Reformed Evangelical Baptist Contacts
Reformed Evangelical Baptist Contacts.
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  Please note: Clicking on verse references in the Monthly Bible Theme below will open the Scripture passage in a new window
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Another problem these days with understanding Christian truth, is that of  the ‘independence’ of individual conclusions. Often we can have minds so full of such ready-made conclusions that there is little room for spiritual perception and understanding to enter.

Similarly, there is that of being superficially satisfied in terms of Christian belief, some one invented the term ‘easy-decisionism’ to describe such a superficial approach to Christian truth I once asked a young man how he became a Christian and was told that he had been attending a party and dancing with an attractive young lady who informed him she was a Christian, so he decided to become one too – on the spot!

Of course, these problems stem from the kind of attitude described in the closing words of the Bible book of Judges: where: ‘everyone did what was right in his own eyes’  Judges 21:25   


Where do we begin in a genuine quest for spiritual understanding?
Perhaps, by following the counsel we find in the Bible book of James chapter 4 and verses 7 to 10, counsel that begins with the words: ‘‘Therefore submit to God’ and ends with the words: ‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up’. Hebrews 4:7-10


There are some striking examples in the Scriptures of such genuine humility.

At the first preaching of the gospel at Pentecost, recorded in Acts chapter two, we read of those who were present, that they were ‘cut to the heart’ at what they heard, so much so that they cried out: “What shall we do?”  On being told to ‘Repent and be baptized’, they did just that, consequently we are told, there were added to the Church that day three thousand souls.

Here, we note a heartfelt conviction, a sincere seeking, and finally an act of direct obedience.

Another interesting example of humility is found in the same book of Acts, chapter eight,  where a senior member of the Ethiopian Government was returning from Jerusalem in his chariot and reading, a passage from the Prophet Isaiah, ( Chapter 53 in our Bible ). Philip, an early evangelist, drawing near to the chariot and hearing him reading this remarkable passage asks: “Do you understand what you are reading?” 

The Ethiopian Chancellor responds: “How can I unless someone guides me?” As they journey together, from that same passage we read, Philip ‘preached Jesus to him’.

Interestingly, that guidance must have included the need to be baptized since it is also recorded that the Ethiopian seeing water by the roadside, says: “See here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”  Philip responds positively, “If you believe with all your heart, you may”.  After his baptism we read that the Ethiopian, ‘Went on his way rejoicing’

Is there in Scripture a pattern for understanding Scriptural truth?

Perhaps the most consistent use of the words ‘understand’ and ‘understanding’ in the Bible, has to do with a genuine repentance and humility towards God, a sincere admission of our need for instruction and guidance, that finds its fulfilment in the sovereign work of God the Holy Spirit who will, we are promised, ‘guide us into all truth’. John 16:13   

 

 
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