Just because you do something on a regular basis does not mean that you are proficient at it.
If you exercise regularly, but take no time to study how the muscular structure of the human body has been created by the Almighty, you may not gain the end results you are looking for, in fact, your exercise program may be detrimental to your body.
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2nd Tim. 3:5)
Most of the people on this planet who believe themselves to be saved are not, for Matthew 7:14 is a truth. “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Anyone who exercises regularly will tell you, if they have studied, that it is what you put into your body that will determine, in fact have the greatest impact on that exercise routine. The old saying fits well here, “Garbage in, garbage out.”
Many profess themselves to be wise in Spiritual matters, but they are fools, they are as silly women who have been led astray, as waves tossed to and fro because they will not study to show themselves approved. I believe many who are only professing the Lord Jesus Christ with their lips do so out of a fear of being ostracized from what they consider their “church family,” they have had the truths of the Scriptures revealed to them in a certain area, but if they question why the particular religious organization they have been associated with, sometimes for many decades, are not adhering to those truths, they will be rebuked by those they have come to call friends for so long.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
To know the truth and then deny it as such in this regard is to seek the praise of men above the things of God and is a great sin.
Every religious organization that bases itself on works realizes these truths and will do all within their power to coerce the one to whom truth has been revealed to, to deny that truth, for it is only in a semblance of bondage that they can keep their supplicants in the pews.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
Those who fear the loss of the friendship of the world will never know the friendship of the Lord.
The Most High does not knock perpetually on the hearts of people, there comes a time that He gives them over to a reprobate mind, He allows them to continue in the deceits and lies they have chosen to believe over His revealed truths. They have placed the traditions of man above the things of God, and that is where He leaves them, for they are no less than those who serve idols of wood and stone.
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matt. 6:7)
Even many Evangelical churches have fallen for these subtle deceptions, the service must start at the same time, the order of it must not be varied, only the songs and the sermon are modified. A sense of continuity must be maintained, of security in sameness and repetition, forsaking the truths of the Scriptures in many cases for fear of offending those in attendance.
Repetition does not always infer growth my friends, in fact, it can often produce negative results.
“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6)
God does not change, we are expected to, we are to learn to no longer love this world, we are expected to cast off that which is not profitable for His glory, even unto the loss of all our preconceived notions of who He is, even unto the loss of all our family and friends who have denied the truths of His Word.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Are you positive who it is you serve, or have you neglected that still small voice?
