Class update

We had a very interesting class discussion tonight in the Biblical Ministerial Ethics. It started out as a reaction to different students criticizing various ministers for unethical ministerial behavior. As I have stated on other occaisions in other classes, we must not fall into the trap of thinking that it is enough to just be against unbiblical behavior and liking the sound biblical teaching on certain subjects. Some feel that if we censor bad behavior in others and listen to preacher/teachers who also fight it that this of itsel makes all right. Not so.

(Jam 1:22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (Jam 1:23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (Jam 1:24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (Jam 1:25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

We must be changed by the operation of God's Word, His Spirit and His Grace continually in us. God's requirement is not just that we walk with the multitude that follow Him for a variety of reasons. Association with the right crowd and an afinity for the truth is insufficient; we must be ...doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving (Y)our own selves, by such a posture. (Jam 1:22) God will not ask us if we listened to good preachers or if we have read good sound doctrinal books or associated with good religiously conservtive people-----but are you a doer of the Word?

(Mat 7:21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

I challenged them with the question--- What real difference will your having participated in these Bible School Classes really make in your character and behavior? That will be the final test when we all stand before the Supreme judge.