Shoplifting A Bible

Jarrod Jacobs

                   It came to my attention a while back that the most shoplifted book in the world is the Bible! Whether this is true or an “urban myth,” just think of the irony of a Bible being stolen!

                   It is ironic because there are many Bible passages which tell us not to steal (Ex. 20:15; Lev. 19:11, 13; Deut. 5:19; Eph. 4:28). Imagine someone stealing something that plainly states, “don’t steal.” Too, we are told in this same book that someone who is guilty of stealing will be lost in Hell (I Cor. 6:10)!

                   How ironic that a book saying, “don’t steal, and if you do, you endanger your eternal soul,” is stolen so frequently! Yet, this got me to thinking about human nature in general. Is it not true that often, the very things we are told not to do are the things we do?

                   From the beginning, man has been tempted by Satan to contradict the will of God (Gen. 2:16-17, 3:1-6). Sadly, man contradicts God’s will more than he obeys it (Rom. 3:23; Ecc. 7:29). Yet, this is not because he has no choice. In fact, it is the opposite (Jas. 1:14-15)! Due to man’s free moral agency, he has often chosen to turn from God’s will and walk in his own selfish way.

                   In addition to not stealing, we are also told throughout Scripture:

• Do not murder (Ex. 20:13; Rom. 13:9; I Jn. 3:15; Rev. 21:8)
• Do not lie (Ex. 20:16; Col. 3:9; Eph. 4:25; Rev. 21:8)
• Do not lust after others (Matt. 5:28; Job 31:1; II Pet. 2:14-15)
• Do not be lazy (II Thess. 3:10; Prov. 24:30-34)
• Worship God only (Matt. 4:10; Jn. 4:24)
• Be baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38, 8:35-38, 10:48)
• Live faithfully (II Tim. 4:6-8; Rev. 2:10; I Cor. 15:58)
• Treat others kindly (Eph. 4:32; I Cor. 13:4; Matt. 7:12; II Pet. 1:17)
• Love God (Matt. 22:37; I Jn. 5:2-3)
• Love our neighbors (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39; Jas. 2:8; Gal. 5:14; Rom. 13:9)

                   This is just a partial list! In observing the items on our list, can we not also think of folks (perhaps us) who blatantly contradict these commands, too? Why are we surprised, then, when we read of someone (or many people) shoplifting a Bible?

                   Some might reason, “If a person stole a Bible, it might turn out good because he might then read that Bible and learn the truth.” The response that comes to my mind is the apostle Paul’s statement where he denied the doctrine of: “Let us do evil, that good may come” (Rom. 3:8). He said it was “slanderously reported” that they taught a doctrine that has come to be known as “situation ethics”. So also today, we do not justify a wicked act by trying to find some supposed “good” that can come from it.

                   More can be said about this, but the point is that we as God’s creatures have to decide to do what is right, and then continue daily to decide to do what is right (Jas. 1:27; Matt. 7:13-14; Lk. 9:23; Rev. 2:10; etc.). When we decide that we will not do what the Lord says, in spite of His clear statements in the Bible, then we are setting ourselves up for spiritual ruin and an eternity in a devil’s Hell. Should the Bible be the most shoplifted book, then let man repent of this sin (as well as all others) and live for the Lord while we still have the time and opportunity to do so (II Cor. 6:2).

A Lack Of Information Or Application?

Jarrod Jacobs

                   The Bible is a unique book, to be sure. While it is not a science book, it is scientifically accurate. Though it is not a geography book, it is geographically accurate. It is historically true and is obviously a spiritually-focused book. Within the pages of inspiration, we learn that God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). The inspired Scriptures are “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (II Tim. 3:16-17). The word Christ spoke ought to take first place in our lives because it is this word that will judge us one day (Jn. 12:48). Knowing these things are true, is it any wonder that Peter would, by inspiration, write to Christians and say, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (I Pet. 4:11)?

                   I cite the passages above to make it clear that God has provided all the information necessary for us to get from earth to Heaven! The Bible has been written; the word is true (Jn. 17:17); and the gospel will save us (Rom. 1:16). The question now is whether or not we will apply the information to our lives! James wrote that a man who hears and does is considered a “blessed man” (Jas. 1:25). He further writes that “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:17, 20, 26). Jesus said the ones who will see Heaven are those who “do the will of my father which is in Heaven” (Matt. 7:21). In other words, when it comes to pleasing God, we do not lack the information, but we often lack the application! 

                   Throughout history, this fact is what has separated God’s children from the world! Many people have heard God’s word in various ways. In the book of Exodus, we see Pharaoh heard God’s word, but he “hardened his heart” (Ex. 7:14, 22, 8:15, 19, 32, 9:7, etc.) and was punished as a result of his pride. Others who knew the truth but refused to obey were many of the “chief rulers” in Christ’s day. They knew who Christ was, but refused to confess Him because they feared what the Pharisees would say (Jn. 12:42-43). Another person who knew the truth was Agrippa. He knew the truth, but would not confess Christ, nor be baptized (Acts 26:27-28). This list could be extended, but the point is that God did not leave them ignorant of the truth! Yet, they were condemned because they did not act upon what they knew!

                   What about us? We have the Bible at our fingertips. Yes, some know more than others, but is this really what is stopping us from being what God would have us to be? Is this really what is stopping us from obeying the Lord and living as He wants us to live? I suggest that it is not so much a matter of information, but it is a matter of application! We do not want to do those things Christ has said! Shame on us for being that way! Let us listen to the Lord, who tells us to be obedient to Him (Jn. 14:15; I Jn. 5:3) and prepare ourselves for Heaven by applying the information God has revealed! In so doing, we will be a blessed people! (Jas. 1:25)

Does It Matter What We Believe?

