“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

All Christians have an obligation to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Lord. To do this, we must become more acquainted with His word. But exactly how are we to do this? In this article we will notice six things we can do to grow in knowledge of the word of God.

Read the Bible

Though this may seem obvious, we should not neglect to mention it. The will of God has been revealed through the Spirit and has been written down by the apostles and other inspired men (1 Corinthians 2:10-13). It has been “once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3). This revealed will of God is easily accessible to us today in the Bible.

Knowledge of God’s word is not going to be given to us miraculously. Since the completed revelation has been handed down to the saints, the partial bits of revelation that were once given no longer continue and are no longer necessary (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). It is up to us to see to it that the information from God gets into our minds. The most basic way of doing this is through reading. This is why Paul tells Timothy, “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture…” (1 Timothy 4:13).

Meditate Upon His Word

Reading the Bible is obviously a good exercise (reading everyday, reading the Bible through in a year, etc.). But reading without comprehending, retaining, and applying what we read is useless. We become the one who is criticized as a “forgetful hearer” (James 1:25). In that context, James mentions doing, which we will consider later in this article. But retaining knowledge is essential before we can practice these things.

God expects us to be thoughtful people (cf. Philippians 4:8). What we think about is important. Therefore, we should meditate upon God’s word. The psalmist writes of the blessed man: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). David also writes, “O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). Meditating upon God’s word will help us to retain, memorize, and recall it later.

Listen to Instruction

The Lord expects us to listen. Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). In this context, Jesus is discussing the teaching of the gospel and how we might respond to it. When the word is taught, we must be like the Bereans who “received the word with great eagerness” (Acts 17:11).

There are a few reasons why we should be eager to listen, besides just reading by ourselves. First, by listening we might learn something new, just as the Athenians hoped to do (Acts 17:19-20, 32-34). Second, we might be reminded of something we had forgotten (1 Timothy 4:6; Hebrews 2:1). Third, we might gain a better understanding of a particular topic as someone explains to us “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:24-26).

Study the Scriptures

The Bereans were “noble-minded” because they listened eagerly (as noted in the previous point) and because they were “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Studying is more than just reading, listening, and memorizing. It involves us developing a deeper knowledge of the Scriptures, allowing us to learn how to “accurately [handle] the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Some Bible questions and subjects are more difficult than others. Peter acknowledged this. Referring to Paul’s letters, he writes, “As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16). But it is important to note: Peter said some things were hard to understand, but not impossible to understand. No matter who we are, God expects us to grow in our knowledge and understanding throughout our lives (Hebrews 5:11-14).

Practice What You Learn

James made a connection between not doing God’s will and forgetting His will. “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:23-25).

Our natural response to hearing God’s word should be obedience (James 1:22). Doing God’s word and remembering His word go hand in hand. As we develop behavioral habits, we retain instructions better. This allows us not only to better commit God’s instructions to memory, but also to build upon what we already know in order to reach a greater level of maturity.

Teach Others

To teach, one must have a competent level of knowledge on the subject he intends to teach. One who needs to learn the “elementary principles of the oracles of God” cannot be a teacher of the word but must be taught himself (Hebrews 5:12). Even if one has a desire to teach, if he does not understand the law of God, he will fail in his effort (1 Timothy 1:7).

In order to be able to teach, one must know the truth well enough to be able to accurately represent the Scriptures (1 Peter 4:11). One must know enough to be able to handle potential questions that arise (1 Peter 3:15). Furthermore, one must know enough to be able to defend the truth against attack (Titus 1:10-11). Of course, we will never have all of the answers to every possible question or objection. But preparing for these as best we can will certainly help us grow in knowledge.

“‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

People often wonder what God’s plan is for their lives. The above passage suggests that God knows these plans. Yet people want to know what the future holds so badly that they often run wild in speculation about every circumstance, decision, or consequence that exists in their lives, trying to determine some greater significance to these events.

The Bible certainly does address this issue about God’s plan for our lives. But we can only know what God has revealed to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). People often get caught up in trying to find God’s plan for them in the details of life – jobs, homes, hardships, etc. – even though no such divine plans for us can be found in the revealed will of God. By devoting our mental effort to mere curiosities and speculations, it becomes easier to ignore the big picture. Sadly, many have done this and have become “choked with worries… of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (Luke 8:14).

I know what God’s plan is for you. And I can show you this plan in the Bible.

God Desires for You to be in Heaven with Him

Shortly before His death, Jesus explained His plan to His apostles:

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).

