Tag: disciple

Believing the Declaratives and Obeying the Imperatives

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

A.W. Tozer Daily Devotion

The last cause I shall name is nonobedience. Truth is given to be believed and obeyed. Certain truths can only be believed, the reason being that they are revelations of fact and contain no command or instruction to be carried out. Other truths must be obeyed or for the hearer they have no meaning. “I will come back” (John 14:3) is a statement of fact which cannot in the nature of it be obeyed; there is nothing in it to obey; it can only be believed. “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) is a command which can only be obeyed. It is addressed to the will, and the only proper response is obedience. We cannot possibly discharge our obligation to such a passage by trying in some dubious manner to “believe” it, though I am sure many try to do just that. Is it any wonder that confusion arises? We will go far to simplify our religious concepts and unify our lives if we remember these four points: First, truth is a spiritual entity and can be grasped in its inner essence only as the Spirit of truth enlightens our hearts and teaches us in the deep, mysterious recesses of our souls. Secondly, since God is love we must surrender ourselves to love or we can never know the truth of God in its higher meaning. Thirdly, we must come to the Word with the simple faith of a child, ready to believe it whether we can understand it or not. And lastly, we must obey the truth as we see it, trusting God with the consequences.

Contending for the Faith Part 4

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

I have been a Bible student for over 45 years, many of those if not all have been in teaching the Word of God. Over the years I have seen different fads and movements of God proclaimed as the next greatest. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed and we got back to what works best, and that is humility before God and a sincere desire to study and obey the Word.

I have two concerns that I may later elaborate on but one is the new idea that we rely so heavily on the Prophetic. I believe in the Word of God, and every “word” from God must line up with His Word. If it doesn’t it’s false, and if it doesn’t come true it’s false. Case closed. That’s the way it is.

We have become so lazy in this world with all the instant information, that we don’t or won’t seek out the answer in the Bible. We had rather take a quick fix from a “Prophet.” Nothing says Christian more than a dog eared Bible that is about to fall apart.

Final word of warning. Get in a Church or fellowship. Where the whole Bible is taught. It is important that each follower reads and knows the Word of God. Ask questions and contend for the faith! Rh

2 Timothy 3:16-17. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reroof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man or woman of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Contending For The Faith – Part 3

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Pastors and churches have become very proficient in getting people “saved,” but not very good at getting them discipled. Preachers know how to pull at the heart strings to get people emotionally connected enough to confess Christ, raise your hand, pray a sinner’s prayer. Don’t misunderstand, there is nothing at all wrong with that. In fact every person has a starting point and that is it.

The Word in Matthew 28:19 tells us to “Go therefore and make disciples.” Hardest part of church life is being taught the Word. Teaching involves letting people know right from wrong in behavior and conduct. Teaching and instructing new converts may seem boring and not as exciting or glamorous as the jump and praise of a worship time, but is needed even more.

New converts may not know much of church culture and little of how to study and pray, WE as the church need to get on the ball and learn how to instruct and disciple newbies. Grab someone and be a mentor. Study after Church study shows us that few people in the pews truly understand what it means to have a Biblical World View. Each one teach one. We are all called to be one on one teachers! Take someone under your wing and be responsible for them.

Knowing right from wrong is not hard, but don’t settle for almost right. In this day and age we need clarity and a firm footing to survive the present evil day. Rh