Preaching and studying the Bible is an effective way to save souls, as well as to edify and motivate the church. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16). People need to know they are lost if they have not obeyed the gospel. They need to be brought face to face with their sins. Sin is transgression of the law, (1 John 3:4). Any thought, word, or act that violates the will of God is Sin. “Those who do not obey shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,” (Thess. 1:9).

If it takes more than the Gospel to bring man to Salvation, then God’s power is not sufficient. “Let no man deceive you with vain words, for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience, (Eph. 5:6). Disobedience occurs when man substitutes his way for God’s way. If we believe that God is wise and capable of arranging a worship that suits Him, why not do everything according to His instruction? “Whosoever transgresseth and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God" (2 John 9).

A lost person must be taught the word of God and believe it before he or she can come to God. For if a sinner has not been taught the word (truth) of God, James says, “that the man that asks without faith receives nothing of the Lord (James 1:6-7).

We must hear and be taught, so that we will learn what one must do in order to be pleasing unto God. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

When we leave God out of His own plan of salvation for man, then we are doing ourselves great harm, for we will lose our souls. When we do more or less in that which God had commanded, our feeling and emotions become the false and fatal guide to anyone who will not hear God’s word. If we follow the teaching of Christ, we will direct all honor to the Lord. We cannot hold to the traditions of men and lay aside the commandments of God.

Human creeds and doctrines of man causes divisions which leads to denominations, making the word of God void, or of none effect, causing vain worship. Jesus said, “God is a spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

Do you honestly know or understand God’s plan of salvation? Do you know that sinners must believe (John. 20:30-31)? Do you know that sinners must repent (Acts 17:30)? Did you know that a sinner must confess Jesus Christ as the “Son of God” (Romans 10:9-10)? Did you know that sinners must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? If you understand God’s word, do you believe it? Why do you wait?

If you have a question or comment, please write Randall Phipps, P.O. Box 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228.