This place that Jesus was planning to prepare was not on the earth. Otherwise He could have stayed to prepare their place. But He had to depart and would later return to the earth to bring them to this place.

This promise of salvation and a home in heaven was not just for the apostles to whom Jesus was addressing on this occasion – the promise was open to all. Following His death and resurrection, Jesus told these apostles, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:15-16). Peter later told the household of Cornelius, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:34-35).

God wants you to be with Him in heaven for eternity. This is His plan. We must not ignore it or minimize its importance because we are too busy searching for some plan we think God has for us on the earth. We have no divine revelation expressly describing such a plan. But He has expressly revealed His eternal, heavenly plan for us.

In Order for This Plan to be Fulfilled…

In order for God’s plan for you to be fulfilled, several things had to happen. God has made sure that everything necessary was carried out in order to give you the opportunity to be with Him in heaven.

Sin Had to be Dealt With – The first step to making a home in heaven available to us was in dealing with the problem of sin. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). If sin was not dealt with appropriately, we could not be in heaven with God. Why not? Could God not simply choose to ignore sin? No, He could not. It would be against His nature. John explains, “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). God had to address this problem.

Furthermore, we should remember that sin is a universal problem. Paul writes, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). No one of accountable age is exempt from this (1 John 1:8,10). So do not think that you are the exception to the rule. Your sins needed to be dealt with just the same as the sins of everyone else.

Jesus was going to have to come and deal with sin. He came to “reconcile” us “to God” (Ephesians 2:16). This would require His death on the cross (1 Peter 3:18; 2:24).

Christ Had to Come – God’s “eternal purpose” was “carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11). His “predetermined plan” involved Jesus being “nailed to a cross” and “put… to death” (Acts 2:23). In order for this plan to be carried out, several things had to be done to prepare the way for Christ:

• Paul writes, “But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law” (Galatians 4:4). Jesus’ arrival on the earth was not an accident. The fact that circumstances were favorable to God’s plan to be carried out was no coincidence. God deliberately chose a certain time – the proper time – to send Christ into the world.
• Prior to Jesus beginning His public ministry, John would prepare the way for Christ (Mark 1:2-4). The gospel writer points out that John’s coming was prophesied by Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 40:3). Again, this was not happenstance. This was God’s predetermined plan.
• In addition to the prophecy about John, the forerunner of Christ, there are many other prophecies about Christ (1 Peter 1:10-11). Peter says of these prophets, “It was revealed to them they they were not serving themselves, but you” (1 Peter 1:12). The prophecies were revealed for our benefit. In sending Christ, God was not just concerned about the people of the first century, but all who might read these prophecies in the Old Testament about Christ and gain the “encouragement of the Scriptures” and “have hope” (Romans 15:4).
• Not only did the plan have to be made and the events foretold, God had to preserve the lineage that would lead to Christ (Matthew 1:1-17). The promise was first made to Abraham: “In you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). This promise was passed on through Isaac (Genesis 21:12), Jacob (Genesis 28:13-14), and the nation of Israel (Genesis 35:10-11; Deuteronomy 7:6-8). This why the nation of Israel was preserved, despite their sin. They were preserved so that salvation might yet come. This is the point of the passage we began with: “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11). This is not talking about God planning what job one will have or something of that nature. It is about the restoration of the Jews from captivity and looking forward to the time when the people would be gathered from all the nations – a foreshadowing of the kingdom of Christ being established (Jeremiah 29:10-14; cf. Isaiah 2:2-3; Acts 2:5ff).
• As we go back further, we see God’s plan unfolding from the very beginning. After sin was introduced into the world, God sentenced the serpent for his role in the fall. In doing so, He revealed a prophecy about the future triumphant work of Christ: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel” (Genesis 3:15).

The above points provide only a brief summary of all that God has done to make salvation possible for you. Knowing all that He has done to save you, do not “think lightly of the riches of His kindness,” for “the kindness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4). This is an important point. This plan does not just involve the actions of God. His plan is that we are led to do something. We must understand what He expects us to do.

Man Had to be Shown the Way – We cannot direct ourselves to heaven apart from God. Jeremiah said, “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). The way to heaven is through Christ (John 14:6). We need to know how to follow that way.

The eternal purpose in Christ would be made known through the gospel (Ephesians 3:8-11). This gospel message is for “all creation” (Mark 16:15). As God has planned all things necessary to save us, He also “chose us… before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). Many are quick to argue that God has made these choices of individuals arbitrarily through divine prerogative. But this is not at all what Paul taught. Notice the whole verse:

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:4).

