“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work… preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” ().
All Scripture is inspired by God, but preachers and teachers are not. Most do a wonderful job of helping us come closer to Christ; however, some will quote the Bible but then twist things a little bit out of context and present unbiblical teachings. That is why we must have our Bibles, minds, and hearts open as we listen to Biblical instruction. Raccoon John Smith, a preacher in the Restoration Movement in the 1800’s, said that when he listened to Alexander Campbell preach, he had to pay extra close attention to the Bible because Campbell was such a powerful communicator.
Here’s a little test for you today: Which of the following statements is not true?
1) Before you tell men what to do for God, tell men what God did for them.
2) When man gets the cross, the cross gets the man.
3) Do good works NOT in order to be saved BUT because you are saved.
4) Do your best and God will do the rest.
5) We are not saved by good works; rather, we are saved for good works.
6) Good works are not the root of salvation but the fruit of salvation.
7) Dead men don’t climb ladders.
If you answered #4 as the statement that is incorrect, treat yourself to a double-stack cheeseburger at Wendy’s.
If you got it wrong, please read Rom. 3:21-26; 4:1-25; 5:1, 9-11; 6:1-23; 12:1-2; I Cor. 15:9-10; II Cor. 5:14-17; Gal. 2:15-21; 3:1-14; 5:1-6; Eph. 2:1-10; Tit. 2:11-14; 3:1-8; and the rest of the Old and New Testament ☺. See me for any needed clarification.
Mike