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Is calling Jesus Lord enough?

Published on: April 15th, 2024

Why do you address me as Lord? If Jesus were to pose that question, what would our response be? Most individuals in the religious community might answer, "He is my Lord." However, merely saying it isn't enough. Jesus cautioned in Matthew 15 that there were those who honored him with their words but lacked sincerity in their hearts. This is a challenge Jesus repeatedly presented, as seen in Luke 6, where he questioned, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Calling Jesus Lord implies submission in every aspect of life. It means he governs our choices. Some may argue that talking about actions implies earning salvation, but Jesus clarifies in Luke 17:10 that obedience is the natural outcome of acknowledging him as Lord.

We encourage all to open their Bibles, be noble, and seek the Bible's truth (Acts 17:11).

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Does the Church matter?

Published on: April 8th, 2024 Updated on: April 9th, 2024

Does it bother you when somebody says that the church doesn't matter? It certainly does for me. It's a sentiment I hear frequently—people expressing a desire for "Christianity, not Christianity" or suggesting that attending any church is akin to joining a social club with no bearing on our relationship with God. But is that the case?

If we delve into scripture, we find compelling reasons to consider the importance of the church more seriously. For instance, does it matter that Christ died on the cross? In Mark 15:25, it's recorded that at the third hour, Jesus was crucified—humanity enacted upon Him the most horrifying sentence of death imaginable. But what does this have to do with the church?

Consider Acts 20:28, where the Apostle Paul, addressing the elders at Ephesus, implores them to shepherd the flock, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit has appointed them as overseers to nurture the Church of God, a church bought with the precious blood of Christ.

In light of these passages, it becomes evident that the church holds significant weight in our spiritual journey. It's not merely a social institution but a sacred assembly, purchased at an immeasurable cost—the blood of our Savior. So, yes, the church does matter, profoundly so.

We encourage all to open their Bibles, be noble, and seek the Bible's truth (Acts 17:11).

If you're interested in deepening your understanding of the Bible, we cordially invite you to embark on a transformative journey through our Bible correspondence course. Click here to begin your enriching experience.

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When was Saul saved?

Published on: April 1st, 2024

When was Saul saved? In the religious world, many assert that Saul, who would become Paul, was saved on the road to Damascus. However, a closer look at the scriptures reveals a different story. Saul, while traveling to Damascus with letters to persecute the church, encountered Jesus, who appeared to him and asked, "Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Upon realizing it was Jesus, Saul's response was immediate belief, asking, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Many interpret this as the moment Saul believed in Jesus as the Christ and was thus saved. But what do the scriptures teach? According to Acts 22:16, Ananias, a disciple, instructed Saul: "Why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." As we can see from this verse Saul's salvation involved baptism and calling on the name of the Lord.

We encourage all to open their Bibles, be noble, and seek the Bible's truth (Acts 17:11).

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Who are the sheep?

Published on: March 25th, 2024

In the Book of Matthew, specifically in the 25th chapter, we encounter the imagery of the Judgment seat where the Sheep are distinguished from the goats. The sheep are those who will enter into the eternal rest prepared by Jesus. So, who exactly are these sheep? This question finds a clear answer when we turn to the Book of John, specifically in the 10th chapter, verse 27, where Jesus states, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Reflecting on this, we understand that there are two essential qualifications to being counted as one of His sheep: firstly, that we hear His voice, and secondly, that we follow Him. It's a conscious choice we make. In the preceding verses, Jesus indicated that some did not believe because they were not among His sheep. In essence, they did not listen and thus never became part of His flock. However, once we decide to both hear and follow Him, we become His sheep, and He grants us a profound assurance.

We encourage all to open their Bibles, be noble, and seek the Bible's truth (Acts 17:11).