Who will be saved? First, Paul says that the ones God chooses are those who are “in Him” (Christ). How does one get in Christ? We are “baptized into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). In order to be saved, one must submit to baptism (1 Peter 3:21).

Second, Paul says the chosen ones are those who “would be holy and blameless before Him.” We are expected to conduct our lives according to God’s standard. After “the grace of God… appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11), the ones who were saved by His grace were to be taught “to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:12). The ones who belonged to Christ were to be “zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14).

Our responsibility in God’s great plan for us is summarized by the wise man: “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Circumstances in life will change. There will be times of suffering and times of joy. But this remains constant – our responsibility to obey the Lord. This leads to salvation (Hebrews 5:9). To God, this salvation was a matter of utmost importance. It needs to be the highest priority for us as well.

One of our specific obligations in prayer is to pray for those in positions of civil authority. Paul makes this clear in his first letter to the young evangelist Timothy:

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Not only does Paul teach that Christians are to pray for their leaders, he tells us why we are to pray for them. There is a specific desire for which we should pray that is according to the will of God. Before we consider this, we should first be reminded of the purpose for which God ordained civil authorities.

The Role of Government

Although human governments involve themselves in many areas of life, the role for which God ordained them is rather limited. Paul wrote, “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil” (Romans 13:3-4). God uses civil authority to act as His minister in punishing evildoers. By implication, this means that civil authorities are also to protect the innocent. Paul’s instructions to Timothy also indicate that God desires the civil authorities to provide and maintain an environment in which we can “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2).

Remember Our Responsibility Regarding Authorities

As civil authorities have been given a certain role by God, so too have we been given a responsibility toward those in power. Paul told the Romans, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). Peter wrote, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. …honor the king” (1 Peter 2:13-17). We cannot ignore our civil leaders. We must pray for them and submit to them.

However, our submission has limits – we cannot act contrary to the will of God. When the apostles were commanded to do something that was contrary to the will of God (teach about Christ), they replied, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). This is why it is so important that we pray for our leaders. If we follow the will of God and they reject the role God has given them, we will have trouble.

Our Prayers for Our Leaders

In praying for our leaders, for what types of things should we pray? First, let us notice some things that are not necessarily among the things we must include:

• We are not necessarily to pray for a certain form of government (democracy, republic, monarchy, etc.). Our country places a high value on democracy. While this can be good, a democracy only works when the country is made up of moral people. Otherwise, the majority can decide to persecute, rob, even kill any minority group they wish. God ordained a role for government, not a form of government.
• We are not necessarily to pray for the health and safety of the leaders. Often this is good as it avoids instability within the government. But there are times when a leader’s death means safety for God’s people. Joseph had to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus because of the infanticide being carried out by Herod (Matthew 2:13-16). After Herod was dead, an angel informed Joseph that it was now safe to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-21).
• We are not necessarily to pray for the leaders’ success. If they are seeking to carry out the role which God has ordained, good. But often their ambitions are contrary to their divinely given role.

The scope of our prayers for our leaders is narrowly defined by Paul. He says we must pray for them “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2). This is accomplished by them fulfilling their divinely given role. Paul says, “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:3). Therefore, this is the first priority for which we should pray regarding civil authorities.

What is a Tranquil and Quiet Life?

There may be many things that we might associate with a tranquil and quiet life. But there are certain things from a Biblical standpoint that we should consider. There is one thing that each of these has in common – freedom.

• Freedom to work and provide for ourselves – Paul instructed the brethren in Thessalonica, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Some want to be free from working and having to provide for themselves. But Paul says working is included in the “quiet life” a Christian should live. To the degree which we are able, it is important that we provide for our own (1 Timothy 5:8) and not be dependent upon others (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10).
• Freedom to assemble with our brethren and worship – Both of these activities are vital for Christians. The Hebrew writer tells us, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Regarding worship, Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Assembling and worshipping are not optional.
• Freedom to teach the gospel to others – Jesus told His apostles in the Great Commission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Though not every aspect of the Commission applies to us today, we still have the responsibility to teach the gospel (1 Peter 3:15; Philippians 2:16; 1 Timothy 3:15).
• Freedom from persecution – Persecution can come either from the government as they act as a minister of Satan rather than of God (cf. Revelation 2:10), or from some other individual or group that ought to be punished by a properly functioning government (Romans 13:4). Persecution seeks to destroy the church as Saul nearly did in Jerusalem, driving the disciples out of the city (Acts 8:1). But the absence of persecution helps the church to grow. Notice what happened after Saul was converted and the persecution subsided: “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase” (Acts 9:31).

