A non-Christian must begin making certain changes in his or her life, if he or she truly seeks to obtain immortality (Romans 2:5-10; Acts 2:36-38; 1 Peter 3:21). However, some of you have already obeyed the good news of Jesus Christ. As a child of God, are you changing into what God wants? Are you seeking to stand out from the world and become more and more like your Lord (Romans 12:1-2)? How are you progressing in eliminating your sinful habits? Is your daily language appropriate for a Christian (Ephesians 4:29-31; Colossians 3:8)? How devoted are you to the truth (Ephesians 4:25, 15)? Are you working on governing your emotions (James 1:19-20; Ephesians 4:26; Colossians 3:12-15)? There are several passages to study as we begin making needed changes and adjustments (Galatians 5:1-6:10; Ephesians 4:1-6:9; Romans 12; Colossians 3:1-4:6; etc.). What Must Not Change? While there are many things that must change to please God, there are also many things that must not ever change, unless we are seeking God’s wrath in the final Day (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). As the Lord’s people, we must stand steadfast against the changes that are sought by so many. These changes do come from outside the body, but they often assail from within the Lord’s own church (2 Peter 2:1-ff; Jude 4). The ultimate goal of such changes is to please self. The foundational change finds its center in the nature of God. God is no longer viewed as an unchanging, infinite, complete and perfect

Note with me some biblical teachings concerning the concept of change. In a former article, we noticed that we live in a society that is characterized by change. We also considered some necessary changes, and we defined these as repentance and Christian growth. Please join me as we continue to explore a proper perspective of change. What Must Change? Generally speaking, we do not like to change spiritually. We are often stubborn and hard-hearted against the words of God (Acts 8:18-23; 24:25-26; 26:28; John 12:37-41). We love to do whatever we want to do. Gambling, drinking, smoking, pornography, profanity, harshness and bitterness are just some of the things people often struggle to overcome. Obviously, the problem is not when the Word tells us to do something we like to do or are already doing, but whenever God requires something we dislike. Many want to obey God on their own terms, and they are not truly seeking the truth. Yet, we are instructed to, “Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save our souls” (James 1:21). This includes actually doing what the Word commands us to do (James 1:22-ff). In many ways, the hardest part of true Bible study is fully applying and fruitfully practicing the Book. If we truly seek the truth of God, we will make the needed changes to be right with Him. Remember, the truth of God possesses the power to free us from the

As citizens of the United Sates, we live in a society that is characterized by change. People are not satisfied with the status quo for very long, and become bored without rapid change and progression. Many of us want new cars, new homes, new toys, new clothes, new tools, new mates and new entertainments. Of course, change can often be a bad thing. Sadly, this obsession with change can be easily observed in religion and ethics. Truth is now considered relative by many, and therefore, right and wrong are simply a matter of personal perspective. Sinful behavior is to be tolerated, not repented of and spoken against. In our present cultural framework, God is a myth, the Bible is a fairytale storybook at best, and Christianity is often an unhealthy way of living. It is interesting that many talk of tolerance, but are far from being tolerant of God, His Word and his faithful people. Things sure have changed a whole lot in the last several decades. The erosion in the ethical fabric of our nation has led to a so-called “post-Christian nation.” As the Lord’s body, we must not allow ourselves to be fooled or deceived by this mentality of change and progression. We must remain firmly grounded in the Word of our awesome God. It is imperative that we all recognize that there are essential changes to be made, but other things that must not ever be changed. What Must Change? Change can be a very good and

Consider the following four passages from the New Testament. The Preparations of the Savior (John 14:1-6). He left this earth to “prepare a place” for His disciples. Jesus contrasted the common, single room house of the time with a house containing many abiding places. He would do all this (go, come again and receive) so that we could dwell or remain with Him forever, that where our Savior is we may be also. The Reservations for the Faithful (1 Peter 1:3-5). God has made reservations for you! Where? In the beautiful place called heaven (cf. Colossians 1:5). This reservation is eternal life with God in the home He has prepared for the church of God. It is going to last; it simply does not fade away. A City Prepared by God Himself (Hebrews 11:13-16). These men of faith confessed that this was not their final place of abode. “They were strangers and pilgrims” (v. 13). People who speak and live that way proclaim clearly that they are longing for and looking for a homeland (v. 14). “They desire a better, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (v. 16). “God Himself will be with them” (Revelation 21:3-4, 7). In heaven, we will dwell eternally with the God of heaven. Think about it. We will be in His awesome and holy presence (v. 3). God will be there to wipe away every tear from every eye. Because of this, there will be no

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I have so much I have to do today, or maybe, “I have to do this and I haveto do that, too”? Yet, there is only one thing I have to do in life. Solomon wrote, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Previously in the book, Solomon had conducted an intensive experiment of man’s purpose in life. He considered things that cannot satisfy, such as: In the end, Solomon found that the only thing we really have to do is to obey God. Serving Him ought to be the most important goal of our lives, because we are here for that very purpose. My ultimate task and your ultimate task is to live and die for Him. Consider what Moses said to Israel in Deuteronomy 10:12-13: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statues which I command you today for your good?” Later he would say, “For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life” (Deuteronomy 32:46-47). In the New Testament, Peter declared the ultimate aim of Christian ministry, “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11). So, “whether

Looking up from the ground, you could see what was left of His weak, bleeding, and torn body. He had been hanging there on that tree in great agony, suffering for hours. If you were there, you heard His words. “Woman, behold your son!” and “Behold your mother!” he said in care of His mother. Then, His innocent lips uttered the words, “I thirst!” Only two words. Two simple words of need. In fact, it’s not really an unusual request for anyone to make. All humans are designed with a need for water, and they will seek it quite strongly. I am certain that you’ve moaned the words, “I’m thirsty!” Or maybe on a burning summer day you’ve cried, “I’m so thirsty!” He had every reason to be thirsty, with the greatly dehydrated tissues within His body sending their urgent messages to the brain, longing for relief. The cry He expressed fulfilled the Scripture. The Messianic 22nd Psalm foretold of His condition, “My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.” These words come from the parched lips of a Man dying in deep anguish! Have you ever experienced that kind of thirst? Yet, this Man was different. Let us not forget that He was the Son of God (Matthew 3:17). He was and is Deity in the fullest sense (1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-11)! The One hanging on that cross is the