Musick-al Notes

 Musick-al note # 57          

     First, Love the Truth.  You will find that for which you seek.  If you love error then that is what you will find.  Jesus said that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17) but perverting His word will not reveal truth (2 Peter 3:16) however a perverted truth will conceal the truth to destroy a person.  (2) Receive the Word as Divine for it is from God (2 Tim 3:16).  To consider it as coming from man is to denigrate God. (3) Determine who is speaking (whether God, man or Satan), to whom that person is speaking (a man, woman, disciple, unbeliever, Pharisee, etc.), for what purpose they are speaking (is it a false teaching, or a commandment and information for us today). (4) Consider the context (what is written before and what is written after).  Interpret each Scripture in the light of all other Scripture.  Do not make one passage contradict another passage. (5) Interpret the hard to understand passages in the light of easily understood passages.  Truth does not contradict itself so must our teaching be the result of every truth.   (6) Gather all the information on a subject before concluding study on that subject. The Scriptures were written as letters and not as a book of rules to follow.  Therefore the letters were written to various churches or individuals and dealt with common problems and gave common answers for that person or group.  If we do not gather all the information, we will be leaving         some information out that God has given to us.  The Old Testament still contains information that we need to know so do not neglect it in your study.  Classify as to subject matter to help understand. (1) There are FACTS to be understood and believed. (2) There are COMMANDS to be obeyed. (3)There are PROMISES to be received by the believer and (4) there are warnings to be heeded by everyone for we shall all come before Him in judgment.

                                                  Gordon Musick

Musick-al note # 56

     When we study the Bible and understand it properly, the Bible reveals everything men need to know about the ultimate reality of life (2 Peter 1:3). Through it, men learn how to gain peace of mind, to effectively meet the difficulties, temptations and stresses of life. Its teaching can improve the society in which we live by reforming the members of that society. It will show man’s normal spiritual condition (lost) and how to remedy that condition (be saved) (Romans 3:23-24) in Christ (Acts 4:12). It depends upon he individual for Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me, I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). Salvation, Jesus said, is in no other “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, Hebrews 5:8-9).

     The New Testament teaches us to live a faithful Christian life after he has been saved from his sin.  It shows all that God requires for man to live in love, purity, humility, sacrificially and in submission to God’s will.  Thus, the Bible makes clear that ONLY THE BIBLE is needed to show a man how to obey the gospel and become a CHRISTIAN.  It does not show a man how to become a member of any denomination or religious group, for God did not authorize them!  The Gospel–“the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27,) was preached in the first century, and any other document produced since that time that claims to reveal God’s will is spurious, false, misleading and wrong.  The “faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and “all things that pertain to life and Godliness” (2 Peter 1:3) were sufficient then, they are sufficient now!

     To be assured of eternal life, one must study the Bible, obey the teaching of Christ Jesus found in the New Testament and worship in spirit and truth.  Do not be deceived by people who are teaching other ways for false doctrines will lead to eternal death. 2 John 9-11.

                                                                            Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 55

          The Bible is our guide to eternity with God. David said, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).  The following of God’s teachings as revealed in the Bible is of utmost importance to those who would make heaven their home.  God is the giver of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, therefore He has the authority to determine how men should live to obey Him.  We cannot earn or merit salvation, but through faith, we can accept the amazing grace of God (Romans 4:16, Ephesians 2:8).  “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and live soberly, righteously and godly in this world.” (Titus 2:11-12).   With great joy, we praise the Lord for His grace extended toward us by forgiving us of our sins in the blood of His Son (Ephesians 1:7).

          How presumptuous then for any man to think that they can improve anything that is taught in His Word.  It was given by Jesus authority so we can believe (John 20:31). The word reveals both the Father and the Son that we might have life (John 10:10 & 17:3).  God has given no man the authority or the right to change or add anything to His Word (Galatians 1:6-9).  God has spoken and to nullify or to teach men that these commands have no meaning for people today will find such teaching is rebelling against God.  Such a person is presumptuous, self-willed and deceived.  It would be better for such a person had they never been born.  We all will stand before God to answer for the life we have lived.  Judged with righteous judgment by the words of Christ.  How sad indeed to receive punishment because we disobeyed, but worse still to know that others have followed our deceit to be lost in eternity.  God is mighty and ever will be.  He loves us and seeks our salvation, but He will not look lightly upon those who presumptuously change his divine will and thwart His divine purpose among men.

