:22), or a single man with a single woman, or adultery, prostitution (1 Cor. 6:18), incest (cf. Lev. 18:6-16;   1 Cor. 5:1), bestiality (Lev. 18:23), etc.  According to 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5, Rev. 21:8 and 22:14-15 those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Friends, the only “safe sex” (spiritually speaking) is that which is between husband and wife.  All else falls into judgment.  Therefore, “flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18).

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Modern Day Revelation

What Does the Bible Say about Modern Day Revelation?

Not long ago, I received an email from one of our website visitors who made some comments regarding a lesson he had downloaded and listened to. He based his opinions on the belief that God is still making his will known through the means of modern day Revelation. In other words, it is his belief that God communicates directly with man today through prophets and/or apostles just like He did in the past.

The purpose of this lesson is to examine what the word of God teaches regarding modern day revelation in order to ascertain whether or not this is the truth. The purpose of examining any doctrine which is different than our beliefs is so that we can ultimately compare it with our own and if need be, make any necessary corrections. Paul commanded the Christians in Corinth to, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). We are to subject ourselves to a critical self examination. Our beliefs and practices must be “in the faith”, meaning according to God’s will.

We have before us today a doctrine which claims modern day Revelation. We in the churches of Christ believe that the written word of God is the inspired and complete Revelation of God, and that it is accurate, authoritative and sufficient to give us the information required for salvation. In short, we believe everything we need to know in order to be saved is contained within the written record of God’s word. It cannot be both ways, one or the other is truth. What does the Bible teach about this?

1). The Bible states that God’s complete will for man was revealed in the first century when the church was established.

Peter wrote in his second epistle chapter 1 starting in verse 2, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” According to Peter, all things that pertain unto life and godliness through knowledge of God was delivered at that time. Peter stated in words impossible to misunderstand that all knowledge which was necessary to live a life of Godliness had already been given.

If we will turn to Jude 3, we will find an interesting verse. Jude 3, “…it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” The word I want to call our attention to in the original language is “Hapax” which is translated in the KJV and as “once” delivered. This Greek word has a very specific meaning. It carries the meaning of “once for all” of what is of perpetual validity, not requiring repetition. Simply stated, The faith that was “once for all” [hapax], “delivered” is forever valid, and it will never need to be repeated.

The Bible plainly teaches that all we need to know in order to live a godly life has been fully revealed, is forever valid and does not need to be revealed again. One must ask why additional revelation today would even be necessary since we know the early church had all the knowledge they needed revealed to them almost 2000 years ago?

2). The Bible states that scripture is inspired and sufficient.

Now if we will consider 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which reads, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” “All scripture”, meaning there is no scripture left out, is “inspired”, meaning revealed by God. So we see now that everything we have recorded for us in the Bible is revealed by God. That means all scripture is accurate, authoritative and trustworthy. Paul went on to say that the man of God may be perfect, meaning complete. Thoroughly furnished, or equipped, unto all good works. When one is equipped with the knowledge required for all good works, that means there are no good works out there for which we are not equipped. The Bible claims to be complete. The Bible claims to be sufficient.

So far we have learned that the Bible teaches that all we need to know in order to live a godly life has been fully revealed, is forever valid and does not need to be revealed again. And what has been recorded for us by the direct revelation of God can make us complete and furnishes us totally. Why would additional revelation be required today since the Bible teaches that everything we need to know was revealed and recorded almost 2000 years ago?

3) The Bible teaches us that the word of God lasts forever.

Since the Bible teaches that everything we need to know was revealed and recorded, the only other possible reason for revelation today would be if what was revealed and recorded has been corrupted and that we don’t have an accurate account of what was revealed in the first century.

Let’s consider 1 Peter 1:23-25, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (NKJV). Peter taught that the word of God is living and abiding which means continuing in its present condition. He then taught that it endures forever which means to hold out against damage or corruption for all of time.

If what we have today is not what was revealed and recorded in the first century then God’s word did not abide (continue on its present condition) and it did not endure (hold out against damage or corruption) for all of time. 1 Peter 1:23-25 is our assurance that what we have recorded for us today is what they had revealed for them in the first century.

The Bible teaches us that everything we need to know for a life of godliness was revealed and recorded in the first century and preserved for all of time. Since everything we need to know was revealed, recorded and preserved, then there is no reason whatsoever for additional revelation. The early Christians had what they needed and we have today what they had then.