If these freedoms do not exist, our responsibilities before God remain unchanged. But it is preferable in God’s sight – and certainly in ours as well – to have these freedoms than not have them. When we are free to do these things, then “we may lead a tranquil and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:2).

Why is This Important?

Paul said it was “good and acceptable in the sight of God” that we are permitted to “lead a tranquil and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:2-3). But why does God see this as good and acceptable? The answer is in the next verse: “Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). The implication here is that a government that does not meet its divinely given role is a threat and an obstacle to the spread of the gospel.

The purpose of praying for a tranquil and quiet life is not for our own comfort or prosperity. Those are certainly benefits, but the primary purpose is something far more important than that. The purpose of a tranquil and quiet life is so that the gospel can be taught freely and openly so others can hear it. Once they hear it and believe it, they can obey it without interference. Those who have obeyed it can continue to follow the Lord and lead others to Him. These things can happen amidst persecution, but they happen far more effectively without persecution.

So pray “for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:2-4).

Joel Osteen, the popular mega-church preacher known for proclaiming the gospel of prosperity, was interviewed recently by Oprah and asked if he believed homosexuals would be in heaven. Osteen stated his belief that they would. He then explained that while he believed homosexuality was described as a sin in the Bible, he did not believe it was any worse than any other sin. Therefore, his conclusion was that since those who commit other sins will be in heaven, then homosexuals must be there as well.

Where Osteen is Right

Joel Osteen is right about a couple things. First, he is correct when he states that homosexuality is a sin. It is condemned in the Bible in every dispensation.

• The practice was so widespread in Sodom that God destroyed the city (Genesis 13:13; 18:20-21; 19:4-5). Jude makes it clear that this punishment was specifically for the sin of homosexuality (“these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh,” Jude 7), not some other sin.
• Under the Law of Moses, homosexuality was condemned in very clear language. “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them” (Leviticus 20:13).
• Even under the New Testament, homosexuality is never said to be an acceptable practice. Paul described it as being contrary to both nature (Romans 1:26-27) and to sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:10).

Second, Osteen is right when he says that all sin is worthy of punishment. Paul said, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:2). The Scriptures do not classify some sins as being damnable and others not. James wrote, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (James 2:10).

Where Osteen is Wrong

While Joel Osteen may be right in his belief that homosexuality is sin and that all sin is worthy of punishment, he is wrong when he says that homosexuals will be in heaven. Notice what Paul wrote:

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

Homosexuals were listed among those who would not inherit the kingdom of God. I will accept the word of the inspired apostle Paul over the speculations of a modern-day, so-called preacher. Osteen’s claim that homosexuals will be in heaven is directly opposed to what Paul told the Corinthians.

However, Paul does not teach that homosexuals are without hope. After telling these brethren that homosexuals (and others) would not inherit the kingdom of God, he said, “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The implication is that there were former homosexuals among the brethren at Corinth. Though they had lived one way before responding to the gospel, they had repudiated their old life of sin in order to follow Christ and gain entry into His kingdom. So while homosexuals will not be in heaven, former homosexuals certainly could be.

Heaven is Open to All

God’s grace has been extended to all – homosexuals, adulterers, murderers, thieves, alcoholics, etc. Paul said, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11). This extension of grace to all does not mean that all will be saved unconditionally. It means that all have the opportunity to be saved by God’s grace. But we must become dead to sin (Romans 6:11) and obey the Lord (Hebrews 5:9) in order to be saved.

Rather than warning of judgment and encouraging people to repent, Osteen is like the false prophets of old, “Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). God has made heaven open to all, including those who currently practice homosexuality. But we must follow God’s way to get to heaven, not the way professed by Joel Osteen or any other man.

Idolatry is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments (Exodus 20:3-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9). There are a number of things that have the potential of becoming idols for us if we allow them. They are not limited to graven images, but could include things like money, possessions, careers, and even people. The warning issued by John at the end of his first epistle – “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21) – remains an important reminder for Christians today.

With the danger of idolatry being a reality and having the divinely given warning in mind, let us notice a few facts about idols.

Idols compete with God for our allegiance and devotion – The prohibition of idolatry given in the Ten Commandments was based upon the fact that God is “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5). He will not accept our divided allegiance. Jesus pointed out the need to choose one or the other when He spoke of one prominent idol today – wealth. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). We cannot ride the fence, but must follow the Lord wholeheartedly (Matthew 22:36-37). Idols pull our hearts away from God.

