Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (1 Timothy 6:1-5)
Today's Morsel: There are many false doctrines out there. And if we aren't careful, we can be drawn into them. Paul told the church at Ephesus, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 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" (Ephesians 4:11-15). He told the church at Rome, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (Romans 16:17-18). And he warned Timothy about those who spread false teaching among the believers. Paul wanted to protect Timothy and the message of free salvation offered by Jesus Christ. Paul's advice is still valuable to us today as we travel this pathway to heaven. Only God can deliver us from our sins and we can't join the church, we must be born into it. As Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again of the water and the spirit." Shaking the preachers hand, signing some church form or reciting some pledge or liturgy does not make you a Christian or put you into the church. There is only one church, but many denominations. We are birthed into the church. If you read your Bible, you will notice that Jude said that the apostles had a common salvation (Jude 3). That salvation was Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; Acts 4:12). Don't take my word for it, read your Bible.
Sing: There's just one, one, one, one way to God! There's just one, one, one, one way to God! There's just one, one, one, one way to God, baptized in Jesus Name!
No comments:
Post a Comment