Skeptics and unbelievers have used their freedom of speech to say the Bible is just a collection of foolish myths and ancient tales and ridicule those of us who contend that the Bible is God’s complete and final revelation to the human race. Their railings and false accusations have caused many others to shrink back from making any bold claims to faith in the Bible as God’s word. It is time for believers to take the offensive and to show the incontestable evidence that supports our faith in the Holy Scriptures. The unique stature of the Bible demands our attention and eventually will demand an explanation from us.

Its Moral Purity

        The uniqueness of the Bible is seen in many ways. I would suggest that it is seen first of all in the purity of its moral and ethical teachings. Everywhere in the Bible righteousness is commended and sin is condemned. Even the heroes of the Bible such as Abraham and David and Peter are condemned without hesitation when they fall short of the righteousness of God.

        Not only that, but the righteousness demanded by the Bible is always the true inward righteousness of the heart, and not just the outward appearance of righteousness. See such passages as Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 1:10-17 and Matthew 5:21-48. Moreover, the Bible does not demand righteousness for traditional or political reasons, but always bases its demand for righteousness on man’s relation to the holy God who created him (Lev. 11:44).

        The moral purity of the Bible is all the more striking when it is compared with the moral condition of the rest of the world at the time the Bible was given. The Egyptians, among whom the Israelites lived as slaves for 400 years, did not even have a word for "sin" in their language. They had words for "mistakes" and "errors", but they simply lacked the moral understanding necessary to see themselves as sinners. And the Canaanites, the people among whom the Israelites lived for the next 1,000 years, had sunk to the very depths of immorality. They had actually made prostitution a part of their religion. But in the midst of such a culture, the Bible proclaimed, "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14). The presence of such a high moral standard demands an explanation. Clearly it did not come from the people who surrounded the Israelites. And there is no reason to think that the Israelites themselves invented such moral purity. Their whole history was one of apostasy from the moral standards of the Bible. That is the explanation given in the Bible itself. It is the word of God. Hence it reveals the moral standard of God, and not the morality of men.

Its Accuracy

        Another characteristic which must be evident if we are to believe in the inspiration of the Bible is historical accuracy. Critics of the Bible constantly portray it as nothing more than an unreliable fabric of legends and fables. But the fact is, the fundamental trustworthiness of the Bible with regard to its account of history of the Israelite people and the events of the New Testament had been corroborated over and over by the careful work of some of the most eminent archaeologists and historians in the world. Nelson Glueck, a leading authority in Biblical archaeology once said he would go on record as stating that no archaeological discovery has ever been made that contradicts historical statements in Scripture. Sir William Ramsey, another prominent archaeologist and historian of New Testament times, began his work as a skeptic, but was overwhelmed by the historical trustworthiness of the book of Acts in the New Testament, and eventually confessed his faith in Christ.

        Some examples of Biblical events confirmed by the work of archaeologists include: the existence of the Hittite empire, Exodus 3:17 (skeptics used to deny such a nation existed); the reign of Belshazzar in Babylon, Daniel 5:1 (again skeptics used to deny he ever lived); the digging of a water tunnel by Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20:20 (the tunnel itself has been discovered); Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah, 2 Kings 18:13 (Sennacherib’s own account has been dug up); and the imprisonment of Jehoikin in Babylon, 2 Kings 24:12 (his name has been found on a ration list dug up in Babylon).

        Of course critics of the Bible will still find things to object to and will continue to dispute the trustworthiness of the Bible, simply because the story of the Bible will never agree with how they, as unbelievers, believe things must have happened. But the fact remains that the Bible stands unshaken by their criticisms, and such trustworthiness begs an explanation. What explanation do you give?

Its Unity

        A third area in which the uniqueness of the Bible is seen is its structure and unity. It is not surprising for a book written by a single man, or a group of men at a single time, to exhibit a carefully planned unity. But when a book written by forty different men over a period of 1400 years exhibits such a unified structure, we must ask, "How can this be?"

        The Bible is divided into two parts, an Old Testament and a New Testament, with each corresponding perfectly to the other. The New is even predicted in the Old (Jer. 31:31). The Old contains a promise of salvation. The New contains the fulfillment of that promise.

