The Bible is full of stories about getting it right with what God has to say. To do things different, “It just doesn’t work.” I want to share a couple of these stories with you.
In 2nd Kings 5:9-15–Naaman had leprosy and was told to dip in the Jordon river 7 times and he would be clean. He got furious, but eventually did what he was told and became clean. He grumbled about what God had told him, just as we do sometimes, but in the end he did what he was told. If he dipped in a different river, dipped 6 times, or 8 times, “It just doesn’t work.”
In Genesis 6:8-12–Noah was told to build an Ark. God gave him precise instructions on how the Ark was to be built. Noah, through his faith, did as God had told him, just as we do sometimes. Had Noah built the Ark his own way and not done what God said, “It just doesn’t work.”
In Numbers 20:7-12–Moses was told to talk to the rock and there would be plenty of water. Moses was not happy with the people and struck the rock with a rod instead of talking to it, as God has instructed. The rock produced water, but Moses lost his right to enter the Promised Land. One mistake, not doing what God said, cost him dearly. “It just doesn’t work.”
In Genesis 19:12-26–God was ready to destroy Sodom because of the immorality that was going on. He told Lot and his wife to leave the city and not look back. Lot’s wife turned and looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. One mistake, she didn’t do what God said, cost her her life. “It just doesn’t work.”
4 Stories–2 did what they were told and things worked out good–2 didn’t do what they were told and things turned bad. So, what about in today’s world? Are we doing what God says, or doing things our own way?
In the new Testament God has precise plans we are to use.
The plan of our Salvation is laid out for us and to do different, “It just doesn’t work.”
Romans 10:17–Hear the Word of God
John 8:24–Believe His Word
Luke 13:3–Repent of our sins
Matthew 10:32–Confess that we believe Jesus is the Son of God
Mark 16:16–Be baptized
Revelation 2:10–Remain faithful until death and receive the Crown of Life
Leave any of these steps out, “It just doesn’t work.”
Jesus established His Church in Acts on the Day of Pentecost. He gave precise instruction how to Worship Him.
1st Timothy 4:2–Preach the Word
James 5:16–Prayer
Ephesians 5:19–Addressing one another with song from the heart (No example of instruments)
Acts 20:7 and 1st Corinthians–Communion on the 1st day of the week.
1st Corinthians 16:1-2 and 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8–Giving on the 1st day of the week with what you purpose in your heart
1st John 1:3–Fellowship with one another, Jesus Christ, and the Father.
Hebrews 10:24-26–Don’t forsake Worshiping with the Saints.
Ephesians Chapter 4–There is only one Church. Christ established His Church on the day of Pentecost.
Leave any one of these out, “It just doesn’t work.”
1st Corinthians 6:9-10–These with not inherit the Kingdom of God. UNRIGHTEOUS, FORNICATORS, IDOLATORS, ADULTERERS, HOMOSEXUALS, SODOMITES, THIEVES, COVETOUS, DRUNKARDS, REVILERS, or EXTORTIONERS.
Don’t be like Lot’s wife or Moses making mistakes. If we don’t do what God says and Commands, we will not inherit the Kingdom of God. “IT DOESN’T WORK!!
SMILE God loves YOU!! Have a good day all.
