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Pastor Beal

REQUIREMENT FOR DISCIPLESHIP

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye
my disciples indeed." John 8:31

One of the Baptist distinctives that I appreciated growing up, was the fact that in our home, the Word of God was studied. We were taught to know what we believe and to be sure that it was in the Scriptures. One of Satan's main tools for deceiving people, is to keep them ignorant of the Bible. John 17:17 says, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Then in John 8:32 Jesus says, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Apostle Paul commended and encouraged young Timothy to "...continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of...and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." He then goes on to tell the four areas that scripture is profitable for: 1.) Doctrine, teaching us what is right. It is a straightedge that doesn't compromise or change. It's God's message, which can change us; and is not for us to change it. 2.) Reproof, showing us what is wrong. It's the error that the straightedge reveals. It is the finding of wrong, which is profitable to one who seeks to live right. If a contractor was going to build you a house, wouldn't you be pleased that he has a straightedge, square, plumb line, and ruler? 3.) Correction, is the natural and welcomed means by which one is taught how to correct the area of reproof. This is the good news that follows the bad news. The walls can be straightened, so to speak. 4.) Instruction, is the maintenance manual to keep our lives in this condition. It explains and lets us understand God's way. II Tim. 3:16 gives us this breakdown and in vs. 17 tells us that it's for the maturing of the believer. Where's your Bible?

Thanks! Pastor Earl Beal