        The Bible begins with the story of man in fellowship with God and enjoying all the blessings of God in the garden of Eden. But man sins, separates himself from God, and is cast out of the garden. The Bible proceeds to tell of man’s inability to extricate himself from sin and the miserable state he finds himself in apart from God. Then it tells of God’s announcement to Abraham of his intention to turn his descendants, the Israelites, into a great nation, and through them to work out his plan for bringing men back into his fellowship and blessing.

        From that point on the Bible tells the story of the nation of Israel: how God took her, gave her laws, kings, and prophets, all in preparation for, and pointing to, the day of salvation - the day the promise to Abraham would be fulfilled. Finally we come to the New Testament and to Jesus, the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, the promised Savior and King. The story of the Bible comes to a climax as this Jesus offers himself on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of man, making it possible for man to be forgiven of his sin and restored to fellowship with God. The Bible then concludes with the promise that those who believe on Jesus and submit to him as Savior will spend eternity in the new garden of Eden, in heaven itself.

        I want to begin this morning by asking you if you are familiar with this animal. Yes, those are pictures of geese. If any of you live or work near a lake or pond I am sure you are quite aware of these birds. Most people probably see them as a nuisance, for instance when they begin to cross the road, sit back and relax because they are going to take their own sweet time getting across. Maybe you have been awakened by a flock of them flying overhead at 5:30 in the morning honking as loud as they can. Or if you are like me, after about 7 holes on the golf course you begin aiming for them rather than the hole. Don't worry my aim is not that good; I haven't hit any yet. This morning I want tell you that we can actually learn valuable lessons from geese. I am sure there are more but I would like to look at five facts about geese and what lessons we can learn from them.

Lesson #1

        Let's begin with a little physics lesson. I am sure you have all seen a flock of geese flying in a "V" formation. The reason they fly this way is as they flap their wings they are providing lift for the geese behind them. Because of this they fly with 71% more flight capacity than if each of them were to fly alone.

What lesson can we learn from this?

        People who share their goals and interests, and possess a feeling of community, will achieve their goals more easily, because they can count on mutual support.
         When geese are flying they are trying to reach their destination or goal. We are nearing the time when geese begin to fly south for the winter, which is their goal. They would never reach the south in a reasonable amount of time if they didn't work together as a team.

We as Christians all have a common goal. To get to heaven.

        Paul had a goal that he was striving to obtain and he tells us in Philippians 3 verses 12 through 16:
        Paul is speaking here of striving to attain a goal. He specifically mentions the word "us" meaning a group. We are that group, a congregation of Christians in the Joliet area, and we are all to be of the same mind, having the same goal, and working together.

Paul wrote again in Ephesians 4 verse 16

        Geese work together for their common goal and Christians should also be working together to reach their goal. Like Paul said if "every part does its share, it causes growth of the body." Sure you may be able to achieve your goal of heaven if you try it on your own but as we have heard, working together makes it much easier to achieve. You would never risk hurting your back by trying to push a piano up a flight of stairs by yourself, so why would you risk your soul by pursuing heaven by yourself?         Remember, when the geese work together they fly with 71% more capacity. It is beneficial for them to work together, and the same holds true for us.

        How do we work together? By attending all the services and bible classes together. By relying on the experience of our elders and of those older than us in the congregation. And by putting off our petty disputes and focusing on what we have in common; our faith and our goal.

And remember 1 Corinthians 1, verse 10.

        So, let there be no divisions among us and let us be joined together as we work diligently toward our goal.

Lesson #2

        If one of the geese happens to drop out of formation, it will suddenly feel air resistance, and it will realize how difficult it is to fly alone. It will return to the formation as quickly as possible, so it can utilize the lift supplied by the goose in front of it.

The lesson?

        If we're as intelligent as the geese, and I hope God has made us more so, we will stay together with those who are going in the same direction that we want to travel. We will readily accept their help, and will also be ready to help others.
         Unfortunately this is not always the case. Every day Christians are falling away from God.

