Berean Call

Apples of Gold - June 30
The creation (and that includes man) declares the glory of the God who created it, not the worth of self. You may respect your own body and being, but only in the same sense that you respect everything else that God made. That is not self-esteem/respect. Self has caused man to come short of God’s glory and has marred God’s creation (in himself as well as around him). This is cause for repentance and sorrow and humility, not for having a high regard (esteem/respect) of self. —TBC

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." —Romans 3:23
https://conta.cc/3NjuYyC

Apples of Gold - June 29
As good stewards, even when things seem impossible we should act responsibly. As far as possible, without disobeying God we should follow those in authority over us. This, by definition, would include being subject to the government we currently have. —TBC

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same." —Romans 13:1–3
https://conta.cc/3bkj0aO

Apples of Gold - June 28
Humanity has always had a fascination with fairy tales, myths, and legends. Paul spoke about those who were weak and thus susceptible to occult influences (1 Corinthians 8:6–13). Therefore, if certain types of fiction feed someone’s imagination, then it is better that they be avoided. —TBC

"For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols?" —1 Corinthians 8:10
https://conta.cc/3bl6dVs

Apples of Gold - June 27
The Lord calls us from many backgrounds and cultures; we all bring our baggage with us, having the mistaken idea that “this is who we are.” But this is nonsense. No one has to put on an extensive wardrobe in “order to be me.” —TBC

"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." —1 Corinthians 15:10
https://conta.cc/3Oyss8N

Apples of Gold - June 26
It is clear that “belief” and not “baptism” is the criteria for salvation. Baptism does not save, yet throughout the book of Acts we see converts submitting to water baptism. Jesus Himself was baptized, stating “thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). —TBC

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" —Acts 10:47
https://conta.cc/3OgHwZ6

Apples of Gold - June 25
The Apostle’s Creed is an example of how men take the Word of God and the things of the Spirit and make a formula with which others may agree. Of these, however, too many give lip service without considering what the words actually mean. —TBC

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."
—Matthew 15:8
https://conta.cc/3xFyJso

Apples of Gold - June 24
There is nothing in the Bible to indicate that no matter how one dies (for example, in an explosion or, as in Hebrews 11, if sawn in half) the Lord would have any difficulty whatsoever in resurrecting our bodies. “I am the Lord; is anything too hard for me?” —TBC

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." —Genesis 18:14
https://conta.cc/3n7NJuo

Apples of Gold - June 23
Not all that appears to the human senses as a miracle proves to be one. —TBC

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders…" —2 Thessalonians 2:9
https://conta.cc/3uitBKf

Apples of Gold - June 22
The Scriptures are silent for the most part as to whether children have an age of accountability beyond which they are lost if no repentance occurs. David could speak with certainty of where his son would be (2 Samuel 12:23), and Paul spoke of the believing parent sanctifying the children (1 Corinthians 7:14). Jesus admonished His disciples to “suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Luke 18:16–17). He spoke of the childlike attitude a believer was to have and left us with a strong implication that a sizeable portion of heaven’s population is made up of children (i.e., those who died as children). —TBC

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." —Luke 18:16–17
https://conta.cc/3H60Sxa

Apples of Gold - June 21
Concerning the phrase “ye are gods” from Psalm 82, the individuals written of are those rulers of the earth whom God has ordained to rule. This accords with Romans 13:1–2, where the earthly authorities are identified as higher powers “ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God. . . .” Clearly, God has placed into positions of power (Psalm 75:6–7) fallible men who will enforce the law and enable others to live in as much safety and peace as this world offers. As fallible men, many of them begin to take their authority as an excuse for considering themselves higher or better than others (i.e., as “gods”). God in turn brings them back to earth by pointing out the sure judgment that will come to them, “But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes” (Psalm 82:7). —TBC

"I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes." —Psalm 82:6–7
https://conta.cc/3MBjZ3t