This email was sent as an invitation to attend a meeting at Joel’s home. Although the meeting has come and gone, the content of the email may be of interest to readers.
If you missed October’s meeting you missed a good one. The subject was on hell. We had some differing opinions on the subject, which led to dialogue (good) and everybody scrambling, digging in their Bibles for the truth (better). This is what I have been trying to achieve in these meetings. You don’t dare get up in a preacher’s sermon to question, argue, or give your own opinion. It is not only welcome here, but I certainly encourage it. I always told the kids in my Sunday school class not to take for granted anything I tell them for truth, but to check my teaching next to God’s word. Sometimes we need to hear other people’s opinions before we find the root of our own. Do we believe what we hold to be true because of long standing denomination doctrine or do we have the factual backing of God’s own word?
Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition”, Matthew 15:3. So many times God’s word is taken out of context to paint a picture by the hands of man instead of truth from the mouth of God, for the convenience and benefit of our carnal nature instead of the will of God. God has promised to guide those into the truth who truly desire the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” John 16:3. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord”. James 1:5-7 In light of this it would seem that faith would be a requirement for having the truth revealed to us.
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes Father for this was your good pleasure.” Matthew 11:25-26 One more case of “too much information.” Jimi Hendrix once said that children are special because their minds don’t have too many fingerprints on them. This quote isn’t exact but it’s the best my overly handled brain can remember. An open mind is definitely an asset. One more thing to remember is that sin can muddy the clear water of truth like nothing else. “For although they knew God they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…” Romans 1:21-22
It’s bad enough our own sins obscure the truth now we have Satan getting into the middle of things. “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 Don’t forget Satan will take God’s own words out of context for his own evil agenda. If he tried this on the Holy Son of God, do not think for one second any of us will be exempt. “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12 quoted by “that old serpent” in Luke 4:10-11.
So it seems the truth, although written from cover to cover in God’s letter to us (the Bible), can be quite elusive in nailing it down. But if nothing else gives you comfort this will: Jesus answered; “I am the Way and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the father except through me.” John 14:6 That sums it up. Jesus said, we need faith in him, we need to be like children to come to Him, and we need to repent.
So our meeting November 3, is a good time to bring your questions about either serious or trivial matters of doctrine that you might find questionable. Don’t look to me for answers because I’ve got some questions of my own. I might have some answers and you may have some for me. One thing for sure, bring your guide book (the Bible) this time, because if you want me to believe it, you better be ready to show me! Your opinion will be taken seriously, but just remember to be able back it up with God’s word and keep it in context of the big picture. For example Psalms 137:8-9 states “daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us – he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.” We know better than to do something like this, and this is a bit extreme to make my point, but you get the picture. Don’t forget we plan on having the answer Man-with-the-plan on hand: His Majesty Jesus Christ. He has promised that “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 May this be a blessing to us all and advance the Kingdom of God and His wonderful Son, Jesus Christ.
“Everyone on the side of the truth listens to me.” Jesus Christ
“What is truth?” Pontius Pilate.
I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.
3 John 1:13-14 (NIV)