Sun, Apr 23rd - 8:51PM
They Are Not Above Scrutiny
“But the anointing which
ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you:
but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no
lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (I John 2:27)
As is true today, when
John wrote the First Epistle of John there were a lot of divisions, programs, heresies,
and fads spreading throughout Christendom, and many false teachers working to
corrupt the church. (Acts 20:29-30; II Corinthians 11:14-15; II Peter 2; Jude)
Deceivers often claim to have a special enlightenment or illumination, superior
insight, or special key to understanding, or claim that one needs a superior
spirituality or special revelation (which they claim to have) to know the
truth, which is the reason for the warning in I John 2:27. While there is more
to life in Christ than the initial experience (new birth) that occurs at faith
and repentance, and God does bestow wisdom and spiritual gifts to make someone
more effective in the Lord’s work, this does not mean that some have a special
key to understanding Scripture that other genuine believers do not have. While
there are difficulties in the Bible and we occasionally need help, for the most
part the Bible is self-interpreting and self-explanatory when one is familiar
with its contents.
“But the natural man
receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto
him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (I
Corinthians 2:14) Deceivers like to use this passage to insist that it takes a
special enlightenment or key to understanding (which they claim to have) to
understand Scripture. This passage does not say the Bible can only be
understood by certain gifted individuals, it says that though natural men can
understand what the words in the Bible mean they decide that what the Bible
says is foolish. A good example of this can be seen when atheists argue with what
they know and acknowledge that the Genesis account of creation says; it means
nothing to them because of their lack of spiritual discernment. The Bible was
written to be read and understood by ordinary people and God's truth is not
hidden from everyone except for a few clever individuals. The Holy Bible is the
final authority, and the truth can withstand questions and critical analysis.
(Psalm 119:130; Acts 17:11; I Thessalonians 5:21; II Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17)
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Apr 15th - 8:13PM
GOSPEL TRACTS
For good gospel tracts visit these websites:
Fellowship Tract League www.fellowshiptractleague.org
Hope Tract Ministry www.hopetracts.org
Shadow Of The Steeple Ministries www.shadowofthesteeple.com
Sword of the Lord Publications www.swordbooks.com
Chick Publications www.chick.com
This is not a blanket endorsement of everything
published by these ministries. Use discernment.
Comment (0)
|
Thu, Apr 6th - 9:27PM
SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH THE PRINTED PAGE
SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH THE PRINTED PAGE
Every Christian has a duty to witness to the lost, and using gospel tracts
is a simple and effective method of sharing the gospel. Pray for wisdom to
select effective and doctrinally sound tracts, pray for opportunities to
witness, and keep a few tracts handy to share when those opportunities arise.
Be friendly and courteous and remember that the objective is to win minds and hearts,
not arguments. Look for opportunities to share your testimony and tell people
about your salvation and their need for a personal experience with Jesus
Christ. Use discretion when leaving tracts in various places: For example, ask
permission from management before displaying tracts at a place of business
(Grocery Store, Laundromat, etc.), and do not leave a tract on a restaurant
table for a waitress unless you also leave a generous tip, or you will defeat
the purpose of using tracts.
Include tracts with letters and greeting cards (birthdays, holidays,
etc.).
Send tracts to public officials. Prayerfully consider writing to public
officials (especially local and State public officials) about issues of concern
and keep these points in mind when you do: A personal letter is more effective
than an email, petition, or form letter. Limiting each letter to one subject
gives each subject a better chance of getting needed attention. Make complimentary remarks and do not say
anything that might sound threatening or sarcastic. Include a gospel tract with
every letter. (For names and mailing addresses of public officials call the
public library or visit www.usa.gov/elected-officials )
Prayerfully consider buying gift subscriptions to a conservative
Christian magazine for public officials, public libraries, doctor’s offices,
teachers, students, etc...
Please Share this or Copy and Paste this to you Blogsite.
Comment (0)
|
Back to Blog Main Page
|