Idols are nothing – To make the point that there was no sin inherent in one eating meat that had been sacrificed to an idol, Paul gave this reason: “We know that there is no such things as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one” (1 Corinthians 8:4). Idols hold no significance other than what we assign to them. On one hand, the golden calf made by Aaron for the Israelites was just a statue. But the people assigned some greater significance to this statue in their minds: “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4). If we are to guard ourselves from idols (1 John 5:21), we must guard our minds that we would not treat anything as if it were a god.

Idols have to be made – The account of the golden calf began with the people making a request of Aaron: “Come, make us a god who will go before us” (Exodus 32:1). All idols have to be made, either physically like a graven image (Isaiah 44:9-17) or mentally as we assign undue importance to things that pertain to this life (Colossians 3:5). Idols did not exist before man, but rather were made by man. They will also be among the things that will be destroyed when this world comes to an end (2 Peter 3:10).

Idols allow man to do anything he wants – As the Israelites engaged in the worship of the golden calf, their behavior was affected: “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (Exodus 32:6). Because the idol was made by man and assigned some degree of significance by man, naturally it would approve of whatever man wanted to do. Paul warned about “self-made religion” (Colossians 2:23) in which man could follow any commands he wished in his religious service. Idolatry certainly qualifies as “self-made religion.” Whatever man wishes to do, his idol will allow him to do it in good conscience.

Idols take, but give no blessing in return – Again, using the example of the golden calf, notice what was required of the people in order to fashion this idol: “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me” (Exodus 32:2). This gold that was collected would be used to make the golden calf (Exodus 32:4). These people sacrificially gave their gold for the idol. The idol never gave them anything in return. Contrast that with God who requires sacrifice, but blesses far more abundantly than what man gives to Him (Malachi 3:8-10). For our service and sacrifice to Him in this life, God offers us “an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). No idol can offer this or any other blessing to us, no matter how much we sacrifice for that false god.

Idols stand between man and salvation – Paul wrote, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” He included idolaters in this list of those who are unrighteous (1 Corinthians 6:9). We are told that of idolaters, as well as others: “Their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). If we do not surrender our idols, whatever they may be, we cannot be saved.

You must make a choice. Will you serve the one, true God who made the heavens and the earth? Or will you serve a false god? The wise choice is apparent. Will you forsake all to follow the Lord?

It is an inescapable reality that we are involved in a war — not the type of war that nations wage for wealth, resources, or territory, but a spiritual war for the souls of men (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). But while the final outcome of a physical war is always unknown, the result of this spiritual war is certain. Notice what the book of Revelation says about the victory of Christ:

“These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).

Jesus will lead His army to victory. There is no uncertainty to this. What is uncertain is which side we will join. Will we choose to be on the Lord’s side, or will we choose to fight against Him?

The choice should be simple. Do we wish to be on the side of victory or defeat? Anyone who understands the conflict and the eternal fate of the those on each side will invariably want to be on the side of Christ. But how are we to be sure we are on the Lord’s side? The verse above tells us the three characteristics of His soldiers: “the called and chosen and faithful.”

• The Called — The Scriptures tell us the way in which God calls men. Paul told the brethren in Thessalonica: “It was for this He called you through our gospel” (2 Thessalonians 2:14). To be part of the Lord’s army, we must first hear the gospel.
• The Chosen — People have different ideas as to what it means to be chosen by God. What do the Scriptures say? Paul wrote: “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:4). Rather than God arbitrarily choosing a random group of people, Paul says He chose a certain type of people (“holy and blameless”) that are found “in Him.” How does one get in Christ? He is “baptized into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). To be part of the Lord’s army, we must obey the gospel, including the command to be baptized.
• The Faithful — Hearing the gospel and being obedient to it at one point in time does not guarantee salvation. We must continue in faithfulness. The church in Smyrna was told, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). To remain a part of the Lord’s army, we must remain faithful in all things.

Hear the gospel. Obey the gospel. Remain faithful to Christ. Doing these things will keep you on the Lord’s side, thus ensuring your part in the victory of the Lamb.

If you have not yet followed the necessary steps to become a part of His army, do it without delay. It is far better to fight for Jesus than against Him.

If you are already a part of His army, then follow the instructions written down by Paul: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

It is interesting to go back and see what articles struck a chord with visitors. Below are the top five articles that received the most page views in 2011. A couple of these are from previous years and are still getting a lot traffic.

