“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This verse is set in the midst of a context where Paul reminds the Romans what is necessary to be saved (v. 13-17). He goes on to say that the Jews had heard the truth, and yet they continued to disobey (v. 18-21). Let us learn that true Bible faith comes when we hear and make applications to self. Faith does not come without God’s word, but through it! All the great faith heroes are such because they first listened to God’s word and then obeyed what they heard (Heb. 11). Are we listening? Do we have faith?

- Jarrod Jacobs

Two Roads

Jarrod Jacobs

                   On one occasion, Jesus encouraged folks to, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matt. 7:13-14). Each day on earth, we must make the choice to walk one of the two roads described by Christ. Which one will we choose to walk?

                   Perhaps seeing the destinations of each road will help us decide. Jesus said one road leads to destruction, while the other road leads to life. Does this help us choose the road? Don’t we want to walk the road that leads to life instead of destruction? I do!

                   Yet, how do we get on these roads? Friend, we’re already walking on them! The question is whether we’re walking the “narrow” or the “wide” way! Walking the narrow road demands our faith and obedience to God on a daily basis. Walking the wide road requires nothing of us! Unlike the “narrow” road, we can be walking on the “wide” road and not even know it! This is the danger of this road.

                   Thanks be to God that those on the “wide” road can switch and get on the “narrow” by following the Lord’s plan of salvation (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38) and living faithfully (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). Will you do this? Which road will you walk in this life? Choose wisely, your eternity rests on this decision!

“Truth: Its Necessity”

Jarrod Jacobs

                   When we think about truth, I wonder if we realize just how deeply woven truth is into the very fabric of our lives. There are “truth in advertising” laws in our country so that the consuming public is able to trust what is advertised in the media. Even deeper than this, we expect the truth to be told to us daily. For example, if we go to a restaurant and order a meal, we expect that meal to be cooked for us and that we will be charged the price listed on the menu. When we see a city sign, we believe that this sign has the truth written on it! When we read road signs, we take it for granted that those sign have truth printed on them as well.

                   The attribute of honesty is something that is still taught in families. In fact, a lot of people still expect politicians to be honest, especially if they are people we know and grew up with! Yes, “truth” is very much in the fabric of our society!

                   When we consider God’s word, we see that it, in fact, is truth. Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). The Bible can be trusted, for it instructs us in God’s will (II Tim. 3:15). It is inspired, and tells us what is necessary to get from earth to Heaven! Have you read your Bible today (Eph. 3:4)? Why not spend time today reading the truth from God? Let it change you for the better!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” God’s Scripture does something no other written work does. It “thoroughly” equips for, not many or most, but “all good works!” This is accomplished through the Scriptures that teach us God’s will (“doctrine”), shows us when we are wrong (“reproof”), teaches us what to do to get right (“correction”), and what to do to stay right (“instruction in righteousness”)! Make no mistake: If what we are doing is not authorized of God, it is not a good work! Have you obeyed God’s inspired word?

- Jarrod Jacobs

Truths Concerning The Bible

Jarrod Jacobs

            When was the last time you read your Bible? The Bible continues to be a best-seller in this country, yet people are ignorant of what it says. Why? Please consider some truths concerning the Bible.

            The Bible is a spiritual sword (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). It is nourishment to the soul (I Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14). The Bible is described as a fire, hammer (Jer. 23:29), mirror (Jas. 1:22-25), and light (Ps. 119:105). The Bible provides us with “words whereby you and all your house will be saved” (Acts 11:14). Seeing that this is the case, ought we not read our Bibles more?

            Yet, many are not reading their Bibles. Why is this? I do not know all the answers, but might I suggest that some may not wish to read it because the Bible demands we change our behavior through repentance (Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38). Some do not like the Bible because it demands that we make hard choices (Josh. 24:15; Col. 3:1-10). Some do not like the Bible because it shines the light on our deeds (Jn. 3:19).

            In contrast, what we need is to love God and keep His commandments (I Jn. 5:3). We need to show reverence for His word (Ecc. 12:13; Acts 10:35), and speak “as the utterances of God” (I Pet. 4:11). What is your attitude toward the Bible? Come visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. We are folks who respect and obey the Bible.