3 Bits of Wisdom
There are three great wisdoms that can be understood from a simple story in Scripture that is a powerful understanding for all who profess to be followers of Christ Jesus.
In the Book of Acts, chapter eight, we begin to learn of the help of Angels and the Holy Spirit. While Phillip was in Samaria evangelizing the Samaritans, an Angel came to Phillip and told him to take the road south out of Jerusalem to Gaza.
The first bit of wisdom to be gained from this story is the wisdom of immediate obedience! Phillip did not tarry; he did not stay and finish his evangelistic efforts.
He left immediately, following the direction given by the Angel. This was not in obedience to the Angel, but in obedience to God, because Phillip knew the Angel had been sent by God.
Once Phillip was in Gaza, the Scripture tells us the Spirit (Holy Spirit) directed him to the man he had seen in the chariot. Remember, Jesus told the Apostles that He would send a helper, and that helper is the Holy Spirit.
Here is where we learn of the second wisdom; that is the wisdom of knowledge. Phillip possessed enough knowledge to evangelize and, in this instance, to Teach. In our Christian lives, we must have a good enough command of God’s Word to utilize it when we have the opportunity, and in the application that is needed for the situation.
It is not only important to know God’s Word for the benefit of others, but even more so for the proper honing of our own lives, perfecting ourselves in accordance with the Word, understanding that when conviction comes it is a gift that allows us to correct wrongs in our life, and we should be thankful for that conviction and give thanks to God for it!
The third wisdom we learn from this example in Scripture is having wisdom in ignorance.
This may sound very odd to some. Sadly, ignorance has taken on a negative connotation in today’s society when in fact, ignorance is an affliction that we all suffer in one aspect or another.
Ignorance (a lack of knowledge, understanding, or information) is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the recognition of ignorance can be considered a gift. When I realize I don’t know something, then I will seek to learn, and a desire to learn is the key to growth in our spiritual lives.
When Phillip approached the Ethiopian, he noticed the man was reading the writings of Isaiah the Prophet. Phillip asked if the nobleman understood what he was reading. The reply from the Ethiopian nobleman was the example of wisdom in ignorance.
The Ethiopian asked, “How can I, unless someone teach me?” The exact wording differs depending on the translation, but the meaning is the same. The nobleman was wise enough to ask to be taught.
If we, as followers of Christ Jesus, will stand firm in these three wisdoms—The Wisdom of Immediate Obedience, The wisdom of having Knowledge of God’s Word, and The Wisdom of Ignorance (to ask and learn)—I believe we will see great transformation in our lives and become effective servants of our Lord Jesus.
It seems many have forgotten this or just will not surrender to the fact of this. As followers of Christ, we are to be servants of Christ for the benefit of leading others to the Cross and helping them mature in their walk with the Lord, and of maturing in our own walk with our Lord.
If I am willing to ask when I do not know, then I gain knowledge. If I read and study the Word of God, then I can help others to understand who Christ Jesus is and his gift of Salvation. And, if I am immediately obedient in all things directed by the Holy Spirit, then I am serving in God’s perfect timing for His perfect purpose.
In closing, I urge everyone to do well in these three bits of wisdom and continuously apply them in our lives in service to our Lord Jesus!
“When God ordains anything to come to pass, His purpose in doing so is altogether and absolutely good”. -R.C. Sproul
The old saying goes, “Oh, what tangled webs we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Do you Christians realize that the majority are living out this old saying today?
As I have written before, most people that profess to be believers identify themselves by denomination rather than by the identity of Christ Jesus. Ask them and you will get, “I’m a Baptist, a Pentecostal, Episcopalian…” or some other denomination.
In a study by Mary Fairchild, she wrote, “Today in the U.S. alone, there are more than 1,000 different Christian branches professing many diverse and conflicting beliefs. It would be an understatement to say that Christianity is a severely divided faith.”
As of 1980, British statistical researcher David B. Barrett identified 20,800 Christian denominations in the world. He classified them into seven major alliances and 156 ecclesiastical traditions.
