Beech Tree News Network

In the twentieth chapter of John, the inspired writer said, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (Jn. 20:30-31). Just prior to this statement, Jesus had told Thomas, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (Jn. 20:29). The statement, “They have not seen, and yet have believed” applied to people in the first century and applies to everyone on earth today. We have not seen the nail prints, nor heard Christ speak audibly. How then can we believe? John said we can believe based on what has been written in the Scripture (Jn. 20:30-31, 21:24-25).

    The last two chapters of John make it clear that not everything Christ did was recorded in Scripture. Yet, the things that were recorded were for the purpose of producing faith in men. John went on to say that he supposed that if everything Christ did and said was written down, “the world itself could not contain the books” (Jn. 21:25).

    Seeing it is God’s prerogative to tell us what He wants us to know, to delve into the realm of God’s silence is no place for man. The Bible places continued emphasis on our focusing upon what has been written (Lev. 10:1-2; Deut. 29:29; Rom. 15:4; Heb. 7:12-14; I Pet. 4:11).

    While some readily say that they believe Jesus is the Son of God, many are not willing to take the next step, namely, to believe what He says! There are many who believe in Christ, but they do not believe Christ. This is a problem! If they believed Christ, they would not be doing the things that they are doing. Yet, part of the responsibility inherent in believing in Christ is believing the words He spoke.

    For example, Christ has said:
•    His Father is God (Lk. 2:49). Christ is not just a “good prophet” as the Muslims, and others folks claim. He is the Son of God (Jn. 9:37)!
•    He has a church which belongs to Him (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28). It does not belong to a man or some group of men, and therefore, ought not to wear a man’s name (Rom. 16:16)!
•    There is only one way to be saved, and this is through Him (Jn. 14:6). We must follow His plan of salvation if we wish to see Heaven (Mk. 16:16).
•    There is a way men ought to treat others (Matt. 7:12). Christ does not promote “survival of the fittest,” but genuine caring, and treating others in the right way (Jn. 13:34-35; Gal. 6:2).
•    There will be a day when we will resurrect to be judged and go to our eternal destinies – life or damnation (Jn. 5:28-29).

    The choice of where we will be in eternity is made right now. Therefore, let us make the right decision. This begins with believing on Christ, repenting of our sins, confessing our faith in Him, and being baptized for the remission of sins (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:38). After this, we need to live faithfully for Him (I Cor. 15:58). Do you believe Christ (Rom. 10:16)?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167