There are several passages in the New Testament that admonish
Christians to mature. They need to mature in several facets of their
spiritual lives. The one we look at today is the need for growth in
their study and understanding of God’s word. There is no other way
to mature in all aspects of our lives as a Christian until we know
what God wants and expects.

“I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were
not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able” (1
Corinthians 3:2). “For though by this time you ought to be teachers,
you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the
oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food”
(Hebrews 5:12).

The two passages above show the writer’s frustration as a teacher.
The teacher can’t move on to more complicated subjects because
the audience hasn’t grown enough to receive it. As a minister, I can’t
tell you how many times I’m asked a question that is really a fairly
simple Bible question by a person who has been a Christian for
decades. Or, I’ve been asked a complicated question that will take
some research and time for both parties and the one asking wants a
twenty-second neat and concise answer. They usually don’t want to
put in any study time and don’t realize what they are asking is much
more complicated than what they think.
What is the answer? Study, study, study, and more study. Going to
classes with your brethren so that the wealth of knowledge of all our
brethren can be shared with one another. Often those that are most
lacking in this Bible wisdom will not come to services on a regular
basis. Some will question why things are done a certain way or why
certain doctrines are held or rejected. They are more “tolerant” of
false doctrine, not because that is their goal, but because they don’t
know better. More mature Christians will be labeled as hateful and
intolerant for not sharing their views.
Christianity in the United States is in trouble. The overwhelming
reason for this calamity is a simple lack of Bible education. It could
be fixed so simply, but everyone is too busy with much less
important things. Each generation gets less and less of a Bible
education and you see the results in society and in our
congregations. We must go back to being people of the Bible. We
must start attending services regularly and bringing our children. Our
nation, churches, and souls stand in the balance.
Chris Moore

This world is full of changes. Yet, the God who created this world does
not change. The Bible teaches that God is an eternal, timeless,
changeless being. Consider the following passages: “God is not a man,
that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath
he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not
make it good?” (Numbers 23:19); “For I am the LORD, I change not;
therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6); “Every
good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning” (James 1:17).
From these passages, we learn the following about God’s nature:
1)God is not a man and, therefore, does not change as people often do;
2) God will always keep His promises; 3) God does not lie. Therefore,
What God has said will always be true.
In view of these thoughts, there are two important points to consider:
First, since God does not change, then sinners who have not
obeyed the Gospel should think about God’s unchanging hatred
of sin. God loves sinners so much that he sent his son to die on the
cross that sinners might have forgiveness. On the other hand, God
hates sin! God’s hatred of sin will not change, and God’s requirements
for salvation will not change. God requires that sinners believe in Christ
(John 8:24); repent of sins (Acts 17:30); confess faith in Christ (Romans
10:10); and, be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16). God’s
requirements for salvation will remain unchanged. On the Day of
Judgment, those who have never obeyed the gospel will face God’s
unchanging hatred of sin. Since God’s nature will not change, sinners
should change and obey Christ.
Second, for those who are faithful Christians, God’s unchanging
nature is comforting. Since God does not change, then every promise
he has made will be kept. God promises to be with his children in times
of trial and temptation (Hebrews 13:5-6); forgive his people when we
confess our sins (1 John 1:9); and, give eternal life to those who are
faithful (1 John 2:25).
On one hand, God’s unchanging requirements for forgiveness should
prompt all to obey the gospel. On the other hand, God’s unchanging
promises offer security, hope, and assurance to all those who obey the
gospel, live for Christ, and anticipate a heavenly home.
Mark Lindley