GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 383 August 3, 2011
GOD'S APPROVAL COMES BY STUDY
"Study to show thyself approved unto God ... rightly dividing the Word of truth," 2Timothy 2:15.
God is the "author of salvation" and has penned it down for us in the Bible. Psalms 25:8 teaches us that "Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way."
Understanding about eternity is glorious. Truth from God, teaches us about the total salvation; a salvation that takes us beyond being saved from comdemnation, alone. God's plan has many aspects of salvation within it, including a life of service on a daily basis. Certainly, not all the saved are baptized correctly. And, we all know of some who have stopped serving, altogether. Then, the Bible affirms that not all the saved serve within a New Testament Church. Study the church out, yourself.
When it comes to the Almighty, we never stop learning. Each day brings us to seek approval from God in every move we make. That's a good thing. This kind of constant-checking with God is necessary, too. This is the meaining that the title verse states, above. And here, all scholars agree that Scripture shows a bigger than a one-time-salvation. Scholars know that God has a complete salvation in mind within the pages of the Bible.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's "Commentary of the Scriptures" points out the fact that: "reigning is something more that bare salvation" (A Commentary, 1802-1880, pg 506). Commentator Fausset cites Romans 5:17; Rev. 1:6; 3:21; 5:5; and, 22:4,5.
The Scripture references in the previous paragraph inform of God's salvation that includes different positions and higher blessings, both now, and when the resurrection arrives. The referenced Scripture teach of kingdom priests and overcomers; as well as, the nation of Israel (Rev. 5:5). Revelation also states that some will "reign forever and ever" (Rev. 22:5). But, according to Matthew 7:21, many shall "not inherit the kingdom of God."
It is clear that one need not be a Missionary Baptist to discern that lower and higher glories exists in the resurrection. As the Bible is studied; especially, by scholars, Hebrew and Greek language truths demand a difference that is clear. God blesses those who adhere to what He has said in the Word, but He also takes away from some who were in position to serve when they become unprofitable (See Mt. 25:26, 30). It's a fearful thing to "fall into the hands of a living God (Heb 10:31). Why, because "the Lord shall judge His people" (Heb 10:30).
I've been telling Trinity Church that FIVE TRUTHS - if understood - will cause all of us to serve fully and be blessed, eternally. They are: 1) Abraham; 2) Israel; 3) Jesus; 4) The Church; and, 5) the millenium.
Understanding these points allow us to walk by faith; just as those of Hebrews 11. While, this chapter begins with Abel, adding Enoch and Noah, it is Abraham that actually walked away and toward God by faith. Abraham reveales God's plan; an inheritance that provides a sweet fellowship.
Abraham lived in faith. He went where God sent him. In the framework of Scripture, we see that we can only serve God by being where He tells us to go and what He tells us to do. Ephesians 3:21 instructs, "Unto Him be glory in the church." The church is local and it's independent of all other organizitions.
The Bible knows nothing of a universal church. Clearly, the church was established by Jesus and has been serving since. Scripture reveals a church with a history back to Jerusalem. It was the church that baptized us and taught us about New Covenant commandments. The pastors, deacons and members have observed what was taught by the church down through time.
Abraham is a major character that has Israel blessed because of him. Israel was to carry the faith and plan of God onward. While, not always faithful, God used the nation to bring Jesus into the world. God's plan is bigger than our belief or unbelief.
Then, we were saved. It was a "heaven came down and glory filled our soul" kind of experience. Jesus finished it all. Further, Jesus built His church upon Himself and the teachings from the Father; so, it has to remain. There is no question about that. And, when we study the church out and find this truth, we become the ones to maintain it. That's the plan. That's our calling.
On this point, Ist Corinthians 3 teaches that failure of study will cost us, eternally. We must "take heed" (V10) how we build. Proper building means we use correct material which show faith. Such service brings "...a reward" (V14).
However, using incorrect materials made of weak substances; such as wood, hay and stubble, brings a great "loss" V15). And, as Ist Corinthians further points out, even a saved person will "suffers loss, " (but)... he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire." Amen and hallelujah!!! It is a finished work that we enter into when we trust Jesus.
Since Jesus, the church age continues. And, what a blessing is is to be living now! So many Biblical and doctrinal works are on our shelf. Helps and scholarly works are close by and available, too. But, we still must walk by faith; just as Ephesians 3:21 explains. We have to believe what the Word says. We have to Study the Word in order to show our faith. We walk by faith; His faith.
The church age shall continue until the Second Coming of Jesus, the Christ. Then, the millenium begins. For a thousand years, Jesus shall rule the kingdom of His Father on this earth. At the end of the millenium, we see Jesus step off the throne and turn all things over to the Father. 1st Corinthians 15 informs us that Jesus will step off the throne. Wow! Here, I get goose bumps because Jesus takes up His positon with His people.
After finishing God's plan by coming, dying, rasing and ruling, Jesus "...Himself become subject unto Him (God, the Father) that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all" (V28). He loved us that much. He left His glory forever. Now, the question is: 'Can't we love Him enough to study and obey within His New Testament Church?' I trust that you shall be a blessing to all in attendance in every service.