It isn‘t popular to quote the Bible. It is even less popular to believe the Bible is God’s Word. Many who proclaim to be “Christians“ do not believe the Bible! Does that remind you of the Jews in the first century? They ridiculed Jesus when He claimed to be the Son of God. They accused Him of doing miracles in the name of Beelzebub. They asked to see a “sign” but didn’t believe the miracles they had already witnessed by His hand.
The times change but the attitude of “the world” changes little if any. Over and over the Israelites and the Jews were commanded to obey God. Time after time, they rejected God’s plea, preferring to be like their neighbors who were not “constrained” by the things God said. Like many today they want His blessings when in need but prefer to keep Him at arm’s length at other times.
Those of us who believe the Scriptures are inspired by God and MUST be obeyed are considered religious fanatics. We are often called a “sect” because we believe we must speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. That’s okay. We must obey God and not man (Acts 5:29). When James wrote, “But be doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22), that is what the Holy Spirit told him to write, and for us to obey. Most of the Israelites did not make it to the promised land because of unbelief. Let’s not let unbelief keep us from our “promised land” of heaven that is reserved for those who do God’s will (Matt. 7:21).
John K. Wills
Owingsville church of Christ
Owingsville, KY