By: Jim Miller
Gray, Maine
I did not grow up in the Lords church, in fact I was 24 years old before I even understood what the church was. It has now been some 30 years since I was added to the church by the Lord upon my obedience to the Gospel. Over those years I have seen many changes. I have seen churches fall into apostasy and split congregations. I have seen men who I believed to be sound preachers become complete heretics and I have watched as so many went off seeking what they believed to be right above what God says is right. Pro_16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. This scripture is just as valid today as the day it was written. Yet, there are many who still want to try and improve on what God has stated His will is for man.
I harp a lot some say, on getting back to the basics and doing things the way God wants them done. I do this because I know from Gods word that when man tries to improve on that word he leads not only himself away but others with him on a journey to hell. Jer_10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
The scriptures are replete with warnings and admonishments that go largely ignored today. When a man stands before the congregation and issues reproof or rebuke he often times is chastised by some as unloving or unkind. All the time they know that it has been stated that this is also what the scriptures are given for. They forget that the words recorded by Paul to Timothy 2Ti_3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Paul in his letter to the Galatians plainly stated that he was disappointed that they had so easily been fooled, Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. These are strong words but would we accuse Paul of being unloving?
No one enjoys being corrected this is a simple fact. yet just like with children correction is a necessary act if you love others and do not want to see them fall by the wayside. When someone corrects you it is not because they are seeking to be better than you they care for your soul and you should be grateful that they do. Pro_3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
We as Gods chosen people must get back to doing all things in a scriptural manner. We are moving in so many different directions when it is clear that there has always been just one way even from the beginning. How many times have you heard someone say "well I believe it says this or that rather than just accepting what the word actually says"? Here in lies the problem, we want the scripture to say something that justifies what we believe rather than changing our belief to coincide with the word.
Look around you, see for yourself just how insane the world has become. Look back through history and you clearly see that the more man relies on his own way of thinking the farther away from God he moves. Whole nations down through the ages have been overturned and destroyed time after time. Are we getting so far away from God that we can no longer recognize the truth of His word? Must we once again turn to the milk of the word and be taught again as the Hebrew writer recorded. Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. If this is the case with us I say lets get to it and do so now while there is still time.
I keep preaching that people have to get out of the pew and out of the building with Gods word and teach it to any who will listen. Not until we stop being afraid to step on some toes or hurt some feeling when necessary are we going to show the true love for not just one another but for those who are lost. There is no room in the inn for a PC Gospel you must stand on the word and be willing to take whatever comes at you for the cause of Christ.
Remember one day you will give account for the things done in this life. I would hate to be the one that says to the Lord I sat in the building and worshiped but never gave thought to the souls outside because the doors were open and they could come in on their own.
