“The Treasure Called The Bible”

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   Note: The following story comes from a source unknown to me, but it makes a very good point: A young Christian packing his bag for a journey said to a friend, “I have nearly finished packing. All I have to put in are a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a few biographies, a package of old letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer, and a set of tools.”

                   “But you cannot put all that into your bag,” objected the friend. “Oh, yes,” said the Christian. “Here it is.” And he placed his Bible in the corner of the suitcase and closed the lid.” - Anonymous

                   The young Christian understood what he was packing when he packed his Bible. Do we realize what we are holding when we hold the Bible in our hands? Do we take our Bible with us when we go on vacations, or other trips? Is our Bible within our minds as we conduct our daily business? (Remember: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ....” “Thy word have I hid in my heart ....” — Col. 3:16; Ps. 119:11). Other descriptions of God’s word include: a sword (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12), seed (Lk. 8:11), and food (Heb. 5:12-14). Let us respect this treasure, the Bible, realizing that it “thoroughly (furnishes) us unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16-17). What is your attitude toward the Bible?

Spotlight On A Bible Verse: Matthew 17:5

"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” The context of this verse records the event when Christ was transfigured. At this time, He was joined by Elijah and Moses, as Peter, James, and John stood by. When Peter suggested that three tabernacles or tents be made for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, God’s voice thundered from the cloud (v. 4-5).

Peter learned a lesson we need to learn. He needed to listen to Jesus Christ the Son of God. We need to do this as well! It is His voice that is authoritative (Matt. 28:18). It is His words that have life (Jn. 6:63). It is His words that will judge us one day (Jn. 12:48). Therefore, let us “hear Him” in everything and be blessed (Heb. 1:1-2, 2:1-3, 5:9, 12:25-26).

- Jarrod Jacobs

“He Is Too Narrow!”

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   The observation is sometimes made about the preacher or teacher that he is “too narrow.” In our culture, absence of conviction is often mistaken for broadness of mind. Roy L. Smith said the following about “broad-mindedness” in religion; it is worth reading. He said:

                   “The preacher is sometimes accused of being narrow-minded because he insists upon the Christian’s forsaking all to follow Christ. Yet, all of life is narrow, and success is to be found only by passing through the narrow gate and the straightened way (Matt. 7:13-14). There is no room for broad-mindedness …

• … in the chemical laboratory. Water is composed of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. The slightest deviation from that formula is forbidden.
• … in music. There can only be eight notes in a measure. The skilled director will not permit his first violin to put in even so much as an extra thirty-second note.
• … in the mathematics classroom. Neither geometry, calculus, nor trigonometry allows for any variation from exact accuracy, even for old time’s sake. The solution of the problem is either right or wrong.
• … in biology. One varying result out of a thousand experiments will invalidate an entire theory.
• … on the athletic field. The game is played according to the rules, with no favors shown for charity’s sake.
• … in the garage. The mechanic there says that the piston rings must fit the cylinder walls within one two-thousandths of an inch. Even between friends there cannot be any variation if the motor is to run smoothly.

“How then shall we expect that broad-mindedness shall rule in the realm of religion and morals?”

“Remember Lot’s Wife”

Jarrod Jacobs 

Jesus’ words in Luke 17:32 refer to a time when Lot and his family were warned to flee Sodom and not look back (Gen. 19:17). Tragically, Lot’s wife disobeyed God. She looked back and “became a pillar of salt” (v. 26). When we remember Lot’s wife ...

We know God keeps His promises! Just as God promised destruction for Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other cities (Gen. 19), God has promised eternal damnation for those who do not know God nor obey Him (II Thess. 1:6-9). God also promised eternity in Heaven for the faithful (Jn. 14:1-6; Rev. 7:15-17). Since God kept His word back then, we trust He will keep it now (Rom. 2:7-11)!

Secondly, we know God will not allow the wicked to continue! When God was through with the cities of the plain, there was nothing left but ashes and smoke (Gen. 19:28)! When we sin, rest assured God knows it, and we will answer for it (Num. 32:23; Prov. 15:3; Ecc. 12:13; Rom. 2:16; I Tim. 5:24-25)!

Finally, we know we cannot judge outward appearances! Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom” because of the well-watered plain and potential blessing for his livestock and family (Gen. 13:12). Though rich, this city was condemned because of their homosexuality, and other sins (Gen. 13:13, 19:5). Let us not think that physical prosperity equals spiritual soundness! Many times, it is just the opposite (Rev. 2:9)! “Remember Lot’s wife”!

“What Is Hindering Me From Being Baptized?”

Jarrod Jacobs 

After Philip ran to the Ethiopian eunuch and taught him about Jesus (Acts 8:30, 35), they came to some water. “And the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). Friend, have you ever wondered what is stopping you from being baptized? Do you know already? We conclude this series by looking at one more excuse people use for not being baptized. Friend, let us remove all hindrances that are keeping us from being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

An excuse some use for not being baptized is that no one they know has done it. Friend, using other’s disobedience as an excuse for our own disobedience will not cool the fires of Hell. The majority is almost never right. God warned Moses against going with the majority in Exodus 23:2. Several hundred years later, Solomon reiterated the warning (Prov. 1:10-11). In fact, those that are obedient to Jesus are always the few. Please read Matthew 7:13-14, and learn that those who will have eternal life in Heaven are the “few.” The majority made their choice to follow the path leading to destruction (Matt. 7:13).

Do not let your past, your friends, your family, or your lack of Bible knowledge keep you from doing what is right. Obey God today (II Cor. 6:2). Be baptized for the remission of your sins (Mk. 16:16).