There are many Christians who know a tremendous amount of Bible facts and information, but there is a big gap between what they know and the practice of God's word in their lives. Now, do not misunderstand what is going to be said in this article as being negative, but look at this as a positive examination of how we Christians live versus how we should be living.

When Jesus came to this earth, he found his fellow Jews in just this situation. Their conduct did not match their knowledge of the Scriptures, or they were so deficient in their knowledge that they did not correctly practice what the Scriptures directed them to do. Examples of this are the Jews' attitudes concerning the temple (John 2:13-22) and their lack of knowledge (Matthew 22:29).

We today in the church must see the importance of closing the gap between our knowledge of God's word and its day-to-day practice as vital to our soul's salvation. Here are some examples of what I am talking about:

  KNOWING THE GREAT COMMISSION AND APPLYING IT ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. We can fully understand the teachings of "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19), yet never apply them in our lives. We, today, must not rest on the past accomplishments of our fathers and mothers in the kingdom, but carry out these scriptures to the best of our ability. So, let us invite people to study and worship.

  THAT THE STUDYING OF GOD'S WORD IS COMMANDED AND DOING THE STUDYING ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. We can fully understand the example of the Bereans (Acts 17: 11) and the words of Paul, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). But, if we do not study on a regular basis (daily), then we are not applying the Scriptures sufficiently in our lives. So, let us start a daily study of God's word.

  KNOWING THAT WE ARE COMMANDED TO ASSEMBLE AND BEING IN THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE LOCAL CONGREGATION ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. Some hold that missing the assemblies of the church is not all that bad; after all, they have not left the church. Then tell me why Paul made it a point to alter his course of travel to worship with the brethren in Troas, waiting "seven days" until "the first day of the week" (Acts 20:6,7). If the apostle Paul could see the importance of worship, why can't modem man? So, let us be at every service.

  KNOWING THAT WE ARE TO VISIT AND THEN VISITING ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. In every congregation, there are always those who say, "I don't like to visit." Yet, they believe in "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this. To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). I fear for the souls of those who resist visiting. I wonder if the Lord wanted them to come visit him, would they then say "I don't like to visit?" So, let us join in the visitation program of our congregation.

There should be a constant and deliberate desire to close the gap between the knowledge of God's word and practicing it. We must strive to "all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you: but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (I Corinthians 1:10). We must work diligently to put on the Christian graces (2 Peter 1: 1 ff) and apply the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23), all the time pushing out the "works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21). Here is the point: "If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). Let us continually work to close the gap between our knowledge of God's word and putting God's word into practice. For we know "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). We know that God has placed his priorities before us (Matthew 6:33; 7:21; 22:36 ff). Plus, we know what Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Now, it is up to us to do the right thing to the glory of God (James 1:22 ff and Colossians 3:17).

Home Bible Study
The regular home devotional and Bible study will be hosted this coming Saturday evening (July 26) at 6:00 in the home of Ken and Natalie Hirsh. There is a sign-up list and a map in the foyer for those who plan to attend.

Journey to Ghana 2003
Bob & Shirley Bauer and Jim & Janie Hall have arrived safely in Ghana, West Africa. Bob plans to send a report today (Sunday) and it will be posted on our web-site www.OrangeStreetCofC.com as soon as it is received. Check often for the latest updates and keep them in your prayers.

Proverb 31:10
" Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies".
Blessed is she who introduces Jesus Christ to her children; for Godly sons and daughters will be her reward.


Don’t Forget the Prayer Meeting in classroom #3 today at 5:30 p.m.