We Had Better Heed God

James H. Bailey, Sr.

Jesus said, "... Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4. Paul wrote, "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." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Man says there are no works to do, but God's Word teaches the opposite. "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13. Put your trust in God.

Works and obedience go together. Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4. We must abound in the work of the Lord. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58. James 1:25 teaches, "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall be blessed in his deed."

We must do what God's word teaches. It justifies us. "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." "Not by faith only ..." God's word is right.

"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." John 6:28-29. Thus, belief is a work. Man must believe it is man's work to obey.

The Jewish Christians turned away from the Law of Moses. Their faith did not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. They were not saved by the works of the Law. Ephesians 2:8-10. God was able to make them perfect in every good work to do his will. Hebrews 13:21. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

Let us listen to the teaching of Christ and obey. "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John 15:14. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48.

People who love God, obey. Love and Care Personal Care Home, PO Box 1512, Parkersburg, WV 26102.

 

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