WHEN GOD SPEAKS

Some years ago, as I conducted a Bible drill with some children, a little boy looked up at me and asked, “Are you God?” Very humbled, I assured him I was not, but that I was speaking the Word of God because it was from His book, the Bible. And then I told him and all the children that even when the preacher speaks, we should listen carefully and then examine the scriptures daily to see if what we heard is so, like the Bereans did in Acts 17:11.

God has told us in His Word, the Bible, how to become a Christian, by hearing His words and believing it through faith (Heb. 11:6), repenting of our sins (Luke 13:3), confessing our belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Rom. 10:10), and being baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4). There are commandments to obey, but the Scripture tells us they are not grievous; and others will know that we are Christians when we love God and keep His commandments (1 John 5:1-3). He also teaches us how to live a joyous, happy life after becoming a Christian, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8). Then when we obey the Lord we will find that “...the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). And as we “worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), by singing His praises (Eph. 5:19), partaking of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), praying and giving (Acts 2:42), we are pleasing God.

When we respect and obey God’s Word as we should, we have all this now and heaven awaiting us when this life is over (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

Joy and Peace, David V. Fultz