Separate denominations did not even begin to appear in Christianity until 1054 AD. Why? I could mention many different reasons, but I will address only a few. First of all—Pride! Throughout mankind’s existence, man has sought to separate himself for the purpose of distinction or recognition, even in matters of faith. With a false sense of piety, some have sought fame or respect thinking, “I’m smarter than him/her/them,” or “I know a better way than they do.”
Another reason is Power. History teaches that if a man is a charismatic speaker, he can distinguish himself as different from others and in turn gain followers. The more followers, the more fame.
The more fame, the more power, and the more power, the more money. A third reason is Willfulness, or “I want it my way.” If the research is done, it becomes clear that many denominations were formed from nothing more than a feeble attempt to mold the teachings of the Bible into a twisted version to suit man’s desire (will) to make his religion more COMFORTABLE to suit his lifestyle.
Next is Ownership, or “this is mine.” The classic human tendency of, “I have something you don’t.” This is a reason people will customize their vehicles, or remodel their home, or buy certain clothes. The overwhelming fleshly endeavors of man to be Different. Different, my Brothers and Sisters, is Separation!!!
The True Church is based on one thing and one thing only—that Jesus is the Christ, The Son of The Living God!
If you read about the history of man, you find that throughout his existence mankind has devised many gods—all to suit his preferences. The history of Greece and Rome are perfect examples of polytheistic societies. Man has done the same with his so-called Christian religion.
Are all these separate denominations not a form of Polytheism? Multiple theologies? But it should not be done! It will not be allowed into the Narrow Gate!
When a believer dies, there is not a gate for the Baptist, a gate for the Presbyterian, a gate for the Episcopal, and so on. There is but one gate to enter the Kingdom of Heaven; one narrow gate with a narrow path that leads to it.
I cannot understand this tradition of Separation that everyone seems to cling to so strongly, even desperately. Look around and you can easily find enough different churches that it becomes mind-numbing. It’s not the Church at a given location but this Baptist Church, that Church of Christ, and this Pentecostal Church. Never is it the “Church of Jesus Christ at …”.
When Simon Peter spoke those precious words to Jesus, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus said God had revealed that to Peter and on that Rock Jesus would build His Church.
What is this insanity that drives man into a desire of separating himself from Christ? All these multitudes of denominations based on lies and half-truths serve only to divide and distinguish away from the true purpose of the Church that Christ Jesus built upon the Rock—that He, and He alone, is the Son of God!
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
The Word certainly doesn’t say we were born into some denomination! In the book of John, Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to see the Kingdom of Heaven he must be born again!
Jesus did not tell Nicodemus that he had to go to the local Priest and say ten hail Mary’s, or that he had to be baptized, or that he had to never touch a drop of alcohol, or never be in a place of worship with a musical instrument in it.
No, Jesus said he must be Born Again. Folks, it is the Blood of Jesus Christ that brings the absolution of sin, and it is the resurrection that ensures life eternal in Heaven!
I have learned through teaching that if I profess the truth of the Word as it is written and in the spirit that it was written, people will make every excuse to avoid that truth even to the point of insinuations that I am being legalistic.
Not long ago, a person insinuated that I was being like a Pharisee because I quoted New Testament Scripture, and then when I quoted a verse in Deuteronomy, they called me “Rabbi” as if somehow that was a cutting remark.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the Truth, and the Life and no one comes to the Father except by me!”
While researching some documents on this subject, I read one that stated the most preposterous statements I think I have ever read. There were paragraphs that began, “Most Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God,” and “Most Christians believe that they must be born again.”
MOST CHRISTIANS??? You cannot be a Christian if you do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God! There is no Salvation without the rebirth into the body of Christ Jesus! There is no Life eternal in Heaven without the Resurrection of Jesus!
I have been asked by folks what denomination I am. My answer is simple. I am a Christian, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, and nothing more! I feel no need for any other designation to separate myself from any others, than those that do not believe. No need for a moniker other than Christian, because the teaching of the Word of God is sufficient for my entire life here in this vessel.
“Relationships should draw you closer to God, not closer to sin. Don’t compromise to keep anyone. God is more important!”
Kenneth Kellar
A Man Called by God to Teach and Disciple