INTRODUCTION 1. In this series (“Give Me The Bible”), thus far we have explored… a. The Problem Of Biblical Illiteracy b. Why I Read The Bible c. Why I Believe The Bible d. Why I Love The Bible 2. But it does us no good to… a. Read the Bible b. Believe the Bible c. Love the Bible — If we are unwilling to obey the Bible! [To drive this point home, let’s first take a close look at…]
I. THE NECESSITY OF OBEDIENCE A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS… 1. Necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven – Mt 7:21-23; Lk 6:46 a. It is not enough to believe in Jesus as Lord b. Not even to do many things in His name c. We must do the will of His Father in heaven d. We must do what Jesus says! 2. Necessary to qualify as good soil – Lk 8:15 a. It is not enough to hear (read) the Word of God b. Not even to initially do what the Word says c. We must receive the Word with good and noble hearts d. We must bear fruit with patience! 3. Necessary to be faithful disciples of Christ – Mt 28:18-20 a. It is not enough to simply believe in Jesus b. Not even to be baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit c. We must be disciples of Christ (i.e., adherents) d. We must observe (do) what He says! B. AS TAUGHT BY HIS APOSTLES… 1. Necessary in order to be saved – He 5:9 a. Jesus is the author (source) of eternal salvation b. But for those who obey Him! 2. Necessary to avoid God’s wrath – Ro 2:4-11 a. The goodness of God is designed to lead one to repent b. The righteous judgment of God is coming, a day of wrath! c. Eternal life is for “those who keep on doing good” (NLT) d. Indignation and wrath is for those who do not obey the truth! 3. Necessary to avoid eternal destruction – 1Pe 4:17; 2Th 1:7-9 a. What will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel? b. Vengeance in the form of everlasting destruction! [Of course, we must understand that obedience does not earn or merit salvation (cf. Ep 2:8-9; Tit 3:4-7; Lk 17:10), but obedience is necessary nonetheless. Especially so when one considers…]
II. THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS… 1. Enables one to withstand the storms of life – Mt 7:24-27 a. It is not enough to hear the sayings of Jesus b. We must both hear and keep His says c. Only then will we be blessed to stand strong against the storms of life! 2. Qualifies one to be in the family of God – Lk 8:21 a. It is not enough to simply listen to the Word of God b. We must both hear and do it c. Only then will we blessed to be a member of the family of God! 3. The key to blessedness (joy) – Jn 13:17 a. It is not enough to know what Jesus teaches b. We must do what He teaches c. The blessedness (joy) of following Jesus is in the doing! B. AS TAUGHT BY HIS APOSTLES… 1. Delivers from the bondage of sin – Ro 6:16-18 a. We are slaves to that which we obey b. When one obeys from the heart the doctrine of God, they are set free from sin! 2. Purifies one’s soul – 1Pe 1:22-23 a. Obeying the truth purifies our souls b. It leads to being born again by the Word of God 3. Saves and blesses one’s soul – Jm 1:21-25 a. The Word has the potential to save our souls b. But we must doers, not hearers only c. Again, the blessedness (joy) is in the doing! CONCLUSION 1. Why do I obey the Bible? Because obedience is necessary… a. If we truly love Jesus – Jn 14:15 b. If we want Jesus and His Father to abide in us – Jn 14:21-24; 15:10 c. If we want to truly know the Lord and experience the love of God – 1Jn 2:3-5 2. Again, such obedience is not an effort to earn or merit salvation… a. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works – Ep 2:8-9 b. But grace does not preclude obedience done in faith – He 5:9 c. We obey the Word of God, not to earn salvation, but to receive salvation! As Jesus stated on one occasion: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Lk 11:28). Are you keeping (obeying) the Word of God in order to be blessed…?

BY WAYNE JACKSON
“I do not understand why ministers will teach that one passage in the Bible is ‘literal,’ while they say that another one is ‘figurative.’For instance, in one of your articles you argue that the ‘days’ of the creation week are literal (twenty-four hour days).On the other hand, you say that the ‘1,000 years’ mentioned in Revelation, chapter 20, is ‘figurative.’Why do you go back and forth from literal to figurative?”
