Berean Call

Apples of Gold - May 31
There are lasting values to consider that are far more important than temporary pleasure. This is true even for the unsaved person who has some ethical standards. What about honor and commitment? What about promises that have been made? In the long run, we would find lasting and deeper satisfaction and genuine joy at having been true to our commitments and having obeyed God and His Word, having kept our promises, and having lived for truth and honor. How could any temporary pleasure make up for the lasting regret one would have at knowing that honor and truth and commitment and righteousness had been trampled? —TBC

"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart." —Psalm 15:1–2
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Apples of Gold - May 30
The Lord has His own time schedule and purposes for you, and He’s the One who knows best how to equip you. Focus your attention on what you already know the Lord has shown you to do. It’s amazing how, when we do what we already know we’re to do, the Lord completes our understanding by giving us further answers. —TBC

"A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." —Proverbs 16:9
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Apples of Gold - May 29
Every Christian must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where he shall suffer loss or gain reward. Paul referred to this experience as “terror” and used it as motivation for greater service (see also 1 Corinthians 3:10–15). The writer of Hebrews warned that the Lord chastened those who were His sons. Furthermore, the Bible states that those who are without correction are really not His children. Consequently, anyone who professes to be a Christian and appears to continue in sin demonstrates that he very likely is not one at all. —TBC

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." —2 Corinthians 5:10
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Apples of Gold - May 28
When one’s alleged “revelation knowledge” conflicts with God’s Word, it is but a short step from this to cultism. We must never let visions, revelation, or any other experience supersede the scriptures (2 Peter 1:18–20). —TBC

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." —1 John 4:1
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Apples of Gold - May 27
The main things you must do are to study the Word of God, spend much time in communion with the Lord, and find a group of real Christians with whom you can fellowship regularly and who will hold you up in prayer and help you to grow in Christ. —TBC

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." —Galatians 6:1–2
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Apples of Gold - May 26
When the Lord shares His heart and mind with us on something, it becomes, first and foremost, a basis for prayer. Oh, that we would find more Christians on their knees, praying with discernment and prophetic insight, with the mind of Christ! From that position, not only may we see changes (in situations, others, and ourselves) but, aware of what God is doing, we become the advance contingent, announcing His works through our praise—and often we ourselves will be given creative and unique opportunities to participate in the action. —TBC

"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds." —Colossians 4:3
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Apples of Gold - May 25
Forgiveness and grace are for those who truly have turned from sin to Christ and who don’t want to sin and thus dishonor Him, but who may possibly fall into sin and, having done so, repent from their hearts. —TBC

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." —1 John 1:9
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Apples of Gold - May 24
Lack of doctrinal concern in favor of the experiential is perhaps the greatest problem within charismatic groups. A primary example would be a lack of scriptural discernment. This is perhaps best evidenced by the acceptance of the validity of the Charismatic Renewal of the Catholic Church, which Catholic leaders have claimed has enriched their participation in Catholicism, including the Sacraments and their devotion to Mary. With an exaltation of experience over the Scriptures, it is not surprising to see sound doctrine disparaged. —TBC

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." —1 John 4:1
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Apples of Gold - May 23
Matthew 7:8–11 tells us to seek. It’s instructive also to consider Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” The key is repentance, something lacking in the professing church. We are told that the divorce rate of the American church is now the same as that of the world. What does this tell us about the state of repentance in the church? It is true that many are fasting and praying. However, Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 addresses the futility of “empty” sacrifice. There is a “seeking after God,” but much of it is not wholehearted and, considering the low level of scriptural knowledge, much is not according to God. May God revive all of us in His way and in His time. —TBC

"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." —Matthew 7:8
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Apples of Gold - May 22
When we first become believers, it is often frustrating to see how little we seem to understand. Recognizing our lack of understanding is good, provided we take steps to move beyond it. How can we study the Bible and get the truth—not our own understanding of the truth? As you diligently read, study, and seek to obey God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will cause your understanding to grow in the truth of the Scriptures. The more you grow in understanding, the easier it will be to recognize teachings that are not consistent with sound doctrine. The process is self-correcting, helping your own misunderstandings as well as the erroneous teachings of others. It will also help you to confidently glean more from those whom God has gifted to be teachers of His Word. —TBC

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." —Psalm 119:105
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