Did you know that…

1. Almost one of every two Americans, exactly 46%, will drop out of active church participation sometime during their lifetime.
2. One third of all dropouts occur during the teenage years, and 60% by age 24.
3. 80% of those who drop out do so in the first year after they are converted.
4. Most people who drop out of church fail to receive a caring visit within the first two months.
5. Half of all drop outs can be reached again by a caring compassionate visit from another Christian.

        People fall away from God and leave the church for many reasons but we need to do our best to make sure they don't. The most staggering of the statistics I just read is the fact that 80% of those that leave the church do so in the first year. When someone becomes a Christian we have to make sure we welcome them with open arms and that they are not forgotten. We should continue to study with them and look for signs that they may be in need of some help.
         And now, what if someone does leave God and the church? In some cases, the individual, like the goose, feels the difficulty of being out in the world without God, and returns quickly to the flock. But in many cases, we must help to bring them back.

James 5, verses 19 and 20

        This verse tells us we should seek those who have wandered from the truth and try to save their soul from death. Now you may ask "How do we approach and handle those who are lost?" The answer: With gentleness and compassion.

2 Timothy 2 verses 24 through 26

        Therefore, we should be gentle and patient while correcting those who are in opposition of God.

Lesson #3

        When the leading goose in the formation gets tired, it will automatically take up another position in the formation and then a different goose will take over the lead.
        This lesson tells us it is a good idea to share the hard work. Like geese, we are dependent on each other, and we can utilize each person's abilities, gifts and unique assortment of talents and resources for the benefit of the church.
         While our elders are the leaders here at Margaret Street, there are many tasks and responsibilities that we all need to share. Here is a list of just some of the things that must take place here for God's church to function.

1. We need Elders
2. We need to have Deacons
3. We need a preacher, and yes we have Heath, but we also need those that can fill in when he is not here.
4. Bible class teachers.
5. Song Leaders
6. Prayer leaders
7. Men to serve on the Lord's table
8. Women to prepare the Lord's supper
9. Men to usher
10. People to follow-up with our visitors.
11. Men to count the contribution and someone to be the treasurer.
12. Someone to work the sound system
13. A teaching committee to make sure we have class topics, teachers and class material.
14. People to manage our resource room and keep our class materials and supplies organized.
15. A building committee to make sure the building is maintained.
16. People to clean the building.
17. People to buy the supplies needed for the building and classes.
18. We even need people to clear the sidewalk in the winter time.
19. People to visit the sick and the shut-in.
20. People to invite people here so that souls can be saved.

        Now this list is by no means complete and I am sure I have left out quite a few tasks but the point is there is something for just about everyone to take part in and for them to do their part. God has given us all unique talents and we should use them.

Ephesians 4, verses 11 and 12

        He gave us these talents for a reason, "for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
        Together, we make up the body of Christ. This is described further in Romans 12 beginning in verse 4:
        God puts congregations together in a certain way for a certain reason. You do not belong to this congregation by chance, but because you bring some ability, some talent, to the table that is unique to this group. Maybe you are not able to lead singing or get up and preach, but whatever your ability is, use it!

Lesson #4

        While geese are flying, they honk in order to encourage those in front to maintain their speed.
         Our lesson: We have to be sure that our "honking" is truly encouraging. In groups that are encouraged, working comes easier, and the results are better. Are you providing the type of encouragement that gives everyone the strength to commit themselves to God and to their goals?
        That honking we may hear overhead might be annoying to us, but to the geese it is what helps them stick together again toward reaching their goal. Every Christian can encourage others to do God's will. I wouldn't recommend you honk at someone you want to encourage but here are some ways we can encourage others:

1. We can encourage others by our words and how and when we choose to use them (Proverbs 15 verse 23).

Now in the New Testament in Ephesians 4, verse 29

Choosing the right words to say to someone is not always the easiest thing to do. But speaking from your heart and always being honest can be good guidelines to follow. Sometimes more importantly than what you say is how and when you choose to say it. Remember to always put the feelings of the one you are speaking to in the forefront of your mind and also remember Proverbs 25 and verse 11.

