It can cost you heaven and buy you hell!
The one true doctrine is delivered and it’s vital that we follow it.
Jude said so in verse 3 of his epistle (Jude 1:3). We know, from the Bible, that all of God’s revelation has been given. There’s no more revelation to be had. From that, I get that we need to heed His word on all spiritual topics. Not doing so is undoubtedly a sin, and sin buys us a place in hell (Romans 6:23). God has given us what He wants us to know and do (2nd Timothy 3:16). Since that’s the case, then we have to do as He directs. Isn’t that the idea of religion? God exists and commands; people then follow.
Some have no actual knowledge of God, and it will cost them their lives.
Consider 2 John 9, “anyone going too far, not abiding in the teaching of Jesus, does not have God.” And that’s a mighty powerful statement to levy at someone. But the “going too far” happens all the time. We can certainly see the number of fractious churches around us, and we can also see people corrupting God’s word for their own use. To start, there are some churches with truly unusual names. How unfortunate to see digressive people move away from the very One who would save them. Those who do this have no actual knowledge of God. If they did, they wouldn’t deviate.
What, then, should we do?
First of all, we should make every effort to speak the word of God accurately (1 Peter 4:11). Doing so ensures that our speech aligns with the teachings of the Bible. We don’t want to misrepresent God in any way. Second, we must examine ourselves to ensure we are in the faith, as stated in 2 Corinthians 13:5, lest we fall short of God’s glory. We do not want to be among those holding God’s word in low esteem. We honor God by studying His Word and examining ourselves in the mirror of truth (James 1:22). Ultimately, with all supplication, prayer must be made for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Prayer gives us strength and builds our faith in God. And that’s a very necessary thing.
Ensure worship is based on the Word. It’s the only way to please God.
Have you ever heard of or experienced praise teams? That’s a group of folks who lead the church during worship before the speaker begins his message. They sing, dance, maybe show a video, or perhaps have a light show during the music. Praise teams lead “worship” in ways God never ordained, i.e., there are no praise teams in churches of the New Testament. If God’s word is delivered, then people must adhere to it. Ever heard of liturgical dancing? That’s where several people dance in such a way as to interpret scripture for the “audience.” Worship? That’s not in any Bible I know of. Weird stuff. Right? God’s word is meant to get us to heaven, and getting to heaven is only possible by truly following the Word. Many churches do not resemble the first-century church at all. I have to wonder if their existence affords them heaven or if it will buy them hell.
No one can afford to do things not authorized by the New Testament. The New Testament church is the only one for which Jesus died.
Garland Van Dyke
http://www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com
Matthews St. church of Christ, 1915 Matthews, PO Box 1522, Bay City, TX 77414
Email: garland.churchofchrist@gmail.com
You’re always welcome to attend worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 for Bible Class, Worship at 10:30, and Bible Class on Wednesdays at 7 PM.