What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 7 / No. 12”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. VII - No. 12 Octobert 27, 2024
BUTTERFLIES AND CHRISTIANS
Though they seem quite different, butterflies and Christians have many similarities. Let me first suggest that they have the same Creator as Gen. 1:24 records “living creature according to its kind.” Later in verse 26 of Genesis 1, God makes man in His image. Both made on day 6 with God as Creator, the butterfly being the eldest as being made before man.
They both experience metamorphosis during their lives. The butterfly changes from its early larvae stages, then as a caterpillar, until it finally becomes a beautiful, graceful adult. The Christian too undergoes metamorphosis when he transforms his life through obedience to the Gospel and the renewing of his mind as Rom. 12:2 records. Also, man is a “new creature” if he is in Christ, 2 Cor. 5:17. The Christian’s final life stage here is one of maturity, no longer being impressionable children, “but grown up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.” Eph. 4:13-15
The butterfly and the Christian each have multiple hearts. The butterfly has a heart for the thorax/main body, and a heart for the wings to regulate temperature and see to the overall health of the wing. The Christian, as well, has a different heart as an obedient believer in comparison to the former man. God promises in Ezekiel 11:19 to give new spirits, and a new heart after removing their stony hearts. God states in Heb. 8:6 that He would put His laws into their minds and write them on their hearts.
Butterflies come in various sizes, shapes and colors, as do Christians. Butterflies go about their work in different ways. Some are high flying distance workers, encompassing land and sea, while some are more regional or local, Christians are the same.
Some butterflies are quite erratic, flying about causing commotion, seemingly to endlessly fly, never getting anywhere, as some Christians do. Some experts suggest this erratic behavior is somewhat territorial. I guess Christians are territorial at times in positive and sometimes not so positive ways.
Butterflies and insects with exoskeletons can carry enormous weight in comparison to body size. Some 50 times their weight. Some Christian’s burdens are very heavy. Jesus said whoever would be His disciple, “must take up his cross daily” Luke 9:23. Cross here would be like that of an obstacle or a challenge or a burden. The burdens that Christians at times bear are enormous. Paul the apostle describes his burdens in his summation of 2 Cor. 11:23-28 this way “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily; my deep concern for all the churches.”
The butterflies’ eyes have upward of 6000 lenses; they can discern friend, foe, danger, color, habitat. Within their various senses lies their ability to survive. With their feet they can sense the suitability of the object that they are standing on for food. In 1 Cor. 10:12 Christians are warned to take heed to their stance lest they fall. This requires good sensibility and discernment.
Heb. 5:14 describes the mature Christian and his ability to discern both good and evil. We realize that this sense comes to those who exercise and put into practice all that is provided in God’s work as food for the Christian to grow, 1 Pet. 2:2 “pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”
We, Christians and our butterfly counterparts, even travel together at times, all be it on different sides of our car’s windshields. There are other similarities that could be listed here.
God, in His infinite wisdom and ability, has created thousands of variations of beautiful and unique butterflies for the earth, each with their own special work. He in turn has also created untold number of beautiful, amazing Christians. 1 Pet. 2:9 describes them as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.
These special ones, Christians, are the ones He has created as new creatures to live with Him eternally in Heaven. What a blessing. Obey God while you have opportunity. Stop resisting… —Blind Bartimaeus 23
WHAT IF IT'S NOT IN THE SCRIPTURES?
We must have divine authority for all we do (Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”). That authority is founded upon the pages of God’s revealed word, the Bible. But what if that which we believe and practice cannot be found in the Scriptures?
If it’s not in the Scriptures...
1. It is not a good work! The Scriptures furnishes us to ALL good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”)
2. It does not pertain to life and godliness! Again, ALL things that pertain to life and godliness are found in the Scriptures. (2 Peter 1:3 “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”)
3. It causes one to not have God! We must not transgress and fail to go according to the teaching of Christ as set forth in the Scriptures. (2 John 9-11 “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”)
4. It is going beyond what is written! (1 Corinthians 4:6 “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”)
5. It cannot be done by faith! Since “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), we are commanded to “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Thus, “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)
6. It is not authorized by Christ! Only if it is in the Scriptures can we do it in His name, that is, by His authority. (Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”)
7. It is iniquity! Iniquity means lawlessness. Christ has given us His law. To not follow it is to be a worker of iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”)
8. It is not as the oracles of God! Oracles means words, thus, the words of God. Therefore, if we speak it must it must be the words of God that we are speaking as we are trying to teach others. (1 Peter 4:11 “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”)
9. It is of men! If it is not found in the Scriptures, the oracles of God, then it is of man! Whatever is of men will render our worship “vain”. (Matthew 15:9 “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”)
10. It's another gospel! Stop and consider the fact that the majority of what is preached and practiced today comes from a perverted gospel. (Galatians 1:6-9 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”)
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
SENTENCE SERMONS
Spend your life for something which will outlast it.
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Fall seven times and stand up eight.
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Though a good motive cannot sanction a bad action, a bad motive will always corrupt a good action.
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It takes a great deal of character strength to apologize quickly when you are in the wrong.
"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….…………… 9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….……… 10:30 AM
Evening Worship …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
Website: www. EastAlbertville.org