2. We can encourage through our example and how we live our lives. We should set a good example in everything we do, whether we are here, at home or at work. Remember you are a Christian, so act like it.

1 Timothy 4 verse 12

As you know, the word Christian means Christ "like." Jesus left us an example of how we should live. If we are going to wear the name "Christian" we must strive to be like him and be the proper example for others.

3. We also encourage by helping others in every way we can. There are several verses in the Bible that tell us we should bear each other's burdens.

Romans 15, verse 1. Now in Galatians 6, verse 2. And in Philippians 2, verse 4.

By others seeing our commitment and desire to help others, it will cause them to see what God has brought into our lives.

        Like geese, we also need encouragement in many ways. We need to be told if we do a good job on something. We need to be re-assured when things are going bad. We need to see the example of other Christians and how they live their lives to help us live ours. Always remember that everything you say or do, someone could be watching over your shoulder patterning their lives after yours. So try to set the good example for others so they might be encouraged by it.

Lesson #5

        If a goose becomes sick or they get injured, two other geese will leave the formation, and go with that bird on its way to the ground. They will stay with it and protect it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they will rejoin the flock again.
If we're as sensible as the geese, we'll stick together in bad times as well as good.

        As Christians we are to be a source of help, not only to the sick but also to any one in need. As we just read in Galatians 6 we should take on others' burdens and share the load.

Acts 20 and verse 35

        Whether someone is sick, or weak, or has recently lost a loved one we should support and comfort them. Go to be at their side until they return to their normal strength.
        Another way to support someone that is sick or going through hard times is to pray for them.
        We are told to pray for everything in Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7

        Put the concerns and needs for the sick and troubled in the hands of God. Let him heal them or end their suffering. But like the geese, make sure you are there by their side supporting them until the end.

Conclusion:

        I am sure when you came here this morning you were not expecting a Discovery Channel documentary on the life of geese but I hope you have gotten something out of this lesson. We should take the lessons that God has left for us through how geese live:

1. Work together as you strive towards a common goal.
2. Stay together with those who are heading in the same direction.
3. Share the work.
4. Stick behind one another and support each other's efforts.
5. Help those who are sick or troubled.

        I hope you take these lessons and find some application of how we should live our lives as Christians. If geese can do it I am sure we can as well.

        I just spoke a little bit ago about how we should take everything to God in prayer. Well, now you have that opportunity to come forward and make any need known so that we can all pray on your behalf. Whether you are going through troubling times in your life or you have fallen away from God and need to make things right this is your chance.

        Or maybe you are here this morning and you are not yet a Christian, this time is for you as well. If you believe in Jesus Christ we encourage you to come forward as well, confess your faith and be baptized and dedicate your life to God and become a member of God's flock.

by Rick Lanning

Introduction:

        We are told all our lives to "be safe, not sorry." If we work in construction or heavy machinery, it is especially wise to be cautious. Do not take chances, it could cost you a serious accident, or maybe your life. Even if we work at a desk job, there are situations where, for instance, you can choose to back up your documents on a computer while you are away for lunch, or take a chance there will be no power outage or someone won't delete your work. Driving a car, it is better to be safe when crossing a railroad track, than taking a chance by trying to beat the train ... or merge against a Mack truck ... or drive 65 on icy streets. In a volatile stock market, many can choose the safety of a bank CD or conservative mutual fund over picking individual stocks. In many areas of life it is far better, and wiser, to choose safety over risk.

        In the pursuit of pleasing God and going to heaven, I believe the Bible shows us a way that is safe -- infallibly safe. I believe you can:

1. "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1: I 0)
2. "know that when He (Christ) is revealed, we shall be like Him" (I Jn. 3:2)
3. "know we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him' (I Jn. 3:19)
4. "know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us" (I Jn. 3:24)
5. "we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in the world" (I Jn. 4:17)
6. "whatever is born of god overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" (I Jn. 5:4)
7. "know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (I Jn 5:20)

I. TWO WAYS TO CHOOSE (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23)

    A. The Broad Way

1. "Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction"
2. "There are many that go in by it."
3. "Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord... then I will declare to them 'I never knew you, depart from Me"
4. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12)
5. The facts of scripture point to an undeniable truth - many will be sorry, not safe at the judgment of God. God said, "It is My way, or Broadway" and many have chosen that highway of death!