                                                               Gordon Musick

Musick-al note # 54

      Like a mighty beacon mounted high on the crest of a precipitous cliff, above a treacherous shore, the Book of the Ages continues to shine and warn of deceitful doctrines to travelers in this world. It gives the history of mankind from the beginning and its truths continue to give the path of righteousness that man might be made free to live nobly and justly in this world.  It also shows the end of man’s existence with unerring accuracy.  Its purpose is to guide every person through this life to eternal life with God.  Read it to be informed, believe it to be assured, obey it to be saved and live it to be rewarded.  It is our guide from the darkness of sin to the light of God, These words will be the basis of judgment for every person.  These are God’s divine words which are given through Christ that we might have eternal life with Him.

      The Bible reveals the mind of God, the state of every person, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of obedient believers.  Its words are inspired, its doctrines are true, and its decisions are unchangeable. It is light to direct your path, its food will sustain you and it will comfort you and give you cheer.  Jesus Christ is its central figure who desires our greatest good.  His death on the Cross of Calvary paid the sin-debt of all people and is now at the right hand of God offering salvation to all who will obey Him so they can live with Him throughout eternity. His precepts are given for man’s good and the wise follow them above all else.  Following His will gives man the greatest good in the world with a bountiful life and in the Day of Judgment, the obedient will be sheltered from the wrath of God.  Great woes will come upon those who fail to obey and thus fall into the hand of God unprepared for the judgment to come.

     Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.  Seek its message, for Jesus can give life to you.

                                                                                                            Gordon Musick

Musick-al note # 53

      In appreciation and thanks to Larry Walker who sent this note to me about three years ago. It deserves a reading by all who love truth.     Gordon

      Paul was astonished that the Galatians were deserting the One who called them to live in the grace of Christ and were turning to a different gospel (which was really no gospel at all) (1:6). The Galatians had accepted the gospel that Paul had preached to them.  (Paul explained that the preaching of another Gospel would be under God’s curse).  They should remember that they had been baptized into Christ and clothed with Christ (3:27).  They had also been given son-ship and the Spirit of God according to Christ’s promise when they believed and obeyed the Gospel of Christ. (Acts 5:32).  

      Paul explained to them that his preaching was not of man’s design but by revelation from Christ Jesus.  His conversion from his past life set him apart from Judaism and following the Law to live by faith in Christ.  He expected all believers to know and he showed that this position was correct when he opposed Peter before the church in Antioch. Peter had begun to separate himself from Gentile believers after false teachers taught that Christians had to be circumcised to be justified before God.   No wonder that Paul strongly upbraided the Galatians for he had taught that they were justified by faith and that the Law could not justify anyone.  Even so, we must put our faith in Jesus and not in works for justification is by grace which is received by faith.  Paul was perplexed because they were trading the blessing they had in Christ for an ineffective system of laws which Christ had taken away on the cross.  To counteract the teaching of being circumcised, Paul taught that if they followed the false teachers to be circumcised, they would be obligated to obey the whole Law (Galatians 5:3-4), resulting in being alienated from Christ and falling from the Grace of God.

      The good news for the Galatians and all gentiles is “circumcision has no value”.  The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6).  It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Let us stand firm and not let ourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery, but do not use your freedom to indulge  the flesh, rather serve one another humbly in love for the entire law is fulfilled in keeping the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself”, for if you bite and devour each other, you will destroy each other. (Galatians 5:15-16).   Advice for how to live the Spirit filled life that Christ has freed us to live is given in Galatians 5:16-6:18).  If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law, but are free to walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  Keep in step with the Spirit (5:26).

     WHILE WE ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE TEMPTED TO TRADE CHRIST FOR THE LAW, WE MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO TRADE OUR FREEDOM FOR MAN-MADE RULES AND REGULATIONS.

