Today’s
world scene is filled with unrest, protests, violence, lawlessness… and endless
argumentative debates. Sadly, many participants in the above profess to be
Christians. How can that be? How can anyone who truly is saved by the
sacrificial blood of Christ act and talk in such ways?
Even sadder is the fact that so much of what is said today in the name of love
or Christ (regardless of how it is being said) is misleading and/or erroneous.
What is a true child of God supposed to do in all this chaos and confusion?
A big part
of the problem rests in what we believe (or think we believe). When we take a
specific stand on an issue, it typically is based on what we believe relative
to that issue. But on what foundation are we basing our belief? Is our belief just
opinion with no solid basis or is it TRUTH grounded in the firm foundation of
the Word? Some will claim their comments are correct by referencing a scripture
verse on love or forgiveness, yet not be aware of the falsehood they are
presenting. Just as invoking a “writ of habeas corpus” to a traffic cop will
not stop him from writing you a ticket, neither will invoking a religious
principle without solid biblical basis, and foundational context, sustain your
opinion. So what is needed?
The answer
to these questions and all others is found in the word of God. John 8:31-32
states: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Three
requirements are set forth in this verse.
1) You must believe on Him. (Be a genuine born again Christian.)
2) Continue in His Word. (Read and study it daily.)
3) Know the Truth. (Become proficient with it.)
True Freedom comes in knowing
Christ as He desires us to know Him. We can only know Him that way by being
immersed in His Word, the Holy Bible. Then when we speak on an issue, we will
not speak our own words or agenda. Rather, we will speak as living oracles of
God with “Thus saith the Lord”. Jesus Christ exemplified this principle while
being tempted of satan. Matthew 4:4 states: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Christ,
who is the Living Word, spoke the Word, referencing the written Word, which
left the devil no rebuttal. Our foundation cannot get any firmer than that.
As Christians, we are the children of
God. As such, Christ lives in us, desires to speak thru us, and instructs us to
“hide His Word in our hearts” that the Holy Spirit can bring back His Word to
our remembrance at the appropriate time.
In II
Timothy 2:15 Paul gives instructions to Timothy that are for us today: “Study to shew thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” So, to help us do that, and truly know what
we believe, our Sunday bulletins will post a series on “Core Beliefs” and
subsequently “Fundamental Truths”.
Every person who reads it is challenged to memorize these
beliefs and related scriptures so that they may effectively proclaim God’s
TRUTH from a solid foundation. Additionally, we should research other passages
that shine light on these beliefs to ensure that we personally understand the
context and are faithful to His Word. Now, more than ever, our own words are of
no effect, for everyone has opinions. But, God’s Word is TRUTH, and He promises
in Isaiah 55:11; “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my
mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I
please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent
it.”
Lastly, Paul in Ephesians 4:14-15 instructs: “That we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every
wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they
lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all
things, which is the head, even Christ.” And to that I say,
AMEN!
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