[Biblemat] S) A LETTER TO A SEARCHER FOR GOD (2)

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is the second part
of this particular study.  Use to the glory of God.

A LETTER TO A SEARCHER FOR GOD  (2)

     Eloquent/Enthusiastic/Entertaining/Charismatic Speakers: -
>From the beginning of time, many have fallen into the trap of
being enthralled with the messenger without paying much att-
ention to the real message he/she was bringing.  In the Bible
we learn, as hopefully we have already learned in life, that some of the most 
charismatic speakers, are found on the side of evil.  From Gen. 3 and Matt. 
4, we learn that the devil is a
very persuasive and smooth talking speaker.  So was Jonadab in 2 Sam. 13:3.  
In the New Testament, Christians
are warned about a class of men who "by their smooth and
flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspect-
ing." (Rom. 16:18).  In contrast to human religious leaders
that look "polished", we find some individuals in the Bible who wouldn't fit 
such a mold.  "...He has no form or comli-
ness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we 
should desire Him." (Isa. 53:2).  And basically the same type
of things were true about the apostle Paul "And when I came
to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or
of wisdom..." (1 Cor. 2:1).  "but his personal presence is unim-
pressive and his speech contemptible" (2:3,4; 2 Cor. 10:10).
The warning is clear, don't be overly impressed about a man's appearance, 
presentation, or delivery, but really listen
to what he is saying, is it the truth?

     Fun/Games/Recreation Are Found Everywhere: -- Some
religious groups seek to lure people in by a flurry of social
activities.  Church sponsored potlucks, ski trips, bowling part-
ies, dances, etc...The truth is, all groups, religious and non-
religious offer these types of things.  Why, even in the Old
Testament, being a prophet of Baal during the reign of Ahab,
meant that your meals were free (1 Kgs. 18:19).  Recently
someone gave me a flyer which outlined the events being 
offered by the Humanist Community that serves Stanford
University.  Among the activities that this group of atheists
offers, were listed "Sunday School" 'our charge is to make
Humanis come alive for grade schoolers and high schoolers'
"Potlucks"; "Sunday morning events" 9:15 a.m., small groups; 10:45 a.m., 
"forum", after which they gather for lunch
in the cafeteria.

     But when we open the Bible, we find the New Testament
church refuses to use "fun and games" to draw or keep mem-
bers.  In fact, Paul rebuked the Corinthians for turning the
Lord's Supper into a potluck and said, "What!  Do you not 
have houses in which to eat and drink?" (1 Cor. 11:23);  "If
anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you may not
come together for judgment" (11:34).  It makes you wonder.
What would Paul say about a congregation of people who
wants to build a place of worship with the Lord's funds that 
can be quickly transformed into a gymnasium or dining room
15 minutes after the worship of God is over?  Have twentieth
century religious bodies found a loophole in Paul's teaching?

     Preaching That Doesn't Require You To Change: -- If you're looking for a 
religion that doesn't require much of you,
involves little sacrifice and small change (personal or monet-
ary) on your part, then you will find plenty of religious groups
that will be very eager to accommodate you.  Again, the Bible
warns us concerning preaching that "sounds too good to be
true".  And be informed, this isn't a "small" percentage of the
religious world.

     The people of God in both testaments had to constantly
battle those who preached a "religion of convenience".  "Woe
to those who call evil good, and good evil" Isa. 5:20.  "Speak
to us pleasant words, prophesy illusions" 30:10.  "And they
have healed the brokenness of My people superficially.  Say-
ing 'Peace, peace', But there is no peace" Jer. 6:14.  "But
wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for
themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires" 2
Tim. 4:3.  "to suit their whims" (Goodspeed).

     Religious groups will always exist, which are only too eager to inform 
you that in "coming over here, we don't re-
quire that you submit to baptism (Mk. 16:16); give up your
sinful ways (Acts 17:30); attend faithfully (Heb. 10:25), etc.  In
fact, God reveals that religious teachers even existed in the
first century, who not only allowed but defended and encour-
aged "members" to remain in sinful practices "...they entice
by fleshly desires...those who barely escape from the ones
who live in error...promising them freedom" (2 Pet. 2:18,19).
Goodspeed says: "They utter arrogant nonsense and use
physical cravings to lure...".   "Ungodly persons who turn the
grace of our God into licentiousness..." (Jd. 4).Hence don't be surprised 
when you find that certain religious bodies per-
mit and or defend sex outside of marriage (fornication), homo-
sexual relationships, idolatry, drunkenness, profanity, and
even murder (abortion/suicide).  And yet, God doesn't! (1 Cor.
6:6-10; Eph. 5:4-6).

     And when you are tempted to follow a messenger that says, "we only 
preach positive and uplifting lessons" remem-
ber this fact:  Many of the greatest sermons recorded in the
Bible didn't end on a positive note.  The Sermon on the Mount, (Matt. 7:27) 
Peter's sermon on Pentecost, (Acts 2:36)
Stephen's sermon, (Acts 7:51-53), Paul's sermon on Mars
Hill, (Acts 17:30,31).

     When searching for God and the way to acceptance with
Him, the most important and only consideration must be, 
"the truth" (Jno. 8:31,32; 14:6; 2 Thes. 2:1-12).  Because
acceptance with God is linked with, did we "do" what God
"said"? (Matt. 7:21).  Hence, first priority must be in finding
the church that teaches accurately and truthfully what God
has said in His Word.    ----- via. Know Your Bible, Vol. 5, No.
1, Jan. 22, 2006.

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