Wise Words About Government Bureaucracy

Government Center

The wise man who authored the book of Ecclesiastes wrote about what he learned as he observed and experienced life “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

One of the things he observed was the effect of government bureaucracy. Many in this country want bigger government. Those currently in office are pushing for this as well with increased spending, regulations, and powers. Notice what the wise man had to say about the benefits of bigger government:

If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them” (Ecclesiastes 5:8).

Notice that he does not mention a benefit of bigger government. The poor were oppressed and justice and righteousness were denied despite – or perhaps because of – the bureaucracy.
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Faith Healers or Fake Healers?

Faith Healing

There are many people today who believe that there are still men who can perform miraculous healing. These “faith healers” attract large crowds and supposedly heal many people of their diseases and injuries. However, these “faith healers” are deceivers. If we compare their “miracles” with those recorded in the Bible, there is really no comparison.

Let us notice the example of Peter healing the lame man at the gate of the temple (Acts 3:1-10). Notice the facts about this miracle and how they differ from the “miracles” men supposedly perform today:
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Spirit of Faith

Sunrise

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed, therefore I spoke,’ we also believe, therefore we also speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13).

Paul wrote this verse as he told the Corinthians of the ministry he had been given, the hardships he faced for it, and the hope he had for eternal life. He quoted from Psalm 116 – a psalm of deliverance – in which the psalmist expressed his faith and trust in God even in the face of severe trials.

We are to have the same spirit of faith that Paul had. Having this spirit of faith, we will do certain things.
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“Hail, Rabbi!”

Judas is one of the most infamous characters in the Bible. Most people with at least a limited knowledge of the Bible know Judas as the one who betrayed Jesus.

How could Judas betray Jesus? After all, Judas was one of the twelve disciples. He had been with Jesus throughout His public ministry. Why would he betray Him?

We may have a clue given in the account of the betrayal about one of the reasons Judas could have betrayed Jesus. Notice Matthew’s account:
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Hold Fast the Pattern

Blueprint

Hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, NKJV). This was Paul’s instruction to a young evangelist. Like most other instructions we read in the New Testament, it is just as applicable to us today as it was to Timothy in the first century. But not all of these instructions are emphasized much today. It is not common to hear a denominational preacher talk about the New Testament pattern. There are some in the Lord’s church who do not like to talk about it much either.

In fact, if you emphasize the pattern, some will label you as a legalist or a Pharisee. But we know we must follow the pattern because that is what Paul told Timothy to do. So let us see what the Bible says about holding fast the pattern.
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False Knowledge

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called ‘knowledge’ [science, KJV] – which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith” (1 Timothy. 6:20-21).

Tonight I was able to watch Ben Stein’s movie, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. It is a documentary about the efforts to silence and discredit those who offer an alternative to the theory of evolution – namely, Intelligent Design. It was very well done and I highly recommend you see it.
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Belief or Disbelief?

He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

This is a pretty easy verse to understand. Jesus specifically states two things that are necessary for salvation – belief and baptism.
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