Jarrod Jacobs

                   Many today ask this question in reference to religious matters. Depending on who we ask, some will say that it does not matter what we believe so long as we are honest and sincere about religious issues. Others will say that what we believe matters, religiously. Which answer is correct? Let us look to the Bible and see whether or not what I believe “matters”.

                   If, in spiritual matters, it does not matter what we believe, why did Jesus condemn the Pharisees and the Sadducees for their behavior? Let us read Matthew 15:9. There, Jesus said, “in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Does this sound like Jesus does not care how we worship him or what we believe? If it does not matter what we believe, then why did Jesus make that statement in Matthew 15:9? Another passage we ought to read is found in Matthew 22:29. Jesus condemned the Sadducees at that time and said, “Ye are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures, nor the power of God.” How could these people be “wrong” if it does not matter what we believe on religious matters?

                   Let us look at an early teacher and preacher of the gospel; a Christian by the name of Stephen. This space will not allow us to print the entire text, but please read Acts 6-7 so you can understand the entire context. We are introduced to Stephen in Acts 6, and Acts 7 records a time when he was opposed by the Jews for preaching about Christ. Toward the end of Acts 7, Stephen condemned the Jews for refusing to believe that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and that He is the Messiah. Please notice what happened, “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth...Then cast him out of the city, and stoned him” (Acts 7:54, 58). Does this sound like a reaction from folks who have been told, “It doesn’t matter what you believe so long as you are honest and sincere”?

                   Why do people insist that it doesn’t matter what folks believe in religious matters? We know that this idea of “It doesn’t matter what you believe” is not true in any other area of life. For example, we can’t say, “It doesn’t matter what you believe about the rules of arithmetic. So long as you are sincere, any answer will do.” We can’t say, “It doesn’t matter what you believe about the prices of items at the store. So long as you are a sincere person, any amount will be accepted.” We can’t say, “It doesn’t matter what you believe about stop signs. So long as you are a sincere person, any action you take at an intersection is accepted.” Since we know this to be true, why then do men teach that it doesn’t matter what you believe when it comes to religious matters? Put simply, it is because these folks do not want to do what God says, but want to follow their own will!

                   My friend, what we believe religiously, matters! What we believe concerning religious matters will determine whether we go to Heaven or Hell! This is how serious it is. If you are not sure, then please read John 8:24, and ask yourself if there is “room for interpretation” there. When people declare that it does not matter what you believe so long as you are honest and sincere, they are teaching something completely foreign to the Scriptures.

            “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude’s letter is unique. He had intended to write to Christians about the common salvation. However, it was necessary for him to remind folks to “earnestly contend for the faith.” To “contend” means to strive or agonize. Many Christians forget that being a Christian involves contending, or striving for what is right. Shame on us! Jude was stating something that Paul had taught to others (II Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:13-18). Similarly, Peter stated that fleshly lusts “war against the soul” (I Pet. 2:11). Let us understand that Satan is not playing with us. Why then are so many Christians playing with him? Let us open our eyes and understand that we must strive or contend with Satan and evil in this life. We are in a fight for our souls and the souls of others. God has called us to be soldiers (II Tim. 2:4). Therefore, let us do as Jude said and “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints”!

- Jarrod Jacobs

Timeless Truths About The Bible

Jarrod Jacobs

                   The Bible is a powerful tool (Jer. 23:29). It is a warrior’s weapon (Eph. 6:17; II Cor. 10:3-5)! Unfortunately, the Bible is something that is taken for granted by many in our society. It is treated by some as a book of myths and legends, as a magic charm, and other things. It is time that we learned what the Bible truly is, and respect it for what it is.

                   A good way to appreciate the Bible is by noting its inspired descriptions. The Bible is described as the “sword of the Spirit” by the apostle Paul. “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm .... And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:13-17). Hebrews 4:12 declares God’s word to be sharper than any “two-edged sword.” When God’s word is handled accurately, it results in people being cut to the heart (Acts 2:37)! If people are not cut to the heart at the preaching and teaching of God’s word, something is wrong with the preacher or the listeners! We must handle God’s word correctly (II Tim. 2:15). May we remember God’s word is a “sword” and use it as a good soldier should!

                   God’s word is also compared to a fire. Jeremiah wrote, “Is not my word like a fire declares the Lord … ?” (Jer. 23:29). Just as a fire can burn off the chaff in the field, so also, the Lord’s word can burn away the “trash” in our lives to reveal a heart ready to do His will. In connection with this, I find it fascinating to read that when the disciples spoke with the Lord on the road to Emmaus, they said, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Lk. 24:32).

                   Another description of the word of God is “truth.” In Jesus’ prayer to His Father, He readily proclaimed, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). In a world known for dishonesty, God’s word is truth! Never forget this!

                   Just as we see timeless truths in the description of the Bible, we also see timeless truths when observing people’s reactions to it! When people hear God’s Word, they will react in one of two ways without exception. They will either accept and obey God’s word, or they will reject and dismiss God’s word. Let us look at some examples of this.

                   First, we see Abraham. He displays a heart of submission. When called by God, he answered, “Here am I” (Gen. 22:1) and was obedient to God’s command. In contrast, when Pharaoh heard God’s word, he hardened his heart (Ex. 5-12). Again, we find that the apostles showed their submission to the Lord when He spoke, but many of Jesus’ disciples “walked with him no more” when He said something they did not want to hear (Jn. 6:66-69).

                   Friend, which best describes you? Do you act like Abraham or Pharaoh when you read and study God’s word? Will you be like the apostles of the Lord, or those foolish followers who left the Lord when He expected them to change? Let us all show the proper respect for the word of God. Let us read, study, speak, and submit to God’s word (I Pet. 4:11; Eph. 4:3).