Take Courage: Lessons from the Example of Josiah (Excerpt)

The following is an excerpt from the book, Take Courage: Eight Lessons from Men of Faith.

Take Courage (cover)As we seek to restore (or maintain) faithful service to God, we should learn from Josiah’s example.

First, we must be willing to change when necessary. No one is perfect. Paul reminded us of this when he said, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Even Christians can be wrong, as Peter (Cephas) “stood condemned” for his sin (Galatians 2:11). When we are wrong, we need to repent – whether that means repudiating sin in our individual lives (Acts 8:20-22) or correcting errors in the congregation with which we worship (Revelation 2:4-5).

Second, we must not allow ourselves to be enslaved to tradition. Though the word tradition in regard to religious matters carries an immediate negative connotation with some, not all traditions are wrong. Paul told the brethren in Thessalonica: “Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth, or by letter from us” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). But we must abandon the traditions of men that are contrary to the law of God (Matthew 15:6-9) – no matter how long we or those before us held the tradition.

Third, we must not place family above our service to God. The Lord must come first in all things. Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). Following Christ will sometimes put us at odds with those who are closest to us in this life. It is difficult to see these ties threatened. But it is far worse to be “severed from Christ,” as this means we have “fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4).

Fourth, we must be willing to oppose error. This means we must oppose those who promote error: “Keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them” (Romans 16:17). It also means we must oppose those who practice error: “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6). Many prefer the path of compromise in their attempt to be more tolerant than God. Because of this, we will often face opposition, not just from the errorists, but from weak-kneed brethren who sympathize with them.

Fifth, we must submit to a higher law. King Josiah was certainly not exempt from God’s law. We are not either. Jesus has “all authority” (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, we must “do all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17). He will save “all those who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). So we must be sure we measure up to His standard of judgment (John 12:48).

You can read more about the courage of Josiah and others in Take Courage: Eight Lessons from Men of Faith. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

Why There is So Much Diversity Among Professed Christians (Plain Bible Teaching)

Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years

The following is an excerpt from the book, Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years.

The reason why there is so much diversity among professed Christians is because of the lack of importance placed upon doing all things based on the authority of Christ. People assume certain things are good works, rather than going to the Bible to prove them as such. They look to the churches around them, rather than to the church discussed in the New Testament. They profess Jesus as Lord, but do not wholly submit to His authority (Matthew 28:18).

Why do many neglect the search for Bible authority or fail to appeal to the authority of Christ as revealed in the word? Why do many not make the plea: “To the law and to the testimony”? The Lord answers this question: “If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn [there is no light in them, KJV]” (Isaiah 8:20). They do not “walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light” (1 John 1:7).

Really, this is how we distinguish a truth teacher from a false teacher – whether or not a direct appeal is made to Scripture for everything said and done. John wrote, “We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6). Those who teach and practice the things revealed in God’s word by His inspired men are of the truth. Those who teach and practice things contrary to what has been revealed are in error.

You can read more in Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

The Root of the Problem: Chapter 5 – Deception (Excerpt)

The lies about sin are common. The world tries to convince us that sin is not so bad and that we can engage in it without consequence. Yet as we have seen, the Scriptures teach otherwise. So how do we keep from being deceived? Be on the alert.

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-18).

Paul warns of false teachers who deceive others. But who is it that will be deceived? It will be those who are unsuspecting. Therefore, we must be on the alert. Do not allow yourself to be lulled to sleep and thus let your guard down. (p. 27)

You can read more about the lies of Satan and his ministers in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!