What We Believe — Scripture

The past ten blog articles have shared a very brief glimpse into a philosophy that has tried to destroy faith in God and the message of the Bible. There have been times when those who press their heretical views on people seem to have achieved their objective. History records times when all thoughts of God and Christ disappeared. Over time, millions have turned away from Bible teachings to follow the desires of their fleshly lusts and surrendered to strong desires and powers (Ephesians 6:12). There have been wars, nations conquered, atrocities inflicted, and people enslaved by ungodly ambitions. But through it all, there remains a remnant of faithful followers of God.

In present-day society, we lived through a pandemic during which worldwide fear caused panic and uncertainty about the future. It stopped the assembly of the Saints in many areas and even prohibited any group from assembling at times. But through it, faithful brethren found a way to teach, worship, and remain in contact with others of like faith. Similarly, in Bible history, there were times when it seemed like God’s followers were gone. In 1 Kings 19, Jezebel vowed to take the prophet Elijah’s life. Fearing that he alone still served God, Elijah escaped and, in depression, asked God to take his life. But God tells him, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18 NKJV).

The Psalmist recognized that wherever he went, God is there, “If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me” (Psalms 139:9-12 NASB).

In John chapter 6, Jesus exposes for us the error that existed in the rabbinic doctrine of the Jews. Many today find that God’s truth differs from what they have heard and the practices they want to keep. Jesus asked if His disciples would also turn from Him to follow the teaching of men. They respond, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68 NKJV). As we watch people refuse to listen to God’s word, watch brethren leave to find entertainment rather than worship, and others return to the world, we ask, as the song does, “Where Can I Go?” Let us look at the fears mentioned in that song.

Striving alone to face temptation’s sore; (2 Peter 2:9).

When my soul needs manna from above; (John 6:16-58).

When I face the chilling hand of death; (Acts 7:56-60).

Seeking a refuge for my soul; (Hebrews 6:18-20)

Needing a friend to help me in the end; (John 15:3).

And the chorus asks, Where could I go but to the Lord; (John 14:6).

The Psalmist recognized our God’s mind-boggling, infinite knowledge as He wrote Psalm 139. David writes of God’s omniscience; God knows everything! God knows the developing baby, yet to be born. God knows where each person is, even when hidden from human eyes. God knows our words before we speak them. And God knows how many hairs are on our heads (Matthew 10:30). We wonder about the days of creation and what wonders have come and gone. But God knows the complete history of creation and life on this earth, for He is the planner, designer, creator, sustainer, and lawgiver.

Paul describes Christ; He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:15-20).

Despite their degrees and philosophies, humans cannot improve upon God’s Word, as revealed in the Bible. Where can we go but to the Lord?