Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 4, 2021

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. … But those who want to get rich fall into temptation”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 6:3-10.

“If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing;  but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.  But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.  If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.  But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”  1 Timothy 6:3-10.

—————

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.  Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;  and in their greed they will exploit you with false words;  their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”  2 Peter 2:1-3.

“Then He (Jesus) said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed;  for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”  And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive.  And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’  Then he said, ‘This is what I will do:  I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come;  take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’  But God said to him, ‘You fool!  This very night your soul is required of you;  and now who will own what you have prepared?’  So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”  Luke 12:15-21.

“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.  Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.  Your gold and your silver have rusted;  and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire.  It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!”  James 5:1-3.

But, there is hope! 

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.”  Colossians 3:2-5.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  …  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”  Galatians 5:16 and 22-24.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 3, 2021

“With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 6:1-2.

“All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.  Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved.  Teach and preach these principles.”  1 Timothy 6:1-2.

——————

“Were you called while a slave?  Do not worry about it;  but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.  For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave.  You were bought with a price;  do not become slaves of men.”  1 Corinthians 7:21-23.

What is most important is not whether we are free or enslaved, but whether we are saved.

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female;  for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.”  Galatians 3:26-29.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it;  but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26.

“Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;  not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.  With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”  Ephesians 6:5-9.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 1, 2021

“The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 5:17-25.  Here is a link to this Scripture  –  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+5&version=NASB1995

I only quote herein verses 17-22.

“The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.  For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”  Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.  Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.  I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.  Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others;  keep yourself free from sin.”  1 Timothy 5:17-22.

—————

Today’s Scripture continues the theme of respecting your elders, and the Scriptures also contain promises that I highlight in bolt italic font.  

“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you.” Deuteronomy 5:16.

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4.

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.  Live in peace with one another.”  1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. 

“I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I?  Or does not the Law also say these things?  For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.”  God is not concerned about oxen, is He?  Or is He speaking altogether for our sake?  Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.  If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?”  1 Corinthians 9:8-11.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.  Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”  Hebrews 13:17.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 31, 2020

“she has devoted herself to every good work”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 5:9-16.

“A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works;  and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.  But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge.  At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house;  and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.  Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach;  for some have already turned aside to follow Satan.  If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.”  1 Timothy 5:9-16.

———–

Who can be devoted to every good work?!

Who can do those things that please God?!

But, there is hope!

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 30, 2020

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 5:3-8.

“Honor widows who are widows indeed;  but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents;  for this is acceptable in the sight of God.  Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.  But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.  Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.  But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  1 Timothy 5:3-8.

————–

God set up the family to be the first resource for financial support.  Family members should take care of each other.  Parents should feed, clothe, and shelter their young children.  Adult children who work should provide some financial support for their elderly parents who no longer are able to work and who need help.  

Today’s Scripture gives us a specific example.  The church should not be a first resource to a widow where her family could help her.  

“but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents;  for this is acceptable in the sight of God.”  Verse 4.

“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you.” Deuteronomy 5:16.

Jesus considered certain Pharisees and scribes as hypocrites who tried to excuse helping their parents by claiming that the financial support should be given to God instead of their parents.

“but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),’ you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother;  thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down;  and you do many things such as that.”  Mark 7:11-13.

How often today do we also see people who claim to be religious neglect their parents!

And, how often do ministers seem willing to ignore this Scripture and look the other way and only care that the members of their congregation fill the collection plate!  

Consider the strong warning in today’s Scripture!

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  Verse 8.

But, there is hope!

“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord.  He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.”  Malachi 4:5-6.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God;  and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  …  We love, because He first loved us.”  1 John 4:7 and 19.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, …”.  Galatians 5:22. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 29, 2020

“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father … the older women as mothers”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 5:1-2.

“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1-2.

—————

We all have heard the common expression: “Respect your elders” which we were taught by our parents at an early age.

“‘You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:32.

And, we remember the fifth commandment (which also contains a promise) from the Ten Commandments: “Honor your father and your mother”.

“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you.” Deuteronomy 5:16.

Consider the following lamentation which contains the failure to respect elders.

“12 Princes were hung by their hands;
Elders were not respected.
13 Young men worked at the grinding mill,
And youths stumbled under loads of wood.
14 Elders are gone from the gate,
Young men from their music.
15 The joy of our hearts has ceased;
Our dancing has been turned into mourning.” Lamentations 5:12-15.

But, there is hope!

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’ Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?’ declares the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 8:4-6.

“3 “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,
And all the remnant of the house of Israel,
You who have been borne by Me from birth
And have been carried from the womb;
4 Even to your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will bear you!
I have done it, and I will carry you;
And I will bear you and I will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:3-4.

“14 They will still yield fruit in old age;
They shall be full of sap and very green,
15 To declare that the LORD is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” Psalm 92:14-15.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 28, 2020

“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 4:11-16.

“Prescribe and teach these things.  Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.  Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.  Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.  Take pains with these things;  be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.  Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching;  persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”  1 Timothy 4:11-16.

———-

Today’s devotion will focus on two basic elements in being a good teacher.  

First, we need to pay close attention to our teaching.  We need to accurately handle the word of truth. 

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2.

“… give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.”  Verse 13.

“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, …”  Verse 14.

“Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.”  Verse 15. 

Second, we need to pay close attention to our self.  We need to avoid worldly and empty chatter and not get entangled in the affairs of everyday life.   

“But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,”  2 Timothy 2:16.

“… in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”  Verse 12.  

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—”  1 Timothy 6:20. 

“No one can serve two masters;  for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and wealth.”  Matthew 6:24.

“So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.  Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”  Acts 6:2-4.

“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”  2 Timothy 2:4.

In summary, we need to pay attention to both our self and to our teaching.  

There are some who, although they at least superficially impress others with their teaching in the beginning, they think that they do not need to be devoted to their teaching, but rather, they think that they can do every thing else that they want.

And, there are others who, although they at least superficially appear to live simple and pure lives, they do not have a spiritual gift for teaching, they do not truly delight in it but rather try to do it out of a fleshly sense of duty, and they do not accurately handle the word of truth.  

“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching;  persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”  Verse 16.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 27, 2020

“we have fixed our hope on the living God” – “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 4:6-10.

“In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.  But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women.  On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;  for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.  It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.  For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”  1 Timothy 4:6-10.

——–

Other doctrine fixes its hope on its own discipline, that is, its own wisdom, its own will power, and its own works.

But, Reformed Doctrine fixes its hope on the living God.

Other doctrine trusts its own knowledge of what to do and its own will power to “Just do it!”

But, Reformed Doctrine trusts the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine.

Other doctrine trusts in man’s perseverance. 

But, Reformed Doctrine trusts God’s preservation.

“so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:5.

The power of God is summarized by the acronym “TULIP” that God provides all that we, the elect, need for salvation from beginning to the end:  from the beginning of “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement and “Irresistible Grace” to the end of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in Canons of Dordt.  

“seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”  2 Peter 1:3. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith …”  Hebrews 12:2.

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 25, 2020

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 4:1-5.

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:1-5.

——————-

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17.

“11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12.

“It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” Psalm 127:2.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:15.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:32.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 24, 2020

“the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. By common confession”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 3:14-16.

“I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long;  but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.  By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:

He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:14-16.

————-

Some choose which church to attend by the social programs of the church:  their children’s program, their youth program, their praise band, their social outreach programs etc.

But, today’s Scripture leads us to consider the importance of how the church is a pillar and support of the truth.  What common confession does the church make?

More generally, what importance does the church place on its confessions a/k/a creeds?

What importance does the church place on its doctrine a/k/a teachings?  

We live in a day and age where more and more churches are hiding or minimizing their church confessions a/k/a creeds.  They even hide their denomination by substituting words in their name like “Reformed” or “Presbyterian” with words like “Family” or “Fellowship”.  When you check out their web site, you really have to dig to find, if it is there at all, the church’s confessions a/k/a creeds or to find its basic beliefs.  Rather, you find beautiful photos and large words on the Home Page like:  “We are a loving church.  You will feel welcome here.”

Rev. Ronald Hanko, in his article “A Plea for Creeds”, states the importance of doctrine and creeds.  His article in full can be read at the following link –

http://www.prca.org/articles/plea_for_creeds.html

Here is a brief quote from the article explaining what happens when a denomination or church dismisses or minimizes the importance of doctrine:  ” …  by cutting herself off from the church of past, the church today says in effect that every generation must start all over in its searching of the Scriptures and pursuit of the truth.  Thus she sets herself an impossible task – a task that is either set aside as too great so that there is little knowledge of the truth in the church, or which leaves her no time for other things.”

‘This is well-stated by the Presbyterian author, G.I. Williamson:

“The Bible contains a great wealth of information.  It isn’t easy to master it all – in fact, no one has ever mastered it completely.  It would therefore be foolish for us to try to do it on our own, starting from scratch.  We would be ignoring all the study of the Word of God that other people have done down through the centuries.  That is exactly why we have creeds.  They are the product of many centuries of Bible study by a great company of believers.  They are a kind of spiritual “road map” of the teaching of the Bible, already worked out and proved by others before us.  

He adds:

And right here we see one of the most important things about a creed that is true to the Bible – it remains true down through the ages.  It does not need to be changed again and again, with each generation, because it deals with things that are unchanging.  Thus, an accurate creed binds the generations together.  It reminds us that the church of Jesus Christ is not confined to one age, just as it is not confined to any one place.  In other words, there is a unity in what Christians have believed, right down through the ages.  Just think of it:  when we confess our faith together . . . we join with all those believers who have gone before us.  Does not this demonstrate that there is indeed just one Lord and one true faith?  (Emphasis by bold italic font by Bill)” 

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”  Ephesians 4:4-5.

More generally, Scripture emphasizes the importance of truth.

“‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’”  Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7.

“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth;  for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:23-24.

Not any kind of worship will suffice, but “worship in spirit and truth”.

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.  For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.  For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:1-3.

Not any kind of zeal will suffice, but zeal “in accordance with knowledge”, or in other words, in accordance with truth.

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

Not any kind of faith will suffice, but “faith in the truth”.

There are those who “did not receive the love of truth so as to be saved”.  2 Thessalonians 2: 10.

Not any kind of love will suffice, but “the love of truth”.

“…  the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.  By common confession …”  Verses 15-16.  

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