Hosea 4:6 Not only was there a lack of knowledge in OT times, there also appears to be a widespread lack of bible knowledge throughout the world.

1. There was an article in a large daily newspaper about a young man`s answer to an examination question in a certain Christian University. The test asked, “What is a Papal Bull”? His answer was, “A Papal Bull” is a cow kept in the Vatican to give milk for the orphans.”
2. Another account was about 2 brethren that got into an argument about who knew the most about the Bible. One bet the other $5.00 that he could not say the “Lord`s Prayer”. He recited, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord to take.” The other said, “Here`s your money I didn`t think you could do it.”
3. In another Christian university a student was asked a question about creation. “The 2nd day God created the firmament and vegetation sprang up.” Another said, “The 2nd day God fermented.” When asked how man was created one student said, “ God made man by breathing dust into his nostrils and man became known.”

More bibles sold than any other book, yet it`s true contents are almost unknown. Almost all Americans have one, but few know it`s true contents. Christians are lukewarm toward it. Many don`t read it at all. Even preachers look to other books. Sermon literature and religious periodicals make up his reading for most. The majority of people don`t criticize or abuse it, simply ignore it! It must be taught because:

1. It is the will of God: John 6:44-45 (Is 54:13) Romans 10:11-15 Luke 24:46-47 Col 1:23 Apostles/others did it! 2 Cor 5:5-7 Romans 1:16 It IS the power of God! 1 Cor 1:21 God`s power is in his word!
2. Gal 1:8-9 Preach ONLY the pure gospel!
3. 2 Tim 4:1-2 Not testimonies-I think-I hope-the word!!
4. Anarchy reigns! Bible is THE ONLY true standard!. Breaking away from the Bible as a standard creates anarchy in the world.
5. Among religious organizations 3 things take precedence over all over rules of faith and practice. (conscience-creeds-HS)
   1. Conscience:
      1. Titus 1:15 May be defiled-Difference between an idol worshipper and1 worshipping the 1 true God is NOT sincerity. They are equally sincere, but the idol worshipper has a defiled conscience.(defiled=rty,unclean-ceremonially unclean)
      2. Gal 1:13 + 1 Tim 1”12-15 Paul thought he was doing right while persecuting Christians.
      3. 1 Tim 4:2 Conscience may be seared. Truth may be refused so many times the conscience becomes calloused and hardened.
      4. Romans 2:14-15 One who depends on conscience as a guide exalts his mind (what he has been taught) above the word of God.
   2. Creeds: It is an act of rebellion against God for man/men to assume that the law of God is not sufficient as a guide for believers. That uninspired men can make a law for that purpose and undertake to do it! This very thing is assumed every time a human creed is imposed on a person to guide or govern him in religion.
      1. 2 men were debating this subject, 1 maintained his creed was a better bond among Christians than the bible alone. His opponent was anti-creeds. They put the question to a visiting Frenchman who listened to the entire debate. He asked each to take into his hand the creed he defended.
      2. He asked each who made the creed you hold?
         1. 1 with the NT replied Jesus Christ.
         2. 1 with man made creed replied “it was adopted in the city of Philadelphia in 1742.
         3. Very well that is enough: If you follow your creed (NT) when you die it will take you to Jesus

Christ. To the other, if you follow your creed it will take you to Philadelphia.

INVITATION: Have you determined in YOUR heart where you will go when you die? Goals that one sets in their heart determine the direction of their life. People set their heart on many different things-when one sets his heart on something-that is what comes first! Sports-work-more important even than their own health-more important than family-influences how we use our time-always find time/money to do what we set our heart on.Where will you spend ETERNITY? What about your children-your grandchildren? Where will they spend eternity? Ezra 7:10 Will you do as Ezra did? Set heart-know-do-teach?

Paul Scoggins-08-03-06