Stop

I will hear what God Jehovah will speak; For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: But let them not turn again to folly. 

Psalm 85:8

    Are you willing to hear God speak? I mean, are you really willing to hear God speak? In order to do so, you must stop. You must stop thinking that you are going to find God’s will outside of and in contradiction to His revealed Word. God speaks through His Word and no longer through the miraculous gifts that have ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-10; Jude 1:3). You must stop thinking that you will get by without the study of God’s Word. It is vital at all points and times of our days (Deut. 6:6-9; 2 Tim 2:15). 

Stop Looking in the Wrong Places

    You must stop looking for any other place for growth as a Christian. Reading denominational literature or motivational quotes will not help you grow, so stop. Someone who does not know the basics of New Testament Christianity (the Gospel Plan of Salvation, the One church, the leadership for each congregation) cannot be trusted with anything in matters of faith and doctrine. Suppose you need a mechanic to do an engine overhaul. Would you select a mechanic who could not even do a simple oil change correctly? Sure, a broken clock is right twice a day; that’s okay for a clock, but never for things concerning our eternal salvation. 

Stop Being Malnourished

Moreover,  Brethren, being present for one assembly will not suffice for the week. We have to stop having to beg the brethren to simply be in attendance for what the Lord calls each of us to do (Heb 10:24-25). Can you imagine if you ate only one meal a week how you would feel? If you brushed your teeth only once a week, how would that work out? It is expected for each of you to be studying the Bible outside of our assemblies and Bible classes. How is your prayer life? When do you pray? Why do you pray?

Restart With the Starting Point

    His Word is our guide, our help, our stay. We grow closer to Him by hearing what He has to say about Himself and about who He says we are. It should come as no surprise that Jesus’ prayer for His disciples was this: “Sanctify them in Truth, Thy Word is Truth” (Jn. 17:17). So if you were seeking truth, where would you start? We always must start with His Holy Spirit-inspired Word. 

Grace and Peace, 

R.D. Beavers