B. The Narrow Way

1. "Enter by the narrow gate ... because narrow is the gate and difficult the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
2. "Not everyone ... shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
3. "Manyv are called, but few are chosen" (Matt. 20:16; 22:14)
4. It is unmistakable that " God is going to save "few". Only those who choose the "difficult, narrow' way will find eternal life.

C. Choose To Be Narrow

1. "Narrow-minded" is often a tag placed upon those who do not believe like the majority. In politics they call these "extremists", or "far-right" or "far-left".
2. The implication is that unless you conform to the majority opinion, then you are narrow-minded.
3. When someone calls me that, I say "Thank you for the compliment" if by that they mean I am a strict constructionist of God's Constitution, not an amender. I believe there is a safe way that leads to making my calling to heaven "sure" or "assured" or to confidently and boldly say, "I know". God has taken the guess work out of His scheme of redemption. I don't have to be tossed back and forth wondering, fretting, confused. Neither do you.
4. Let us examine a few areas where it is better to be safe than sorry.

II. TO BE INFALLIBLY SAFE, NOT SORRY, YOU MUST. . . . .

    A. Choose To Be A Believer, Not An Atheist or Agnostic

1. It is easy to be an infidel (unbeliever in God).
    a. No hard work, no disciplined study of the Bible, no logical analysis from internal and external evidences.
    b. Easy to simply claim: "I don't believe in God, Christ, Bible, Heaven or Hell".
    c. Take comfort that you are in the majority among intellectuals and academia.
    d. Claim your own "faith" in Darwin's evolutionary theory, the Big Bang theory, the Missing Link theory and all other theories that have no documented proof.

2. It is more difficult ("the strait gate"), but safer, to believe in God and the Bible.
    a. Must examine all the evidence (Heb. 11:1, 6 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" . . . . "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him")
    b. Evidence of God (Psa. 14:1; Job 37-40; Rom. 1:20)
    c. Evidence of the Bible (Psa. 19; Psa.119; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Pet. 1:3-11)
    d. Evidence of christ and the Resurrection (I Cor. 15)

3. Safe Way:

a. The infidel says: "What if I was right -- you (Christian) wasted your life on a lie."
b. The Christian says: "What if I was right -- you (Atheist) wasted your life on a lie."
c. Consider the options:
    1) If the Christian was wrong, he still lived the best life there is on earth - for sin brings no peace (Ecclesiastes theme). He enjoyed the fruits of love, joy, peace, longsuffering (Gal. 5:22-23). He found the secret to life by living with AGAPE love (I Cor. 13). Then he just ceased to exist, with no pain or eternal sorrow.
    2) If the Christian was right, he lived the best of both worlds, having fellowship with God on earth, then throughout eternity!
    3) If the Infidel was right, he still lived with no moral compass, having to struggle with trial and error all his life - like every generation before him.
    4) If the Infidel was wrong, he loses the biggest stakes every wagered: his precious and eternal soul!
    d. Read the account of two men who so wagered their souls, betting against the odds that there is a God, and that they will stand before Him in judgment:
    1) Luke 16:19-31
    2) Luke 12:16-21
e. It is far more safe, infallibly safe, to live a more disciplined life - the narrow way - than to take the easier life - the broad way. But you must choose.

B. Wear The Name "Christian", Not A Man-Made Name

1. It is easier to take the popular route of wearing one of the thousands of religious names given by mainstream denominations.
    a. The "There is nothing in a name" mentality is often the reason given for wearing a name of a man (i.e. Luther), an action (i.e. Baptist), a discipline (i.e. Methodist), a ruling body (i.e. Presbyterian, Episcopalian), a theme (i.e. Catholic), a day (i.e. 7th Day Adventist), a belief (i.e. Greek Orthodox)
    b. Tell parents there is nothing in a name when it's time to name one of their children (not Suzy but Jezebel; not Billy but Judas); or companies with trademark names (IBM, 3M, Coca-Cola, Microsoft,etc.) if used by new entrepreneurs; or kids who hate veggies ("Tommy, that is not broccoli, it is green Hershey's kisses"). Really now!

