The Bereans were noble truth seekers. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. The Apostle Paul commanded the Thessalonians to “prove all things” (1Thessalonians 5:21). Can you prove your religion by God’s Word, the Bible? To help you, I have suggested the following areas of investigation.
YOUR CHURCH’S CREED: Is it a document authored by an uninspired man or is it the Bible, written by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 15:9; 2Peter 1:21)? In other words, is Christ your creed? 1Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. And Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
YOUR RULE OF FAITH: Is it your church’s creedal statements, your opinions, some sort of consensus arrangement within your group, or the Word of Christ – Romans 10:17? Called the law of liberty in James 1:25, the Bible alone is the complete and sufficient guide (2Peter 1:3; 2Timothy 1:5-17) which we cannot add to or take from (Revelation 22:18, 19).
YOUR CHURCH GOVERNMENT: Does it comply with the New Testament pattern for the church, or exhibit the innovations and ecclesiastical structures of prominent religious groups? Only Christ is the head of His Church Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Each autonomous congregation under Him is to be governed by bishops selected from amongst the members of that congregation (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). The deacons, evangelists, and members within the local church all serve under their oversight (Hebrews 13:17). Any religious organization that departs from this pattern has departed from the Word of God (1Corinthians 4:6, 17).
YOUR LAW OF PARDON: Souls were saved from sin in New Testament times through God’s law of pardon. It was the same for all (Romans 2:11). All had to believe in Jesus as their Savior (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 3:19), confess faith in Jesus (Acts 8:37), and be immersed in water for the removal of their sins (Acts 2:38). Then, and only then, did Jesus add them to His church (Acts 2:41,47). How does this compare with what you are accustomed to seeing and hearing? Are you willing to be a Berean and search God’s Word for yourself? – By Rod Kyle.