                                                                                         Larry Walker

Musick-al note # 52                           

         My effort in writing these ‘notes’ and giving them out is designed to cause you to study the Bible and follow its teaching.  If you really desire eternal life, the only book that can direct you is the Bible which must be believed and followed. The Old Testament reveals the beginning and how God has dealt with man until the time He sent His Son into the world. The New Testament reveals Jesus, God’s Son who gives eternal life (John 10:9-11, 27-30) thus I urge you to study it carefully and follow Him alone.

      There are some GENERAL things to understand in studying the Word of God.  (1) It is from God. (2) It is His message to guide man into eternity through our following His Son, Jesus. (3) It is not a charm, talisman or good luck piece. (4) It will meet man in Judgment. (5) It has TWO COVENANTS, the Old Testament and the New Testament and we live under the NEW. (6) God’s part of salvation is revealed in Christ, (7) MAN’S PART is understandable and must be obeyed.

     Some people misunderstand the ‘Chapter and Verse’ divisions.  These were not revealed by the Lord God but were added by man to make finding certain passages easier. The Chapter divisions were made by Cardinal Hugo in 1250 A.D. and the verse divisions were made by Sir Robert Stephens in 1551 A.D. The first Bible to contain both was the Geneva Bible published in 1560 and these divisions have been incorporated in all Bibles since that time.  While they make finding certain passages easier, they lead to misunderstanding because they often break sentences, thoughts and paragraphs.  Too many people stop reading when they get to the end of a verse or chapter, while God’s message continues without break.  Some people cannot seem to overlook the chapter and verse divisions, thinking they are from God.  Some seem to think that a single verse or passage gives all they need to know about a subject and stop their study which leads to misunderstanding the Will of God.                                                                                     Gordon Musick         

Musick-al note  # 51                                       

        There are doctrines that contradict the New Testament (Christ’s will). These doctrines taught by men will render’s one’s worship vain. (Matt. 15:9).  This means we must learn about God and Jesus to obtain eternal life (John 17:3).  His Word teaches us what we must do to become a Christian. We must also learn how to worship Him and how to live before Him in love. God gave man a name to wear (Isaiah 62:2, Acts 11:26) and we wear it to be pleasing to Him.  We have need of no more than the Bible to learn these things. My effort in writing these ‘notes’ and giving them out is designed to cause you to study the Bible and follow its teaching.  If you really desire eternal life, the only book that can direct you is the Bible which must be believed and followed. The Old Testament reveals the beginning and how God has dealt with man until the time He sent His Son into the world. The New Testament reveals Jesus, God’s Son who gives eternal life (John 10:9-11, 27-30) thus I urge you to study it carefully and follow His Word only.

The Bible is inspired. This means it is “God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The men who wrote its message were guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21, John 14:26).  The Bible does not make errors. Since it is God’s Word, and God does not lie (Heb. 6:18, John 10:35), it is clear that there would be no errors in the original text of the Bible. The Bible is therefore authoritative. Men must not take from or add to the word (Deut.4:2, Rev.28:18-19, 2 John 9-11).  It is complete and all sufficient (2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Pet. 1:3, Rev. 22:18-19), therefore man must not pervert or change the Word (Gal.1:6-9, Revelation 22:18-19).

                                                                        Gordon Musick

Another Musick-al note   #  50 

         Friend, what is your Bible for?  Surely God wants His word to be preserved, translated and circulated, but WHY?  Why did He give it?  What obligations does He require toward it?