2. It is more narrow to confine your religious name to that given only by God.
    a. Acts 4:12 "...there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved". What name is that?
    b. Acts 11:26 "...The diciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
    c. Acts 26:28 "...almost you persuade me to be a Christian."
    d. I Pet. 4:16 "...yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed."

3. Consider the options:

a. If you are right that God will not care what name you choose to wear,
then one name is as good as another. We can call ourselves "Porcupines" or "The Hole-In-The-Wall Gang" and God won't care.
b. If you are wrong, and have sought to override God's chosen name for His people, then He will not be happy. Read I Cor. 1:10-13 for an example of some who sought to use Paul's name, Apollos' name, or Cephas' name instead of Christ's name. Paul condemned them for such audacity.
c. Since neither he nor Apollos, nor Cephas nor anyone but Christ had been crucified for them and since they had not been baptized into any man's name but Christ's, then they shouldn't call themselves after anyone but Christ. Taking any name other than Christ's causes division (v.13).
d. The Safe Way. If you only wear the name you can read in the Bible - "Christian" - then you wear a name that nobody to my knowledge would object to as wrong, and have taken the safe, the infallibly safe, course.

C. Believe In God's Bible Plan Of Salvation, Not Man's Amended Plan

1. It is easier to accept the majority opinion of how a sinner is saved:
   a. "All roads lead to heaven"
   b. It doesn't matter what you believe, just as long as you are sincere"
   c. "Surely my grandparents, parents, religious leaders and church can't be wrong! "
   d. "There are millions who believe like I do; we are the majority!"
   e. This route requires no investigation or allowance for sincere debate, merely a blind acceptance of what you have been taught all your life.
   f. What if Toscanini and Columbus had accepted their geography teachers explanation of the flat earth? What if Thomas Edison, Alexander Bell, and Orville and Wilbur Wright had accepted their science teachers' "facts" about the impossibility of electricity, sound waves and flying machines?
   g. Are the Pope, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Joseph Smith, the Watchtower Society, Mary Baker Eddy, the Promise Keepers and all other men and organizations right in the plan they have given? Are you willing to stake your soul on it, simply because seemingly sincere, pious, intelligent men said it is right?
   h. Is infant sprinkling right? Is "the sinner's prayer" in the Bible? Is receiving the Seven Sacraments the way to securing your salvation? Must you accept Joseph Smith as God's prophet to be saved? Is "faith only" and "grace only' the indisputable way to make your future in heaven secure?

2. It is much more difficult ("the strait gate - the narrow way") to search the scriptures diligently to see for yourself God's plan of redemption.

a. Believing the gospel is not just a mental acceptance of the Bible as true, but a dedicated faith that comes only by "searching the scriptures" to truly know there is a living God, who sent His Son to die for you, was raised from the dead, fulfilling the prophecies given hundreds of years before, and has sent His Spirit to reveal a plan whereby you can be saved. (Jn. 5:39; Acts 17:11, I Cor. 15:3-4; Jude 3; 2 Pet. 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:15-17)

b. Repenting of your sins is a gut-wrenching ordeal, a crucifying of the flesh, not just a general acknowledgment of wrong with a half-hearted commitment to stop sinning, or a confession to some self-appointed administrator for God (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 2 Cor. 7:9-1 1, Col. 3:5-1 1).

c. Confession of Jesus is far more than a one-time verbal "calling on Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior". It is a life-long commitment to obeying His word (Jn. 8:24; Jn. 14:15; Lk. 9:23; Mt 10:32-39).