1. Are the Jews Still God’s Chosen People Today? (02.11.11)
2. Some Reflections on the 2011 Florida College Chorus Tour (03.26.11)
3. The Fields Are White for Harvest (08.09.09)
4. A Leap of Faith (03.05.10)
5. Some Thoughts on Easter (04.23.11)

Thanks for your continued interest in Plain Bible Teaching. There will be plenty more in 2012. If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the PBT Weekly Newsletter to stay up to date on all the new content and more.

As the beginning of another year rapidly approaches, Christians can use this time in three ways: as a reminder, as an opportunity, and as a warning.

The New Year is a Reminder — The fact that we have made it through this year should remind us of the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Paul noted, “In Him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28). James reminds us that all of our blessings come from above (James 1:17). What is even more amazing is that this has happened since the Creation. In Lystra, Paul told the crowd that God “did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). God continues to do this even today on account of the promise He made to Noah: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). During this time of year we can reflect upon the blessings we have already received, and look forward to the blessings of the new year we will receive by His providence.

The New Year is an Opportunity — While Paul recognized that the eternal reward with Christ was far better than anything of this life, he was determined to use his time on earth productively. He told the church in Philippi, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me” (Philippians 1:21-22). As long as he had life in him, Paul was going to use his time as an opportunity to do good. We can look at the new year as an opportunity for many things, including spiritual growth (2 Peter 3:18), helping others (Galatians 6:10), and spreading the gospel (1 Peter 3:15; Acts 8:4). We should strive to make “the most of [our] time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

The New Year is a Warning — The wise man wrote of our “fleeting life” which we have “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 9:9). James reminds us: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). As this year ends, we cannot help but be reminded of the fact that time is quickly passing away. We can never go back and reclaim the time that has past. Instead we are steadily moving toward our common fate — death. “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Not only will we die, but following our death we will “all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The passing of time should be a warning for us to prepare for this appointment.

As we get ready for another year on the calendar, let us remember God’s blessings, resolve to serve and grow in Him, and always be prepared for our time on earth to finally come to an end.

Shortly before His death, Jesus spoke to His disciples about love – the love He had for them and the love they were to have for Him.

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:13-14).

Jesus would soon demonstrate His love for His disciples and all mankind. Even though He had the authority to call down twelve legions of angels to prevent Him from going to the cross (Matthew 26:52-53), He willingly surrendered His life to make that sacrifice for us (John 10:18). Paul reminds us that Jesus did this “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8). Jesus did not just say that He loved us, He showed it clearly for all to see.

This great love that Jesus showed toward us should provoke us to respond in kind – to love Him as He loved us (1 John 4:19). How do we demonstrate His love? Just as Jesus showed His love, rather than merely offer a verbal expression of love, we must do the same thing. We must “not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18).

So how do we show Jesus our love for Him? He answered this for us as He spoke to His disciples. The great love causes us to be willing to sacrifice our lives, just as Jesus did on the cross. Does this mean we must die a physical death in the name of Christ? That could happen, but for most Christians today our faith is not tested to this point. Yet we must still lay down our lives for Christ. How do we do this? Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).

Our love for Christ is demonstrated by our obedience. Many will claim to love Christ, but refuse to obey, or belittle the importance of obedience. Yet if we want to be a friend of Jesus, we will obey Him. He said earlier, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). He did not say you might keep the commandments or you don’t have to keep the commandments. He said, “You will keep My commandments.”

Do not love Christ in word only, show your love through your actions. Surrender your life in humble obedience just as Paul did. He wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Jesus obeyed the will of the Father and laid down His life for you. In response, obey Him, laying down your life for Him.

I recently finished reading Aaron Erhardt’s book, Coming to Christ: A Study of the Detailed Conversions in Acts. As you can probably gather from the title, this book examines the conversion accounts in the book of Acts in order to show the consistent pattern for God’s plan of salvation.

Aaron does a good job explaining these passages in a way that is easy to understand. The Scriptures teach the essentiality of baptism for salvation and Aaron points this out in every case. Of course, much of the religious world denies that baptism is necessary for salvation. So Aaron also has a chapter addressing several arguments that are made against baptism.

The material in this book would be good for anyone who needs to learn what the Bible says about obeying the gospel. It is also good for Christians so that they might be prepared to teach others who are outside of the body of Christ and be equipped to show them what God requires of man.

You can learn more about this book by visiting the author’s website: Erhardt Publications.