         Many have a Bible because they believe that it should adorn their living room.  Others think of the Bible as the only logical book for keeping the family record.  To some a sacredness pervades every copy of the Bible and they look upon it as some look upon a religious relic. A few carry a Bible around, as they would a good luck charm, to guarantee their safety.  It is often reported that every year more copies of the Bible are printed, sold and distributed than any book of human origin.  It is thought that almost every home in America has one or more copies of the Bible.  However, there are many in these United States that do not have a single copy, in fact there are those who do not even know that it exists nor do they care about it.  It is gratifying to know that most Americans believe the Bible to be of divine origin.  But it is disheartening to learn that the precious book is so little read. The Bible is living, active (Hebrews 4:12), having power to save (Romans 1:16, James 1:21) – potentially. However, nothing good can flow from a copy of the Bible should it never be read and no person ever hear its message.  Until its truth is sown into good and honest hearts where it finds welcome, its power will never be known nor its message be enjoyed.  God wants every lost soul to be saved (2 Peter 3:9), and only the Bible reveals His way of salvation.  The Bible must be taught, read, heard, believed and obeyed if salvation is to be obtained

.  My friend, how often do you read the Bible to know and obey its message?

                                                                                   Gordon Musick

Another Musick-al Note:    # 49                                             

          If a person takes a package to the Post Office to mail to a friend, the clerk will weigh the package and from his rate book obtain the amount of postage.  You may not be pleased, think the amount is too high, but usually one will pay the amount quoted. It would do no good to take the package to another Post Office in another place for every clerk would weigh the package, obtain the amount of postage from the rate book and it would be the same.  We would expect it to be and would be very surprised if each were different from the others.  Why would they all be the same? Because there is a standard rate for all postage in the United States and all Post Offices will follow the same rate book.  They have the same standard of authority and follow it.

          In religious matters, when one wants to know the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” and asks two, three or more groups this question, he is likely to receive as many different answers as the number of groups that he asks.  One will say one thing, another something else and another something different.  Why is this so?  To listen to each one’s voice you would hear them say that they follow God and His Word.  Yet when answering such a question, one goes to a discipline, another a church manual, another goes to a creed book, and another goes by what his preacher says.   Are all serving God?  They claim to be, but are they following the Bible which is the Word of God.  Obviously not.  Do all have the same authority in religion?  No, for they follow other books and doctrines which are given by men.  It is no marvel that the religious world is divided because all do not follow the same standard of authority in religious matters. Yet, we all could follow the New Testament, if we would let God speak through it without interpretation (changing the obvious meaning of words to fit their beliefs).  It would mean discarding disciplines, manuals and creed books.  It would mean setting aside prejudice, laws of men and decrees of council, synod and pope.  It would mean a fresh look at God’s Word with a willingness to follow it alone, adding nothing to His Word and taking nothing away.  It would mean that we would all have the same book of authority and all answer the question, “What must I do to be saved?” with the same answer given in the first century.  It would mean unity in our day and age.

                                                                                                     Gordon Musick

Another Musick-al note:  #  48

         Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  All who enter heaven will do so by the grace of God.  Works of righteousness, goodness, morality and giving will never merit (earn) a place in heaven.  Jesus said, ‘when you have done all that you have been commanded say, ‘we are unprofitable servants; we have only done what was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10) Truly we will enter heaven only by God’s grace! It will be free (Romans 6:23) unmerited favor. Salvation then is a two sided proposition – it is offered by the Eternal God to be received by the faith of every man. Salvation has a divine side and also a human side.  The divine side is grace.  Christ was given (John 3:16) who purchased our salvation with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19) which He shed on the cross.  He was buried but rose from the dead on the third day and now sits at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20, Hebrews 1:3).  From this exalted position, He now offers salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).  This brings up the human side of being saved! What is required of any man who will be saved?  The avenue is through faith.  Faith leads one to trust and obey God’s commands and live the right kind of life (Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 11:6). God requires everyone to repent (Acts 17:30), dying to sin so that we no longer live in sin (Titus 2:12, Romans 6:1-11). That body of sin is to be buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:3-5).  It is in the water of baptism that sin is washed away (Acts 22:16) and at the same time God gives new life to the individual (Romans 6:11).  Furthermore this new life in Christ makes one a child of God (Galatians 3:25-27) and gives us membership in His body, the church (Acts 2:47, Ephesians 1:22-23). These great blessings (Ephesians 1:3-14) given to us should cause us to love Jesus more and obey Him in all of life (John 14:15, 23).

                                                                                                Gordon Musick