Your question is a very reasonable one and we are happy to clarify this matter.
The Scriptures abound with a great variety of figures of speech.In 1899, E.W. Bullinger produced a massive work of more than 1,100 pages dealing with biblical figures of speech. Therein he classified some 200 different figures, many of which were subdivided into different variations, so that the total number catalogued finally was more than 500 (Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, Grand Rapids: Baker, p. ix).
A Figure Defined
A figure of speech occurs when a word, phrase, or sentence is employed in a sense other than the usual or literal sense it has naturally.The purpose behind the use of a figurative expression is to intensify the idea being conveyed.The figure adds emphasis, feeling, and color to the thought presented.It is a mistake to assume that when a figure of speech is utilized the force of the statement or argument is weakened; actually, just the reverse is true.
It is very important, however, to be able to distinguish the figurative from the literal.A failure to discern the difference, in various biblical contexts, has resulted in much error.
How to Identify Figurative Language
Just as “beauty” is said to be “in the eye of the beholder,” unfortunately the identification of figurative language in the Scriptures is sometimes “in the eye” of the interpreter.By this we mean there is considerable confusion in the religious world in the matter of distinguishing between literal and symbolic terminology.There are, however, some common sense principles which may (and must) be employed in the identification process.
Words must be interpreted literally unless the sense implies an impossibility.
For example, John closes his Gospel account with the declaration that should all the deeds of Jesus, during his earthly ministry, be fully recorded, not even the world itself could hold the books that might catalog them (Jn. 21:25).This language is acknowledged as “hyperbole”,“hyperbolic”.
A hyperbole (meaning “to throw above”) is an exaggeration for the purpose of emphasis.John’s design was to show that the miracles delineated in his inspired narrative were merely representative of what the Savior did; the list of only seven signs that the apostle mentioned was far from exhaustive.
Words must be interpreted literally unless the sense implies a contradiction.
In the book of Revelation, the final abode of the redeemed is depicted as a “holy city” (cf. Heb. 11:10,16).One of the features of that city was its wall, that rested on “twelve foundations,” upon which were written the names of the “twelve apostles” (Rev. 21:14).The numeral “twelve,” as used here, cannot be literal, for there were thirteen apostles (the original twelve, minus Judas, plus Matthias, plus Paul).The number “twelve” came to be used as a symbol of the apostolic group, even when the number “twelve” was not precise.After Judas died, yet before Matthias was chosen, Jesus (following his resurrection) appeared to “the twelve” (1 Cor. 15:5).“Twelve,” therefore, in Revelation 21:14 is employed symbolically for the apostolic company, without literal, mathematical precision.
Words must be interpreted literally unless the sense implies an absurdity.
The Scriptures use the term “face” dozens of times in a figurative sense, e.g., face of the deep (Gen. 1:2), face of the earth (Gen. 1:29), face of the ground (Gen. 2:6), etc.Obviously, to press the word “face,” in a literal sense, would imply an absurdity with reference to the sea, the earth, etc.Clearly, then, these uses are figurative.
The nature of a biblical book may provide a clue, suggesting that the student is to watch for an abundance of figures of speech.
This is true of certain Old Testament books, such as portions of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah.But there is no clearer example of this than that of the concluding book of the New Testament, Revelation.
The apocaplyptic document begins with the notation that Christ “signified” the message, via his messenger, to the apostle John (1:1).The verb “signified” derives from semaino, which in early Greek meant “to show by a sign, indicate, make known, point out” (Liddell-Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, Oxford: Clarendon, 1869, p. 1448).
Vincent cites John’s use of the term in his Gospel (12:33) where Jesus, in symbolic fashion, identified the method of his death by means of the expression “lifted up,” which hinted of the crucifixion (cf. also Jn. 21:19).He further notes that the term “signified” is “appropriate to the symbolic character of the revelation” (Word Studies in the New Testament, Wilmington, DE: Associated Publishers, 1972, p. 564).
What About the “Days” of Genesis?