4) The Bible claims to be the exclusive source for truth.

Not only does the Bible teach that it is inspired, accurate, authoritative and sufficient, it also forbids going to any other source other than itself for instruction. The inspired writers commanded their readership to not think, or go, beyond what has been written (1 Corinthians 4:6). John wrote in 2 John 9, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God” (NASB). I used the NASB translation because it more accurately communicates what the original language meant. The Greek carries the meaning of going beyond where one is authorized to go. One can depart and abide not in the doctrine of Christ if one goes beyond, or goes too far.

In Revelation 22:18-19 we read of God’s curse on those who add to or take away from His words. This attitude echoes His sentiments regarding the Old Testament law as well. In Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 12:32 we see God’s express command not to add to or take away from the law of Moses. Concerning this very thing, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 30:5-6, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” We do not live under the law of Moses today, but we can surely see from an examination of scripture that additions or subtractions of God’s will from any covenant was, and is, forbidden.

5) The Bible teaches us that we are to reject the teachings of men.

The Bible gives us severe warnings over perverting the gospel message. Paul pronounced a curse on any who teach a gospel other than the one delivered in the first century (Galatians 1:8-9). When John warned his readership not to go too far in 2 John 9 he went on in verses 10 and 11 to forbid any association with false doctrine at all. 2 John 10-11, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (NKJV).

Which doctrine is John talking about here? John says “does not bring this doctrine”. Which doctrine is “this doctrine”? This doctrine is the one John had, which was, and is the complete revelation of the knowledge of God’s will for man at the dawn of the Christian age. This doctrine is the faith that was once for all delivered. This doctrine is the one that thoroughly furnishes us unto all good works. This is the doctrine that is capable of making complete and thoroughly equipping us for every good work. This is the doctrine that lives and abides forever. The scriptures teach us to reject anyone teaching any other doctrine and then warns us that if we do, we are a partaker in their evil.

If a doctrine does not come from God, it has to come from man’s additions or subtractions from God’s word. The Bible also teaches us that our worship is vain if we follow as doctrine the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9, Mark 7:7).

The only way I know of to assure myself that I am not worshipping according to the commandments of men is to adhere strictly to the Bible which claims to be inspired, or coming from God.

If there is divine revelation today, then the scriptures which recorded all the knowledge required to live a Godly life in the first century cannot be the exclusive source for truth which it claims to be. If there is divine revelation today, then we would have to transgress the word of God in order to follow it. God is not the author of confusion. He is not going to forbid going to any source other than what was revealed and recorded in the first century and then 18 centuries later, turn around and reveal something we need to know and then expect us to violate His original word in order to live faithfully.

So now are we to believe we have two sources for God’s truth, separated by 1800 years? The oldest one claims to be inspired, accurate, authoritative, sufficient, perpetual and forbids us to go to something else for instruction. And now, are we to believe that roughly 1800 years later we have… something else for instruction? We have the new testament from the first century which forbids us to go to another testament and now in the 21st century we have another testament?

Conclusion:

The Bible teaches us that we do not need modern day revelation. When God delivered the knowledge necessary to live a Godly life, He delivered it all. (2 Peter 1:2)

The Bible teaches us that the scriptures are inspired. God inspired them all.

The Bible teaches us that the scriptures are sufficient and equip us to every good work. Concerning the works of righteousness and obedience to God’s will, we have it all. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We do not need additional Revelation.

The Bible teaches us that God’s word will endure and is preserved for us. He preserved it all and it endured it all. (1 Peter 1:23-25). We do not need additional Revelation.

The Bible claims to be the exclusive source of God’s word today. Concerning any teaching more than or less than what can be found in the Bible, it excluded all. (1 Corinthians 4:6, 2 John 9, Revelation 22:18-19) There cannot be any additional Revelation.

The Bible is our sole instruction manual for living a godly life. Any teaching which is less than what can be found therein is incomplete. Any teaching which is more than what is revealed and recorded is too much. Our course of action is clear and true. God says his word is complete, we believe Him. God says His word completely equips us, we believe Him. God says His word is recorded by His inspiration, we believe Him. God says His word endures forever, we believe Him.

People living in the first century who obeyed the word of God then were saved. They had what they needed, they were complete, they lived according to the revealed truth and were saved. We have what they had. We can obey the same faith they followed, believe how they believed, worship the way they worshiped and live how they lived in absolute assurance of the hope we have in Christ.

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