d. Baptism is much more than a "sacrament", or "an outward sign of an inward grace", or a ceremony of christening an infant, or even an optional command that can be eliminated altogether if you so choose. It is the avenue wherein an adult sinner - upon discovering that he or she is out of a covenant relationship with God and having repented, seeks to be physically immersed in water in Jesus' name in order to be forgiven of sins, and then rises up to walk a new life as a Christian. He cannot contact the saving blood of Christ, and cannot be a true Christian, until he fulfills God's stated condition of immersion. He believes and obeys the scriptures: (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; 10:48; 16:15, 31-33, 18:18; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-7; Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Pet. 3:21; John 3:3-5; Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9, etc.)

e. Faithfulness in walking the Christian life and receiving God's saving grace is more than maintaining your name on some church role, or attending services occasionally and contributing when the basket is passed, or making sure you have a proper Christian burial, or "feeling" secure that you cannot fall from God's grace because someone told you that.
    1) It is "giving all diligence" to add God's virtues to your life (2 Pet.1:3-11)
    2) It is "giving all diligence" to study and learn God's word (2 Tim. 2: 15)
    3) It is "working out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12)
    4) It is "save yourselves" by obedience to all God's commands (Acts 2:38-40)
    5) It is "give your body as a living sacrifice" by a complete transformation by "renewing your mind" to Christ-likeness (Rom. 12:1-2)
    6) It is realizing you can "fall from grace" (Gal. 5:4) and be "disqualified" unless "I discipline my body" (I Cor. 9:27)
    7) It is being "faithful unto death" (Rev. 2: 10)

3. The Safe Way

a. Consider the Options:
    1) You can listen to the popular televangelist, or famous book author, or dynamic speaker, or blindly accept your family faith and hope they are right with God.
        * If they are right? Were you just fortunate to be born in that family, or happen to pick the right preacher who knew his stuff, relieving you of the obligation to study for yourself?
        * If they were wrong? You will lose your soul - forever!
    2) You can choose to demand "book, chapter and verse" for all you believe and insist that any preacher or teacher "speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11) when teaching "What must I do to be saved? " (Acts 2:36-39)

b. It is safe, infallibly safe, to take all that God's word says man must do to be saved, then simply do it (Matt. 7:21 - "Not everyone that says to Me - Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.")

D. Follow The Holy Spirit's 7-Fold Plan For Unity, Not Man's Ecumenical Plan

1. It is easier to take man's "I'm ok, your ok" broad-minded acceptance of brotherhood fellowship.

    a. There is easy, non-threatening comfort in being non-judgmental. Everything is kept on a friendly, congenial basis. The atmosphere is warm and cozy. Everyone is saved and worthy of your fellowship.
    b. There are few, if any, enemies made when you accept the broad-minded approach to God's wide umbrella of grace. All that call on Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior are embraced with open arms.
    c. This is easy because it allows you to break fellowship down to the lowest common denominator (you "say" you are a Christian - that's good enough).
    d. You don't have to "know them by their fruits" (Matt. 7:20).
    e. You don't have to examine them to see if they are "in the faith" (2 Cor. 13:5)
    f. You don't have to "test the spirits to see if they are of God" (I Jn. 4:1)
    g. You don't have to go beyond hearing them say, "Lord, Lord" to see if they are actually "doing" the will of the Father (Matt. 7:21)

2. It is much more difficult to base fellowship on the Holy Spirit's strict 7-fold plan of Unity (Eph. 4:3-7 "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit ..)

a. One God and Father
    1) This eliminates all religions which have faith in other gods
    2) Buddha, Hindu, Idolatry of many tribes and nations around the world     3) Read Deut. 4:3 5; 6:4; 32:39; lsa. 43: 1 0 "Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." I Cor. 8:4-7; Jn. 17:21

b. One Lord (Jesus Christ)
    1) This eliminates Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Moonies, Islamic groups, and all other cults that downgrade Jesus to just another "prophet" and good teacher, but not the Savior of the world.
    2) This also eliminates all those whom Jesus Himself said call Him "Lord, Lord, but do not do the things I say" (Matt. 7:21, Lk. 6:46)
    3) Read I Cor. 8:6 "There is only one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live"