Now regarding the original question, how is one able to say that the “days” of the creation week are literal days, while the “1,000 years” of Revelation 20:1ff represents a figure of speech?  The answer is this: by the respective contexts of the two portions of Scripture, and the language considerations found therein.
The “days” of the creation week are divided into periods of light and darkness (vv. 4-5).The “days” are distinguished from “years” (v. 14). And the “days” are subsequently defined by Moses as the same type of “day” as the Sabbath which the Hebrews were required to observe (Ex. 20:11).There are other reasons for the view that the creation days must be literal, but this should suffice for the present.  See our “Archives” section for June 15, 2000 (The Creation “Days” —Literal or Figurative.
Regarding the “thousand years” of Revelation 20, it should be observed that the opening of the book itself provides caution that this is a document characterized by symbols (see “signified” – 1:1).  In addition, the “thousand years” of Revelation 20 is nestled in the midst of a number of other dramatic figures —a pit, a great chain, the dragon/serpent, thrones, a beast, a mysterious “mark,” resurrections, etc. Why should the pit, chain, dragon, etc., be viewed as figures, and yet the “thousand years” be singled out as literal?That defies common sense.
The fact is, the numeral “thousand” is found more than twenty times in Revelation, and not once is it employed in a literal sense.  In Chapter 20, the most likely interpretation of the number is that of “completeness.”  As William Milligan observed:
“‘[T]he thousand years’ mentioned in the passage express no period of time?. They embody an idea; and that idea, whether applied to the subjugation of Satan or to the triumph of the saints is the idea of completeness or perfection” (An Exposition of the Bible, Hartford, CT: S.S. Scranton, 1903, Vol. VI, p. 913).
There are, therefore, sound exegetical reasons for making a distinction between the literal “days” of Genesis 1, and the figurative “years” of Revelation 20.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
John 21:25; Hebrews 11:10, 16; Revelation 21:14; 1 Corinthians 15:5; Genesis 1:2; Genesis 1:29; Genesis 2:6; John 21:19; Revelation 20:1; Exodus 20:11; Revelation 20; Genesis 1

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Brian A. Yeager
Often times we think of the Church and we fail to remember some important things about it. Sometimes folks forget the purchase price of the Church (Acts 20:28 and Ephesians 5:25), which was the blood of Christ. Sometimes people forget the “oneness” of the Church (Matthew 16:18, I Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians 4:4, and Colossians 1:18). Yet, I believe that some Christians fail to remember that the Church is the source of truth. We must recognize that our Savior is truth, the same Savior that gave his life for the Church. A definition of the Head should reveal how the body should follow. (John 14:6) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The title of this article can be found in the book of First Timothy chapter three and verse fifteen. “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” This article is designed to allow us to realize the importance of truth in the Church and the teaching of the Church. Truth should be the identifying mark of the true Lord’s Church.
Warnings of false teachers appear throughout the scriptures. John tells us to try these false teachers. (I John 4:1) “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Christ warned us of false teachers. (Matthew 7:15-16) “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” There are many that are on television, on radio, in print, and many in pulpits that are wearing sheep’s clothing. Paul mentioned this truth to the Ephesian elders. (Acts 20:28-31) “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember…” We need to heed to those same warnings and watch for those wolves among us.
The Church must be the pillar and ground of truth on the teaching of the Church. Christ in his “Parable of the Sower” taught that one who does not understand the Kingdom (Church) would be lost. (Matthew 13:19) “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.” The Church must realize the same truths that the Apostles realized; we simply cannot teach Christ without teaching his body. We have a great example of this in Philip’s teaching. (Acts 8:12) “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
The Church must be the pillar and ground of truth when teaching on Salvation. Christ said that no man could come to the father but by him (John 14:6). As we sought the truth in the necessity of teaching the truth on the Church, we must realize that salvation is in the Church. Paul said by inspiration that Christ is the Savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23). The question must be asked by an honest person, how does one become part of that body? The Bible gives us a definitive answer to that question. To be baptized (John 3:3-5, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Galatians 3:27). What must one heed to prior to the step of baptism? One must acquire faith (John 8:24), through the hearing of the word of God (Romans 10:14-17). We must be willing to admit and realize that only the truth will set us free (John 8:32). The world must know that only truth will convert, because God’s word is truth. (Ephesians 1:13) “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” (Colossians 1:5) “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” (I Thessalonians 2:13) “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” Once true faith is acquired repentance (Luke 13:3 and Acts 2:38), and confession must occur (Romans 10:10). At this point one is ready for baptism, and to be a new creature (Romans 6:3-5). Salvation is then left to those who remain faithful (Revelation 2:10). Those who fight the fight, finish the course, and keep the faith (II Timothy 4:7). This is teaching the truth on salvation.
