Invariably, when religious people are asked, “Do you want to know the truth,” the majority will answer in the affirmative. They will whole-heartedly agree with John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Yet, when various denominational doctrines are put under the spot-light of God’s word, they will reject the truth? Why? It could well be the case these people mean, “Yes, I want to know the truth as long as truth agrees with my views.” It is not that many do not understand the truth, they simply do not believe the truth!”

In John 10, after Jesus had spoken, the text states, “Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ tell us plainly” (John 10:24). Jesus preceded to tell them forthrightly that He indeed was the Son of Almighty God, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). The next verse gives their response, “Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him” (John 10:31). Note, please, it was not the case that they did not understand Jesus, rather they did not want to know the truth! Their actions proved they were not honest nor sincerely seeking truth.

Many today (including brethren), like the Jews of Jesus’ day, cry “tell us plainly,” and when told, reject truth.

My friend, do you really want to know the truth about marriage, divorce and remarriage? Here is what Jesus said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” Therefore, God’s law of divorce and remarriage is one man for one woman until death, with one exception, fornication!

Do you want to know the truth about denominations? The church of our Lord, the church of Christ, is NOT a denomination! According to Matthew 16:18, Jesus built only one church, “Upon this rock I will build my church.” Christ is the only head of the church, which is His body (Eph. 1:22-23). He purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28) and all of the saved are added to the one church by our Lord (Acts 2:47). Denominations are man-made and are NOT a part in any sense of the Lord’s church! Furthermore, those in denominations are lost and have no hope of eternal life unless they obey the Gospel of Christ and live the Christ-like life!

Do you want to know the truth about instrumental music in New Testament worship? The ONLY KIND of music authorized in New Testament worship is vocal music (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)! The absolute fact of the matter is, one cannot turn to the New Testament and find a direct command authorizing mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship! If so, where? Neither can one find an approved Bible example where instruments were used in Christian worship! If so, where? And neither can one find anything implied where mechanical instrumental music was used in Christian worship! If so, where? Since there is no Bible authority (Col. 3:17) for instrumental music in New Testament worship, to use it is to go beyond that which is written (Rev. 22:18-19) and stand under the curse of Almighty God (Gal. 1:8-9)! To be even more pointed, let it be clearly understood, that brethren who use the instrument or state that instrumental music in worship is not a salvation issue, are no longer in fellowship with God nor faithful brethren (2 John 9-11)!

Do you really want to know the truth about false teachers? According to the Bible, we are to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). To fellowship false teachers is to partake of their evil deeds, “for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 11). If 99.99% of the brotherhood accepts any false teacher, that does NOT change God’s mind and furthermore, they stand condemned of God!

Now you are faced with the dilemma of accepting or rejecting truth! I have plainly told you the truth because I love your soul (Gal. 4:16). Do not allow blood relations, long held friendships, or schools to alter your stand for truth! Remember, when you stand with truth, the Lord stands with you! May our heavenly Father give us brethren who “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23)!

By Ivie Powell

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