c. One Spirit
    1) This eliminates all who do not believe in the full, complete, and all- sufficient inspiration of the Bible as revealed by the Spirit to the apostles
and prophets.
    2) Besides the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Moonies, Islam and other cults that have "latter day revelations", this would also eliminate all the charismatic groups, like the Pentecostals, who believe the Scriptures are not complete - because they endorse "modern day revelations" (God is still talking to them). Many believe there are present day prophets and apostles among us.
    3) Read John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 1:1-2; 2 Pet. 1:3, Jude 3; Rev. 22:18-19 "...If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

d. One Faith
    1) This eliminates all Protestant denominations (established many years after Christ established His church) which hold to the view that there are "many faiths" and that all lead to heaven.
    2) God, Christ, The Spirit and the apostles all believed it made a difference what doctrine you believed (I Cor. 1:10-13 "speak the same thing, be of the same mind and the same judgment")
    3) Read John 17:20-21; John 8:31 "if you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed, John 14: 1 5 "if you love Me, keep My commandments Rom. 10: 17 "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God"; Jude 3 "contend earnestly for the faith..."
    4) Faith is not just what we want it to be, but what God actually revealed. It is "obedience to the faith" (Rom. 1:5; 16:25)

e. One Baptism
    1) This eliminates all Catholic and Protestant religions that don't believe:
        a) Baptism is an immersion in water (Col. 2:12; Acts 8:36-39; Rom. 6:3-5)
        b) Baptism is for the remission of sins, necessary for salvation, essential to put on Christ, and thus become a Christian (Ac 2:38; Mk. 16:16; Gal. 3:27)
     2) This is an act of faith (Mk. 16:16; Gal. 3:26-27), to wash away sins by calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). That makes it very essential!
     3) Read Acts 2:38; 3:19; 8-36-39; 10:48; 16:13-15; 16:25-40; 18:18.
     4) Read Matt 28:19; Mk. 16:15-16; Jn. 3:3-5; Rom. 6:3-7; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Pet. 3:21; Tit. 3:3-5

f. One Body
    1) This means "one church" since the body is the church (Eph. 1:22-23 "He (God) ... gave Him (Christ) to be head over all things to the church, which is His body - Col. 1: I 8 "He is the head of the body, the church")
    2) Those who endorse the belief that many churches are acceptable to God, which includes the vast majority of Protestant denominations, are in direct contradiction to the Holy Spirit's plan of unity.
    3) Paul changed religions, and commanded others to do the same, when he discovered he was not among God's "called out, saved people" (what the church actually is).
    4) Those who think it is acceptable to call the church names that God never authorized in scripture are also outside the Spirit's plan of unity. This would include hundreds of different churches that wear man-made names.

g. One Hope
    1) The Christian's hope is in heaven, not on earth (Phil. 3:20).
    2) Those who promote the millennial theories of Christ reigning on earth for 1000 years do not abide by the Holy Spirit's plan of unity, for it is a different hope altogether (as far as heaven is from earth). This would now include the vast majority of Protestant denominations.

3. The Safe Way - Consider Your Options:

a. If the ecumencial (broad-minded) approach to unity is right, then everybody is saved because doctrine doesn't matter. Christ's commandments are optional. The Spirit's many teachings on fellowship are mere trivial pursuit. The epistles of Paul, Peter, James and John are not critical to being of "like precious faith." Just so long as you have studied Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and confessed faith in God and Christ, then all other inspired writings are arbitrary.

b. If this Broad-Way is wrong, then the Lord will pronounce to you what He will pronounce to all sincere, religious folks who were sincerely and religiously wrong and who built their faith upon sand (Matt. 7:21-27).

c. If the narrow way is strictly kept - all seven planks in the Spirit's plan - then how can you be wrong. By not being content with 1/7th or 1/4th or 1/2 or even 6/7th of the 7-Fold plan, you insure that you have "endeavored (made every effort) to keep the unity of the Spirit." That is the infallibly safe course to take.

Conclusion:
Yes, there is a safe way to "make your calling and election sure." Many choose to walk lock-step with the vast majority who refuse to demand Bible authority for all they believe and practice. Jesus said they are on the Broad Way that leads to destruction.

Few choose to walk the Narrow Way and enter the Strait Gate that leads to eternal life.

The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

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