The Church must be the pillar and ground of truth on teaching about issues. Such as marriage, divorce, and re-marriage (Matthew 5:32-33, Matthew 19:9, and I Corinthians 7:10-11). Such as attendance (Hebrews 10:22-25). Such as the woman’s role in the Church (I Timothy 2:11-12 and I Corinthians 14:34-35). Such as the qualifications of elders (Titus 1:5-9 and I Timothy 3:1-13). Such as preaching only God’s word and not opinions (II Timothy 4:2 and Galatians 1:6-12). Such as teaching on the importance of evangelism (Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15-16). Such as what moves one to be a Christian (Romans 1:16). Such as defending the Church and the truth (Jude 3). Such as practicing and teaching Church discipline (Romans 16:17-18 and II Thessalonians 3:6). Such as instruments of music (Ephesians 5:19). Such as Bible authority being the only authority (II Peter 1:3, Revelation 22:18-19, and Deuteronomy 4:2). Such as fellowship (Ephesians 5:11 and II John 9-11). I could go on and on about the issues the Church needs to stand and deliver the truth on. The Church simply needs to be a “store-house of truth”.
The Church should be the escape from the world, a place where Christians know that only God’s word will be taught. We must be armed with God’s word to keep the Church in the state that it should and shall be. It is time for those who do not proclaim nothing other than the faith once delivered unto the saints to join the ranks of denominationalism outright and to stop pretending to be in that which can only be truth, the Church! Onward Christian soldiers, be prepared to restore to our Savior his bride pure and white.

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The psalmist wrote; “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133: 1). The context of this verse would be concerning the people of God in the times of David in the Old Testament, but the truth or principle would apply to the Lord’s church today. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians the very first issue that he wrote about was the lack of unity that existed in the congregation. “For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:11). Before he began to touch on the many other problems in the church at Corinth Paul wrote first about the division among brothers in Christ, and division not because of doctrine, but because of personal pride that existed among them. It is true that there were many other problems such as their immorality (1 Corinthians 5-7), corruption of worship (1 Corinthians 11-14), as well as other spiritual problems, but it was the division that existed between brethren that Paul first brought to their attention. Paul knew that it would be very difficult for them to address the other problems that they had as a congregation without first having unity in the family of God. Paul encouraged them to seek to restore the unity among them when he wrote; “That no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Each Christian has to desire to have unity with other brothers and sisters in Christ and be willing to let opinion always take second place to God’s Word and unity in the church. That part is under our control
It is true that sometimes there will be divisions when some brethren want to follow the pattern of God’s will and others do not. Sound doctrine or the truth will cause divisions between people when some want to obey God and others want to do their own will (Jude 3), but the division under the context of Psalm 133:1 and in the letter to the Corinthians did not come about because of sound doctrine, but in reality just the opposite and that of practicing the false doctrine of pride and the opinions of man taking first place. A Christian must be one who seeks unity among brothers and also promotes it. Paul wrote to the Ephesians; “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4: 3). This challenge is for each brother and sister in Christ. We keep the unity as we obey God’s Word because it is the Word that provides a spiritual unity (Ephesians 4: 4-6). Christians keep the unity when they have humility of mind and attitude toward one another. If a Christian always has to have his way (opinion) about everything then that congregation will see divisions and problems. True biblical unity comes about when a Christian is willing to follow the truth set forth in God’s Word and to put off the pride that bring about division.
by Wayne Brewer

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that beliefeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”  The Gospel is the only power God has to save men.  If this won’t appeal to men, God insn’t going to reach them.  ”For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God..”  I Cor. 1:18.  In this issue we will study why people are not reached by the gospel.
PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THEY LIKE!
Every organization and institution in the world, just about, wants to reach people.  The Boy Schouts, the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Clubs, and all religious bodies in the world want to reach all the people they can.  There are many in the Chamber of Commerce who are not in religious bodies.  Obviously, Lions Clubs, Boy Schouts, etc attract and have some attraction for some people that regigious bodies do not have.  People usually know what they are looking for in life and seek to find it
WHAT APPEALS TO PEOPLE?
Many people like coffee and donuts and seek organizations where these are served.  Some like hiking, fishing, or bowling and seek organizations to join where they  can participate in these.  Many “religious bodies” now days know what people like in life and have some of the secular to please, thus mixing the religious with the secular.
OTHERS WANT TO HELP PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD
Still, many other people are good moral people and desire most of all to help people in and for this world.  Surely every human should be interested in the welfare of all humans.  Most people have a lot of good in them and should they see a car wreck that just happened, they would stop to see if they could help in any way.  People are interested in helping people.  Some religious bodies emphasis the as a part of their work, and teach secular courses to help people.  Every person ought to help others in any way that he can, yet the work of the church is spiritual in spreading the gospel.  See Phil 1:5; I Jn 1:7
THE PURPOSE OF JESUS’ CHURCH
Many religious bodies realize that because all Americans want to help people in this life, if they will let that be the primary purpose of their religious bodies, naturally all people will be somewhat impress with their work.  The real question is the is: IS THIS the purpose of the church for which Jesus died?
EITHER— 1.  The purpose of the church you read about in the Bible is primarily help people in and for this life.
OR —2.  THE primary purpose of Jesus’ church is to help people get ready for the next life, the hereafter.
If a religious body places the emphasis upon getting people ready for the next life, it surely should draw people who are the most concerned with their souls.  IF, HOWEVER, it places the emphasis upon helping people in and for this life, it would be more appealing to people more interest in such.  HOW CAN WE DECIDE WHERE THE EMPHASIS SHOULD BE PLACED??
LET THE BIBLE DECIDE
“For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”  Lk. 19:10  All men have sinned and been lost-Rom 2:10, 23.  The purpose of Jesus was to seek THE LOST.  Jesus being the head of the church (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22f), the PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH MUST BE THE SAME AS ITS HEAD.  NOTE THESE SCRIPTURES:

1. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Matt. 28:19.
2. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Jesus in Mk. 16:15.
3. “Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things thar are upon the earth.” Col 3:2
4. “Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life..”  Jn 6:27.  Note:  Here Jesus plainly teaches the importance of spiritual food over carnal.

In Lk. 10:38-42, we have a record of Jesus in the home of Martha and Mary.  Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and heard His word, but Marth was cumbered about much serving.  Martha said, “Lord , dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone?  Bid her therefore that sh help me.  But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and broubled about many things; but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
In this the Lord plainly tells that the SPIRITUAL, should take place and EMPHASIS over the MATERIAL  If we cannot see where the emphasis should be placed from these Scriptures, it surly isn’t the Lord’s fault.
THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN
The Christian is commanded to “do good to all men, and especially unto those in the household of faith.”  Gal 6:10

1. What is good?  I Tim 4:8 shows bodily exercise is good.
2. Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God and men – Lk 2:52.  To encourage intellectual development, physical development, and social as well as spiritual development surely is good.  Every Christian should do this in both word and deed.

Individuals can work on worth causes whether social, benvolent, physical, or other. (Cancer society, Red Cross, March of Dimes, etc)
THE CHURCH
Since Jesus did build His church (Mt. 16:18) like He said He would, and the only organization of such  is just the LOCAL CHRUCH which can operate, all the organized spiritual work of Christians is through the local church.
Truth In Love, February, 2014, Vol. 7, No. 2