What Is wrong when people sit in churches, even for years, after hearing many sermons, and still cannot discuss the Word of our Father with intelligence? Some may even say; "I don't have to understand the Bible. All I have to do is believe."
I ask you, if this be the case, why did our Father go to so much trouble and why did so many have to suffer, many even losing their lives, to bring His Letter (The Bible) to us?
How would you feel, if you had been gone for several years and returned home to your children.. You ask them if they had received your letter and their statement was; "We received it but never got around to reading it."
It is my belief that the main cause of this is that some pastors never take the time to learn or to properly teach God's Word. But the buck doesn't stop there and YOU are by no means off the hook in God's eyes..
If the pastor isn't feeding the congregation, then one should seek a church with a pastor who does, or replace the pastor. You are entitled to receive God's Word and have it explained to you in church!!
Also, what do you do between church sessions? Many do not even open their Bibles relying on the pastor to lead them to heaven.. that is ttruly a scary thought!
If one had to have a pastor cover the Bible through regular church services based on what most cover in one session, it would take over 500 years for the Bible to be covered..
Even then,it would not be explained in detail as it should be..
You owe it to yourself to learn and understand our Fathers Word..
There WILL be a test!
Ro:2:16: In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
1Th:5:6: Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
STAY AWAKE!!!
Here is a message to all of us that we must not sleep as do others. We must recognize the truth of these things. Keep reading Isaiah. Keep reading Jeremiah. Keep reading Ezekiel. These books keep us awake because they are preaching in difficult, evil days and they show us how the prophets sought to keep the people of God awake in their dark and evil day.
In order to do any job properly, one must have the proper tools.. This is where many run into yet another snag. there are so many "Authors" out there with dollar signs in their eyes that constantly publish
"Learning Guides To The Bible"
Most of these are full of the traditions of man and shy on the true Word Of God.. You don't need them, and often would be much better off without them as they could only serve to confuse you..
All you really need is the King James, yes, the King James Bible.. And a Strong's concordance.. No other kind, The Strong's! Doctor Strong spent most of his entire life breaking down the Bible to the original languages, Hebrew and Greek. It is as easy to use as a dictonary and will speed you down the proper path..
It is next to impossible to understand the Bible by just reading it with no help.. The strong's will provide that help..
One more item which is of great use is the Smith's Bible Dictonary, Teachers Edition. It explains and makes many characters and places clear to the reader..
While Jesus was yet here with us 2000 years ago He had a message...
M't:4:17: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Think how much closer it is at hand now.. There is no time to waste. Not only do you need to learn God's Word, but you must be able and willing to help others learn it as well..
Yes, we are indeed our brother's keepers...
Lu:17:3: Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Study God's Word.. Your Life Depends On It...